July 10th, 2007
Google Earth reveals new Chinese sub
Those keeping a close eye on Google Earth are noticing a satellite image that looks to be China’s new nuclear ballistic missile submarine. Writing for the Federation of American Scientists’ Strategic Security Blog, Hans Kristensen notes that the image is of the Jin-class or Type 094, which is expected to replace the Xia-class built in the early 1980s.
Kristensen compared two different images available on Google Earth.
One image from 2005 shows what is believed to be the Xia-class (Type 092) SSBN in drydock at the Jianggezhuang Submarine Base approximately 14 miles east of Qingdao. The submarine is approximately 390 feet (120 meters) long of which the missile compartment makes up roughly 80 feet (25 meters). Twelve missile launch tubes are clearly visible.
The second image from late 2006 shows what appears to be the new Jin-class (Type 094) SSBN moored at the Xiaopingdao Submarine Base south of Dalian, approximately 193 miles north of Qingdao. The Jin-class appears to be approximately 35 feet (10 meters) longer than the Xia-class SSBN, primarily due to an extended mid-section of approximately 115 feet (35 meters) that houses the missile launch tubes and part of the reactor compartment.
