China’s New Trimaran Submarine: 16 Missiles And An Unconventional Design
Open-source analysts estimate the vessel carries 16 to 18 missile tubes and may operate without a crew, according to satellite imagery and technical assessments.
- China is testing a unique semi-submersible trimaran warship in Huludao on the Bohai Sea, according to open-source analysis. The vessel was built in Guangzhou and transported via Dalian earlier this year.
- The vessel's design appears optimized for surface stability when raising its horizontal missile tubes for launch, mirroring Cold War Soviet Juliett Class submarines. A prominent snorkel mast allows diesel engines to operate while the hull remains submerged.
- Dr. Rachel Pawling, a ship-design specialist at K39 Consulting, estimates the vessel displaces approximately 900 tonnes. Technical assessments suggest the ship carries 16 to 18 missile tubes, though specific weapon types remain unconfirmed.
- Weapons hangars occupy most of the internal volume, leaving limited space for a crew and suggesting the platform may operate without personnel. An open bridge on the sail likely accommodates a pilot only during port maneuvers.
- While open-source analysis identifies this as a potential Semi-Submersible Arsenal Ship, the vessel lacks an official designation or confirmed operational role. Its diving depth, endurance, and control arrangements remain undisclosed as testing continues.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Underwater Strike Arsenal: China Builds Mysterious Trimaran Submarines
Satellite images have captured a mysterious Chinese-built trimaran submarine, about which nothing has been officially announced. Western observers have attempted to model the new submarine's design and its combat mission.As reported by Naval News, the...
On the Chinese ship's images, a rip-off deck and two side bodies at the stern. According to the marine surveyor H. I. Sutton, there may be 16 to 18 rocket tubes in the hull; the photographs make it relatively safe to speak of at least eight. If the machine becomes a missile arsenal, it will have to come up, and for that time it will have to lose the advantage of being secretive.
A new Chinese submarine is currently being tested in the Bohai Sea. Its missiles could only position it on the surface.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
