Chinese submarines thread

[tphuang]

I think this is probably a good time to start thread just on the Chinese submarine capabilities. The article below is an interesting one:

Considering that it stated Yuan set a dpeth record for a conventional submarine, I'm guessing this is going to be one advance submarine. It looks like Song is already getting mass produced, so China is making sure that Yuan finishes all of its tests before being formally revealed.

http://www.spacewar.com/news/submarine-05r.html

New Chinese Missile Subs Pose Challenge To U.S.

By Martin Sieff
UPI Senior News Analyst
Washington (UPI) Oct 18, 2005
China's two new next-generation submarines with anti-ship missile capabilities pose a greater challenge to U.S. and Western fleets in the near future, World Net Daily reported this weekend.
According to a report by East-Asia-Intel.com last week, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy has already completed 18 voyages with its new Yuan-class vessel, a conventionally-powered attack sub which is believed capable of firing anti-ship cruise missiles as well as standard torpedoes.

The new Yuan-class vessel has reportedly passed a series of performance tests and is ready to be deployed, East-Asia-Intel.com said, quoting Chinese news sources.

The Jinyangwang news site, reported the vessel "has now formally become a new member of the PLA Navy's submarine force." It went on to say the vessel had achieved 15 firsts during its initial cruises, which "included technical performance, development and construction quality assurances." The news agency also said the new sub set a depth record for a conventional submarine.

Discovery of the Yuan-class vessel came as a surprise to U.S. intelligence agencies, East-Asia-Intel said.

Meanwhile, China appears on the verge of deploying its newest SSBN, or nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, the Type-094 class, which is being developed as a seagoing extension of Chinese nuclear weapons power projection, World Net Daily reported.

The Type-094 is a follow-on to earlier SSBNs produced by China, most recently the Type-093, a nuclear-powered attack vessel "similar to Russian second-generation designs such as the Victor III," according to an analysis from the American Federation of Scientists, or FAS.

The 093 carries the JL-1, a two-stage, solid-propellant weapon with a single nuclear-capable warhead with a yield between 200 and 300 kilotons and a range of 1,056 miles. A sea-launched version of China's land-based DF-21 missile, the JL-1, was initially developed for the Type-092, Xia-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile boat, which became operational in 1983, according to FAS.

China has also developed the JL-2, a three-stage, solid-fuel sea variant of China's DF-31 ballistic missile. It is capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads -- as many as four, FAS says -- and has a range of 4,971 miles.

[darth sidious]

Mistake in the artical the sub carrying the JL-1 is the 092 not 093 also how does the americans know that the Yuan has alreadycoplete 18 voyages

PS does the yuan have AIP or sub lunched yj-62

[crazyinsane105]

Yuan definetely has the AIP but I am not sure about the yj-62 missile. I think either the yj-62 or the moskit will most likely used. There is a bigger question: does the Yuan have the capability to fire LACMs? If it does, then that could seriously boost the PLAN's strike capability against Taiwan and even the Americans stationed in Japan and Guam.

[darth sidious]

If the yuan can lunched the Mach 3 yj-62 then it willbe a serious threat to the japo/american fleet forming a gret wall at sea as for cruise missile i think it can use the russian club so that is not a problem

[bd popeye]

Mistake in the artical the sub carrying the JL-1 is the 092 not 093 also how does the americans know that the Yuan has alreadycoplete 18 voyages

Darth Sidious baby..got an answer for you..my son , a sonar tech in the USN, once told me this...I will para-phrase..."the best(safest)place for a Chinese sub is in it's homeport"

I keep reading these threads about the 092 & 093. Does anyone have any real, not "P S", pictures of either boat? If so please post.

[darth sidious]

popeye

read the artical agin 092 is the old modifyed han class carrying the jl-1 the 093 is the new pla attack sub with a 40knots speed. ARE you sure the new yuan and song are easy to track?

[bd popeye]

popeye

read the artical agin 092 is the old modifyed han class carrying the jl-1 the 093 is the new pla attack sub with a 40knots speed. ARE you sure the new yuan and song are easy to track?

My son was refering nuke boats. Desiel subs are very hard if not impossible to track. The trouble with SSK's is that most are designed for littoral waters. most desiel boats range is limited and speed also(only 20 knots). Once they fire their torpedos or missiles they are going to be killed. Period.

Their greatest advantage is their quietness when operating on batteries. Nearly impossibe to find until they let loose their weapons. But as I posted many times before the USN is working on tracking deisel boats having contracted a Swedish SSK HMS Gotland to train with. I have no clue as to how the training has gone so far.

http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=18984

[darth sidious]

the new 093 is side to incorpate a hull made of AK-30 steel and two gas cooled reactores plus its side to be capable of carrying 16 sub lunched YJ-62 mach3 anti-ship missile !!! a bit like the russian p class

PS on ship with steam turbins do they lose speed after operating for many years ? the taiwanese gearing is noe capable of onle 23-25 knotes but their design speed was over 30?

[bd popeye]

the new 093 is side to incorpate a hull made of AK-30 steel and two gas cooled reactores plus its side to be capable of carrying 16 sub lunched YJ-62 mach3 anti-ship missile !!! a bit like the russian p class

PS on ship with steam turbins do they lose speed after operating for many years ? the taiwanese gearing is noe capable of onle 23-25 knotes but their design speed was over 30?
It depends on how well it has been maintained. Those old Gearing class DD were designed to stem at 35 knots so they could accomapny CV's. but time has worn them down.

My son was on a Spruance class and it made over 30 knots the day before it was decomissioned. It was only 27 years old.

I also know the USS Midway made 32 knots just before it was decomissioned in 1992. It was 47 years old at the time.

[darth sidious]

the taiwanese gearing have poor maintince but after 50 years unless you replace the boiler and the turibines I dont think you can mprove the speed or can you ?
WHAT DOES TAIWAN DD's HAVE TO DO WITH CHINESE SUBS???

the taiwanese gearing are used for asw aginst chinese subs so its not that off topic can the same thing happen to the Knox in taiwanese navy they also used the steam turbin if their speed are reduced so does their effectiveness aginst chinese subs

[tphuang]

hey Popeye, I doubt there are any pictures of 093 and 094 right now, because they are considered to be strategic weapons.

As for YJ-62, Yuan definitely cannot launch it. It's 533 mm tubes are just not large enough.

AIP, the word is that Yuan does have it.

From Janes on Yuan,

Yuan Type 039A
As early as 1994 there were indications that China appeared to be attempting to build the Kilo in its own ship-yards [Richard Sharpe, Jane’s Fighting Ships, 1994-1995 (Coulsdon, Surrey, Eng.: Jane’s Information Group, 1994), p. 541].

The Yuan Type 039A is a non-nuclear powered attack submarine. It's existence was first noted in mid-2004 when a photograph of the completed submarine at China's Wuhan Shipyard was posted on a Chinese website. According to The Washington Times (July 16, 2004), American officials believe the submarine is diesel-powered. It has also been suggested that the new submarine may be comparable to the improved variant of the Russian Kilo class (Project 636) in terms of size and general performance.

The second Yuan was launched in December 2004.

The Wuhan Shipyard has also built the Type 039/G (Song class), Type 035 (Yuan class), Type 033G (Wuhan-A class) and Type 033 (Romeo class) diesel-electric submarines for the PLA Navy.

The Yuan class has a tail with diving planes similar to those of the Type 039G, and a Kilo-style teardrop shaped hull with a raised hump on top. Integrated with advanced noise reduction techniques including anechoic tiles, passive/active noise reduction, asymmetrical seven-blade skewed propeller, the 039A is expected to be as quiet as other modern diesel/electric powered submarines, and therefore much more difficult to be tracked.

Apart from indigenously developed submarine weapon systems such as indigenous active/passive-hoyuan torpedo and the YJ-8 (C-801) submarine-launched anti-ship missile, the Yuan class may also be capable of launching the latest Russian weapons (or their Chinese copies) such as the TEST-71MKE wire-guided torpedo, the 53-65KE wave-hoyuan torpedo, and even 3M-54E Club supersonic submarine-launched anti-ship missile.

