Image source: topwar.ru
Satellite images captured a mysterious trimaran submarine built by China, which has not been officially reported. Western observers tried to simulate the design of the new submarine and its combat purpose.
As indicated in the Naval News publication, the trimaran's belonging to the submarine class indicates the presence of a snorkel, but it probably belongs to a semi-submersible type, that is, it is practically invisible on the water surface, but it is not capable of going deep.
Image source: topwar.ru
The submarine's combat arsenal is estimated to range from 8 to 16-18 missiles, placed in horizontally mounted cylindrical shafts that occupy a significant part of the central hull. It is likely that in order to launch them, the ship must rise to the surface, open the doors in the upper part of the hull, move the shafts from a horizontal position to a vertical one, and after that launch a salvo. The type of missiles can only be guessed. They may also be the hypersonic YJ-20s used on Type 055/052D destroyers and called "aircraft carrier killers."
The trimaran shape of the hull with side supports in the stern is apparently designed to increase stability on the surface. The estimated displacement of the submarine is about 900 tons.
Image source: topwar.ru
The weapon hangars occupy such a large volume that the remaining free interior space looks too cramped to accommodate the crew. However, there is a running bridge on the conning tower. It is possible that it is intended only for the helmsman, who must take control of the submarine when it enters and exits the port.
As noted in the publication, the new type of submarine is similar to Soviet submarines from the Cold War era, such as the Juliett (project 651). These diesel-electric submarines had to surface to launch powerful anti-ship missiles.:
