Sinking of first in class of Zhou-class SSN at shipyard confirmed

[Grey Havoc]

I think some of the photos in question may have been previously posted in a thread a few months back, but haven't being able to find the one in question so far.

https://www.wsj.com/world/china/chinas-newest-nuclear-submarine-sank-setting-back-its-military-modernization-785b4d37

Blow to China’s military plans after new nuclear submarine ‘sinks’

Beijing scrambles to ‘cover up’ incident involving first of Zhou-class vessels as it attempts to overtake US in naval arms race

www.telegraph.co.uk

(First two links may be paywalled)

New Chinese nuclear attack submarine sank during construction, US official says

A senior U.S. defense official says satellite imagery shows that China's newest nuclear submarine sank while under construction

abcnews.go.com

China’s newest nuclear submarine sank in dock, US officials confirm

Loss of state-of-the-art vessel in May or June is setback to Chinese push for naval parity with US

www.theguardian.com

A new first-in-class Chinese attack submarine sank at a Wuhan shipyard in a pier-side accident

Satellite images from earlier this year show efforts to salvage the new attack submarine at a shipyard in Wuhan, China.

www.businessinsider.com

China's New Zhou-Class Nuclear Attack Submarine Sank During Construction

China’s ambitious nuclear-powered submarine program suffered a major setback earlier this year when a new Zhou-class submarine sank near a shipyard in Wuhan.

nationalinterest.org

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/26/politics/chinese-nuclear-powered-submarine-sank/index.html

Is the Zhou-class another name for the Type 095 / 09-V SSN?

 

[Grey Havoc]

On another interesting note, in light of events this other recently revealed design may possibly be a related non-nuclear cousin:

https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/china-launches-its-most-sophisticated-submarine-to-date.44151/

 

[stealthflanker]

Is there any reason why suddenly China move SSN production to Wuhan ? Instead of usual Bohai Shipyard ?

 

[NMaude]

If a PLA:N SSN sunk during fitting out after launch that's something they'd want to try and cover up.

 

[stealthflanker]

If a PLA:N SSN sunk during fitting out after launch that's something they'd want to try and cover up.

and typical draft for SSN is something like 7-8 meters. While Wuchang shipyard which located in Yangtze river only able to support submarine with 5-6 meter draft.

The Yangtze River System | Port Economics, Management and Policy

The navigable part of the Yangtze River can be divided into three main sections: The Lower Yangtze from Shanghai to Nanjing that allow deepsea ships with a draft of around 11 meters. The Middle Yangtze from Nanjing to Yichang (the nearest container port to the Three Gorges Dam). The Upper...

porteconomicsmanagement.org

Chinese Type-039 diesel-electric sub which also made there have draft of something like 5.4 meter, If it sunk pierside you would expect at least the conning tower would still be on surface.

 

[Moose]

Is there any reason why suddenly China move SSN production to Wuhan ? Instead of usual Bohai Shipyard ?

Glass half full:
Could be they wanted to develop a new capability at that yard.
Could be they wanted to tinker with a prototype without disrupting the current nuke production line.
Glass half empty:
Could be political, could be corruption.

 

[stealthflanker]

Glass half full:
Could be they wanted to develop a new capability at that yard.
Could be they wanted to tinker with a prototype without disrupting the current nuke production line.
Glass half empty:
Could be political, could be corruption.

or fake news.

 

[aonestudio]

China’s New Nuclear Submarine Sank During Mysterious Incident In Wuhan: Report

A strange incident caught in satellite imagery was indeed a major mishap involving a Chinese submarine, according to a new report. The mysterious incident in China’s Wuchang Shipyard in the spring of this year led to the sinking of the new Zhou class SSN.

www.twz.com

 

[fww115]

This is unlikely to be a serious issue, but rather a procedural workflow for submarine transit operations.