The electronic systems onboard the Yuan class may include CCD camera, infrared/thermal image camera, laser range-finder, surface-search radar and radar warning receiver. Various weapon systems and sensors are integrated by a digitized combat data command and control system.

The new Yuan Class attack submarine is part of a greater Chinese naval buildup. With the risk of armed conflict over Taiwan always present, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has invested heavily in submarines with the goal of converting them into a first-line of attack vis-a-vis carriers.

Darth, this thread is discussing Chinese subs, not Taiwanese efforts against it.

[IDonT]

It is in Submarine warfare that China truly lags behind. The USN's lead on this regard is enourmous. The 093 subs are the quitest SSN sub in the PLAN arsenal, but the USN has proven capability to detect and track the world's quitest SSN boats. China needs to invest in quieting technology for its SSN. The other side of the equation is detection. Can china detect a well handled LA class SSN? Does it possess the sonar suites to be able to do this?

SSK's, even with the AIP, are still very vulnerable due to the fact that they are useless above their 5 knot "quite" speed. At higher speeds, they are noisy, their batteries run out faster, etc. In comparison, the Seawolf has a "quite" speed of "more than" 20 knots, and that is using US sonar suites.

Training and tactics are the other pillar. The USN has been using nuke boats since the 60's. They had plenty of time to home their skills in the coldwar and know how to handle their boats. They have established doctrines and tradition.

[MIGleader]

It is in Submarine warfare that China truly lags behind. The USN's lead on this regard is enourmous. The 093 subs are the quitest SSN sub in the PLAN arsenal, but the USN has proven capability to detect and track the world's quitest SSN boats. China needs to invest in quieting technology for its SSN. The other side of the equation is detection. Can china detect a well handled LA class SSN? Does it possess the sonar suites to be able to do this?

SSK's, even with the AIP, are still very vulnerable due to the fact that they are useless above their 5 knot "quite" speed. At higher speeds, they are noisy, their batteries run out faster, etc. In comparison, the Seawolf has a "quite" speed of "more than" 20 knots, and that is using US sonar suites.

Training and tactics are the other pillar. The USN has been using nuke boats since the 60's. They had plenty of time to home their skills in the coldwar and know how to handle their boats. They have established doctrines and tradition.

seeing how in a taiwan conflict, chinese would be in a more defensive position, i see no difficulty for plan subs to move around quietlty. they would be postioned to intercept the carrier group, not chase the carrier group. china is indeed investing heavily on quieting teachnology. and with some many diesels and so much backgorund noise, some things bound to slip through.

[bd popeye]

seeing how in a taiwan conflict, chinese would be in a more defensive position, i see no difficulty for plan subs to move around quietlty. they would be postioned to intercept the carrier group, not chase the carrier group. china is indeed investing heavily on quieting teachnology. and with some many diesels and so much backgorund noise, some things bound to slip through.

Face it MIGleader the subs would be detecded. Eventually. If a P-3 did not find them. An Arliegh Burke would. Still can't find them? How about and LA class or a Tico or two? And don't forget SH-60 variants flying around looking for subs. Will something slip through? Maybe,.. but I would not want to be on that crew of that sub because if it goes undected, slips through and fires any weapons..well it's dead. Period.

What I would like to see is some real comprehensive information as to what electronics equipment, operating systems and weapons the PLAN subs have. I want no more info than a site like the USN or JMSDF puts out. I just wanna know the basics. But what can we expect afterall? The best info we can get about the PLAN is right here in Sinodefence.com.:) Good info here but as a China watcher I wanna see more.

Hey gotta a question..Why does not the PLA have a big web site with basic info like other nations do??????????:confused: I just wanna know. Thank you!

[IDonT]

seeing how in a taiwan conflict, chinese would be in a more defensive position, i see no difficulty for plan subs to move around quietlty. they would be postioned to intercept the carrier group, not chase the carrier group. china is indeed investing heavily on quieting teachnology. and with some many diesels and so much backgorund noise, some things bound to slip through.

In a Taiwan conflict, it China who will be on the offensive. It has to "offend" the Taiwanese.

Most of PLAN's most potent submarines are SSK's. Unfortunately these lack the speed and endurance of the SSN. Moving into position and remaining undetected while doing so will take a very long time. As I said, the top quite speed of an SSK's is at 5 knots. Furthermore, to get into position, the SSK's need to snorkel to replenished its batteries. AIP SSK's can spend longer periods underwater but they still rely on their supply of liquid oxygen on board (depends on the type of AIP). A prudent commander will not us this while transiting but during actual combat. Snorkeling is loud and your course will be plotted. Once plotted, your general area of operations will be known.

Lets see, the USN on occasion has 2 SSN's with its carrier. That is 24 SSN total for carrier escort. That roughly 50 percent of the USN submarine force. The question is, where is the other 50 percent? They are doing independent missions, acostic intelligence on PLAN naval ports, etc.

As for SSNs, PLAN has made significant strides in this area. However, I still hold reservations about the "victor III" capability of the 093. The first generation HAN class are very loud. To leap from this to a Victor III type isequivalent to jumping from the Mig 15 to the Mig 29 in a single generation. On a historical note, the VICTOR III is the first Russian boat to have serious quieting technology applied to it thanks to a Spy in the 70's. Before this, Soviet subs were very noisy.

The final leg is for the PLAN submarine sensor suite. How capable are their sonar? Do they have a towed array sonar? Can they detect an LA class sub on the prowl? I do not know about this area yet, but it is safe to assume that it has its ancestry with Russian designs.

[MIGleader]

In a Taiwan conflict, it China who will be on the offensive. It has to "offend" the Taiwanese.

Most of PLAN's most potent submarines are SSK's. Unfortunately these lack the speed and endurance of the SSN. Moving into position and remaining undetected while doing so will take a very long time. As I said, the top quite speed of an SSK's is at 5 knots. Furthermore, to get into position, the SSK's need to snorkel to replenished its batteries. AIP SSK's can spend longer periods underwater but they still rely on their supply of liquid oxygen on board (depends on the type of AIP). A prudent commander will not us this while transiting but during actual combat. Snorkeling is loud and your course will be plotted. Once plotted, your general area of operations will be known.

Lets see, the USN on occasion has 2 SSN's with its carrier. That is 24 SSN total for carrier escort. That roughly 50 percent of the USN submarine force. The question is, where is the other 50 percent? They are doing independent missions, acostic intelligence on PLAN naval ports, etc.

As for SSNs, PLAN has made significant strides in this area. However, I still hold reservations about the "victor III" capability of the 093. The first generation HAN class are very loud. To leap from this to a Victor III type isequivalent to jumping from the Mig 15 to the Mig 29 in a single generation. On a historical note, the VICTOR III is the first Russian boat to have serious quieting technology applied to it thanks to a Spy in the 70's. Before this, Soviet subs were very noisy.

The final leg is for the PLAN submarine sensor suite. How capable are their sonar? Do they have a towed array sonar? Can they detect an LA class sub on the prowl? I do not know about this area yet, but it is safe to assume that it has its ancestry with Russian designs.

you dontget it. the plan subs are not attacking taiwan!!! the pla is. the plan's job would to be support the landings, destroy the taiwanese navy, and Defend the invasion force from any american ships.

the plan has a week or more to manuver its subs into postion before the americans arrive. i really dont doubt chinas abilities to make "great" leaps. They went from j-7 to j-10 in 15 years. the hans were in design since the 60s. plus, with alot of russian assistance, much of the "leap' has already been taken for the chinese.

[tphuang]

to popeye, this is a photo of the latest 636M that China purchased. I'm not sure what you can make out of this.
http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/3203/2005113112030951795bk.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
According to this Kanwa article, 636M uses a lot of the latest electronics Russians put on Amur, so you can get an idea of the electronics on it I guess.

