Re: PLAN submarines Thread II
The Xiaopingdao image hasn't been updated yet, so the 093 is still there. You can measure the length of that sub and compare it to the ones in the JZG base.
If I magnify the image large enough on the sub on the bottom right side, it does appear to have planes on the sail.
On the upper left corner, one of the subs look thinner than the other, but it seems that its because its lower on the water than the other 'fatter' sub. You can see the water height by looking at the hatch located near the rear, and its closer to the water than on the "fatter" sub.
However, one must note that the "thin" sub has a darker color, with a glossier shine than the other sub despite having identical lighting conditions and angles. My take on this is that this sub is new with a new tile coating, like that we have see on the 039B Yuans. Note too how dark the coatings on the two Hans on the upper right side.
For Planeman, a short synopsis. You can just run up the math:
Romeo Class --- China built like 126 of these and exported many. Almost all retired from the inventory now.
Ming Class --- Based on the Romeo class with a "plus" shaped rudders instead of the D shaped rudder of the Romeo. Still like 12 to 17 still around. For subs that are based on an old design, much of the Mings are built new in the 1990s. Still active. Probably a flotilla (4 subs per flotilla) each in the NSF, ESF and SSF. The ESF might have two flotillas.
Kilo Class --- The most documented of all subs in the PLAN. 4 were received early back in the 90s, two of them 877s and two of them the 636s. The 636s feature a longer length, a stronger motor, and a quieter 7 bladed skewed propeller. In addition, China ordered 8 more 636 EMs, which are capable of firing the Klub missiles. Total 12 subs. One flotilla of 636 EMs in the SSF and another in the ESF. The four earlier Kilos have gone into refits in a program starting 2005. Although Russia has proposed that she overhaul the Kilos and upgrade them to the new standard, apparently China decided to overhaul the Kilos on her own and apply her own modifications, e.g. probably like being able to fire YJ-83s underwater.
As a note, four Russian Navy Kilos were also sold to a Chinese company for scrapping.
Song Class --- I would say probably about 14 to 16 of them, heavily bending on the 16. One 039G flotilla in each of the three fleets, NSF, ESF, and SSF. ESF also have a flotilla of the four earlier Songs, for a total of two flotillas for the ESF.
Yuan Class --- First 039A came out in 2004, followed by a lull with two subs (039B) coming out in late 2007. Total numbers are unknown and it can be more. My estimate, one 039A, three 039B.
Han Class --- Five 091s were built, pennants, 401, 402, 403, 404 and 405. Its been rumored that 401 and 402 has been retired, but it has never been confirmed. Major refit undergoing for the Han class, and it appears that three of the subs have been finished, starting with 405 and working downwards numerically. 403 is the latest to come out of the upgrade. So three are active, two status unknown. Of the three, two is in the NSF, one is in the SSF.
Xia Class --- For a long time, China's only boomer. Went into a major refit starting in 2005 and is now apparently out.
Shang Class --- It is projected that 6 to 8 of these will be built. Jane's have reported launchings in 2001, 2002 and 2006. One sub was visible in the Huludao drydock through Google Earth circa 2004-2005. The sub was formally shown publicly in August 2006 in the PLA's 80th Anniversary. One sub appears in GE imagery at Xiaopingdao, three in Jianggzheguang, the imagery matching that of internet photos. Internet photos have also shown at least one 093 in Sanya. Actual numbers are unknown but it appears its currently in serial production right now. Its odd that the sub shown in the PLA exhibition hall did not have planes in the sail but other photos of the 093 have planes in the sail.
Jin Class --- Projected about five will be built. Photos and GE imagery has identified one in Xiaopingdao. GE imagery and leaked photos has shown two more being finished in Huludao in May 2007. Satellite imagery as well as internet photographs have also shown at least one 094 is in Sanya.
GE image of Huludao, currently seen right now, also shows the tail end of a sub coming out of the assembly hall. Its hard to identify if its a 094 or 093, but surely belongs to one of the two based on its dimensions.
Of the above, the Yuan, Shang and Jin are in current production.