The Chinese submarine with the hull number 201 is a Chinese diesel–electric auxiliary submarine. It is used to test systems and technologies, including test launching ballistic missiles (SLBM).[2] 201 is the sole member of its class, designated Type 032 (NATO reporting name: Qing).[1]
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Operators |  People's Liberation Army Navy |
| Preceded by | Type 031 submarine |
| History | |
 China | |
| Name | 201 |
| Builder | Wuhan Shipyard |
| Laid down | 2008[1] |
| Launched | 9 September 2010[1] |
| Commissioned | 16 October 2012[1] |
| Status | Active |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Type 032 |
| Type | Auxiliary submarine |
| Displacement | 3,797 tons (surfaced)[1] |
| Length | 92.6 metres (304 ft)[1] |
| Beam | 10.6 metres (35 ft)[1] |
| Draught | 7.0 metres (23.0 ft)[1] |
| Installed power | Diesel-electric[1] |
| Armament | Ballistic missile launch tube |
History
201 commissioned into the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in 2012; the previous SLBM testbed, a Golf-class submarine (Type 031), subsequently decommissioned in 2013.[1] It participated in testing the JL-2 SLBM.[2] 201 made the first three JL-3 test launches[3] starting in 2018.[4]
Description
201 resembles an enlarged Type 039A submarine, with bow-mounted retractable diving planes, instead of sail-mounted. [5] The sail is disproportionately long, and extends below the keel like the Golf-class; at least one ballistic missile launch tube is fitted at the rear of the sail.[1] In 2017, the height of the rear sail was increased, likely to support the larger JL-3.[2]
References
Sources
- Saunders, Stephan, ed. (2015). Jane's Fighting Ships 2015-2016. Jane's Information Group. ISBN 978-0710631435.
- Wertheim, Eric (2013). The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World: Their Ships, Aircraft, and Systems (16 ed.). Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 978-1591149545.