The Yuan sub's electronics was talked about a little bit in the front.

As for 093, I personally think we can expect it to be initially equivalent to later models of Victor III, because China got a lot of help from the Rubin on this proejct. According to that Taiwanese military magazine, the noise level of 093 might be 130 db, but can be lowered to 110 db later. Also, it uses engine that can cool, so it can go at over 40 knots. Think about it this way, if you equip a fighter from the 60th with 90s avionics, it would be better than planes from the 70s. Same case here, the hull might be from 30 years ago, but the other components used are pretty up to date. The decline in 094 is expected to be even more dramatic (165 to 120).

[darth sidious]

the chinese will not attempt to attack an american fleet with just one sub insted large numbers will be group into a pack to lunched a combined attack one sub can not beat the whole asw syatem but many of them can! also the primary atttack weapon will be long ranged missile so they stand agood chance

IDONT

your commenr on the russian sub are not that accurate the info brought by the walker spy ring is mostly on the position of american ship and the Victory II is not quiet enough so they built the Victory III the first russian sub to take steeps toward quieting is the P-class with reduce machinery noise and rubber skkin .

I dont know where you got the idea that the 093 isa victory III but fromwhat i have heard its moire like the A-class designed for high speed

[IDonT]

the chinese will not attempt to attack an american fleet with just one sub insted large numbers will be group into a pack to lunched a combined attack one sub can not beat the whole asw syatem but many of them can! also the primary atttack weapon will be long ranged missile so they stand agood chance

IDONT

your commenr on the russian sub are not that accurate the info brought by the walker spy ring is mostly on the position of american ship and the Victory II is not quiet enough so they built the Victory III the first russian sub to take steeps toward quieting is the P-class with reduce machinery noise and rubber skkin .

I dont know where you got the idea that the 093 isa victory III but fromwhat i have heard its moire like the A-class designed for high speed


There are many problems associated with a mass sub attack. Firstly, how does a sub commander identify an underwater sonar contact as a Friend or foe. At such proximity, there will be many incidences of (not-so) friendly fire. Second, with many subs operating at once in a small localized area, once one is located all are located. Thirdly, the US has some 50+ SSN's, the PLAN arsenal does not have enough subs to outnumber it.

I got the 093 info from sinodefence.
http://www.sinodefence.com/navy/sub/093.asp
t appeared that China had encountered a range of technical difficulties in developing the Type 093 SSN, including nuclear radiation and noise reduction. It was reported that Russian assistance was sought to solve these critical issues in the late 1990s. The Type 093 SSN is expected to be similar in size and performance to Russian second-generation submarines such as Victor-III class. However, the Type 093 SSN would still represent a significant technological achievement comparing to the first generation Type 091.

[coolieno99]

There are many problems associated with a mass sub attack. Firstly, how does a sub commander identify an underwater sonar contact as a Friend or foe. At such proximity, there will be many incidences of (not-so) friendly fire. Second, with many subs operating at once in a small localized area, once one is located all are located. Thirdly, the US has some 50+ SSN's, the PLAN arsenal does not have enough subs to outnumber it......

Since the subs are launching relatively long range missiles, they don't have to be position close to one another. Besides the tactics of mass sub attack were used in WW 2 with good success by the German navy. :coffee:

[IDonT]

Since the subs are launching relatively long range missiles, they don't have to be position close to one another. Besides the tactics of mass sub attack were used in WW 2 with good success by the German navy. :coffee:


Mig, I understand what you are saying, but the subs still need to get into position to defend the fleet.

In WWII, Sub vs Sub battles were very rare. The German identified their targets via visual means. In these battles, the German U-boat skipper is assured that all underwater sonar contacts were friendly. Today however, things are very differrent. The USN policy has always been that the best way to destroy a sub is with another sub.

As for coordinating long range missiles from submarines, you have to ensure you have very good communications with them. Highly problematic, even for the USN. USN subs usually operate alone because of this.

[tphuang]

okay, i'm going to stay away from the American strategies on defeating the Chinese subs, since I'm sure they have plenty stored up. Just commenting on 093, I'm not refuting that the design is based on Victor III or that it got a lot of help from Rubin to do it that way. But, modern noise reduction techniques and electronics and torpedoes and cruise missiles can be put on 093 that will make it better than Victor III back in its days.

[Mr_C]

Face it MIGleader the subs would be detecded. Eventually. If a P-3 did not find them. An Arliegh Burke would. Still can't find them? How about and LA class or a Tico or two? And don't forget SH-60 variants flying around looking for subs. Will something slip through? Maybe,.. but I would not want to be on that crew of that sub because if it goes undected, slips through and fires any weapons..well it's dead. Period.



Hey bd popeye, just pretend that u r a desiel sub captain and u get close enough to ur enemy undetected... u let lose ur weapons etc... how do u think a desiel sub get escape or survive afterwards. What do u think would be a tactic for survival in such a situation?

[IDonT]

Hey bd popeye, just pretend that u r a desiel sub captain and u get close enough to ur enemy undetected... u let lose ur weapons etc... how do u think a desiel sub get escape or survive afterwards. What do u think would be a tactic for survival in such a situation?


Let me try a stab at this....

Assuming I am a captain of a Kilo SSK, the moment I fire my torpedoes, I am detected by the enemy. The next course of action is to dive deep and run silent. At this point, the enemy will saturate the area with sonobouys and helo dipping sonar. Some of this will emmit active sonar. In order to avoid detection, I would have hide across different salinisation (sp) and temperature layers of the ocean. These layers can masked my noised signiture as well as bounced back active sonar. Then set a course out of the area, at maximum quite speed (5 knots), before the battery runs out.

[AssassinsMace]

These threads seem to keep experiencing deja vu all over again.

Like before, no answer to the fact that the British Royal Navy in war games, with I believe it was the Norwegians, had to be cancelled because one SSK was sinking the Royal Navy and all their advanced ASW technology and tactics. As a result, the US is leasing one of their SSKs for training. So apparently the US Navy is not fully up-to-date on the latest tactics.

Why all the fuss over China's military buildup if with all its inferior technology and tactics can be beaten so easily?

Which brings another point brought up once again... war, if and when it happens, won't be fought in the next couple of minutes. So today ain't tomorrow!

[bd popeye]

Let me try a stab at this....

Assuming I am a captain of a Kilo SSK, the moment I fire my torpedoes, I am detected by the enemy. The next course of action is to dive deep and run silent. At this point, the enemy will saturate the area with sonobouys and helo dipping sonar. Some of this will emmit active sonar. In order to avoid detection, I would have hide across different salinisation (sp) and temperature layers of the ocean. These layers can masked my noised signiture as well as bounced back active sonar. Then set a course out of the area, at maximum quite speed (5 knots), before the battery runs out.

IDon't hit the nail on the head. You would have to "Run silent and run deep" to avoid detection. You would have to stay submerged as long and deep as possible to have any chance of survial. Your crew had be better be mentally prepared for such a task and realize there chance of surviving is small. If they survive and surface they will have to run a guantlet to get to friendly waters. And if the do get to there homeport the port it will more than likely be blown to smitherenes. Fact.

[tphuang]

IDon't hit the nail on the head. You would have to "Run silent and run deep" to avoid detection. You would have to stay submerged as long and deep as possible to have any chance of survial. Your crew had be better be mentally prepared for such a task and realize there chance of surviving is small. If they survive and surface they will have to run a guantlet to get to friendly waters. And if the do get to there homeport the port will more than likely be blown to smitherenes. Fact.
I think in the events that the submarine is facing such overwhelmingly strong opposition, the crew would know its in a kamikaze mission before they went in. Besides, their chance of survival will still probably be slightly better than that of the surface ships.

