QING (201) class

 1 QING-class BALLISTIC MISSILE SUBMARINE (SSB)  
Name             Pendant No.    Launched          Commissioned      Status   
YUANGZHENG 201   201            Sept. 9, 2010     Oct. 16, 2012     Active 

The QING class is a Chinese single-unit conventional-propulsion auxiliary submarine, and the largest non-nuclear submarine in the world. Physically, it resembles the YUAN-class submarine with a lengthened hull and larger sail. The class is a testing platform for new systems, primarily submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). Official information on the QING class is limited.

HULL: The QING class is distinguishable by its large 72-ft (22-m) deep sail, which is believed to house two SLBM launch tubes which are integrated into the pressure hull and below the keel line. When surfaced, the class displaces 4,186 tons and while submerged it displaces 7,306 tons. It measures 303 ft 10 in (92.6 m) in length, with a beam of 34 ft 9 in (10.6 m) and a draft of 22 ft 6 in (6.85 m).
The submarine has a crew complement of 88. Additionally, it can carry 100 civilian specialists and 50 troops.

ENGINEERING: The submarine utilizes a conventional diesel-electric propulsion configuration. Unknown diesel engines and an electric motor are fitted, producing an unknown amount of total bhp. The class has been reported to be equipped with an Air-independent Propulsion (AIP) system, however this has not been confirmed.
When surfaced, the QING class can reach a speed of 10 knots. When submerged, it can attain a speed of 14 knots, diving to a maximum depth of 525 ft (160.0 m).

ARMAMENT: The submarine's role as a testing platform has led to limited armament, primarily oriented for testing purposes rather than defensive capability. Two ballistic missile launch tubes are installed in the sail for the firing of JL-2 and JL-3 SLBMs. Four vertical launch system (VLS) cells at the bow are believed to be used for CJ-20A and YJ-18 anti-ship missiles.
A 533-mm and 650-mm torpedo tube are fitted at the bow.

SENSORS/ELECTRONICS: Information about the sensor systems onboard the QING class is limited. Radar and sonar system are believed to be fitted.

In service.
Deployed with North Sea Fleet, based at Xiaopingdao.

The QING class was designed as a testing platform for new systems and technologies, but most primarily submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). It succeeded an aging modified Type 031 GOLF II-class submarine previously used for submarine-launched missile tests.

The sole unit of the class, YUANGZHENG 201 was laid down in 2008 at Wuchang Shipyard, Wuhan. She was launched on Sept. 9, 2010, and commissioned into service on Oct. 16, 2012.

A model of a QING-class submarine was displayed at the Sixth Shipping Expo in Guangdong, China in June 2014. The characteristics of the display led to speculation of an incoming new variant of the class, however a new model never appeared publicly.

YUANGZHENG 201 served as the base platform for the first three tests of China’s JL-3 missile. The JL-3 is planned for use on JIN-class and future TYPE 096 submarines.

In Feb. 2017, open-source satellite imagery showed the lone QING-class submarine had moved from the homeport of Xiaopingdao to Dalian Liaoning shipyard. The submarine underwent refit work until June 2017. Further satellite imagery suggested the rear segment of the sail had been lengthened, likely to fit a larger SLBM launcher complex.

Wuchang Shipyard, Wuhan, China

 CREW    
   Total                   88 + 100 civilians
   Troops                  50
 DISPLACEMENT    
   Surface                 4,186 tons
   Submerged               7,306 tons 
 DIMENSIONS
   Length                  303 ft 10 in (92.6 m)
   Beam                     34 ft 9 in  (10.6 m)
   Draft                    22 ft 6 in  (6.85 m)
 PROPULSION
   Main                    Diesel-electric:
                           Unknown diesels
                           1 x electric motor
      power                Unknown total bhp
 PERFORMANCE
   Speed
     surface               10 knots
     submerged             14 knots
   Diving depth            525 ft (160.0 m)  
 COMBAT SYSTEMS
   Missiles                2 x launch tubes for JL-2 or JL-3 ballistic missiles
                           4 x VLS cells for CJ-20A and YJ-18 missiles 
   Torpedo Tubes           1 x 533-mm torpedo tube (bow)
                           1 x 650-mm torpedo tube (bow)
   Radars                  Unknown radar
   Sonars                  Unknown sonar

Rumors circulated in 2011 that China was planning to sell six QING-class submarines to Pakistan, however the deal never manifested. Instead, the two nations made a deal in 2015 to export eight YUAN-class diesel-electric submarine models as the Pakistani HANGOR class.

Chinese designation is Type 032.