World Navies Today:

Chinese Scientific, Research andExperimental Vessels

Revised 23 October 2001Version 1.02

Compiled and Maintained by: Andrew ToppanWorld Navies Today Main Page: http://www.hazegray.org/worldnav/

This list includes all known scientific, research and experimental ships over 500 tonsdisplacement, including non-naval craft.

Ships not yet commissioned, or in long-term overhaul/conversion, are listed in [brackets].Navigation and surface-search radars are not listed. All classifications are purelyunofficial and are based on an attempt to use standard classifications throughout allnavies; they may or may not correspond to "official" designations.

Note: It remains very difficult to obtain accurate, up-to-date information regardingChinese naval forces. These is major conflict between published references, especiallywith regard to class names and numbers. It is also difficult to tell exactly how manyvessels are active and how many are in reserve, since many "active" vessels only go tosea for a few days each year. This list represents the best data available from a variety ofsources, however, it probably is not complete nor 100% accurate, due to inadequacies ofsource material.

Fleets: The following abbreviations are used to indicate fleet assignments:YEL: Yellow Sea. Officially North Sea Fleet.ECS: East China Sea. Officially East Sea Fleet.SCS: South China Sea. Officially South Sea Fleet.

Naval Surveillance & Scientific ShipsNaval Experimental/Trials ShipsCivilian-Subordinated Scientific Ships

Naval Surveillance & Scientific ShipsYuanwang class missile tracking/space event support

ships (4 ships)

Displacement: 21,000 tons full loadDimensions: 190 x 22.6 x 7.5 meters/623.4 x 74.1 x 24.6 feetPropulsion: 1 Sulzer diesel, 1 shaft, 17,400 bhp, 20 knotsCrew: 470Aviation: aft helicopter deck

Concept/Program: Large ships intended to support missile tests and space events.Numerous tracking antennas. First two units have been refitted twice; second pair variesin details. The existence of the fourth unit is uncertain.

Builders: Hudong SY, Shanghai.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesYuanwang 1 1979 ECSYuanwang 2 1979 ECSYuanwang 3 1995 ECSYuanwang 4 1996 ECS

Xing Fengshan electronic surveillance ship (1 ship)

Displacement: 5,500 tons full loadDimensions: ??Propulsion: ??Crew: ??

Concept/Program: ELINT ship reportedly based on the 'Dalang' class submarine rescueships. May be civilian-subordinated, but is painted gray.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Notes856 Xing Fengshan 1988?

New missile range instrumentation ship (1 ship)

Estimated SpecificationsDisplacement: 4,600 tons full loadDimensions: 119 x 15.8 x 4.8 meters/390.4 x 51.8 x 15.7 feetPropulsion: 2 SEMT-Pielstick diesels, 2 shafts, 14,400 bhp, 17 knots

Crew: ?Radar: 2 missile trackingAviation: aft helicopter deckArmament: 1 dual 37mm AA, 2 dual 25mm AA

Concept/Program: A new missile tracking ship, similar to the training ship Zhenghe.

Builders: Qiuxin SY, Shanghai.

Number Year FLT Homeport Notes?? 1999

Beidiao ('Dadie' class) electronic surveillance ship (1ship)

Displacement: 2,500 tons full loadDimensions: 94 x 11.3 x 4 meters/308.4 x 37 x 13.1 feetPropulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 17 knotsCrew: 160EW: Intercept arraysArmament: 2 dual 14.5 mm

Concept/Program: Purpose-built ELINT ship. May be equipped with a bow-mountedsonar.

Builders: Wuhan SY, Wuchang.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Notes841 Beidiao 1987 YEL

'Yanbing' class light icebreaker/electronic surveillanceship (1 ship)

Displacement: approx. 5,000 tons full loadDimensions: 94.5 x 17.1 x 5.9 meters/310 x 56.1 x 19.4 feetPropulsion: Diesel-electric, 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 16 knotsCrew: approx. 100EW: intercept arraysArmament: 4 dual 37 mm

Concept/Program: An enlarged version of the 'Yanha' class, also outfitted for ELINT.Can also serve as an ocean tug.