[bd popeye]

Before this thread "sinks" into that old subject..How do you sink a USN CVN?
Let's move on with a discussion about the PLAN sub force shall we? OK!!:)

I know what kind of training the USN gives their sub sailors. . Enlisted sub sailors get 6 weeks or more(up to 6 months) of speicalized training before being assigned to a submarine. This link will tell you all about it.

https://www.npdc.navy.mil/slc/nss/nssa.htm

Ok so now somebody post the PLAN sub school link.....I'm waiting..:coffee:

Honestly I'm skeptical of any service that uses conscripts for their main force. Not because of the quality of the conscript but the amount of time they spend in service. Usally 2 years. Too little time. You can't possibly train anyone on modern day hi-tech equipmnet in such a short period of time. My son is a sonar tech(surface). He spent 20 months in school learning his feild as part of his USN training. Does anyone in this forum have any first hand knowledge about how the PLAN trains it's sub sailors? How many of the sub sailors are carreer professionals? I would love to know.

[tphuang]

actually popeye, I know very little about sonar, and would like to know more. Do you know where I can read up on this? I read stuff like hull mounted sonar, variable depth sonar and towed array sonar, but have no idea what each actually does.

[IDonT]

actually popeye, I know very little about sonar, and would like to know more. Do you know where I can read up on this? I read stuff like hull mounted sonar, variable depth sonar and towed array sonar, but have no idea what each actually does.

Here is a very basic info about sonar.

Hull mounted sonar are mounted on the hull of a ship, near the front. It looks like a huge bulge in its front when the ship is in dry dock.
Bow mounted sonar are like hull mounted but mounted in the front end of the submarine. The reason why they are on the front is that it is the farthest part from the propeller, the noisiest part of the ship.

Both of these sonar can hear in all directions except to the areas where the ship/sub is blocking it, it is usually in the rear or baffles. To compensate for this, the towed array sonar is developed.

Towed Array sonar is sonar that is towed behind the ship. These could be several miles long and they cover the rear quarter of the ship/sub. Also since there is less noise from the host ship, these are more effective at hearing than the bow/hull mounted sonar. Its main weakness is that it takes a while to deploy and retract. If there is a hostile sub nearby, your mobility is compromised.

Dipping sonars are used by helicopters and are literally dipped into the water at prescribe depth. As I have written earlier, different water temperatures and salinity can block and mask certain sounds that sonar on a different layer will not hear. Dipping sonars can go down and penetrate these layers so you can hear better. Submarines can also do this by moving between layers.

Sonobouys are disposable "sonar" carried by aircraft such as the P-3. They float in the surface transmit their data to the aircraft. Theyc ome in both active and passive modes, as all other forms of sonar-except for the towed array.

[bd popeye]

actually popeye, I know very little about sonar, and would like to know more. Do you know where I can read up on this? I read stuff like hull mounted sonar, variable depth sonar and towed array sonar, but have no idea what each actually does.

I too only know the basics:o ..Most that I know I learned from my son. i would suggest a yahoo or goggle search.

http://inventors.about.com/od/sstartinventions/a/sonar_history.htm

Sonar is very important to hunting submarines . In the US many enviromental groups have done all they can to stop the USN from using certain types of sonar.

[tphuang]

Here is a very basic info about sonar.

Hull mounted sonar are mounted on the hull of a ship, near the front. It looks like a huge bulge in its front when the ship is in dry dock.
Bow mounted sonar are like hull mounted but mounted in the front end of the submarine. The reason why they are on the front is that it is the farthest part from the propeller, the noisiest part of the ship.

Both of these sonar can hear in all directions except to the areas where the ship/sub is blocking it, it is usually in the rear or baffles. To compensate for this, the towed array sonar is developed.

Towed Array sonar is sonar that is towed behind the ship. These could be several miles long and they cover the rear quarter of the ship/sub. Also since there is less noise from the host ship, these are more effective at hearing than the bow/hull mounted sonar. Its main weakness is that it takes a while to deploy and retract. If there is a hostile sub nearby, your mobility is compromised.

Dipping sonars are used by helicopters and are literally dipped into the water at prescribe depth. As I have written earlier, different water temperatures and salinity can block and mask certain sounds that sonar on a different layer will not hear. Dipping sonars can go down and penetrate these layers so you can hear better. Submarines can also do this by moving between layers.

Sonobouys are disposable "sonar" carried by aircraft such as the P-3. They float in the surface transmit their data to the aircraft. Theyc ome in both active and passive modes, as all other forms of sonar-except for the towed array.
so, just by looking at the specs for certains ships, how would we determine their ASW capability? How can we just which hull mounted sonar is better than another hull mounted sonar?

[coolieno99]

"To leap from this to a Victor III type isequivalent to jumping from the Mig 15 to the Mig 29 in a single generation."

If that's the case, then China should skip building the Victor III class sub and go directly build the Oscar II class sub. The Oscar II (Russian) class sub was built specifically to hunt down and attack aircraft carriers ... :coffee:

[AssassinsMace]

"To leap from this to a Victor III type isequivalent to jumping from the Mig 15 to the Mig 29 in a single generation."

If that's the case, then China should skip building the Victor III class sub and go directly build the Oscar II class sub. The Oscar II (Russian) class sub was built specifically to hunt down and attack aircraft carriers ... :coffee:

Those are Western assessments which are usually wrong. They didn't see the Yuan coming until it was in the water. Just as Western "experts" say the Shenzhou is an exact copy of the Soyuz, yet even the Russians say that the Shenzhou has modern technology and is slightly larger. Same thing here. Contrary to what some want to believe, China doesn't aim to fight a war tens years ago. It aims to be able fight a war at least ten years in the future.

[IDonT]

so, just by looking at the specs for certains ships, how would we determine their ASW capability? How can we just which hull mounted sonar is better than another hull mounted sonar?

It is not that simple. It depends on how you use your equipment.
Generally, the main rule for submarines is to stay silent. The more silent you are, the deadlier you are. Now silence is a reverse function of speed (ie. the faster you go the louder you are). The same is true for passive sonar tracking, the faster you go, the louder you are, therefore you cannot hear as well because your own noise is interfering. It is a balance.

In submarine warfare, the greatest ability is to stay silent.

[tphuang]

Richard Fisher just had a great article on Chinese Navy vs Japanese Navy. One of the more impressing part is his analysis of China's sub fleet:
http://www.strategycenter.net/research/pubID.83/pub_detail.asp

on 093:
"Far less is known about the PLAN’s second-generation SSN, known as the Type 093, or SHANG class by its U.S. Navy designator. According to Asian sources two were launched by late 2003, with a third being built at that time. Some sources estimate five will be built, but inasmuch as the PLAN is believed to be building a second nuclear submarine base on Hainan Island, it stands to reason that more Type 093s, or a successor class, could be built. U.S. sources have noted the Type 093 will benefit from extensive Russian assistance, especially in its nuclear power plant.[20] And while U.S. sources note it will approximate the capability of the Soviet/Russian VICTOR III SSN[21], could it also be possible the Type 093 may benefit from better SSN technologies Russia is developing for its new 4th generation Project 885 SEVERDOVINSK class SSN? This is suggested by Russia’s increasing willingness to sell China its most advanced military technologies, and the fact that Project 885 production has seen a recent revival, raising the possibility that this was made possible by Chinese funding. Should the 093’s performance exceed that of the VICTOR III that would present a new and serious challenge to the ability of new U.S. SSNs to contain the PLAN."

On Yuan
"But in 2004 the PLAN launched the first of its new YUAN class, which bears a suspicious resemblance to Russia’s new Project 677 LADA class SSK. Inasmuch as the 677 incorporates improved crew-reducing automation, better sonar, and in the future, AIP systems, it can be surmised that the YUAN may benefit from all these technologies."


