09V/09VI (095/096) Nuclear Submarine Thread

[Blitzo]

We dont see any tubes yet, just a partially obscured (not clear if a tarp or some other cover) compartment where the hull cladding on top of the pressure hull is missing. Hence the caveat that it could be related to reactor work, although my sense is its indeed the VLS. It is a little distance from the sail, but there is also other "stuff" on top of the hull that may be work related equipment or imagery artifacts. Its pretty difficult to tell. Same reason for not being able to see the pump jet or dive planes clearly.

It would be surprising if they were able to launch a hull in a state where the VLS (or even reactor compartment!) were not yet structurally complete. Given they've taken some effort to conceal the VLS compartment of 09IIIB during launch in the past, I wouldn't be surprised if they did so for 09V as well.

I suppose we will judge if/when the satellite images of this thing are released to consider the viability of a VLS bank, which I think is reasonably expected on this class (even if it is not as extensive as a Block V VA)

 

[00CuriousObserver]

I dont think NN will be in a position to publish the images directly, but Janes will likely do so first in their coverage, and hopefully CSIS will also pick it up. All told, I have seen three images from two different providers which this article is based on.

Huge congrats on breaking the story

 

[para80]

Thanks, though with the caveat of the missing images. Alas NN doesnt have deep pockets unlike some other outlets.

 

[00CuriousObserver]

A bit off topic, but is cost the reason why the images cannot be published? In other words, you were permitted to view them, but you do not hold the rights to publish them?

 

[Nautilus]

Big news for sure. When did we first hear credible rumours that 095 waa under construction?

 

[bebops]

Naval news published an article explaining 095 is much larger than 093b which incorporates features from 093b and zhou submarine.

 

[ACuriousPLAFan]

Big news for sure. When did we first hear credible rumours that 095 waa under construction?

Sometime in the early-2020s when the first suspected 12-meter hull section was spotted by satellite.

 

[TopolMSS27]

I have imagery ordered.

There was also Tug activity in the dock this morning.

 

[TopolMSS27]

Looks like they put it on the North pier, southside.

 

[TopolMSS27]

A more detailed look at their plots