New Chinese Submarine Featuring X-Form Rudders Spotted at Wuchang Shipyard

China is spotted to be working on a new crewed submarine featuring X-form rudders, marking a breakthrough in its rapidly advancing submarine program, which spans both nuclear and conventional vessels.

Tom Shugart, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) and retired U.S. Navy submarine warfare officer, first spotted the new submarine at Wuchang Shipyard in Wuhan. This shipyard is primarily associated with the construction of Type 039A conventionally powered submarines.

A satellite image of the shipyard, dated April 26, 2024, and acquired by Shugart, shows the new submarine alongside an apparent Hangor II class submarine being built for Pakistan, which was launched in the same month. Shugart's analysis indicates that the new submarine is approximately 272-279 feet long, compared to the 253 feet length of the Type 039A Yuan class, which has a displacement of around 3,600 tons.

Shugart had previously observed unusual activity at Wuchang Shipyard, which he believed was related to a new Type 039 variant. The mystery boat, now identified as the new X-stern design, was seen in satellite imagery from late April. However, its precise relationship to the Type 039 remains unclear.

Subsequent satellite imagery from June 15 shows that the new submarine had left its berth, leaving the Hangor II behind. By early July, crane activity at the berth had ceased, suggesting that the new submarine may have commenced sea trials or been moved elsewhere.

Naval analyst H. I. Sutton suggests that the extended hull length of the new design may be to accommodate vertical launch system (VLS) cells, a feature rare on conventionally powered submarines. VLS cells could be used for additional cruise missiles, freeing up torpedo tubes for primary weapons, or for new missile types, potentially including hypersonic weapons. This development follows unconfirmed reports of Israel's Dakar class and South Korea's Dosan Ahn Changho class submarines also incorporating VLS capabilities.

The additional hull length and new rudder configuration could also be related to a new propulsion system, possibly using lithium batteries like those in Japan's latest Soryu class submarines, providing increased endurance, quicker charging, and reduced maintenance.

Alternatively, the extended hull may provide extra internal space for specialized gear, such as surveillance equipment or covert operation tools, potentially supporting activities like infiltration and exfiltration missions.

Related article: China to Manufacture More of Nuclear-powered Submarines over Conventional Ones

The X-form rudder configuration on the new Chinese submarine improves maneuverability, efficiency, and safety while reducing the acoustic signature. This configuration, found on some Chinese extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicles (XLUUV), has been observed on a crewed submarine for the first time.

The new submarine could represent a new class or an addition to the Type 039 or Yuan class, which already includes several subclasses. The Type 039A/B class features air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology, allowing the submarines to remain submerged for extended periods. These boats are considered among the quietest in active Chinese service.

The exact purpose and capabilities of the new submarine remain unclear, but its appearance reflects the fast pace of China's underwater warfare developments. China’s submarine program includes both nuclear- and conventionally-powered designs, contrasting with the all-nuclear U.S. Navy. Conventionally powered submarines offer lower costs and can be quieter during certain operations, making them suitable for littoral waters.