Class overview | |
---|---|
Builders: | Bohai Shipyard, Huludao |
Operators: | People's Liberation Army Navy |
Succeeded by: | Type 094 (Jin class) |
In service: | 1981 |
Completed: | 2 |
Active: | 1 |
Lost: | 1 |
General characteristics | |
Displacement: | 6,500 tons, 7,000 tons submerged.[1] |
Length: | 120 m |
Beam: | 10 m |
Draught: | 8 m |
Propulsion: | 1 × pressurized-water nuclear reactor, 58MW; 2 × steam turbines; 1 shaft. |
Speed: | 22 kts |
Range: | Unlimited |
Test depth: | 300 m |
Complement: | 100 |
Armament: | 6 × 533 mm torpedo tubes (bow); missiles - 12 JL-1A SLBMs. |
The 6,500-ton Type 092 Daqingyu (US Department of Defense designation Xia-class, Chinese designation 09-II) submarine was the first ballistic missile-carrying, nuclear-powered submarine class (SSBN) deployed by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, and the first SSBN designed and built in Asia. She was designed by Peng Shilu (
The first Changzheng 6 (# 406) of its class was laid down in 1978 at Huludao 120 miles North-East of Beijing; she was completed in 1981. She then spent 6 years being fitted out and conducting tests with its 12 JL-1 (CSS-N-3) missiles, becoming active in 1987. Later, the submarine went through numerous upgrades in incremental step, including using Type H/SQ2-262B sonar manufactured by No. 613 Factory replacing the original Type 604 sonar on board.
The 092 has undergone numerous refits, currently featuring a new black paint, possible quieting technologies, French-designed sonar, and the improved longer ranged JL-1A SLBM. It is reported that the 092 has not sailed beyond Chinese regional waters. One of the two Xias built was reported lost during an accident.
The Xia is aging however and a new Ballistic Missile Submarine design is in the works for the People's Liberation Army Navy. The US Defense Intelligence Agency lists the Xia-Class as being "Not Operational."[3] While its capability is still being questioned, Xia made its world wide debut on April 23rd, 2009 celebrating the 60th anniversary of PLA Navy's founding. [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]
The 092 class are homeported in Jianggezhuang near Qingdao.[9]
|