Doing some research on this, I found one of his previous articles:
http://www.uscc.gov/researchpapers/2004/04fisher_report/8navysystems.htm

"In 1997 the U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence estimated that the 093 would be similar in capability to the Soviet era VICTOR III SSN,[4] the last of which entered the Russian Navy in 1992. Furthermore, in 2003 the Pentagon stated, “The Type 093-class, will compare to the technology of the Russian VICTOR III SSN and will carry wire-guided and wake-homing torpedoes, as well as cruise missiles.”"

on 094
"Following the example of the relationship between the 091 SSN and the 092 SSBN, it is expected that the 094 SSBN will be based on the new 093 SSN. As such, the 094 will also incorporate Russian design assistance from the Type 093. The 094 is also expected to incorporate an improved nuclear power plant, quieting technology, sonar, countermeasures and combat control systems first developed for the Type 093. It is expected to resemble the Russian DELTA-1 class SSBN in size and capability, but to be much quieter.[13] A Chinese source notes the 094 may be quieter than Russia’s most advanced SSBN, the TYPHOON."

Edit:
I found a site that contains the noise level of the different subs on the American and Russian fleet. From my prior knowledge, it seems to be quite accurate.
http://www.uboat.cz/tech/hluky/hluky.htm

[tphuang]

Interesting article:
http://lib.hpu.edu.cn/books/junshi/zhanli.htm

中国核潜艇的发展与战力

Part　I

作者：林长盛

核潜艇具有功率高、速度快、续航力大、配备武器多、可长期在水下活动等众多优点，
具有比常规潜艇更优越的作战性能和更广阔的活动范围。因此，核潜艇可配备潜射弹道飞弹
担任战略核威慑任务；或配备反潜、反舰飞弹、甚至攻地飞弹，担任远洋与攻地作战任务。
不过，核潜艇技术复杂，建造与维持费用昂贵，非一般国家能负担得起。

核潜艇的现状与技术

各国海军根据作战任务的需要，一般把核潜艇分为导弹核潜艇和攻击核潜艇两大类。导
弹核潜艇载有配备核弹头的潜射弹道飞弹，可从远洋深海打击敌战略目标，主要执行战略核
威慑和第二次核打击任务。弹道核潜艇一般较大，目前各国现役导弹核潜艇排水量从7，
000吨到25，000吨之间，所载战略导弹分12、16、20和24枚不等。此外，导弹核潜艇还
装有4到8个鱼雷发射管，配备鱼雷或反舰飞弹以供自卫。现在世界上仅有美、俄、英、法
与中国五个国家拥有导弹核潜艇，这些国家也就是联合国具有否决权的常任理事国家，可见
导弹核潜艇与国家地位间的关系。

在「三位一体」战略核武器结构中，导弹核潜艇以其隐蔽性好、机动性强、生存力大成
为战略核威慑力量的中坚，使陆基战略导弹和战略轰炸机「望洋兴叹」。对于不首先使用核
武器的国家来说，一旦遭受核突击，大部分陆基战略导弹和战略轰炸机可能瘫痪，导弹核潜
艇则比较安全可靠，是最有效的核报复力量。因此，核大国都把导弹核潜艇视为发展重点的
战略兵力。冷战结束后，五大核国家仍发展和建造新型导弹核潜艇，并计划将战略核力量的
大部分或全部转移到导弹核潜艇上。目前，英国全部核力量和俄罗斯的5%力量将部署在海
上，中国也计划在21世纪将战略力量的一半部署在海上。

攻击核潜艇以鱼雷、水雷、反舰飞弹、反潜飞弹、陆攻飞弹为武器，主要执行反潜、反
舰、海上封锁和攻地等作战任务。前苏联还建造了一种巡弋飞弹核潜艇，主要武器为远程反
舰飞弹，专门用来对付美国的航舰战斗群。美国的攻击核潜艇既配备有远程反舰与反潜飞
弹，也配备有陆攻巡弋飞弹，担任反舰、反潜和对地打击的三重任务。可以说，弹道飞弹对
潜艇是一次革命，巡弋飞弹对潜艇则是又一次革命。它使潜艇既具备了远程反舰与反潜作战
能力，也具有了对陆上目标的攻击能力。潜艇具有优异隐蔽性，加上反潜作战的技术困难度
高，由其实施对地攻击，可造成更大的突然性和杀伤力。若巡弋飞弹装上核弹头，配备巡弋
飞弹的潜艇便具有核打击能力，这无疑又赋予攻击潜艇战略性核打击任务的角色。

现代核潜艇发展的趋势是高速，深潜，低音.传统潜艇的艇型为细长型，水下航速慢于
水上航速.现代潜艇已普遍采用水下流体动力性能最佳的水滴型或鲸鱼型艇型，这种艇型可
减少潜航时的水摩擦阻力，有助于提高水下航速，并使之超过水上航速.常规潜艇的水下最
高航速一般在20至22节左右，水上最高航速则保持在10至12节的水平；核潜艇水下最高
航速一般高于25节，有的甚至超过40节，比普通鱼雷还快航速提高可增强潜艇的机动能
力，过去潜艇速度慢，往往被水面舰艇所追逐，现代潜艇速度已不差于水面舰艇，核潜艇甚
至超过水面舰艇，追逐与被追逐的形势正在改变中.除艇型外，核潜艇要获得高航速，与其
动力装置密切相关.自1954年美国建成世界首艘核潜艇以来，大部分核潜艇采用压水式核反
应炉(PWR).这种核反应炉稳定可靠，技术成熟，但体积大，效率低.40多年来，美俄两国均
试图发展新型反应炉.美国至今未见成果，苏联则在1980年代研制出液体钠冷核反应炉
(LMR)，装在阿尔法级攻击核潜艇上，使最高航速达到43节，比一般的鱼雷还快.目前，俄
罗斯还在研制高温气冷核反应炉(GCR).这种核反应堆的工作温度超过700摄度，比前两种核
反应炉高出一倍多，可不需中间蒸汽循环，直接将热能转换成电能，因而既能省去传动装
置，简化反应炉，又能提高出工效率，降低噪声程度.不过，这种高温核反应炉，对建造材
料要求苛刻，目前核反应炉使用的金属材料无法承受如此的高温，高压和辐射环境.出人意
外的是，中国似乎已在高温气冷核反应炉技术上取得突破，详情请看下面中国新一代核潜艇
的发展.潜艇的潜深取决于艇身的结构和材料，艇身目前有单壳式和双壳式两种结构.采用单
壳式结构的潜艇较多，其优点为重量较轻，生产程序简单和维修费用低，由美国等西方国家
采用.双壳式结构复杂，建造费用较高，但抗压性好，生存力强，改装余地也大，主要为俄
罗斯等少数国家所采用.另外，要增加潜深还需要采用高强度钛合金钢作潜艇壳体材料.潜艇
耐压壳体通常用高强度合金钢建造，每平方公分能承受5，600至6，300公斤的压力，使得
下潜深度可达300公尺.核潜艇潜航深度目前有进一步增加的趋势，向600，甚至1，000公
尺大关突破，可增加潜艇隐蔽性和减少反潜武器对潜艇的威胁，若潜深超过300公尺就可有
效躲避反潜深水炸弹的攻击.目前，俄罗斯阿库拉级攻击潜艇的下潜深度可达400公尺，美
国海狼级攻击核潜艇超过600公尺，俄罗斯阿尔法级攻击潜艇采用钛合金为壳体材料，最大
潜深高达900公尺.潜艇的最大优势是隐蔽性，潜入水下就很难发现，下潜越深越难发现.现
代潜艇下潜之深，使雷达和光电等探测设备，甚至卫星侦察均无能无能为力，只有声纳才能
探测.潜艇只要降低自身噪音就能自己隐蔽性，而隐蔽性是潜艇的生命，降低噪音就是增加
潜艇的生命力.据计算，噪音每降低20分贝就可使敌方被动声纳探测距离降低50%，使自身
被动声纳探测距离增加一倍.为提高潜艇安静性，各国均大力发展静音技术，目前静音技术
主要有采用减震隔音，敷设消音瓦，使用单轴低速大螺旋桨推进器等.另外，降低潜艇的电
磁感应，光热辐射等，也是增加潜艇隐蔽性的重要技术.潜艇推进系统是很大的噪音源，通
过减震隔音技术，将主机，辅机等整个推进系统安装在高效的整体双层减震筏座上，各种管
路采用弹性接连管等措施，可有效控制推进系统产生的噪音，一般能使噪音下降20分贝.敷
设消音瓦是另一项重要技术，现代潜艇外壳往往敷设有一层称为消音瓦的厚阻尼吸音橡胶，
这种敷设层既能吸收敌方主动声纳的探测回波，又可隔绝本艇早已向外传播.据测算敷设消
音瓦一般能使潜艇噪音减少15分贝左右，降低敌声纳作用距离50%至70%.另外，改进动力
传动系统装置，采用慢速单轴大螺旋桨，减少艇身与帆罩围壳开孔数量，设计尽可能光滑的
潜艇外型等技术，均可有效降低潜艇的噪音.美国潜艇静音效果长期处于领先地位，其中洛
杉矶级攻击核潜艇的噪音量约120分贝，俄亥俄级导弹核潜艇在100分贝左右，最新型的海
狼级攻击核潜艇据说已达95分贝的水平.潜艇噪音如降到90分贝的量级，就低于海洋背景
的噪音，将很难被敌方声纳探测倒.1960年代，苏联核潜艇的噪音量平均在160分贝左右，
倒1970年代下降到150分贝.苏联自胜利(Victor)3型核潜艇开始强化噪音治理工程 ，率先
在艇壳外敷设消音瓦，使噪音降到130分贝左右.1980年代，苏联潜艇降低噪音技术又有突
破性进展，不仅掌握了英，美等国的减震筏左技术，同时也制造出低噪音的大叶慢速螺旋
桨，使潜艇噪音大幅降低，其中，阿库拉级核潜艇噪音降到115分贝的水平，比洛杉矶级核
潜艇还要安静，大大缩短了与美国潜艇的差距.中国第一代核潜艇发展

