【Foreign Media: China's Destroyers Feature Unique Cold-Hot Dual-Mode Vertical Launch System, Creating Distinctive Combat Advantages】
According to a report published on the Military Watch Magazine website on August 4, 2026: The People's Liberation Army Navy East Sea Fleet has released new footage showcasing the vertical launch system of the Type 052D missile destroyer up close. The launch cell covers are open, clearly revealing the structure of China’s universal missile launch system. These visuals directly demonstrate how the navy’s standardized vertical launch system can accommodate multiple types of missiles while supporting both cold launch and hot launch modes. The destroyer is equipped with the same HAITONG-1 universal vertical launch system found on larger-tonnage Type 055 destroyers, establishing a unified hardware foundation for modernized surface warships across the navy. At least 59 units of Type 052D and Type 055 destroyers have already been launched into construction, with no fewer than 45 currently in active service.
The key reason why the HAITONG-1 vertical launch system can accommodate missiles of vastly different lengths lies in its design: each individual launch cell has an inner diameter of approximately 850 mm, available in three depth specifications—3 meters, 6 meters, and 9 meters. This single launch system can simultaneously support both cold-launch and hot-launch missiles, which is its most prominent advantage. This stands in sharp contrast to vertical launch systems used by most Western countries and Russia, which typically support only one launch mode. By standardizing the launch cell dimensions and enabling dual-mode compatibility, the navy can flexibly configure various weapon systems based on different operational missions.
The latest publicly released footage distinguishes the two launch modes through differently marked cell covers: red-marked cells contain the YJ-18 anti-ship cruise missile, employing a hot-launch mode. In this method, the rocket engine ignites directly inside the launch tube, using its own thrust to push open the cover and launch the missile. Since the missile itself provides the force to breach the cover, these protective covers can be designed as lighter, more compact protrusions compared to those used in cold-launch systems.
Black-marked protective covers house the HQ-9 long-range air defense missile, utilizing a cold-launch mode. Before launch, explosive devices rupture the protective cover, followed by a gas generator vertically ejecting the missile from the launch tube. Only after the missile has completely cleared the ship’s safe airspace does the main engine ignite. This method significantly reduces thermal erosion on the launch system caused by high-temperature exhaust plumes and prevents rocket exhaust gases from entering the ship’s interior, thereby enhancing vessel safety. Recently deployed new YJ-20 hypersonic ballistic missiles aboard Type 055 and Type 052D destroyers also adopt the cold-launch mode.
The HAITONG-1 universal vertical launch system is a hallmark feature of China’s next-generation main surface combat vessels. Both Type 052D and Type 055 ships can mix and match long-range air defense missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles, land-attack cruise missiles, anti-submarine rockets, and future advanced weapons without requiring separate launch systems for different munitions. The Type 052D is equipped with 64 vertical launch cells, while the Type 055 boasts 112 cells—both adhering to identical technical standards. A unified hardware architecture simplifies logistics support, facilitates rapid integration of new missile types, and grants each ship extremely high flexibility in weapon configuration.
Disclaimer: The equipment data above comes from reports on the Military Watch Magazine website.
【Follow this official account for more military news】
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872671592127691/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.