Qiandaohu
by Chris King

1/700 Qiandaohu, Fuchi Class Fleet Replenishment Ship (Scratchbulit)

I built this model using pieces from my spare parts box. I added a few photo-etch railings from Lionroar. Unfortunately I used Krylon clear matte finish spray paint to coat the model, instead of the Wal-Mart brand clear paint (because I can't find it anymore). The matte finish dulled the decals and made my touch-up painting show up.

According to SinoDefence.com, the Qiandaohu (886) fleet replenishment ship was built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard based in Shanghai and her sister ship Weishanhu (887) was built by Huangpu Shipyard based in Guangzhou. The first-of-class was launched in March 2003 and commissioned by the East Sea Fleet in April 04. The second hull was launched in June 2003 and commissioned by the South Sea Fleet in late 2004. This class of ship was given a reporting name Fuchi class by the NATO.

The primary role of the Qiandaohu / Fuchi class is to provide underway replenishment for the PLA Navy destroyers and frigates at sea. They are the first PRC-built multi-product replenishment ships (AOE) capable of re-supplying fuel, water, stores, and ammunition, while previous indigenous replenishment ships were actually fleet oilers (AO). The ships are capable of supporting general purpose task groups, amphibious task groups, or even aircraft carrier battle groups.

The ship is 178.5m in length, 24.8m in beam, and 8.7m in draught. It has a full displacement of 23,000 tonnes. The propulsion includes two diesels rated at 24,000hp, with two shafts. The maximum speed is 19 knots and the maximum range is 10,000nm at 14 knots speed. The crew includes 130 men.

In July 2007, Weishanhu accompanied Guangzhou (168) missile destroyer during a goodwill visit to four European countries including Russia, United Kingdom, Spain, and France.

In December 2008, Weishanhu along with two PLA Navy destroyers were sent to the Indian Ocean to fight the pirates off the Somalia coast.

There are two refuelling stations and two stores stations located amidships to enable the ship to replenish two warships with both fuel and stores simultaneously. The ship is also fitted with an additional refuelling rig at the stern, enabling a third warship being refuelled while astern. Stern refuelling is not as efficient as beam refuelling, but it is safer in severe weather conditions. In addition to connected replenishment (CONREP), the ship is also capable of vertical replenishment (VERTREP) using helicopters. The ship is capable of carrying 10,500 tonnes of fuel, 250 tonnes of water, and 680 tonnes of ammunitions.

The ship is armed four Type 76F dual-37mm/63-calibre anti-aircraft guns that fire shells at a rate of 360 rounds/min to a range of 8.5km for airborne targets. The gun can be operated by radar command or manually.

The ship is fitted with a single-spot flight deck and a hanger at the stern for two medium-size helicopters such as Z-8 or Ka-28. The helicopter can ferry supplies and personnel to ships in close proximity.

No. Name Shipyard Fleet Launch IOC
886 Qiandaohu Hudong-Zhonghua East Sea Mar 03 Apr 04
887 Weishanhu Huangpu South Sea June 03 2004
Dimensions: Length 178.5m; beam 24.8m; draft 8.7m
isplacement: (Full) 23,000t
Speed: (Maximum) 19 knots; (Economical) 14 knots
Range: 10,000nm @ 14 knots
Propulsion: 2X diesel, rated at 24,000hp, two shafts
Crew: 130
Aviation: Flight deck and hanger for two Z-8 or Ka-28
Armaments: 4X Type 76F dual-37mm AAA