Chinese submarine 201
Submarine in China
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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).[3] 201 is the sole member of its class, designated Type 032 (NATO reporting name: Qing).[1]
People's Liberation Army Navy| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Operators | People's Liberation Army Navy |
| Preceded by | Type 031 submarine |
| History | |
| China | |
| Builder | Wuhan Shipyard |
| Laid down | 2008[1] |
| Launched | 9 September 2010[1] |
| Commissioned | 16 October 2012[1] |
| Status | Active |
| General characteristics | |
| Class & type | Type 032 |
| Type | Auxiliary submarine |
| Displacement | |
| 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.[3] 201 made the first three JL-3 test launches[4] starting in 2018.[5]
Description
201 resembles an enlarged Type 039A submarine, with bow-mounted retractable diving planes, instead of sail-mounted. [6] 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.[3]