New Improved Yuan Class Submarine In China, May Have VLS

A new type of submarine has been observed at the Wuchang shipyard in Wuhan, China. The vessel was spotted by Defense analyst Tom Shugart. The submarine is visible in satelite imagery. Initial analysis suggests that it is noticibly longer than the existing Type-039A/B/C Yuan Class, and also features an X-form rudder.

Until now Chinese submarines have not featured an X-form rudder, although some extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicles (XLUUV) have. X-form rudders are generally seen as superior to traditional cruciform rudders.

The submarine is also longer by about 5-7 meters. This may reflect a change in propulsion, but it also hints at the possibility of vertical launch tubes.

At this point it may be a new variant of the Yuan Class, or it might be an entirely new class of submarine.

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