Arleigh Burke vs Type 055
Arleigh Burke vs Type 055 at a glance — displacement 9,900 vs 13,000 tons, length 155 vs 180 m, speed 31 vs 30 knots, crew 323 vs 300.
| Arleigh Burke | Type 055 | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | 🇺🇸 United States | 🇨🇳 China |
| Category | Destroyer | Destroyer |
| Type | Guided-missile destroyer | Guided-missile destroyer |
| Manufacturer | Ingalls Shipbuilding | Changxingdao-Jiangnan Shipyard |
| Year introduced | 1991 | 2020 |
| Number built | 78 units | 10 units |
| Estimated unit price | $2,200 million | $888 million |
| Displacement | 9,900 tons | 13,000 tons |
| Maximum speed | 31.0 knots | 30.0 knots |
| Range | 4,400 nm at 20 knots | 5,000 nm at 12 knots |
| Length | 155.3 m | 180.0 m |
| Beam | 20.0 m | 20.0 m |
| Crew | 323 | 300 |
| Arleigh Burke | Type 055 | |
|---|---|---|
| Armament |
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| Propulsion | 4 × General Electric LM2500 gas turbines each generating 26,250 bhp (19,570 kW); coupled to two shafts, each driving a five-bladed reversible controllable-pitch propeller; Total output: 105,000 bhp (78,000 kW) | COGAG 4 × QC-280 gas turbines (28 MW (38,000 hp) each) Total: 112 MW (150,000 shp) |
Detailed Comparison
The Arleigh Burke class constitutes the primary surface combatant force of the United States Navy, with 78 units constructed since 1991. The Type 055, classified as a cruiser by NATO, serves as the capital ship for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), with eight units entering service between 2020 and 2022. Both platforms function as multi-mission vessels capable of air defense, anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and anti-submarine warfare (ASW).
Development and Design
The Arleigh Burke design utilizes an all-steel hull with Kevlar splinter protection, displacing approximately 9,900 tons with a length of 155.3 meters. It incorporates the Aegis Combat System, initially using passive arrays and later upgrading to active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars. The Type 055 is physically larger, displacing 13,000 tons with a length of 180 meters. Its design features an enclosed forecastle and continuous amidships structure to reduce radar, infrared, and noise signatures. The Chinese vessel integrates a dual-band radar system (S-band and X-band) within a unified mast, contrasting with the distinct radar arrays and tripod mast of the US destroyer.
Weapons and Sensors
Armament on the Type 055 centers on a 112-cell Universal Vertical Launching System (VLS), exceeding the 90 or 96 Mk 41 VLS cells found on the Arleigh Burke. The Type 055 loadout includes YJ-18A anti-ship cruise missiles and the YJ-21 anti-ship ballistic missile, alongside HHQ-9 surface-to-air missiles. The Arleigh Burke deploys the Tomahawk cruise missile for land attack and the Standard Missile family (SM-2, SM-3, SM-6) for air and ballistic missile defense. Gun systems differ in caliber, with the Type 055 mounting a 130 mm H/PJ-45 against the US Navy's 127 mm Mk 45. For point defense, the US relies on Phalanx or SeaRAM, while the PLAN utilizes the H/PJ-11 gun and HHQ-10 missile systems. Both ships operate towed array sonars and embark ASW helicopters, specifically the MH-60R for the US and the Z-9/Z-20 series for China.
Propulsion and Performance
Both classes employ gas turbine propulsion. The Arleigh Burke uses four General Electric LM2500 turbines generating 105,000 bhp. The Type 055 utilizes a COGAG arrangement with four QC-280 turbines producing 150,000 shp to accommodate its larger displacement. Both ships list a top speed of 30 knots. The Arleigh Burke cites a range of 4,400 nm at 18 knots, while the Type 055 specifies 5,000 nm at 12 knots.
Deployment and Combat Record
The Arleigh Burke class has an extensive operational history, including Tomahawk strikes in Iraq (1996, 1998, 2003) and recent engagements in the Red Sea (2016–2024) against drones and anti-ship missiles. In April 2024, the class performed the first combat interception of ballistic missiles using the SM-3. The Type 055 has no combat record. Since 2020, it has conducted carrier escort missions with the Liaoning group and operates within the North and South Sea Fleets.
Conclusion
The Arleigh Burke represents a high-volume production platform ($2.2 billion per unit) continuously updated to maintain capability in ballistic missile defense. The Type 055 ($888 million per unit) offers a larger magazine capacity and newer hull architecture, serving as a command node and escort for Chinese carrier strike groups.