Below is a Chinese Yuan class (Type 039A/041) submarine Table, based on several sources. It has the latest figures I’ve seen. But given the almost black box nature of Chinese submarines it can always be updated. Interestingly there is Taiwanese confirmation that Yuans have three MTU 16V396 SE8 diesel engines (thankyou Germany :). It is unclear what weapons are being phased in or phased out. Crew numbers vary from 36 to 58.
Western intelligence first became aware of the Yuan-class (NATO reporting name) submarine in 2005. The class was designated Yuan because is was radically modified from the Chinese Song and Russian Kilo classes.
The Yuans feature a pair of sail-mounted hydroplanes, four stern diving planes, and a single large propeller seen previously on the Songs. However, the Yuan’s hull and sail designs suggest heavy Russian Kilo class influence.
Yuans are equipped with an indigenously-developed AIP system. It is believed that it is a 100 kilowatt Stirling cycle developed by CSIC Shanghai Maritime Diesel Engine Research Institute (SMDERI, or 711 Institute).
At least four variants of the Yuan have been identified (or designated) so far: Type 039A, Type 039AG, Type 039B, and Type 039 (upgrade) which differ slightly in appearance and sail shape. A possibly new type 039C (which will carry a new NATO reporting name) has been suspected.
Yuans might approach the quality of the latest SSKs deployed by Russian and Western navies. At least 17 Yuans have arguably been identified so far and up to 3 more may be under construction.
NATO Reporting Name | YUAN class |
Type 039A, 039AG, 039B, 039 (upgrade), 039C(?) | |
Export Variants | S20 (general designation), S26T (Thailand) and 039 (upgrade) for Pakistan |
Designer | CSIC China Ship Design & Research Centre (701 Institute) |
Builders | CSIC Wuchang Shipbuilding, Wuhan |
First in Commission | 2005 |
cabin-raft (shock absorbers) help reduce noise by over 35 dB, anechoic tiles | |
Country/shipyard | Shanghai Jiangnan Changxing Factory Wuchang Shipyard China/ |
Dimensions | Length 77.6m, beam 8.4-8.6m, draught 5.5m or 6.7m?. |
Displacement (ton) | 2,570 ton (surfaced) 3,600 ton (submerged) |
Power system / shaft horsepower | 3 xMTU 16V396 SE8 diesel engines, 5 MW 1 x Propulsion motor Single-axis seven-blade propeller |
Speed | 12 knots (surfaced) 20 knots (dived) |
Range | ? |
Endurance | ? |
Design depth Test Depth | 300 to 400m |
Surface detection / counter system | Periscope group (possible photo-sensing equipment) 1 x Electronic support system 1 x I-band plane search radar |
Underwater detection system | Shipboard master/passive search/attack sonar Passive ranging sonar 205 side passive array sonar |
Integrated command and weapon control system | |
Crew | 36 to 58 |
6 x 533mm torpedo tubes. Can use Yu-6 (Otto fuel II) and Yu-9 electric torpedos, YJ-18 (anti-ship and Land attack missiles), YJ-8X (C-80X)anti-ship missiles, mines, (UUVs in future). |
SOURCES
The figures in black are from Taiwanese source 039A/B/C class diesel-electric attack submarinehttp://www.mdc.idv.tw/mdc/navy/china/039ab.htm.
Green underlined are from Wikipedia
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A Yuan submarine. As well as Song and Kilo influences its hull shape definetly looks Japanese Oyashio class submarine influenced... (Photo courtesy sinodefence).
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Pete