Hongjian
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This is the reply to Mgellis' post in the DB3000 thread:
quote:
quote:
ORIGINAL: Mgellis
An idea about how to model the Chinese Type 095 submarine...
Use the statistics, sensors, weapons, etc. for the Type 093A (database , but use the hull characteristics of the Akula II (DB #625). This is about 10db quieter than the Type 093, making it as quiet as a late model Los Angeles (like the SSN Providence, DB #181), but not quite as quiet as the Virginia or the Astute.
Thoughts? Observations?
Recently, a picture of a commemorative disk was shown in the Chinese military forums, showing the scheme of an unusually shaped submarine, as well as a missile:
Most interesting clue to not dismiss it is the row of numbers and character at the right edge of the disk:
Upon further investigation, it appears that the "9211任务" or "9211 Mission" was an SLBM launch test that was conducted on July 20th, 2011. As per Chinese R&D traditions, SSBN development is tightly paired with SSN development as well, since both types of nuclear boats are based on another's hull and propulsion technology (Han+Xia, Shang+Jin etc.). Commemorative coins, disks, placards and stands are commonly issued by the Chinese MIC and R&D departments, and PLA watchers in the past have successfully predicted new developments using these items as clue.
But the depicted boat itself is a strange one: Contrary to popular believe, it is short and somehow "fat", kinda like the Astute-class. PLA watchers expected the next SSN in line to be longer and slimmer, kinda like the Virginia-class that is held by many as Gold-Standard. But since the "9211 Mission" is evidently nuclear related; there is some credibility that this simplified shape actually shows China's next SSN.
We can see two things, as pointed out:
A fillet at the sail-cusp, as well as retractable diving planes mounted on the hull. While the 093A/B SSGNs and the Type 039C SSK both have sails with fillets, they do not have the retractable diving planes.
The only boat that has both is the Type 032 Qing-class SSB, which is used as replacement for the single Golf-class in PLAN service, and also operated as a test-submarine.
The Qing-class has two SLBM launch tubes, four smaller cruise missile VLS cells and an escape-pod. It is generally assumed that the Qing also tested the AIP systems of newer Chinese SSKs, as well as the VLS cells of the new Type 093B SSGN. Generally, technologies appearing on the Qing for testing have found their way to the new frontline submarines, both conventional and nuclear.
CG artists are quick to follow:
While there is no evidence on the disk that shows the VLS, we can still make an assumption. The PLAN is evidently interested in the VLS capability for their new nuclear attack submarines, as shown in the commissioning of three to five Type 093B SSGNs that would serve as stopgap until the Type 095. Also, the Qing-class tested submarine VLS cells as well, and it is only prudent to assume that they didnt merely tested them for a single intermediate class of subs that the Type 093B are. Consistent rumors spread by insider also point to the direction that the next SSN in line will be one equipped with VLS cells.
For the shrouded propeller; aside of the depiction showing what could be a screw-shroud, we have otherwise little concrete evidence. But I will post them anyway:
^from a paper published by a chinese naval weapons research institute.
^A new-built Jin-class SSBN's screw throwing a weird shadow that could be a shrouded propeller. A clear showing of a propeller onboard a Type 093B SSN shows the difference. Ofc it could be a tarp - but why so large?
That's all so far. The PLA watcher community has to work with every little clue we can get, since the nature of Chinese nuclear submarine development is shrouded in mystery. Especially since Huludao Shipyard (which saw massive expansion in the recent years) is far removed and all submarines are built in large roofed halls.
In regards to the suggested stats for the DB3000 entry; I generally agree. To reach the quietness level of the late LA-class would be achieveable by the Chinese MIC.
In 2014, the 719th Institute has reported a breakthrough in "natural dual circulation reactors"/自循环二回路 (whatever it means), which is reportedly based or related to the civilian ACP100 small-sized natural circulation nuclear reactor, which undergoes the IAEA safety review in 2015:
http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-IAEA-safety-review-for-Chinese-small-reactor-2104154.html
According to people in the know, these types of nuclear reactors have a much reduced noise output - a traditional weakness in Chinese nuclear submarine design.
So, a notional Type 095 "Tang-class" SSGN that has the hydrodynamic improvements of a modified sail with fillet, retractable diving planes on the hull, a quieter reactor and the possible addition of shrouded propeller could indeed make the submarine very quiet.
The unusual shape of this submarine also wouldnt intefer with its acoustic performance. While the rule of thumb usually goes like "the bigger the submarine, the more room there is for possible noise insulation", the Astute-class SSN clearly shows how a relatively compact SSN (below 100 meters length) could still be very stealthy.
In any case, as with all PLA watching stuff, take this info with a grain of salt. Until we have somewhat high-res photos of the Type 095 (and that could be as far off as several decades; when the Type 095 is already obsolete and getting decommissioned), we can never say for sure. But sometimes, there are surprises; like the recent high res photo of the Type 093B SSGN in a military magazine.
So, make with this information as you wish.
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Printable Version
RE: Naval and Defense News - 
, but I will see what data is out there for the DB. 
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