中国海军是世界上第五支拥有核潜艇的海军，核潜艇也是中国海军最自豪的家当.但中
共海军目前仅有5艘091型汉级攻击核潜艇和1或3艘092型夏级导弹核潜艇，与其庞大的
潜艇部队很不相符.与美，俄，英，法四国核潜艇舰队相比，中国海军的核潜艇数量少，性
能差，象征意义远远大于实际军事效能.但无论如何评价，核潜艇所具有的巨大作战威力，
尤其导弹核潜艇的核打击报复能力，都使其他国家不得不另眼相待中国海军.以下是中国第
一代核潜艇发展历程.091型汉级攻击核潜艇

中国海军装备的首种攻击核潜艇代号091型，西方称其为汉级攻击核潜艇.中国海军迄
今装备有5艘汉级核潜艇，编号为401，402，403，404，和405.1990年代之前 ，这5艘攻
击核潜艇均部署在北海舰队，1990年代之后有2艘转移部署到南海舰队，以加强对南海和
台湾的海上作战力量1990年代之前，这5艘攻击核潜艇均部署在北海舰队，1990年代之后
有2艘转移部署到南海舰队，以加强对南海和台湾的海上作战力量.1958年，中国首座原子
试验反应炉投入运行，第一艘仿制的苏联常规潜艇也已建成，于是中国决定发展核潜艇.当
时确定的目标是弹道飞弹核潜艇，以获得水下战略打击能力为优先，而不是建造执行战术任
务的攻击核潜艇.苏联后来毁约拒援，加上严重的经济困难，核潜艇研制曾一度下马，只保
留了核动力等关键项目的预研.1964年中国原子弹爆炸成功后，核潜艇研制又获得新的动
力.1966年3月20日，中国主持战略武器研制的中央专委决定核潜艇研制重新开工.同时根
据专家的建议，决定先研制攻击核潜艇再研制导弹核潜艇，此即为汉级核潜艇研制的背景.
因此，中国当初研制汉级潜艇的主要考虑，是为研制导弹核潜艇打基础.尽管当时汉级潜艇
被定位执行反潜作战任务，但实际上作战使命既不明确也不完善.攻击核潜艇的远洋作战能
力，上述上与当时中国海军所奉行的沿海防御战略也不相符.为推动核潜艇的研制，中国在
舰艇研究院专设核潜艇研究所，负责核潜艇总体设计，展开对核动力装置，潜艇线型，耐压
艇体，空调系统，水声，导航，通信等七大关键技术的攻关.同时，在全大陆组织协作安
排，参加研制的有第一，二，三，四，五，七机部以及冶金部，石油部，建材部，科学院，
海洋局等许多单位，动员人力超过10万人此外，还从大连，上海，武昌三大造船厂抽掉近
3，000名职工，到辽宁葫芦岛建设核潜艇制造厂.经两年努力建成核潜艇造船厂.1968年10
月，首艘汉级核潜艇在葫芦岛造船厂开工建造.1970年7月潜艇核反应炉启动，12月潜艇下
水，经过几年试航后，1974年8月1日正式编入海军序列，被命名为(长征一号).不过，因
为配套的鱼三型深水反潜鱼雷迟迟未能研制出来，该艇长时间无法形成战斗力.邓小平对此
非常不满，多次下令要求赶快解决核潜艇(有艇无雷)的问题，鱼三型鱼雷直到1984年才研
制成功.1988年4月至5月，在南海经过大深度潜水，水下全速航行和深水鱼雷的发射等试
验，汉级潜艇才算完成全部研制过程.中国耗费二十年的时间才研制成功汉级核潜艇.汉级攻
击核潜艇是中国研制潜艇的开端，不仅技术薄弱，而且缺乏经验，性能自然有相当的限制.
再加上研制汉级潜艇乃是为导弹核潜艇打基础，更不可避免造成许多先天不足，甚至连作战
使命亦不十分明确，当时汉级核的基本设计思想仅是常规潜艇加核动力.不过，汉级核潜艇
在某些方面亦相当突破，如采用水滴型艇体是国际先进技术，有相当的难度.以后试航显
示，采用水滴型艇体的汉级潜艇，操纵性能优良，水下航速远比常规线型要快.汉级核潜艇
为单壳结构，外形短粗，艇体没有很多明显的开孔，与仿制的苏联常规潜艇明显不同.潜艇
水面排水量4，500吨，水下排水量5，500吨，配备一座15，000匹轴马力压水式核反应
炉，水面最高航速12节，水下最高航速25节，最大潜深300公尺.汉级核潜艇装备了当时
中国最先进的电子与声纳系统，包括仿苏的平面搜索雷达，雷达告警器，作用距离达1万公
里的超长波收信机以及大功率超快速短波发信机等，以保证潜艇在远洋活动.声纳系统是采
用大基阵技术的中频主被动搜索与攻击舰壳声纳，后来还配备了仿制的法国DUUX5低频被动
声纳.这种声纳使用数位扫描显示装置，具有同时追踪多个目标和引导鱼雷或飞弹攻击的能
力.在武器配备上，汉级潜艇装有6具533公厘鱼雷发射管，使用鱼三型反潜鱼雷和鱼一型
反潜鱼雷，共可携带18枚鱼雷。鱼三型鱼雷是中国海军研制装备的第一种深水反潜鱼雷，
采电池动力和被动声导，最高航速40节，最大航程15公里，具有自动捕获和追踪目标能
力，一次过靶失掉目标后，亦能再度搜索和攻击。鱼一型鱼雷则为仿制的苏式热动力反舰鱼
雷，最初为无导引直航鱼雷，最高航速50节，最大航程9公里。如不携带鱼雷，汉级潜艇
还可配备36枚水雷。从403号起的后三艘汉级潜艇艇身扩展8公尺，用来装载潜射型鹰击
8号（C801）反舰飞弹，以增强反舰作战能力。鹰击8号飞弹类似法国的飞鱼飞弹，速度
0。9倍音速，有效射程40公里，弹头重165公斤，由533公厘鱼雷管发射。

