Despite having the same shape as two 011 and 012, but the new Gepard 3.9 warship brought to Vietnam possesses outstanding features.
One of the big questions that surely many people think about right now is the second pair of Gepard 3.9 ships of Vietnam, is there any difference compared to the first pair? First of all, through the test image of the ship in Russia (in the photo of the 3rd Gepard 3.9 ship of Vietnam bearing the “486” version when it was tested in Russia), the new Gepard 3.9 ships have no difference in appearance. (Image source: Shippotting).
The second pair of Gepard 3.9 ships (including the one just returned and another still located in Russia) was started construction at the Zelenodosk plant on September 24, 2013, they were launched on April 27 and 26, respectively. May 2016. This is the factory that has built two 011 and 012 before. (Image source: Shippotting).
According to the announcement of the Zelenodonsk factory, the second pair of Gepard 3.9 Project 11661E warships is larger than the 011 and 012 ships, specifically with a full load displacement of about 2,200 tons, 102.4m long, 14.4m wide. The size expansion compared to the old two ships may be to integrate reconnaissance systems and anti-submarine weapons. In addition, it is also possible that there were other minor changes that required an expansion of the ship’s size. (Image source: Shippotting).
In the photo, the Gepard 3.9 011 and 012 corvettes have a displacement of 2,100 tons, are 102.14 meters long and 13.09 meters wide. (Image source: Sina).
Regarding the number of crew, while the 2 old ships need more than 100 people to operate, the 2 new ships will only need 84 people. This shows that the improved Gepard 3.9 will have enhanced automation allowing to reduce the number of sailors despite the larger size of the ship. (Image source: Sina).
In terms of firepower, the new Gepard 3.9 basically still uses the same weapon system as the old two. That ensures the reception of ships, training the crew to use more easily. In the photo, it is possible to identify the AK-176 turret and the Palma-SU anti-aircraft missile-gun complex combat platform module. (Image source: Sina).
In addition, these ships will still be equipped with AK-630 6-barrel 30mm quick-fire anti-aircraft artillery platforms with a firing rate of 4,500-5,000 rounds per minute. Image source: Sina
The types of radars for surveillance, air and maritime reconnaissance are generally still similar to pairs of 011 and 012. (Image source: Sina).
The ship’s anti-ship firepower is still the Kh-35 Uran-E anti-ship cruise missile complex with an estimated range of 130km. Theoretically, one shot of Kh-35 can sink a 5,000-ton warship. (Image source: Shippotting).
The biggest difference between the two improved Gepard 3.9 ships for Vietnam is that it will be equipped with a hydroacoustic navigation system (mounted on the hull) used to detect, track and locate submarines and systems. anti-submarine weapon system. Even Zelenodolsk factory has called 2 new Gepard ships for Vietnam as “submarine hunting warships”, indicating that Gepard will possess strong anti-submarine capabilities. In the photo, a red mark marks “questionable” torpedo launchers installed there. (Image source: Shippotting).
In addition, the improved Gepard 3.9 will be equipped with a new propulsion system that allows the ship to reach a maximum speed of 29 knots (higher than 28 knots for the two old Gepard ships). (Image source: Sina).