Re: PLAN submarines Thread II
What is the latest on the Yuan? I heard there is a new version being built with more advanced AIP capability. I also heard rumors that the chinese obtained blueprints of the type 214 from Howaldt Werke in Kiel. Many many chinese in germany. Many many chinese dummy and real companies all over germany particularly in the eastern sector.
Many german startups are also joining hands with chinese. Stark contrast with the US, where almost nothing is happening .
Type 214 is designed primarily for littoral zone combat, PLAN on the other hand, are keen to develop larger submarines suitable for carrying out missions deep into the pacific ocean (the likes of Kilo, Oyashio or Collins Class).
Secondly, PLAN has adopted Stirling cycle engine as the method to achieve AIP on conventional submarines, other than the fuel cells used on Type 214. China is actually pretty advanced in fuel cell technology too, judging from civilian products such as BDY automobiles. However, full cells are pretty low on energy density, which makes them unsuitable for larger vessles.
It's assumed future Chinese submarines tend to increase in displacements, even after they get ride of the double pressure hull design. Type 214 is no doubt a highly successful design among smaller submarines, yet PLAN as well as JMSDF or RAN would go for larger and more complex stuff (as a side note, the notion of replaing Collins with Type 214 was rejected by Australians regardless the great cost benefit). There are already noises about PLAN has been working on compact nuclear propulsion designs to power the next generation medium-sized submarines, thus obtaining Type 214 blueprints is pretty unnecessary.
