Russia Warns China Has New Type 1130 CIWS, Can Destroy 90% Mach 4 Hypersonic Missiles

By Esther Tanquintic-Misa

(Photo: REUTERS/Yuri Maltsev / )

A Russian navy ship sails past exploding anti-missile ordnance during celebrations to mark Navy Day in the far eastern Russian port of Vladivostok July 27, 2014. REUTERS/Yuri Maltse

China has developed a new close-in weapon system, or CIWS, called Type 1130, which has the firing power of 10,000 rounds per minute, portal Want China Times said, citingRussia media sources. The particular CIWS model, recently spotted being installed on a PLA Type 054A frigate, can reportedly destroy 90 percent of hypersonic missiles even travelling four times the speed of sound.CIWS, a point-defense weapon, is used to detect and counter short-range incoming missiles as well as enemy aircraft. It is typically mounted on warships.

The Type 1130's Gatling-type gun, according to Want China Times, possess a 30 mm caliber. Its number of barrels were 11. Compared to its seven-barreled Type 730 predecessor, which only has one magazine of 250 rounds, Type 1130 carries two magazines. Each reportedly contains 640 rounds. The improved design and technology thus will enable China to fire more than 10,000 rounds per minute, with a chance of hit rate placed at 90 percent against Mach 4 missiles.

The massive CIWS has reportedly been installed on both sides of the Liaoning, China's first aircraft carrier. The Liaoning, which entered its second year of service with the People's Liberation Army Navy, even has a ski-jump ramp.

Citing Russian media, Want China Times said the Type 1130 CIWS will be deployed on the Type 055, the country's latest guided missile destroyer, very soon. It added theType 1130 CIWS will likely be placed on ships with a 12,000-ton displacement because of its gigantic size and weight, as well as the amount of electricity it will gobble up.

Early in 2014, reports flaunted that Russia was seeking to strengthen ties with China, following the annexation of Crimea. In fact, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved in March to sell S-400 Triumf to China. Sales of Russians arms don't get immediately approved, unless consented by the president himself. Apart from the S-400 Triumf, the two countries are also negotiating for the sale of the S-400 anti-aircraft weapon system and Sukhoi Su-35.

Moreover, China is fast tracking the completion of its aircraft carrier, a Type 001A, within just six years. The second domestic aircraft carrier, according to the Kanwa Defense Review magazine, will be fitted with four catapults and three escalators on board.

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