Google Earth shows new Chinese Boomer

[Tracy White]

http://www.fas.org/blog/ssp/2007/07/new ... issile.php

A commercial satellite image appears to have captured China's new nuclear ballistic missile submarine. The new class, known as the Jin-class or Type 094, is expected to replace the unsuccessful Xia-class (Type 092) of a single boat built in the early 1980s.

The new submarine was photographed by the commercial Quickbird satellite in late 2006 and the image is freely available on the Google Earth web site.

Weeee!

[Werner]

"Be the first one on your block to have your kid sent home in a box!"
-- Country Joe and the FISH.

If it's a capable as the DELTA it resembles, we're in deep doo-doo.

The ASW establishment has not been so neglected since the early 1920s.

Are the missiles SRB or storable liquid?

[Sean Hert]

3 stage SRB.

http://www.missilethreat.com/missilesof ... detail.asp

CSS-NX-5 (JL-2)
Country: People's Republic of China
Alternate Name: JL-2
Class: SLBM
Basing: Submarine-launched
Length: 13.00 m
Diameter: 2.25 m
Launch Weight: 42000 kg
Payload: Single warhead or 3-8 MIRV, 1050 to 2800 kg
Warhead: Nuclear single 1 MT or MIRV selectable 20, 90, 150 kT
Propulsion: 3-stage solid
Range: 8000 km
Status: Development
In Service: 2006
Details

The CSS-NX-5 is an intercontinental-range, submarine-launched, solid propellant ballistic missile under development in the People�s Republic of China (PRC). It is the submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) of the newest generation of PRC missiles. It is believed to have been developed along with the DF-23 land-based missile, which was later redesignated to the DF-31 (CSS-9). The CSS-NX-5 is reported to be similar to the CSS-9 and it is considered possible for the two missiles to be nearly identical. The CSS-NX-5 is designed for launch from the PRC Type 94 missile submarine, to replace the aging CSS-N-3 missiles currently in operation.



The CSS-NX-5, unlike the CSS-N-3, truly secures the PRC missile force against attack. The CSS-NX-5 has sufficient range to strike US and Russian targets from PRC territorial waters, protected by the PRC air force and navy. Its mobility is such that once at sea it can avoid detection and conduct missile launches before it can be found and destroyed. As it can be equipped with Multiple Independent Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) warheads, a single missile can be used to destroy multiple targets, dramatically increasing the damage a single missile submarine could inflict. And as the submarine can also transport the missiles to locations near the target, everywhere in the US and Russia is vulnerable. The CSS-NX-5 missiles can be hidden and protected against a first strike, can inflict considerable damage on their own, and can strike any target within the United States.



Unlike the CSS-N-3, the CSS-NX-5 is not necessarily a first strike weapon. Despite the fact that the missile submarine force is too small to truly provide a guaranteed deterrent, the CSS-NX-5 has sufficient range to allow the missile submarine to be heavily guarded in PRC territorial waters. Though it is still small enough to be theoretically eliminated prior to a first strike, it can be defended sufficiently to not be worth the risk of launch. However, the CSS-NX-5 still has distinct advantages as a first strike weapon. It can be positioned near US waters and be launched without warning. This would prevent a successful evacuation of a target area, such as the White House, and would enable high level strategic targets to be destroyed with minimal warning. The estimated accuracy is insufficient for use against missile silos with MIRV warheads, and single warhead missiles could not be deployed in sufficient numbers to hinder US or Russian missile forces. However, a large quantity of the US missile force will be vulnerable to a first strike should PRC guidance systems be upgraded to the point where a SLBM MIRV warhead can successfully destroy a hardened silo.



The CSS-NX-5 has a minimum range of 2,000 km (1,243 miles), a maximum range greater than 8,000 km (4,971 miles), and carries a payload of 1,050 to 2,800 kg. This payload is believed able to be equipped with either a single 1 MT yield nuclear warhead or between 3 and 8 MIRV warheads. The MIRV warheads probably weigh between 250 and 300 kg apiece and can be set to a nuclear yield of 20, 90 or 150 kT. The missile will likely be capable of being equipped with penetration aids to decrease the effectiveness of anti-missile defense systems. The system uses an inertial guidance system with stellar updates and a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system. An accuracy of 300 m CEP has been suggested, but other reports suggest 150 m CEP, which seems to better reflect current guidance technology. The missile uses a three-stage solid propellant engine.



The CSS-NX-5 is believed to have entered the initial design stage in 1970 along with a land-based DF-23, but both were redesigned in 1985 following an operational requirement change. This change probably occurred to take into account advancements in PRC warhead miniaturization technology. The CSS-NX-5 is expected to enter service in 2005, onboard the first Type 94 nuclear missile submarine expected to be completed that same year. Between four and six Type 94 submarines are expected to be built, carrying 16 to 18 CSS-NX-5 missiles each. It is considered possible that the remaining �Xia� class submarine was modified to carry CSS-NX-5 missiles, but it is probable that upgraded CSS-N-3 missiles were installed instead.(1)

[Lesforan]

Gee, this kinda sucks!

[Cadman]

You can't blame China for wanting it's own boomers. This is why we should be very careful about letting our guard down. Relations are better with us today, but tomorrow might be different. Especially as China has many markets for their goods and can afford a huge military.

[Walt]

This and the PRK's venture into lunitic stage will help explain the redeployment of all 3 Seawolf Boats to the West Coast... The Carter and Seawolf are already there with the Connecticut soon to follow. These look to be exciting new times for ASW jocks for sure. Watch the Virginia Class orders double soon.

May also explain the recent reconditioning of the US Boomer pier and depot at Diago Garcia !!!
A chess match is surley being played.

[Tracy White]

The missiles are one (important) thing, but it'll also be interesting to see how quiet and effective the boat itself is. I don't suppose we'll hear about that for a bit though.

[Guest]

If the missile range data is correct, then the ship can strike the US from northern Chinese territorial waters. Is there an area of Chinese territorial water that possess the geography or geophysical conditions that makes it hard to penetrate or conduct ASW there?

One region that looks like it to me is the large bay with chain of islands across the mouth next to Korea. It would seem possible to cordon the opening of that bay and bastion the submarines inside it.

So I suppose the encounter between this SSBN and US ASW assets will be limited. The Chinese will use this submarine as mobile silos inside their protected territorial waters instead on ocean roaming SSBN patrols.

- Chuck

[Tracy White]

If the missile range data is correct, then the ship can strike the US from northern Chinese territorial waters.

Alaska and Washington... DC's already proven they care beans about Washington State so if the Chinese really want to hit anything of consequence they're going to need to come significantly east before launching.

[chuck]

If the missile range data is correct, then the ship can strike the US from northern Chinese territorial waters. /quote]

Alaska and Washington... DC's already proven they care beans about Washington State so if the Chinese really want to hit anything of consequence they're going to need to come significantly east before launching.

Or significantly north.