Class name: Han
Producer (country/manufacturer): PRC/Huludao
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 4,500 (submerged)
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 295.2/90 Beam: 32.8/10 Draft:?
Armament: Six 533mm torpedo tubes
Machinery: One PWR with turboelectric drive; one-bladed screw; 15,000 SHP
Speed (knots): 30 (submerged)
Number in class: 5
Users: PRC
Comments: This is the first class of SSN produced by the PRC, and it shows. Rather noisy and limited in its weapons load and sensors, it is still relatively fast and better than nothing. Roughly equal to a Skipjack or Victor I in performance.
Class name: Xia
Producer (country/manufacturer): PRC/Huludao
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 7,000 (submerged)
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 393.6/120 Beam: 32.8/10 Draft:?
Armament: Twelve CSS-N-3 SLBMs; six 533mm torpedo tubes
Machinery: One PWR with turboelectric drive; one-bladed screw; 15,000 SHP
Speed (knots): 20 (submerged)
Number in class: 1
Users: PRC
Comments: The first class of SSBNs built by the PRC, the Xias are roughly similar to the Soviet Yankee II- class boat in performance and weapons loadout. A derivative of the Han class (the hull and reactor are virtually identical), the Xias give the PRC leadership a minor and somewhat credible FBM capability in their part of the world.
France
The French are somewhat unusual because they chose to develop nuclear submarines to carry ballistic missiles (SSBNs) before they developed nuclear attack submarines (SSNs). This was due to the desire of General Charles de Gaulle in the 1960s to have a nuclear deterrent independent of NATO. Consequently, they developed a force of four SSBNs, the Le Redoubtable class, first, and only recently developed a force of SSNs. Currently they are finishing the construction of the Amethyst-class SSNs, as well as working on a new class of SSBNs, the four units of the Le Triomphant class. In addition, the French maintain a small force of diesel-electric submarines, though the number of these will surely decrease. As for the future, the French plans are not clear beyond the attempts of commercial yards to market conventional versions of the Amethyst-class boats.
Class name: Amethyst
Producer (country/manufacturer): France/DCAN, Cherbourg
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 2,400/2,660
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 241.4/73.6 Beam: 24.9/7.6 Draft: 21/6.4
Armament: Four 533mm torpedo tubes with 14 weapons
Machinery: One PWR with turboelectric drive; one 7-bladed screw; 9,500 SHP
Speed (knots): 28 (submerged)
Number in class: 1 + 2
Users: FranceComments: Basically an improved Rubis with a rounded bow, these boats are superior in both radiated noise and sensors. Currently there are no plans by the French Navy for a larger SSN force, and these will be the last ones built in the foreseeable future.
Class name: Rubis
Producer (country/manufacturer): France/DCAN, Cherbourg
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 2,385/2,670
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 236.5/72.1 Beam: 24.9/7.6 Draft: 21/6.4
Armament: Four 533mm torpedo tubes with 14 weapons
Machinery: One PWR with turboelectric drive; one 7-bladed screw; 9,500 SHP
Speed (knots): 25 (submerged)
Number in class: 4
Users: France
Comments: The first of the French SSNs, the Rubis class appeared only in the last decade or so. These compact little boats are the smallest SSNs ever built, and this is reflected in the small crew size (8 officers and 57 men) and the weapons loadout (14 weapons). The early units of the class were reported to be relatively noisy, requiring a major refit. All units are currently being brought up to the standard of the Amethyst-class boats.
Class name: Le Triomphant
Producer (country/manufacturer): France/DCAN, Cherbourg
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 12,640/14,120
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 452.6/138 Beam: 41/12.5 Draft:?
Armament: Sixteen M45 SLBMs; four 533mm torpedo tubes with? weapons
Machinery: One PWR with steam turbines driving one pumpjet propulsor; 41,500 SHP
Speed (knots): 25+ (submerged)
Number in class: 1 + 3
Users: France
Comments: New generation of French SSBN. Considerable attention paid to quieting measures including main propulsion machinery raft and a pumpjet propulsor. More streamlined hull form over L'Inflexible and earlier SSBNs. Will be equipped with the latest in submarine sonar systems including a large flank array, and new combat system.
Class name: L'Inflexible
Producer (country/manufacturer): France/DCAN, Cherbourg
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 8,080/8,920
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 422.1/128.7 Beam: 34.8/10.6 Draft: 32.8/10
Armament: Sixteen M4 SLBMs; four 533mm torpedo tubes with 12 weapons
Machinery: One PWR with steam turbines driving one 7-bladed screw; 16,000 SHP
Speed (knots): 20 (submerged)
Number in class: 1
Users: France
Comments: Essentially a Le Redoubtable class with some improvements in quieting, hull steel, and sensors.