在静音效果中，汉级核潜艇噪音很大。它在1966年开始设计，当时大陆仅有建造苏制
W级，R级和G级潜艇的经验。这三种潜艇技术落，噪音不小，继承技术的汉级潜艇静音
效果显然也不会太好。

以苏联1960年代核潜艇的噪音水平判断，汉级潜艇噪音量估计不会低于160分贝的水
平，比美国洛杉矶级攻击核潜艇可能高出40分贝，比俄罗斯的胜利三型攻击核潜艇可能高
出30分贝。汉级潜艇静音效果不佳，曾在1994年暴露无遗。当时一艘汉级潜艇在黄海被美
航空母舰发现后，用了72小时还无法摆脱追踪，可见噪音之大。此外，汉级潜艇的性能也
不很可靠，前两艘曾长期无法出海，根据「解放军报」报道，在1995年10月中国海军大演
习中，参演的两艘汉级潜艇先发生故障。中国海军只有5艘汉级汉级潜艇，一次演习居然
有2艘发生故障，其性能可想而知。尽管如此，1996年3月台海危机时，美侦察卫星发现
中国汉级潜艇全部出海后，美军航母战斗群随即退300哩以防不测。

092型夏级战略核潜艇

中国海军装备的第一种战略弹道核潜艇代号092型，西方称为夏级导弹核潜艇。到目前
为止，中国到底拥有几艘夏级导弹核潜艇一直是个谜。权威性的「詹氏海军年鉴」认为，中
共造了两艘夏级潜艇，其中一艘在1985年发射潜射飞弹试验时被毁（摘录者言：本人的一
个熟识之人，当时正服役于那艘潜艇所属基地，事曾提及此次事故，此事属实），现只剩
下编号啊06的一艘。1994年美国能源部出版的「世界核武器资料」却认为，中国现有两艘
夏级导弹核潜艇，还有西方军事观察家推测中国有三艘夏级导弹核潜艇。但是迄今外界所看
到的夏级潜艇照片均是406号，如超过一艘的话，可能是都使用一个编号。

1950年代中期，美国开始研制导弹核潜艇。当时中国主管国防科研的聂荣臻元帅马上
意识到：核潜艇将会成为美国的最有效战略武器，也只有核潜艇才能扼制美国。在中国第一
座核反应炉运转成功后，聂随即召集海军政委苏振华，海军副司令员罗舜初，科学院副院长
张经夫，二机部副部长刘杰，导弹研究院院长钱学森等负责人，商讨研制核潜艇问题。这是
中国研制核潜艇的首次会议，会聂亲笔起草「关于研制导弹原子潜艇的报告」，并于
1958年6月27日上报中国中央。该报告指出：

“中国原子反应炉已开始运转，在国防利用方面应早作安排。根据现有力量，考虑国防
部需要，本著自力更生的方针，拟首先自行设计和试制能够发射导弹的原子潜艇。”此即中
共研制导弹核潜艇的伊始。

聂虽在报告中提到“自力更生”方针，的中国当时刚仿制出苏联常规潜艇，对核动力潜
艇，水下发射飞弹等技术一无所知，不得不向苏联求援。1959年9月，苏共中央总书记赫
鲁雪夫访问北京，中国随即向其提出援建核潜艇的要求。赫鲁雪夫对援助中国搞核潜艇并不
热心，对中国要求回答说：

“核潜艇技术复杂，你们搞不了；苏联有核潜艇，你们就有了，我们可以组织联合舰
队。”赫鲁雪夫的轻蔑，气得中国主席毛泽东发誓说：“核潜艇一万年也要搞出来。”不过
苏联还是给了中国一代的援助，包括同意转让建造G级常规导弹潜艇并提供潜射飞弹。1960
年中国开始核潜艇的预研工作，不久中，苏关系恶化，苏撕毁协定撤走专家。这时大陆又发
生连续三年的严重自然灾害，国民经济极端困难，无力同时支撑原子弹和核潜艇两个项目，
最决定先搞核弹和飞弹，让核潜艇项目下马。原子弹爆炸成功后，国民经济也复醒，核潜
艇研制才重新上马。但研制方案也作了重大的改变，即先建造攻击核潜艇，再建导弹核潜
艇。

1970年7月，第一艘汉级核潜艇反应炉起动试验成功后，导弹核潜艇随即在次月展开
建造。当时在研制方案上争论很大，最决定采两步方案，先在攻击核潜艇基础上研制导弹
核潜艇，性能不要求太高；然在第一艘导弹核潜艇的基础上，再研制性能较好的第二艘。
也就是先解决「有」的问题，再考虑「好」的问题。由于是在攻击核潜艇的基础上造导弹核
潜艇，因此要解决的关键技术是潜射飞弹的水下发射和精确导航定位的技术。需要指出的
是，苏联撕毁条约时没有提供潜射弹道飞弹，淡G级常规导弹潜艇的技术资料和零部件已运
到大陆。这对解决以上两项技术提供了很大方便。

在导弹水下发射上，承担研制任务的舰艇研究院703研究所经过一系列试验，最采用
燃气动力结合冷发射的方案。从1972年展开试验，经历16念的努力，到1988年才完全掌
握了弹道导弹的水下发射技术。导航定位系统对导弹核潜艇极为重要，既要引导潜艇水下航
行，又要保证潜射飞弹命中精度。

经多年努力，最研制出惯性导航，星光导航和卫星导航三结合的导航系统。1970年9
月导弹核潜艇在葫芦岛造船厂开工建造，1981年2月下水，1983年才交付海军。1985年 第
一次水下发射导弹试验失败，1988年第二次发射才成功。前耗费二十多个春秋研制出导
弹核潜艇，使中国海军终于有了水下战略核力量。

夏级导弹核潜艇也是单壳结构，水下排水量8，000吨，亦装有一座15，000匹轴马力
的压水式核反应炉，水面最大航速16节，水下最大航速22节，最大潜深300公尺，艇员
140人。夏级装有12个巨浪一型潜射弹道飞弹，它是中国第一种固体地对地战略弹道飞
弹，采用两级固体燃料火箭发动机，携带一个30万吨当量核弹头，最大射程约2，000公
里。潜艇的自卫武器，为6具533公厘鱼雷发射管，使用鱼三型深水反潜鱼雷。艇上还装有
一部平面搜索雷达和雷达告警系统，声纳系统则为一部中频主被动搜索与攻击舰壳声纳。

导弹核潜艇的建成对中国具有重大意义，使中国首度拥有隐蔽性好，生存力强的第二次
核打击力量，建成世界第五支水下核打击力量。对承诺不首先使用核武器的中国而言，其意
义之深远不言自明。不过就实际性能而言，夏级核潜艇的象征意义远大于作战使用价值。简
单而言夏级核潜艇存在两大缺陷，严重限制了其战略威慑效能的发挥。首先是巨浪一型最大
射程才2，000公里，在大陆近海发射只能覆盖美军的亚洲基地，日本全境和俄国远东滨海
地区。如要覆盖美国西部目标，几乎要跨越90%太平洋，这又涉及到它的第二个缺陷，即噪
音大，隐蔽性较差。夏级潜艇实际上是汉级潜艇的加长型，在艇体上部还开了很多自由流水
口，静音性能更差。汉级潜艇噪音量约160分贝，夏级潜艇体积较大自然更吵，估计达165
分贝。美国军事专家曾挖苦说，中国核潜艇从广州出港，在越南西贡就可听到。

