Researcher spots China's new nuclear sub on Google Earth

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World Tribune — Researcher spots China's new nuclear sub on Google Earth


A satellite image of China's new ballistic missile submarine.

A satellite image of China's new nuclear ballistic missile submarine is available on the Google Earth Internet site.

Hans M. Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), spotted the images, photographed by the commercial Quickbird satellite in late 2006.

One photo is of what is apparently the new Type 094 Jin-class SSBN at the Xiaopingdao base near Dalian, FAS reported.

The Jin-class is about 35 feet longer than the Xia-class SSBN, "primarily due to an extended mid-section of approximately 115 feet (35 meters) that houses the missile launch tubes and part of the reactor compartment," according to the report.
The extended section is to make room for the larger Julang-2 ballistic missile and may also be due to the size of the reactor.

In late 2006, the U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence projected China could build five Jin-class SSBNs. The estimate was not cited by the Pentagon's May 2007 annual report on China military power.

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Type 094 Jin Class Nuclear-Powered Missile Submarine - SinoDefence.com

Type 094 Jin Class Nuclear-Powered Missile Submarine

The Type 094 is the second-generation Chinese nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). The first-of-class has reportedly been under construction at Huludao Shipyard since 1999 and was launched in July 2004. The submarine is armed with 16 JL-2 submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) with a maximum range of 8,000km.

Little detail is known about the highly classified Type 094 SSBN project. Construction of the first hull reportedly began in 1999 and the submarine was launched in July 2004 at Huludao Shipyard. The Type 094 is said to be an enlarged version of the first-generation Type 092 (NATO codename: Xia class) SSBN, and incorporated with the Type 093 SSN technology. The dive displacement of the SSBN is estimated to be 8,000~9,000t.

Incorporating some Russian technology, the Type 094 SSBN is expected to be a dramatic improvement over the sole Type 092 Xia class SSBN, with improved quieting and sensor systems, and a more reliable propulsion system. Other improvements in sonar, propulsion, training, and the application of quieting techniques will contribute to a significant improvement in the capabilities of China’s submarine fleet.

Plans to deploy this class of nuclear powered SSBNs are said to have been delayed due to problems with the nuclear reactor power plants. As of late 1999 there is an evident absence of public reports of the start of construction of the Type 094 submarine. Several years would be required for submarine construction, and probably an additional year or two for shake-down trials of the submarine, and testing of the JL-2 from the submarine.

Each Type 094 SSBN will mount 16 JL-2 SLBM with a maximum range of 8,000kms. When deployed, this missile will allow Chinese SSBN to target portions of the United States for the first time from operating areas located near the Chinese coast. Equipped with the JL-2 missiles, the Type 094 SSBN would only have to patrol just to the northeast of the Kuril Islands to hold about three-fourths of the United States within its missile's range.