Re: PLAN submarines Thread II
The sail looks to be a modification of Yuan's existing sail rather than a radical redesign, unlike the sail on this conceptual model.
Okay, that's an "X" configuration on the stern planes.
There are only a few current SSK classes that include that.
The first were the Gotland's from Sweden. They displace 1,600 tons. There were three built. This is the class that the US Navy leased/hired for over two years between 2005-2007 to study, test against, and develop better detection capabilities for.
Swedish Gotland Class SSK
The German Type 212A SSK. Displace 1,830 tons. Six have been launched for Germany and four are in service with two outfitting. Two have been launched and are in service for Italy. Two more Italian boats planned.
German Type 212A Class SSK
The second two Israeli Dolphin Class (which are a development of the Type 212). Displace 2,300 tons. Two in service.
Israeli Dolphin Class SSK
The Japanese Sōryū Class SSK. Displace 4,200 tons. Six have been launched with five in service. Two more under construction and a ninth is planned.
Japanese Sōryū Class SSK
DCNS in France has proposed the Andrasta Class, "Coastal Class" SSK, which would displace about 1,200 tons. No orders yet.
Proposed DCNS Andrasta Class SSK
If the PLAN is building a new AIP SSK with this "X" configuration on the stern planes, that will be a very impressive, modern design. It would be nice to know her specs. When they launch her, we will immediately be able to tell as those stern planes will be out of the water at that angle.