Builders: unknown.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesHaidiao 723 1982 YEL

Shijian 3 oceanographic research ship (1 ship)

Displacement: 3,300 tons full loadDimensions: 104 x 13.7 x 5.2 meters/341.2 x 45 x 17 feetPropulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 9,600 bhp, 22.5 knotsCrew: 53 + 94 mission crew

Concept/Program: Operated for the South China Sea Institute of Oceanography.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesShijian 3 1982 SCS Guangzhou

'Yanha' class electronic surveillance ships/lighticebreakers (3 ships)

Displacement: 3,200 tons full loadDimensions: 84 x 15 x 5 meters/275.6 x 49.2 x 16.4 feetPropulsion: Diesel-electric, 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 5,200 shp, 16 knotsCrew: 90Armament: 4 dual 37 mm, 4 dual 25 mm

Concept/Program: Small icebreakers; serve as ELINT ships and can be used as oceantugs.

Builders: Qiuxin SY, Shanghai.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesHaibing 519 1989? YELHaibing 721 YELHaibing 722 YEL

'Yanqian' (modified 'Kansha') class oceanographicresearch ships (2 ships)

Displacement: 1,325 tons full loadDimensions: 69.9 x 10.5 x 3.6 meters/229.3 x 34.4 x 11.8 feet

Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,200 bhp, 13.5 knotsCrew: 110

Concept/Program: Converted from 'Kansha' class salvage tugs. May still carry DSRVs.

Builders: Chunghua SY, Shanghai.

Number Year FLT Homeport NotesV231 1981 SCSV232 198? SCS

'Yanlai' class survey ships (4 ships)

Displacement: 1,100 tons full loadDimensions: 72 x 9.8 x 3 meters/236.2 x 32.2 x 9.8 feetPropulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,200 bhp, 16 knotsCrew: approx. 100Armament: 2 dual 37 mm, 2 dual 25 mm

Builders: unknown; built early 1970's.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesDong Biao 200Dong Biao 226Nance 427Dong Biao 943

'Ganzhu' class survey ship (1 ship)

Displacement: 1,000 tons full loadDimensions: 65 x 9 x 3 meters/213.3 x 29.5 x 9.8 feetPropulsion: 4 diesels, 2 shafts, 4,400 bhp, 20 knotsCrew: 120Armament: 2 dual 37 mm, 2 dual 25 mm, 2 dual 14.5 mm

Builders: Zhuijiang SY.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesNance 420 1975 SCS

'Kan Yang' class coastal survey ships (2 ships)

Displacement: approx. 600 tons full loadDimensions: approx. 50 x 8 x ?? meters/164 x 26.2 x ?? feetPropulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, approx. 14 knotsCrew: ??Armament: 1 dual 25 mm

Concept/Program: Small coastal survey ships.

Builders: unknown; built circa 1980.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesNance 426Nance 428

modified T-43 class coastal survey ships (3 ships)

Displacement: 590 tons full loadDimensions: 60 x 8.6 x 2.16 meters/196.8 x 28.2 x 7 feetPropulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,200 bhp, 14 knotsCrew: approx. 70Armament: 1 dual 37 mm, 2 dual 14.5 mm

Concept/Program: Modified T-43 type minesweepers. Three similar conversions arecivilian-subordinated.

Builders: unknown; built late 1960's.

Number Year FLT Homeport Notes993994995

Note: There are believed to be several (perhaps up to 10) additional naval-subordinatedsurvey/research ships.

Naval Experimental/Trials Ships'Golf' class ballistic missile trials submarine (1 ship)

(Project 031)

Displacement: 2,900 tons submergedDimensions: 99 x 8.5 x 6.5 meters/324.8 x 27.8 x 21.3 feetPropulsion: Diesel-electric, 3 diesels, 3 shafts, 6,000 shp, 14 knotsCrew: 87Sonar: Herkules activeArmament: 2 JL-2 ballistic missiles, 10 21 inch torpedo tubes (6 bow, 4 stern)

Concept/Program: Chinese-built to Russian plans. Originally fitted for three RussianSLBMs, but these were never supplied and she was modified for 2 Chinese SLBMs;refitted in 1995 for new trials missiles. Not combat-capable.

