One of China's leading shipbuilding firms has revealed plans to manufacture a trimaran-hull frigate for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) similar in concept to the Independence-class littoral combat ships (LCS) now serving with the U.S. Navy.

The scale model of the trimaran warship proposed by China Shipbuilding Trading Corporation (CSTC) and revealed at the ongoing IDEX 2017 (International Defense Exhibition and Conference) arms show at Dubai looks eerily similar to the Independence-class LCS in many aspects.

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The similarity in design has left open the question how much of the technology in CSTC's trimaran is indigenous, and how much has been obtained from espionage on the U.S. Navy and its suppliers. China has been proven to resort to espionage to jump-start complex weapons programs.

Its Shenyang FC-31 low observable fighter almost looks exactly like the Northrop Grumman F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter. Captured Chinese spies admitted to stealing plans for the F-35.

CSTC said its trimaran will displace 2,450 metric tons; have a cruising speed of 25 knots (46 km/h); a length of 142 meters; a width of 32.6 meters and an endurance of 30 days. The trimaran will be crewed by over 100 sailors.

The trimaran's diesel engines will power a "marine electric propulsion system" that drives three pump jets. There is no secondary propeller propulsion system.

The trimaran will be armed with one 76 mm main gun; a vertical launching system with either 16 or 32 cells; eight anti-ship missile launchers; two close-in weapon systems (probably 30 mm) and a hangar that can accommodate two helicopters.

CSTC said PLAN has shown some interest in its trimaran. Trimaran warships and their three interconnected hulls feature better stability and seaworthiness compared to single hull warships.

The U.S. Navy has four operational Independence-class LCS' and is building seven more out of a total fleet of 13 trimaran warships.

The armament, armor and electronic systems of the Independence-class, however, are being upgraded as part of a program to transform all Independence-class LCS's into "Fast Frigates" by 2019. 

Tagschina, People's Liberation Army Navy, PLAN, trimaran-hull frigate, Independence-class littoral combat ships, U.S. Navy, IDEX 2017