PLAN 052DL Destroyer

New kit from Border Model for building a Chinese Type 052DL guided missile destroyer
 

• Pre-colored plastic parts
• Parts can be assembled without glue
• Matching colored PE and 3D printed parts (including helicopter and main gun)
• VLS effect system made of PVC
• One-piece main bridge components for easy assembly
• One-piece hull with pre-colored underwater hull and "stressed skin"
• Scale 1:350
• Unbuilt/unpainted

The Type 052DL is an advanced variant of the Chinese Type 052D-class guided missile destroyer, which has formed the backbone of the People's Liberation Navy (PLAN) since the mid-2010s. While the original Type 052D was designed as a versatile, multi-role destroyer with a 64-cell universal vertical launch system (VLS) for air, sea, and land-based weapons, a 130 mm gun platform, CIWS close-in weaponry, and advanced sonar systems, the Type 052DL incorporates targeted enhancements to meet modern combat requirements.

The most significant physical change to the Type 052DL is an extended aft section with a larger helicopter deck and hangar to accommodate modern, larger shipborne helicopters such as the Harbin Z-20, significantly enhancing its anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and search and rescue capabilities. Additionally, the Type 052DL is equipped with new, anti-stealth radar systems, including advanced active radar arrays designed to improve the detection and tracking of aerial, surface, and low-flying missiles.

With a displacement of approximately 7,700 tons and a length of around 160 meters, the Type 052DL remains in the category of large destroyers, but its modular electronics and weapons systems architecture offers a wide range of operational options. The VLS air defense systems allow the launch of long- and short-range surface-to-air missiles (e.g., HHQ-9), anti-ship missiles, anti-submarine missiles, and land-based cruise missiles, enabling the destroyer to operate effectively in both fleet air defense and attacks on sea and land targets.

Electronic warfare, sensor fusion, and network integration allow the Type 052DL to exchange data with other ships, aircraft, and surface vessels, making it a key player in modern combat systems. With its combination of modern radar, missile, anti-submarine and helicopter capabilities, the Type 052DL is today a key component of PLAN's surface forces in both coastal and high seas areas.