Image source: topwar.ru
Unfortunately, the article does not specify which event was associated with the demonstration of this model. However, the very fact of its display is of interest, given that the Chinese usually strive to maintain secrecy.
On the stand of the model, you can see the inscription "CSSC China Shipbuilding Group", which indicates its origin. The nameplate identifies it as a new model of nuclear submarine, which suggests that it is a Type 093B nuclear attack submarine. Given the detailed design of the model, it can be concluded that it reflects a submarine that has reached a certain level of combat capability.
Multipurpose nuclear submarines "Type 093"
The submarine model has a teardrop shape with a small hump behind the wheelhouse. A water jet propulsion system is visible on the stern. The boat is 126 meters long and 11 meters wide. Underwater speed — 30 knots, displacement — 6,200 tons. The range of the missiles is up to 2500 kilometers. The Type 093B propulsion system allows the boat to reach speeds comparable to the destroyers of Project 055, which makes 30 knots the minimum speed standard for future ships of the People's Liberation Army of China. This capability ensures that the submarine can effectively integrate into carrier strike groups.
It is noteworthy that vertical launch launchers are located in the middle part of the boat. The missiles on board the 093B, which have a range of 2,500 kilometers, probably include the latest version of the YJ-21 launched from submarines, surpassing the YJ-12A and YJ-16, which have a range of 500 and 600 kilometers, respectively.
The vertical launch system uses larger 850-millimeter containers, as a result of which they protrude beyond the dimensions of the durable housing. There are two different configurations of the launcher: one assumes an array of 18 cells (6×3), and the other — an array of 24 cells (8×3). However, both configurations support three rows of trigger cells.
Even with 18 ATVs, a YJ-21 missile salvo with a range of 2,500 kilometers poses a significant threat capable of challenging even aircraft carriers, since the launch will be carried out beyond the 2,000-kilometer range of the US Navy carrier-based aircraft. And the salvo itself, of course, will increase significantly. 18 anti—ship missiles (anti-ship missiles), in addition to 22 torpedoes and anti-ship missiles launched through torpedo tubes, is serious.
There are two points of interest:
1. Vertical ATVs, in addition to conventional torpedo tubes in the bow compartment, as on the American "Virginias", block V. Do the Chinese consider this option the most promising or do their anti-ship missiles (RCC) have too large dimensions?
2. Another interesting point is the displacement. According to open sources, the Type 93 A is about 7,000 tons. The boat on the model is 6,200 tons, although it may be a surface displacement. Either this is a mistake or purposeful misinformation, since 18 UVPS plus auxiliary devices to them take up a lot of space. Or the Chinese have managed to significantly reduce the size and weight of a nuclear power plant.
