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[UkroTurk]

China is developing a warship of naval theorists’ dreams
An arsenal ship that can be submerged in water

China is developing a warship of naval theorists' dreams

The Chinese navy is taking arsenal ships in a new direction—as giant submersibles. Read on.

www.popsci.com

Based on the real-time information, a submerged arsenal ship in naval warfare would bring the following capabilities:

- Massive missile platform: An arsenal ship is designed to have a large number of vertical launch bays for mid-sized missiles. This allows for a significant firepower advantage in naval warfare.

- Stealth operations: The submerged arsenal ship would have most of its hull inherently submerged, making it ideal for stealth operations. This would enhance its ability to approach enemy targets undetected.

- High automation: The arsenal ship is expected to be highly automated, potentially requiring a small crew of around 25. This would reduce manpower requirements and increase operational efficiency.

- Remote missile and fire support magazine: The arsenal ship would serve as a remote missile and fire support magazine, providing a centralized platform for missile storage and launch capabilities.

- Distributed offensive capabilities: The arsenal ship would play a key role in a future fleet where offensive capabilities are distributed among various ships. This would enhance the overall effectiveness and flexibility of naval operations.

Please note that the capabilities mentioned above are based on the concept of an arsenal ship and may vary depending on the specific design and implementation by China.

But


Submarines are designed to operate in both surfaced and submerged conditions, but their ability to withstand rough sea conditions is limited when compared to surface ships. While submarines can survive and operate on the surface in various sea conditions, there are certain limitations to consider:

1. Sea State: Sea state refers to the condition of the sea, including wave height, period, and direction. Submarines are generally designed to handle sea states up to a certain limit, typically around Sea State 5 or 6, which corresponds to wave heights of approximately 8 to 13 feet (2.5 to 4 meters). Beyond these limits, the safety and stability of a surfaced submarine could be compromised, making it more vulnerable to damage.

2. Freeboard: Freeboard is the distance between the waterline and the main deck of a vessel. Submarines have relatively low freeboard, meaning they sit closer to the waterline compared to surface ships. This makes them more susceptible to taking on water and being affected by rough seas, especially if waves wash over the deck.

3. Hull Design: Submarines have streamlined hull designs optimized for underwater operations, which may not be as effective in handling rough seas on the surface. The shape of the hull and its hydrodynamic properties are primarily designed for submerged performance, and the vessel may experience increased resistance and reduced stability when operating on the surface in rough conditions.

4. Sail Exposure: The sail is the raised structure on the submarine that houses various sensors, periscopes, and masts. When a submarine is surfaced, the sail is exposed to the elements, including wind, waves, and spray. In rough sea conditions, the sail can be subjected to significant forces, potentially impacting stability and safety.

It's important to note that submarines are typically designed to avoid rough sea conditions whenever possible. They are equipped with the capability to submerge and operate underwater, where they are better protected from the effects of rough seas. Surfacing is usually done for specific reasons such as communication, periscope observations, or snorkeling to recharge batteries, but submarines generally aim to spend the majority of their time submerged.

If a submarine encounters exceptionally rough sea conditions while surfaced, it may seek shelter or adjust its course to minimize the impact of the waves. However, prolonged exposure to severe or extreme sea conditions could pose risks to the submarine's safety, stability, and operational capabilities.

 

[Afif]

China unveils new images of its next-generation aircraft carrier​

https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-unveils-new-images-its-next-generation-aircraft-carrier-2024-01-03/

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Our Best Look At China's Nearly Completed New Aircraft Carrier

New official visuals of the carrier released by Chinese state media show it looking close to completion, foreshadowing upcoming sea trials.

www.thedrive.com

 

[Soldier30]

The new Chinese aircraft carrier Fujian type 003 went to sea and began its first sea trials. Fujian Type 003 is China's third aircraft carrier and the first designed and built by China. Construction of the 4th aircraft carrier has already begun. Unlike previous aircraft carriers, the ship is equipped with three electromagnetic catapults to launch aircraft. The Fujian aircraft carrier has a length of 316 meters and a displacement of about 80,000 tons, the power plant with a capacity of 220,000 hp is equipped with steam turbines and has 8 boilers. The ship will presumably carry 50 J-15 aircraft, possibly fifth-generation J-31 fighters as well as UAVs. Upon completion of the test, the formation of the third Chinese aircraft carrier group, consisting of Type 55 destroyers and Type 54 frigates, will begin.

 

[Saithan]

US authorities: China's newest nuclear-powered submarine sank earlier this year​

In the spring, a Chinese nuclear-powered submarine sank – this is revealed by new satellite images from US authorities. China itself says that the incident did not take place.

Satellite image of the shipyard in Wuhan where the submarine sank.
Photo: Planet Labs INC/Reuters/Ritzau Scanpix


Friday 27 September 2024, at 10.11


China's brand new nuclear-powered submarine sank this spring, and China's navy tried to cover up the loss of the submarine.
This is what it now sounds like from the US defense authorities. The Wall Street Journal writes that .

According to the US authorities, it is a major setback for China's high-priority weapons program. China is in the process of expanding its fleet to also include nuclear-powered submarines. That is, submarines that sail on a nuclear reactor.

The incident is said to have taken place at a shipyard near Wuhan in China in late May or early June this year.
It was all discovered via satellite images – despite the efforts of the country's communist authorities to hide it, writes The Guardian .

"Not surprising"​

Several experts and US authorities have responded to the incident.

"It is not surprising that the People's Liberation Army (China's military, ed. ) navy would try to hide the fact that their new first-class nuclear-powered attack submarine sank at the dock," a senior US military official told The Wall Street Journal.

A former submarine officer, Thomas Shugart of the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), tells The Wall Street Journal:
"Can you imagine an American nuclear submarine sinking in San Diego and the government covering it up and not telling anyone about it? I mean: Stop it!'

Satellite image of the shipyard in Wuhan where the submarine sank.
Photo: Planet Labs INC/Reuters/Ritzau Scanpix.

Thomas Shugart believes that it raises a number of questions about China's military situation and about the country's responsibility in relation to its weapons. However, he is also not surprised that the Chinese military has tried to cover up the incident.

US authorities do not know whether the submarine had nuclear fuel on board when it sank, but experts interviewed by The Wall Street Journal believe it most likely did.

It is also not known whether the Chinese authorities have tested the waters where the submarine sank for radioactivity.

The Chinese military has not commented on the incident. A spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington says to Reuters.

"We are not aware of the situation mentioned and cannot provide further information at the moment."

Amerikanske myndigheder: Kinas nyeste atomdrevne ubåd sank tidligere på året

I foråret sank en kinesisk atomdrevet ubåd – det afslører nye satellitbilleder fra amerikanske myndigheder. Selv siger Kina, at hændelsen ikke har fundet sted.

www.berlingske.dk

 

[UkroTurk]

Unusual Black Trimaran Drone Ship Spotted In Chinese Shipyard - Naval News

Hidden beneath tarpaulins, an uncommon sight at Chinese shipyards, a new trimaran-hulled vessel appears to combine features of both surface ships and submarines.

www.navalnews.com

China building new semi-submersible missile carrier

China is developing what appears to be a new generation of combat vessel that may operate without a crew, according to the report from Naval News. The mysterious ship, currently under construction at the Huangpu shipyard in Guangzhou, is believed

defence-blog.com

Satellite imagery shows China is building a new 65-meter vessel at the Huangpu shipyard in Guangzhou, possibly a trimaran semi-submersible missile carrier.
Analysts say the vessel appears unmanned or minimally crewed, with a design suited for high-speed surface operations and potential missile

deployment.

 

[Passenger]

President Xi Jinping on Wednesday attended the commissioning and flag-presenting ceremony of the Fujian, China's first aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults, in south China's Hainan Province.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, boarded the aircraft carrier to inspect the vessel at a naval port in Sanya City.
The Fujian was launched in June 2022 and named after Fujian Province.

Chinese state media reported: Xi Jinping personally made the decision for the Fujian aircraft carrier to adopt electromagnetic catapult technology. He visited the catapult’s integrated control station, carefully observed the workflow, and pressed the launch button—sending the empty catapult shuttle shooting toward the bow like an arrow released from a bowstring.