Builders: Dalian SY.

Number Year FLT Homeport Notes200 1966 YEL

'Wuhan' class guided missile trials submarine (1 ship)(Project 033G)

Displacement: 2,100 tons submergedDimensions: 76.6 x 7.6 x 4.95 meters/251.3 x 25 x 16.2 feetPropulsion: Diesel-electric, 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,700 shp, 17 knotsCrew: 58Sonar: Tamir-5 active, Feniks passiveArmament: 6 C-801 SSM, 8 21 inch torpedo tubes (6 bow, 2 stern; 14 torpedoes or 24mines)

Concept/Program: A Chinese 'Romeo' class submarine extensively rebuilt as a trialsplatform for sub-launched SSMs. Must surface to launch missiles; lacks any over-the-horizon targeting. Not a combat-capable unit.

Builders: Rebuilt by Wuhan SY.

Number Year FLT Homeport Notes351 19??/87 YEL

'Yanxi' class weapons trials support ship (1 ship)

Displacement: 1,200 tons full loadDimensions: 60 x 11 x 3.5 meters/196.8 x 36 x 11.5 feetPropulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,200 bhp, 16 knotsCrew: ??Armament: 1 dual 37 mm, 2 dual 14.5 mm

Concept/Program: A small trials-support ship. Exact role is unknown, but may act as adrone launch/recovery vessel.

Builders: Shanghai.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesHsun 701 1970

Civilian-Subordinated Scientific ShipsXiangyanghong class polar research ship (1 ship)

Displacement: approx. 15,000 tons full loadDimensions: ??Propulsion: ??Crew: ???Aviation: helicopter deck and hangar

Concept/Program: Few details known. Acquired second-hand from Finish owners in1985.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesXiangyanhong ? 1971/85

Xiangyanghong 5 (Francesco Nullo class) oceanographicresearch ship (1 ship)

Displacement: 14,500 tons full loadDimensions: 152.6 x 19.5 x 8.75 meters/500.6 x 64 x 28.7 feetPropulsion: 1 Sulzer diesel, 1 shaft, 7,200 bhp, 16 knotsCrew: ??

Concept/Program: Large Polish-built freighter extensively converted to research duties.

Builders: Paris Commune SY, Gdynia, Poland.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesXiangyanghong 5 1967/72 ex-Chang Niy

Xiangyanchong 10 (modified 'Dajiang' class) oceansurvey ship (1 ship)

Displacement: 10,975 tons full loadDimensions: 156.2 x 20.6 x 6.8 meters/512.5 x 67.5 x 22.3 feetPropulsion: 2 MAN diesels, 2 shafts, 9,000 bhp, 20 knotsCrew: ??Aviation: aft helicopter deck and hangars for 2 Z-8 Super Frelon helicopters

Concept/Program: Near-sister to 'Dajiang' class submarine tenders/salvage ship; retainslarge crane forward. Operated by the East China Sea Branch, State Oceanographic

Bureau; officially classified as "blue-water survey ship". True role is unclear, butpresence of a large crane and derivation from salvage ship design indicates covert "oceansurvey" or "ocean engineering" may be one mission. Also has been reported as an ELINTship. Has been sighted in pseudo-naval gray paint. There is not a second unit of this class,as has been sometimes reported.

Builders: Hudong SY, Shanghai.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesXiangyanhong 10 1980

Da Yang 1 (Pulkovskiy Meridian class) oceanographicresearch ship (1 ship)

Displacement: approx. 5,700 tons full loadDimensions: 104.5 x 16.29 x 6.35 meters/343 x 53.4 x 20.8 feetPropulsion: 2 Sulzer diesels, 1 shafts, 6,900 bhp, approx. 15 knotsCrew: 52 + 40 mission crew

Concept/Program: Soviet-built to a modified trawler design; purchased 1995.

