(From People's Daily Online-Sept 18,2007)
Posted on 09/25/2007 9:46:13 PM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Front PageLifting veil of secrecy, China shows off new class of n-powered attack subs
Manu Pubby
Posted online: Wednesday, September 26, 2007
NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 25: A photograph and an article in the state-run People’s Daily last week gave the world a glimpse of China’s new class of nuclear-powered attack submarines.
Faster, stealthier and exponentially lethal, the Shang (Type 093) class attack submarines are replacements for the first generation Han class boats that were famous for being the most noisy nuclear submarines in the world.
Analysts say the Shang class are building blocks for a Chinese blue-water navy.
While China-watchers in the Indian Navy have known about the new class of submarines for the past few years — construction of the submarines began in the mid-1990s but officials say that they became fully operational only last year — these are the first set of visuals on the latest killer submarine in China’s inventory.
“As far as the navy and armed forces are concerned, we have known about them for a long time. It is no secret,” former Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash told The Indian Express.
Indian Navy officers say that till now, Chinese nuclear submarines have never been detected in the Indian Ocean region but the long-range Shang class will give People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN) the capability and reach to project its presence in the area.
“Nuclear submarines are noisier than diesel submarines but trade off the handicap by having a longer range and being faster. However, the first generation of Chinese submarines were slow and noisy. It remains to be seen how they have tackled the problems,” said a senior Navy officer.
China will gradually be replacing all five of its first generation Hans class nuclear submarines with the new machines.
Incidentally, the Indian Navy is also looking at inducting five indigenous ATV nuclear submarines. The first one, currently under production at Vizag, is likely to undergo sea trials by next year. Little is known about the new Shang Class but the over 6,000 tonne submarine is bigger than India’s indigenous ATV nuclear submarine that is projected to be in the 5,000 tonne category. Analysts say that outwardly, the Chinese design seems to be a cross between the Russian Victor III design and the American Los Angeles class submarines.
In contrast, the Akula II submarine being leased by India from Russia next year is in the 12,000-tonne category and a generation ahead of both the ATV and the Shang class submarines.
However, the real threat will come from the Jin class of submarines being built by China. It will be capable of launching nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles. The ATV, to be equipped by indigenous Sagarika submarine-launched missiles currently undergoing tests in the Bay of Bengal, will be India’s match to the Jin class, officials say.
While India is still ahead in the maritime game with greater presence and reach, analysts say that with the nuclear submarines and a new aircraft carrier currently under development, China is fast narrowing the gap and moving towards world class capabilities.
(From People's Daily Online-Sept 18,2007)
And our technology helped build them, correct?/s
Faster, stealthier and exponentially lethal, the Shang (Type 093) class attack submarines are replacements for the first generation Han class boats that were famous for being the most noisy nuclear submarines in the world.
So now they’re the second noisiest subs in the world?
Does anybody have a large sign that we can place in the water off the coast of China. Something large enough for our corporatists to see.
It shoud say something along the lines of “DON’T FEED THE DRAGON”
That would make a geat bumper sticker
Put an uncle sam by a spinning wheel or with a blow torch on em sell em for 5.99 a pop
Time may be fast approaching to play the Japanese card.
Personally, I like my lethality with an exponent or two in it...
Thank you Bill Clinton.
Three rules of running the shadows.
Watch Your Back
Conserve Ammo
Never, EVER, Cut a Deal With a Dragon.
Quality wise,Comrade Jing.If China is so far ahead,why does it operate the world’s largest number of export Kilo class subs & also wants European technology??
The ‘Xia’ is a one-off boat which barely sailed beyond Chinese waters & why care about the 5th class of boats when the 3rd & 4th are not in full scale service.
read
Typical inferiority complex driven delusions to go with the typical bakwas.
I merely pointed out that China’s submarine program was far ahead of India’s not Europe’s nor Russia’s though obviouslly this does not sit well with your Indian national pride. A “one off” nuclear boat is still more than what India has managed to accomplish in the last 25 years, which has consisted of a total of 2 license produced HDW 209’s.
There are already 3 of the 093 class boats launched and 2 in active service. Compared that to a boat that isn’t even finished constructing let alone launched, outfitted, trialed, and entered into service.
Ping.
Well India didn’t want an N-boat for most of the 80s because it didn’t know what to do with it’s nukes.The ATV was meant to be a technology demonstrator unlike the Radiation buckets that China rushed into service.
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