这种说法虽然有点过分，但其噪音大亦是事实。因此，夏级潜艇要横跨太平洋不可能不
被发现。这样，它的活动范围就不超出大陆沿海，威慑范围也只能限于西太平洋沿岸地区。

中国新一代核潜艇的发展

中国第一代核潜艇的发展直到1980年代末才全部完成，在1990年代初中国海军接著展
开新一代核潜艇的研制。不过，由于受到中国新时期军事战略重点打局部战争的影响，当时
核潜艇的研制并没有被放到最优先的地位。但1996年3月湾危机时，美军派出两个航母
战斗群到湾外海，中国军方在吃惊之余被迫认真考虑未来如何防止美军介入台海冲突，以
及如何对付美军航舰战斗群和攻击核潜艇的现实。于是，新一代核潜艇的研制又被摆到优先
地位，目前研制中的新一代核潜艇有两种，即093型攻击核潜艇和094型导弹核潜艇。从研
制现况看，这两种新型核潜艇将可在21世纪初服役，中国海军水下战力届时将会获得进一
步提高。

093型攻击核潜艇

中国正在研制的新一代攻击核潜艇代号093型。西方军事观察家曾认为，综合中国现有
的财力，技术和军事需要，发展导弹核潜艇和常规潜艇应具有最优先地位。导弹核潜艇的重
要自不待言，发展常规则有经费少，具备发展技术，积累经验等好处，且大陆周边海域多是
浅海区，比较适宜较小的常规潜艇。然而形势比人强，对凡是严格保密的中国尤其不好判
断。据美国军用卫星侦察显示，1994年中国已在葫芦岛造船厂展开新一代攻击核潜艇的先
期建造准备工程，估计首艘可在1999年下水，2001年服役。

这一消息确实出人预料，但从中国的军事战略需求和建造核潜艇的经历看，它有充分理
由会首先研制攻击核潜艇。在军事战略方面，1980年代后中国海军开始由沿海战略向近海
战略转变，亟需装备具有远航能力的先进攻击核潜艇。中国目前只有5艘汉级攻击核潜艇，
数量不足且性能落，无法满足战略转变的需要。需要指出的是，冷战后国际形势的巨大变
化，对中国发展攻击核潜艇亦起了推动作用。1993年，美海军以中国向伊朗运送化学武器
原料为名，在印度洋拦截大陆“银河号”货轮，当时中国将领怒火万分却毫无办法。对此，
海军提出如有性能优越的攻击核潜艇，就可为远洋货轮护航。

这件事使中国认识到，随著对外经济的日益开展，海上交通越来越关系到国家的命运与
前途，因此必须发展具有远洋作战能力的海军。比较起来，发展远洋作战能力的最便捷，最
有效办法，就是研制攻击核潜艇。

台海关系日趋紧张，也加速了中国研制新一代攻击核潜艇的步伐。1996年3月，中国
在台湾附近海域进行导弹射击演习，美国派出两个航舰战斗群，一时台海风云紧急。紧张局
势虽迅速缓解，已使中国认识到，台海一旦有事，美国海军很可能作为「第三者」插手。这
种形势一旦出现，中国海军必然要与美国海军直接交手。如何对抗美国海军最具威胁的航舰
战斗群和攻击核潜艇，自然成了中国海军不得不认真对待的问题。这自然又关系到攻击核潜
艇，因为在中国海军武器库中，能够在远洋对美航舰和攻击核潜艇造成实在威胁的就只有攻
击核潜艇。考虑到未来解决台海问题的需要，中国自然要积极发展攻击核潜艇。

从中国先造攻击核潜艇，后造导弹核潜艇的经历看，先研制新一代攻击核潜艇累积经验
和技术，再发展新一代导弹核潜艇，仍不失为明智的作法。不过，发展核潜艇需耗费巨额的
资金，还得解决一系列高精技术问题。但这些资源与技术上的困难在1990年代以前对中国
发展核潜艇或许是严重的障碍，进入1990年代后这些困难不是已获解决就是大为减轻。大
陆经改的成功和国民经济的迅速发展，为发展核潜艇提供充足的资源，这种形势是发展第一
代核潜艇时远远无法比拟的。近20年改革开放所带动的科技进步，也为严重核潜艇提供了
坚实的技术基础。中国官方媒体在1996年6月报道，大陆自1980年代中期开始的「八六三
高科技计划」已获重大进展，其中的高温气冷核反应炉技术已被突破。

高温气冷核反应炉是当代最先进的核动力系统，具有体积小，功率大，噪音低等特点，
美，俄都试图以它作为新一代核潜艇的动力装置，但迄今未见成功。大陆研制高温气冷核反
应炉至少已有十年，从报道看似乎已取得成功，中国研制中的新一代核潜艇很可能在核动力
方面获得革命性突破。如果属实的话，中国新一代核潜艇将可能在航速，噪音等方面获得重
大改进。

此外，中国还得到了意想不到的外援。苏联瓦解后大批军工科技专家没有出路，中国立
即以优厚的待遇大量引进，据信多达数千名。在这些武器科技专家的帮助下，中国似已解决
了不少武器装备发展中的瓶颈，例如潜艇的消音瓦技术，攻击核潜艇因此可提前开工建造。
另外，中国还与俄罗斯武器设计单位建立了直接的合作关系，以加强新一代武器的研制，
“詹氏海军年鉴”就透露，红宝石船舰设计局的专家便参与093型核潜艇的研制工作。该单
位是前苏联最著名的潜艇设计中心，前苏联和现俄国的潜艇均出自该局，正在建造中的093
型核潜艇很可能就是以俄罗斯的胜利3型为蓝本。

胜利级是前苏联建造的首种反潜专用攻击核潜艇。1950年代期美国发展导弹核潜
艇，苏联为应付这个威胁于1965年研制出胜利级核潜艇，来不断改进陆续推出2型和3
型。胜利3型的设计相当成功，首艇于1978年建成，1992年最一艘交船，先建造了26
艘，为前苏联建造最多的一种核潜艇。胜利级在1990年代末仍有18艘在服役，数量居各型
潜艇之首。胜利级设计上是前苏联第一种水滴型潜艇，采双层壳体结构，装有两个压水核反
应炉，使用单轴慢速大叶螺旋推进器，操纵性不错，静音效果很好。胜利3型潜艇还敷设有
消音瓦，并采取综合降噪措施，噪音量降到130分贝，已接近美国洛杉矶潜艇的水平。该型
潜艇以反潜为主要作战任务，装有4套声纳系统，舰壳上装有中低频主被动搜索与攻击声纳
和高频主动攻击声纳各一套，艇侧装有一套被动低频声纳，还有一套拖曳式阵列声纳，这4
套阵列声纳更加大了水下深探距离。其中，装在潜艇垂直尾鳍顶上收放拖曳阵列声纳的大夹
舱，曾在西方引起惊恐，当时被认为是一种特殊推进器。

胜利3型潜艇长107公尺，宽10。6公尺，水面排水量4，800吨，水下排水量6，300
吨，较汉级潜艇大不了多少。不过，配备的武器却比汉级潜艇要多，攻地，反舰，反潜飞弹
和鱼雷样样都有，数量多达24件。其中，SS-N-21潜艇陆攻巡弋飞弹的最大射程3，000公
里，速度0。7马赫，命中精度150公尺，装有20万吨当量核弹头。反舰和反潜飞弹有SS-
N-16和SS-N-15两种，前者由650公厘鱼雷管发射，最大射程100公里，者由533公厘
鱼雷管发射，最大射程40公里。攻潜时可用E40-79型反潜鱼雷，该鱼雷弹径为400公厘，
最高航速50节，最大射程15公里，采主被动联合声导，弹头60公斤。配备的鱼雷有533
公厘和650公厘两种，者是超口径重型反舰鱼雷，最高航速50节，最大航程50公里，弹
头450公斤，采尾流追寻导引模式，极难防范。

整体上，胜利3型潜艇以反潜作战为基本任务，主要对手为美国导弹核潜艇，也有反舰
和攻地能力。以此判断，中国新一代攻击核潜艇将会类似胜利3型潜艇不是没有道理的。不
过，中国新一代攻击核潜艇的主要任务是对付美国的核潜艇和航空母舰，对地攻击则不重
要。这种作战需求其静音效果至少需与美国的洛杉矶级潜艇相当，而反舰作战能力则需达