A brand new, previously unknown Chinese submarine suddenly appeared, continuing the country's massive naval shipbuilding program. This submarine is the latest move by the Chinese Navy in the field of submarines after the release of the development type (039C) of a new conventional powered submarine last year. Three years ago, there was a very interesting "sail less" submarine, but now there is no clear indication of any direct connection between these submarines. On February 8th, a video of China's new submarine test voyage appeared on social media, apparently taken during early testing. This submarine is relatively small, possibly much smaller than the 039 "Yuan" class conventional submarine that has undergone several improvements. H. I. Sutton is a writer and submarine warfare expert who estimates that this new submarine is about 160 feet (48.8 meters) long, while the 039A submarine is slightly over 250 feet (76.2 meters) long.

Unbound submarine launched in 2018

Sutton stated that there may be some connection between the specifications of China's new submarine and the mysterious open shell submarine first revealed in 2018. According to satellite photos, the early design estimated a length of about 150 feet (45.7 meters), which is closer to this new submarine. Sutton believes that this new submarine may adopt a single hull design, which is the same design as the unowned hull less submarine, while the 039 "Yuan" class conventional submarine adopts a double hull design. Of course, the existence of a shell marks a significant breakthrough in the design without a shell, so the size of the shell is worth paying attention to. The perfect integration of the hull and hull design reminds people of the German 212 and 214 submarines, as well as other submarines developed by countries around the world, but it has not yet appeared on Chinese submarines.

However, this design has previously appeared on some Chinese submarines, including the MS200 small submarine, S600 small patrol submarine, and larger S1 100 submarine, all of which are foreign trade products launched by China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC). However, so far there is no indication that this new type of submarine must be a product of CSIC.

Other features of this new type of submarine include the control surface at the front of the hull, which is the same as the design of the German Type 214 submarine. There are obvious white markings on the shell, which is a common feature of Chinese submarines during the testing phase. H. I. Sutton told me that based on similar sized design models seen in the past, this submarine may be equipped with four torpedo launch tubes without reloading function. In short, little is known about China's new submarine, but it once again proves the fact that China is vigorously developing small conventional submarines as well as large nuclear submarines.

The 039A submarine equipped by the Chinese Navy

The latest development of Chinese submarines is the "Yuan" class new development type that appeared last year, which is currently informally referred to as the 039C type by Western countries. Compared with other Type 039 submarines, the main feature of this model is a modified hull design that can increase stealth capabilities or accommodate sonar and communication systems. The PLA Navy (PLAN) is equipped with about 17 039A/B submarines, which are currently the standard model of China's conventional powered submarines, and is building improved ones for export to Pakistan and Thailand.

In fact, the successful export of Type 039A/B submarines as foreign trade products has increased the possibility that China's new submarines may be mainly used for foreign trade channels. Through this approach, China can bring high-tech submarine designs into a highly active market and potentially challenge more mature submarine models from countries such as France, Russia, and Sweden. Based solely on these photos, it cannot be determined whether China's new submarine has adopted a special propulsion system, although the 039A/B type has already adopted an air dependent propulsion system (AIP). The Type 039A/B submarine is equipped with a Stirling engine, which is driven by burning liquid oxygen and diesel to provide power for the submarine or charge the battery. In this way, submarines do not need to surface for charging or use ventilation pipes, and can stay underwater for longer periods of time than traditional diesel electric submarines.

It is believed that China is still researching more advanced propulsion technologies, including lithium-ion batteries used in Japan's latest "Soryu" class submarines. Compared with some AIP methods, this approach provides many advantages, including higher speed during underwater navigation, faster charging time, longer battery life, and less maintenance requirements. Using pure battery power is the quietest choice, and some speculate that the 039C submarine may have used lithium batteries, which could serve as experimental submarines for certain advanced technologies and then apply these new technologies to subsequent mass-produced submarines. In sharp contrast to the United States, which is equipped with a fully nuclear powered submarine fleet, China still recognizes the special role of conventional powered submarines in equipping itself or for export. The traditional diesel electric powered submarines not only have lower manufacturing costs and are suitable for the needs of the rapidly developing Chinese People's Liberation Army, but also provide special advantages for various conflicts that China may participate in.

Advanced conventional submarines with AIP capabilities may be quieter than nuclear powered submarines and more suitable as part of a broader anti access/area denial strategy. The Chinese Navy will attempt and dominate shallower coastal waters. This newly exposed submarine seems to reflect a smaller overall size and displacement, which may be very suitable for use in coastal waters. The carrier cost of this type of submarine may be much lower than that of large submarines, which helps China gain a greater numerical advantage in the face of potential enemies.

In the modernization report of the Chinese Navy submitted to the US Congress last year, it was mentioned that the Chinese Navy will equip at least 25 "Yuan" class submarines by 2025, indicating the impressive production speed of the country. Although it remains to be seen whether this new design, improved Type 039C, and other potential developments will enter service, as the Chinese Navy continues to increase the quantity and quality of its submarine fleet, it will continue to gain stronger submarine capabilities.

Source: Military of Strong Countries