Friday, August 29, 2008

Type 039

IOC: 1999
Total Production: 10

Production: 8

Also Known As: Song (NATO codename), Type 039G (improved version)

Origin:China

Contractor/s: Jiangnan Shipyard, Wuhan Shipbuilding Industry Company

Description: The Type 039, Song NATO codename, represents the first generation of Chinese designed diesel-electric submarines. The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has ordered the Type 039 as the replacement for obsolete Romeo/Ming class submarines. Construction of the first boat started in the mid 1990s at Wuhan Shipbuilding Industry Company. The PLAN commissioned the first ship in 1999. At least an additional seven boats have been built by Wuhan and Jiangnan Shipyard and commissioned by the PLAN so far.

The Type 039 submarines have been designed to perform anti-submarine (ASW) and anti-surface (ASuW) warfare as well as reconnaissance in hostile shores, mine laying and patrol missions. The ship features French (sonar), German (MTU 12V 493 engines) and Chinese technologies. The Type 039G is an improved version with reduced acoustic signature and enhanced underwater performance. Type 039G fixed the problems found on the lead ship which delayed its commissioning four to five years from 1994 when the boat was originally delivered to the PLAN. The first Type 039G entered service in 2001.

Externally, the Type 039 highlights an hydro-dynamically sleek profile and noise reducing coating similar to Russian Kilo-class submarines. The six 533mm torpedo tubes at the bow can launch wire-guided torpedoes, YJ-8 anti-ship missiles and mines. The ship carries up to 18 torpedoes and/or missiles and 24/36 mines. Overall, Type 039 represents a great improvement in terms of acoustic signature and combat capabilities compared to Romeo and Ming class submarines.

Specifications
Accommodation: Crew 50, Enlisted 40, Officers 10

Number of Weapons: 18

Dimensions: Beam 8.4 m, Draft 5.3 m, Length 75 m

Weights: Displacement Submerged 2,250 t, Displacement Surfaced 1,990 t

Performance: Max Operating Depth 300 m (984 ft), Top Speed Submerged 22 kt (41 kph), Top Speed Surfaced 15 kt (28 kph)

Other: Torpedo Tubes 6

Family Members:
Type 039A Related Equipment
Guided Missiles: YJ-8 (18)

Operators

China / 8

Ships

320

Type 039

Commissioning: 1999