Title: Han 091 SSN (401 - 405)
CoffeeDrinker - November 15, 2004 11:35 AM (GMT)
http://www.sinodefence.com/navy/sub/091.asp
Type 091 (Han Class) Nuclear Attack Submarine
The Type 091 (NATO codename: Han class) is China's first generation nuclear powered attack submarine (SSN) built by Huludao Shipyard in Huludao, Liaoning Province. A total of 5 boats (401 to 405) were built between 1967 and 1987. Currently these boats are deployed in the PLA Navy North Sea Fleet based at Qingdao. China is reported to be building the next generation nuclear attack submarine (Type 093) to replace the obsolete Type 091.
PROGRAMME
China's nuclear submarine programme can trace its origin back to the late 1950s, but the first boat (pennant number 401) was not completed until 1974. It then took its designers another ten years to make the boat fully operational due to technical problems with the nuclear reactors and the lack of suitable torpedo weapon system. It is believed that the development of the Type 091 later benefited from the assistance by the French. With these improvements the Type 091 SSN finally began to take part in active duties in the mid-1980s.
A total of five boats were built between 1967 and 1987, all of which are deployed in the North Sea Fleet based at Qingdao. The first two boats (401, 402) were refitted in the late 1980s, and back in service in the mid 1990s. 403 and 404 started mid-life refits in 1998 and were back in service in 2000. Some reports claimed that one boat may have been temporarily assigned to the South Sea Fleet.
Little is known about the detailed service status of the five Type 091 SSNs. The first two boats (401 and 402) may have been out of service since 2000, while the rest three boats are believed to remain in active service until the next generation Type 093 SSN becomes operational.
INVENTORY
Pennant
Name
Fleet
Laid Down
Launched
Commissioned
401 Changzheng 1 North Sea Fleet 1967 12/1970 08/1974
402 Changzheng 2 North Sea Fleet 1974 1977 01/1980
403 Changzheng 3 North Sea Fleet 1980 1983 09/1984
404 Changzheng 4 North Sea Fleet 1984 1987 11/1988
405 Changzheng 5 North Sea Fleet 1987 04/1990 12/1990
DESIGN FEATURES
The Type 091 SSN is generally regarded as outdated by today's standard, while they provided the PLA Navy with invaluable experience in operating nuclear powered submarines. From 403 onwards the hull has been extended 8m aft the fin. Early modernisation refit included modifying the design of the nuclear reactor to reduce noise and increase reliability; adding a new French designed intercept sonar set; and replacing the obsolete Soviet ESM suite with a French design.
In the 1990s the Type 091 SSNs received second modernisation refit, which may include carrying a new type of wire-guided torpedo and the capability to launch YJ-8 SSMs from 533mm torpedo tube. A new anechoic tile coating may have been applied to the hull.
COMMAND SYSTEM
The Type 091 may be fitted with a multi-purpose combat data and command system which provides information for submarine control and torpedo (and missile?) firing.
MISSILES
The Type 091 are reportedly capable of firing the submarine-launched variant of the YJ-8 (C-801) from its 533mm torpedo tubes. The missile uses active radar homing and is powered by a solid rocket engine (with a solid rocket booster). The anti-ship missile has a range of 42 km and approaches the target in sea skimming mode at a speed of 0.9 Mach. The 165 kg shaped charge warhead has time delayed impact proximity fuses.
TORPEDOES
The Type 091 has six 533mm torpedo tubes, and carries a total of 20 torpedoes including Yu-3 (SET-65E)(active/passive homing to 15 km at 40 kt; warhead 205 kg) and Yu-1 (Type 53-51)(unguided to 9.2 km at 39 kt or 3.7 km at 51 kt; warhead 400 kg). Alternatively the submarine can carry 36 mines in its tubes.
RADAR
The Type 091 has an I-band surface search radar (NATO code-name: Snoop Tray).
SONARS
The Type 091 is fitted with Trout Cheek bow-mounted, medium-frequency sonar for active/passive search and attack; and a DUUX-5 low frequency sonar for passive ranging and intercept.
COUNTERMEASURES
Countermeasures include a Type 921-A radar warning receiver and direction-finder.
PROPULSION
The Type 091 is powered by a nuclear, turbo-electric arrangement, consisting of one pressurised water reactor (PWR) rated at 90MW, with 1 shaft.
SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement: (Surface) 4,500 tons; (Dived) 5,500 tons
Dimensions: Length 98/106 m; Beam 10 m; Draft 7.4 m
Speed: (Dived) 25 knots, (Surfaced) 12 knots
Crew: 75
The Type 091 SSNs have been continuously upgraded with new technologies since they entered service. The latest improvement, as shown in this photo, includes the anechoic tile coating applied on the hull of the submarine
http://www.sinodefence.com/navy/sub/091_5.jpg
Type 091 (Han Class) Nuclear Attack Submarine
The Type 091 (NATO codename: Han class) is China's first generation nuclear powered attack submarine (SSN) built by Huludao Shipyard in Huludao, Liaoning Province. A total of 5 boats (401 to 405) were built between 1967 and 1987. Currently these boats are deployed in the PLA Navy North Sea Fleet based at Qingdao. China is reported to be building the next generation nuclear attack submarine (Type 093) to replace the obsolete Type 091.
PROGRAMME
China's nuclear submarine programme can trace its origin back to the late 1950s, but the first boat (pennant number 401) was not completed until 1974. It then took its designers another ten years to make the boat fully operational due to technical problems with the nuclear reactors and the lack of suitable torpedo weapon system. It is believed that the development of the Type 091 later benefited from the assistance by the French. With these improvements the Type 091 SSN finally began to take part in active duties in the mid-1980s.
A total of five boats were built between 1967 and 1987, all of which are deployed in the North Sea Fleet based at Qingdao. The first two boats (401, 402) were refitted in the late 1980s, and back in service in the mid 1990s. 403 and 404 started mid-life refits in 1998 and were back in service in 2000. Some reports claimed that one boat may have been temporarily assigned to the South Sea Fleet.
Little is known about the detailed service status of the five Type 091 SSNs. The first two boats (401 and 402) may have been out of service since 2000, while the rest three boats are believed to remain in active service until the next generation Type 093 SSN becomes operational.
INVENTORY
Pennant
Name
Fleet
Laid Down
Launched
Commissioned
401 Changzheng 1 North Sea Fleet 1967 12/1970 08/1974
402 Changzheng 2 North Sea Fleet 1974 1977 01/1980
403 Changzheng 3 North Sea Fleet 1980 1983 09/1984
404 Changzheng 4 North Sea Fleet 1984 1987 11/1988
405 Changzheng 5 North Sea Fleet 1987 04/1990 12/1990
DESIGN FEATURES
The Type 091 SSN is generally regarded as outdated by today's standard, while they provided the PLA Navy with invaluable experience in operating nuclear powered submarines. From 403 onwards the hull has been extended 8m aft the fin. Early modernisation refit included modifying the design of the nuclear reactor to reduce noise and increase reliability; adding a new French designed intercept sonar set; and replacing the obsolete Soviet ESM suite with a French design.
In the 1990s the Type 091 SSNs received second modernisation refit, which may include carrying a new type of wire-guided torpedo and the capability to launch YJ-8 SSMs from 533mm torpedo tube. A new anechoic tile coating may have been applied to the hull.
COMMAND SYSTEM
The Type 091 may be fitted with a multi-purpose combat data and command system which provides information for submarine control and torpedo (and missile?) firing.
MISSILES
The Type 091 are reportedly capable of firing the submarine-launched variant of the YJ-8 (C-801) from its 533mm torpedo tubes. The missile uses active radar homing and is powered by a solid rocket engine (with a solid rocket booster). The anti-ship missile has a range of 42 km and approaches the target in sea skimming mode at a speed of 0.9 Mach. The 165 kg shaped charge warhead has time delayed impact proximity fuses.
TORPEDOES
The Type 091 has six 533mm torpedo tubes, and carries a total of 20 torpedoes including Yu-3 (SET-65E)(active/passive homing to 15 km at 40 kt; warhead 205 kg) and Yu-1 (Type 53-51)(unguided to 9.2 km at 39 kt or 3.7 km at 51 kt; warhead 400 kg). Alternatively the submarine can carry 36 mines in its tubes.
RADAR
The Type 091 has an I-band surface search radar (NATO code-name: Snoop Tray).
SONARS
The Type 091 is fitted with Trout Cheek bow-mounted, medium-frequency sonar for active/passive search and attack; and a DUUX-5 low frequency sonar for passive ranging and intercept.
COUNTERMEASURES
Countermeasures include a Type 921-A radar warning receiver and direction-finder.
PROPULSION
The Type 091 is powered by a nuclear, turbo-electric arrangement, consisting of one pressurised water reactor (PWR) rated at 90MW, with 1 shaft.
SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement: (Surface) 4,500 tons; (Dived) 5,500 tons
Dimensions: Length 98/106 m; Beam 10 m; Draft 7.4 m
Speed: (Dived) 25 knots, (Surfaced) 12 knots
Crew: 75
The Type 091 SSNs have been continuously upgraded with new technologies since they entered service. The latest improvement, as shown in this photo, includes the anechoic tile coating applied on the hull of the submarine
http://www.sinodefence.com/navy/sub/091_5.jpg