 

[Soldier30]

Group Operations of China's L30 Maritime Drones. China demonstrated the first live training exercise involving a group of L30 maritime drones. The video was filmed in waters adjacent to Zhuhai in Guangdong Province. The maritime drones participated in patrolling, identifying, and intercepting intruders.
The unmanned L30 boat reaches speeds of up to 65 km/h and has a range of approximately 550 km.
The maritime drones operate as a unified unit thanks to their "collective intelligence"; if an intruder is detected, they are blocked. The system will eventually be scaled up, and the unmanned boats will operate alongside UAVs and underwater drones, forming a unified maritime surveillance network.

 

[Passenger]

New Mystery Submarine Signals China’s Rapid Undersea Expansion​

Published on 03/06/2026 By H I Sutton In News

The new submarine, launched in Shanghai, is notable for its unusually small sail—the superstructure that rises from the center of the vessel. A slight protrusion is still visible, however. Naval News believes that two submarines of this new class may have been launched simultaneously from separate shipyards in China

China is launching submarines at a pace unmatched by any other nation. Its latest design, a distinctive and innovative vessel that dispenses with the traditional sail, marks another step in the evolution of an increasingly capable and technologically advanced submarine force. With little official information available, understanding the purpose and capabilities of this new class depends largely on intelligence gathering and expert analysis.

As Western navies struggle to build more than one or two submarines concurrently, China continues to pump them out at an increasing rate. They have launched around 15-20 in the past five years, including at least 8 new classes.

The latest, a previously unreported and unexpected type, has just been observed in Shanghai. The large, streamlined boat is noteworthy for its futuristic ‘sailless’ design.

New Submarine Launched​

The new submarine has been visible in satellite imagery over recent days. On May 31st and June 1st, it was visible moored alongside a jetty barge at a fitting out basin outside the JN shipyard in Shanghai. Although best known for constructing large surface combatants, the shipyard has also been involved in submarine construction, though it has not previously built nuclear-powered submarines. The launch has not been publicised, and Chinese public sources have been silent.

The main distinguishing features of the boat are its sleek bow, X-form rudders, and minimal sail. China has experimented with sailless submarines before with one being built at the same yard. In fact, the older boat is currently parked on the quayside there. The configuration is likely chosen to reduce drag.

In parallel, at around the same time another submarine may have been launched at the Huludao shipyard in the Bohai Sea. That shipyard is known exclusively for building nuclear submarines. Although not yet confirmed, it is speculated that this second submarine is of the same type as in Shanghai. The construction and launch of two boats at two shipyards would be significant.

Questions About Mystery Submarine Remain​

The submarine is approximately 120 meters (394 ft) long and 10-11 meters (33-36 ft) wide. This makes it longer yet narrower than the other new submarine launched at Bohai in recent months. There is no question that thids is a new Class. That boat, first reported in February, was provisionally identified as the long-anticipated Type-095 (also written -09V) attack submarine. At the time the boat met expectations and this identification made sense. However, with the emergence of this second, similar sized submarine, the question of which is the Type-095 is now open.

It seems unlikely that the new submarine is a ballistic missile boat (SSBN). That would likely be larger, especially given the large size of the latest JL-3 missile.

Questions remain regarding the new submarine’s role and propulsion. For the latter, a standard nuclear propulsion seems most likely given the boat’s size. If it is conventionally powered, then it is by far the largest conventional boat afloat anywhere in the world. China has also been developing a smaller ‘nuclear AIP’ portion where a low-power reactor acts as a form of air independent power (AIP). This is similar to other forms of AIP, Stirling generators and fuel cells, but likely offers greater power and effectively unlimited endurance. The first nuclear-AIP submarine, the Type-041 Zhou class, was launched at the Wuchang Shipyard in Wuhan in 2024. It is possible that the same concept is used in the new boat, although this seems less likely than traditional nuclear power.

The Chinese Navy (PLAN) feels under no obligation to reveal to outside observers its newest classes of submarine. Unlike other countries there is no public announcement of orders or, in many cases, launches. This is particularly true of first-of-class boats. Therefore analysts will have to look closely for any hints to resolve open questions.

New Mystery Submarine Signals China’s Rapid Undersea Expansion

China is launching submarines at a pace unmatched by any other nation. Its latest design, a distinctive and innovative vessel that dispenses with the traditional sail, marks another step in the evolution of an increasingly capable and technologically advanced submarine force. With little...

www.navalnews.com