CNS Type 032 (Qing)

History of CNS Type 032 (Qing)

China's Type 032 (Qing) submarine, introduced in 2006, serves as an experimental attack submarine for the People's Liberation Army. Operational since 2012, it features traditional diesel-electric propulsion and functions as a test platform for evaluating submarine-related equipment at sea. The Type 032, launched in September 2012, holds the distinction of being the world's largest non-nuclear submarine, with specifications including a 7,305 short-ton displacement, 304-foot overall length, and the ability to stay submerged for 30 days. Armed with torpedo tubes and ballistic missiles, it incorporates advanced features like closed bunker components for special forces delivery and crew escape pods in the sail section for emergencies.

The roots of Chinese submarine design can be traced back to the 1950s with the Type-032 project, initiated in 1958. Inspired by the advanced experimental submarine USS Albacore of the US Navy, the project aimed to create a small coastal submarine with high performance. Led by Deng Sanrui, the Type-032 project featured a teardrop-shaped hull and advanced battery technology. Although the project was deemed too ambitious for the technological capabilities of Chinese shipbuilding at the time, it left a lasting impact on subsequent developments.

The influence of the Type-032 project is evident in China's later submarine designs, notably the Type-091 Han Class nuclear-powered submarine. While the Type-032 project was not realized in its original form, its inspiration from US Navy designs, especially the USS Albacore, steered Chinese submarine development in a more US-inspired direction, showcasing the enduring impact of historical endeavors on contemporary naval capabilities.

Specification

BASICS

Year of service:2012

Origin: China

Name: 201

Builder: Wuhan Shipyard

Laid down: 2008

Launched: 9 September 2010

Commissioned: 16 October 2012

Status: Active

Class and type: Type 032

Type: Auxiliary submarine

Roles

Underwater Attack: Move subsurface to find, track and/or attack or reconnaissance areas.

Sea Patrol: Active patrolling of critical waterways and sea areas; also serves as a local deterrent against air and maritime threats.

Fleet Support: Provide support (fire or materiel) to major surface fleets in blue water environments.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 101.3 feet (30.86m)

Ray: 10.9 feet (3.32m)

Draft: 22.5 feet (6.84m)

Shift: 4,000 t

No. submerged: 6,630 t

Power and Performance

Installed Power: 1 x diesel electric engine driving 1 x axle rear.

Surface Velocity: 10.0 nodes (11.5 km/h)

Underwater speed: 16.7 km/h

Area: 4,779nm (5,500 miles | 8,851 kilometers)

Weapon

1 x 650mm torpedo tube.

1 x 533mm torpedo tube.

2 x SLBM Vertical Launch System (VLS) for 4 x Land Attack Cruise Missiles.