Builders: Chernomorskiy SY, Nikolayev, Ukraine.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesDa Yang 1 1984/95 ex-G.P. Antropov

Kexue Hao class oceanographic research ships (2 ships)

Displacement: 4,500 tons full loadDimensions: 125.6 x 15.5 x ?? meters/412 x 51 x ?? feetPropulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 22 knotsCrew: 148

Concept/Program: Successors to the Xiangyanghong 09 series. Reported to sometimesoperate as ELINT ships. Names also reported as Ke Xue Yihao 1 and Ke Xue Yihao 2.

Builders: unknown.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesKexue 1 Hao 1987 ECSKexue 2 Hao 1989 ECS

Haiyang class seismological research ships (2 ships)

Displacement: 4,500 tons full loadDimensions: 104 x 13.8 x 5 meters/341.2 x 45.3 x 16.4 feetPropulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 9,000 bhp, 21 knotsCrew: 150

Concept/Program: Operated by the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesHaiyang 01 1972?Haiyang 02 1973?

Xiangyanghong 09 class oceanographic research ships(3 ships)

Displacement: 4,435 tons full loadDimensions: 122 x 15.2 x ?? meters/400.25 x 49.8 x ?? feetPropulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 8,000 bhp, 22 knotsCrew: 145

Concept/Program: Operated for the National Bureau of Oceanography. 09 has beenreported as an ELINT ship and as a weapons trials ship, but photos do not support this.The later units may be of a different class.

Builders: Hudong SY, Shanghai; built 1979+.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesXiangyanhong 09Xiangyanhong 14Xiangyanhong 15

Haibing class oceanographic research ships (2 ships)

Displacement: 3,200 tons full loadDimensions: 83.8 x 15.3 x 5 meters/275 x 50.2 x 16.4 feetPropulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 5,200 bhp, 16 knotsCrew: 90

Builders: Qiuxin SY, Shanghia.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesHaibing 101 1969Haibing 102 1972

Shijian 1 class oceanographic research ships (2 ships)

Displacement: 2,955 tons full loadDimensions: 94.73 x 14.04 x 4.75 meters/310.8 x 46 x 15.5 feetPropulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 4,000 bhp, 16 knotsCrew: 55 + 80 mission crewArmament: 4 dual 14.5 mm

Concept/Program: Enlarged version of the Dongfanghong class. These units may benamed Shijian and Kexueyihao. Operated by the State Bureau of Oceanography.

Builders: Hudong SY, Shanghai.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesShijian 1 1968? ECSShijian 2 1969? ECS

Dongfanghong class oceanographic research ship (1ship)

Displacement: 2,900 tons full loadDimensions: 86 x 11.5 x 4.75 meters/282.2 x 37.7 x 15.6 feetPropulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 4,000 bhp, 14 knotsCrew: ??

Concept/Program: Operated by the Shandong Oceanographic College. A possiblesecond unit has been reported but this is unlikely.

Builders: Hudong SY, Shanghai; built 1964-66.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesDongfanghong 196? YEL Shandong

Shuguang 04 class oceanographic research ships (5ships)

Displacement: 2,400 tons full loadDimensions: 65.5 x 10 x ?? meters/215 x 32.8 x ?? feet

Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 16 knotsCrew: ???Armament: 1 dual 37 mm, 2 dual 14.5 mm in some units

Concept/Program: Based on Xiangyanghong 01 class. At least two are operated by theChinese Academy of Sciences and are unarmed.

Builders: Guangzhou SY; built 1970-75.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesShuguang 04Shuguang 05Shuguang 06Shuguang 07Shuguang 08

Kan ('Yanlun') class oceanographic research ships (2ships)

Displacement: 2,300 tons full loadDimensions: 68.6 x 6.9 x 2.7 meters/225 x 22.6 x 8.8 feetPropulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafs, 18 knotsCrew: ??

