Ah yeah that's true. I forgot about cavitation
09V/09VI (095/096) Nuclear Submarine Thread
- Thread starter Hendrik_2000
- Start date
Pump-jet helps a lot with noise even in low speeds. A pump jet decreases the noise by four main ways.
The first one is simple. It is an object between the propulsor and the world.
The second one is what most people knows. It delays the onset of cavitation by increasing the hydrostatic pressure the propulsor sees and blocking the outwash flow. This isn't relevant to low speeds.
The third one is it weakens the blade tip flow. This is good for efficiency too. Blades hitting the tip vortex of the previous blade is an important source of noise in propeller/pump/fan systems.
The fourth one is the most important and esoteric mechanism. It stabilizes and equalizes the pressure before the propulsor which then massively decreases the blade rate noise. Blade rate noise is caused by the thrust fluctiation every propulsor experiences. It is a very low frequency noise which travels far. It was what SOSUS used to track Soviet subs even while they were not cavitating. My pet conspiracy theory is that USN of the Cold War directed public attention to cavitation to keep this a secret easier. Making the flow before the propeller uniform by using a duct decreases this noise by a lot.
Post replied here to avoid derailing the original thread.
Based on the information we have came across so far, we expect the 095 SSNs to be equipped with multipack VLS tubes, similar to the Virginia Payload Tubes (VPT) found on Virginia SSNs from Block 3 onwards.
Hence, we don't expect the 095 SSNs to be equipped with individual VLS tubes anymore.
As for the numbers - I think 24x VLS cells in 6x or 8x multipack VLS tubes arranged in a 2x3 or a 2x4 setting (respectively) is sufficient for a deep-ocean-going, high-speed and high-stealth SSN.
Based on the information we have came across so far, we expect the 095 SSNs to be equipped with multipack VLS tubes, similar to the Virginia Payload Tubes (VPT) found on Virginia SSNs from Block 3 onwards.
Hence, we don't expect the 095 SSNs to be equipped with individual VLS tubes anymore.
As for the numbers - I think 24x VLS cells in 6x or 8x multipack VLS tubes arranged in a 2x3 or a 2x4 setting (respectively) is sufficient for a deep-ocean-going, high-speed and high-stealth SSN.
Last edited:
Yes, I would expect flexible VLS modules in 095. That would be unique attack capability not present in any other PLAN platforms. Something you would expect out of a new strategic platform.
"Strategic" would imply nuclear capability. While I suppose it's possible a LACM such as the CJ-10 could have a nuclear warhead a la Tomahawk, I would think in general the 095 would be used as a tactical platform. In any case it's unclear to me why the MAC canisters of the Ohio SSGN went from 7 rounds to the 6 of the Block III and V Virginia canisters despite being the same diameter AFAIK, but I'm sure the PLAN could design a similar 7-round canister into its subs, perhaps interchangeable with a 3-round canister for ASBMs. To provide commonality with the 096 the multiround-VLS tubes could potentially be designed to be interchangeable with JL-3 tubes, which would also provide a 096 with some tactical capability in support of surface engagements.
Nuclear attack subs are normally considered to be strategic platform like aircraft carriers even if they are not carrying nuclear weapon.
There isn't much information. A few years ago we saw a module with a diameter of 12 meters outside Huludao, which probably was a trial module. If you ask me they have the first 095 in construction right now. But this is still a personal speculation.
Well here's the google AI answer:
A "strategic submarine" is primarily designed to carry and launch long-range ballistic missiles, serving as a key component of a nation's nuclear deterrent, while a "tactical submarine" is focused on attacking other ships and submarines on the battlefield, using torpedoes and other weapons for direct combat operations; essentially, strategic submarines are for long-range nuclear strikes, while tactical submarines are for more localized, immediate attacks.
Here's the Britannica answer:
…new kind of submarine, the strategic submarine. The other is a revolution in antisubmarine warfare, with attack submarines becoming the primary antisubmarine weapons. Attack submarines are armed with torpedoes and, in some cases, with antiship missiles. Strategic submarines may carry similar weapons, but their primary weapons are submarine-launched ballistic missiles…
In the case of submarines, "strategic" has a very specific meaning, and means nothing other than "carries alot of SLBMS". Note that an Ohio SSGN is no longer considered a strategic submarine, but a tactical one, just like any other SSN with VLS tubes.
It is not clear whether this ring was for the 095 or 096, since they are both going to be constructed in the same area.