http://www.sinodefence.com/navy/sub/kilo.asp Kilo Class Diesel-Electric Submarine
NAME
* Russian Designation: Project 877EKM (early model), Project 636 (improved model)
* NATO Code-name: Kilo Class
CONTRACTORS
* Komsomolsk Shipyard
* Admiralty Shipyard, St Petersburg
PROGRAMME
China ordered two Kilo class diesel-electric submarines from Russia in the mid 1996, and they were delivered to the PLA Navy in 1998. These two boats are the standard export version Project 877EKM. Later China ordered another two improved Project 636 version of the Kilo class submarines, which were delivered in 2000.
Kilo class is China's best diesel-electric submarine
As one of the most capable submarines in the world, Kilo class is well suited for operations in the East and South China Sea. Meanwhile all four boats are deployed in the PLA Navy East Sea Fleet based at Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. Reportedly the first two Kilo submarines have engaged in only limited sea operations due to engine problems. However, once their crews are fully trained, these new submarines will provide a substantial improvement in Chinas attack submarine capability. They will enhance Chinas capability to interdict commercial or naval shipping, and hence to deny sea control to potentially hostile forces operating in Chinas coastal seas.
The latest reports confirmed that China has recently ordered another 8 Project 636 Kilo Class submarines from Russia, for a total of 12 boats in service by 2005. These submarines may be fitted with air independent propellation (AIP) system and carry the formidable 3M54E Klub submerged launch anti-ship missiles. China may have also been negotiating with Russia to transfer the technology to permit Chinese construction of submarines of this class.
The Chinese crews are getting more efficient in operating Kilo class
INVENTORY
No.
Name
Fleet
Laid Down
Launched
Commissioned
364 Yuanzheng 64 East Sea Fleet - 1997 1998
365 Yuanzheng 65 East Sea Fleet - 1997 1998
366 Yuanzheng 66 East Sea Fleet - - 2000
367 Yuanzheng 67 East Sea Fleet - - 2000
An addditional 8 Project 636 boats have been ordered, which will be delivered by 2005.
DESIGN FEATURES
Kilo class is designed for anti-submarine (ASW) and anti-surface ship (ASuW) warfare and also for general reconnaissance and patrol missions. The Project 636 submarine is considered to be one of the quietest diesel-electric submarines in the world. It is said to be capable of detecting an enemy submarine at a range three to four times greater than it can be detected itself.
The submarine consists of six watertight compartments separated by transverse bulkheads in a pressurised double-hull. This design and the submarine's good reserve buoyancy lead to increased survivability if the submarine is holed, even with one compartment and two adjacent ballast tanks flooded. The foreplanes are positioned on the upper hull in front of the fin or sail.
The Project 636's design is a development of the 877EKM Kilo class, with extended hull. The power of the diesel generators has been increased and the main propulsion shaft speed has been reduced to provide a substantial reduction in the acoustic signature of the submarine. Maximum diving depth is 300m. Speed is 11 knots when surfaced and 20 knots when submerged. Range is 7,500 miles when snorkelling at 7 knots and 400 miles when submerged at 3 knots.
Kilo class submarine (middle) in joint exercise with Type 092 Xia class SSBN (far) and Type 035 Ming class SSK (near)
COMMAND SYSTEM
The Project 636 is equipped with a multi-purpose combat and command system which provides information for effective submarine control and torpedo firing. The system's high-speed computer can process information from the surveillance equipment and display it on the screen; determine submerged and surface target data and calculate firing parameters; provide automatic fire control; and provide information and recommendations on manoeuvres and deployment of weapons.
The combat information system of the Project 877EKM consists of a multi-purpose MVU-110EM computer which allows for five targets to be tracked simultaneously, two automatically and three manually. Course, position and speed data from the Andoga navigation system is also fed into the combat data system.
TORPEDOES
The submarine is equipped with six 533 mm forward torpedo tubes situated in the nose of the submarine and carries 18 torpedoes with six in the torpedo tubes and twelve stored on the racks. Alternatively the torpedo tubes can deploy 24 mines.
Two of the launch tubes can fire the TEST-71MKE TV electric homing torpedo which has active sonar homing system with TV guidance which allows the operator to manually switch to an alternative target, and can manoeuvre in two axes. It weighs 1,820kg with a 205kg explosive charge.
The submarine is also fitted with 53-65KE (or the latest UGST) wake-homing torpedoes. This torpedo is weighs 2,200kg with 200kg explosive charge. It has a range of up to 40km, and a depth of search of up to 500m.
The computer-controlled torpedo system is provided with a quick-loading device. The first salvo is fired within two minutes and the second within five minutes.
Kilo class submarine receiving refit at a Chinese shipyard
SONARS
Project 636 is fitted with the MGK-400EM digital sonar. This provides: detection of submarine and surface ship targets in sonar listening mode; echo-ranging in a +/-30° sector of the target relative bearing; telephone and telegraph communication in both long and short range modes; detection of underwater sound signals and determination of the signal bearing.
The submarines radar works in periscope and surface modes and provides information on the underwater and air situation, radar identification, and navigational safety.
COUNTERMEASURES
Countermeasures include electronic support measures (ESM), radar warning receiver and direction-finder.
PROPULSION
The submarine's propulsion system consists of two diesel generators, a main propulsion motor, a fuel-economic motor and a single shaft driving a seven-blade fixed-pitch propeller. There are two additional stand-by motors for running in shallow waters, at mooring and in cases of emergency. Two 120-cell storage batteries are installed in the first and third compartments of the submarine. The main machinery is equipped with an automatic control system.
Kilo class submarine delivered to China by container ship
SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement: (Surface) 2,350 tons; (Dived) 3,000 tons
Dimensions: Length 73 m; Beam 9.9 m; Draft 6.3 m
Speed: (Dived) 11 knots, (Surfaced) 20 knots
Crew: N/A