Concept/Program: 101 is sometimes reported to be of a different design, possiblyconverted from a submarine rescue ship.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesKan 101 1985? ECSKan 102 1987? ECS

'Yanlun' class survey ship (1 ship)

Displacement: 2,000 tons full loadDimensions: 70 x 20 x 3 meters/229.7 x 65.6 x 10 feetPropulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,000 bhp, 17 knotsCrew: ??Armament: 2 dual 14.5 mm

Concept/Program: First and only Chinese-built catameran. May have been scrapped.

Number Year FLT Homeport Notes992

'Yannan' clas survey ships (4 ships)

Displacement: 1,750 tons full loadDimensions: 72.3 x 11.8 x 4 meters/237.2 x 38.7 x 13.1 feetPropulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 12 knotsCrew: 95Armament: 2 dual 37 mm, 2 dual 14.5 mmNumber Year FLT Homeport Notes263463982983

Dinghai class survey ships (2 ships)

Displacement: 1,257 GRTDimensions: 65.7 x 11.2 x 4.1 meters/215.5 x 36.7 x 13.5 feetPropulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,000 bhp, 15 knotsCrew: 31 + 19 mission crew

Concept/Program: Japanese-built; a third unit is believed to have been discarded.

Builders: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Japan.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Notes502 Nan Hai 1979511 Bin Hai 1979

Xiangyanghong 1 class oceanographic research ships (3ships)

Displacement: 1,150 tons full loadDimensions: 67 x 10 x 4 meters/220 x 32.8 x 13.1 feetPropulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 16 knotsCrew: ?? Armament: 1 only: 1 dual 37 mm, 2 quad 14.5 mm

Concept/Program: 1 differs from the other two in superstructure and armament.

Builders: Jiangan SY.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesXiangyanghong 1 1971Xiangyanghong 4 1971?Xiangyanghong 6 1973

Xiangyanghong 02 class coastal survey ships (3 ships)

Displacement: 1,000 tons full loadDimensions: 72.5 x 8.7 x 2.5 meters/237.8 x 28.5 x 8.2 feetPropulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 14 knotsCrew: ??

Concept/Program: Operated by the Academy of Sciences.

Builders: Guangzhou SY; built 1971-73.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesXiangyanghong 02Xiangyanghong 03Xiangyanghong 08

coastal environmental survey ship (1 ship)

Displacement: 900 tons full loadDimensions: 70 x 9.4 x 3 meters/229.6 x 30.8 x 9.8 feetPropulsion: 2 MAN diesels, 1 shaft, 3,600 bhp, 19.2 knotsCrew: 45

Concept/Program: Operated for the National Bureau of Oceanography; used forenvironmental survey and patrol, pollution control.

Builders: Wuchang SY.

Number Year FLT Homeport Notes72 1989

Shuguang 01 (modified T-43) class coastaloceanographic research ships (3 ships)

Displacement: 590 tons full loadDimensions: 60 x 8.6 x 2.16 meters/196.85 x 28.2 x 7 feet

Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,200 bhp, 14 knotsCrew: approx. 70

Concept/Program: Modified T-43 type minesweepers. Three similar conversions arenaval subordinated.

Builders: unknown; built late 1960's.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesShuguang 01Shuguang 02Shuguang 03

Hai class coastal oceanographic research ship (1 ship)

Displacement: 550 tons full loadDimensions: 50 x 10 x 3.5 meters/164 x 32.8 x 11.5 feetPropulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 1,600 bhp, 14 knotsCrew: 15 + 25 mission crew

Concept/Program: Japanese-built coastal ship; can carry a DSRV.

Builders: Niigata Engineering Co., Niigata, Japan.

Name Year FLT Homeport NotesHai 521 1974 YEL

Note: There are believed to be a significant number of additional civilian-subordinatedresearch/survey ships.

Back to World Navies Today - China

Compiled and maintained by Andrew Toppan.Copyright © 1998-2003, Andrew Toppan. All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction, reuse, or distribution without permission is prohibited.