China is testing a warship that could hide its hull underwater before surfacing to fire up hidden missile launchers. Its unusual tri-hull design could help keep the ship stable while the launch tubes rise into firing position.
The Guangzhou-built ship, currently undergoing testing in Huludao on the Bohai Sea, can carry 16 to 18 missiles and operate without a permanent crew, according to an image-based analysis.
China has not revealed its specifications, but the emerging picture points to a missile carrier that combines underwater delivery with ground-based firepower.
Why does it have three hulls?
A trimaran consists of a central hull flanked by two smaller hulls. On this ship, the side hulls, also called outriggers, sit at the stern and do not extend most of the length.
The agreement could help stabilize the ship if the suspected missile launchers are raised. Raising heavy launch tubes would shift the weight upwards, so stability during firing would be an important consideration.
Early satellite analyzes estimated its length at about 65 meters. Much of the ship was then hidden under tarpaulins at the Huangpu Shipyard, making its forward compartments difficult to examine.
Later photos showed depth markings on the bow and sails, supporting the assessment that the ship could operate completely or almost completely submerged. However, these markings do not indicate how deep it can dive.
A prominent snorkel provides another clue. Diesel engines require atmospheric air and a snorkel allows operation while the hull remains submerged. The mast still has to protrude above the surface, limiting the depth the ship can travel with these engines.
How would his rockets launch?
The central fuselage contains two large compartments, presumably housing rocket tubes. Unlike fixed vertical firing cells on conventional warships, these tubes appear to be stored horizontally and raised before firing.
In his latest assessment, naval analyst HI Sutton identifies at least eight apparent tubes. A total of 16-18 is considered more likely when both compartments contain consistent agreements.
The proposed firing sequence would require the ship to surface, open the compartment doors, and raise its launchers. This interpretation comes from image analysis; The reporting does not prove a proven rocket launch.
The weapons themselves remain unknown. Sutton suggests anti-ship or land-attack missiles, with the YJ-20 among possible candidates. There is no public confirmation that this particular missile has been integrated.
The operating concept has a Cold War precedent. Soviet Juliett-class diesel-electric submarines carried four cruise missiles and had to surface to fire them. China’s ship could use a similar approach with a larger weapons loadout.
Why could it operate without a crew?
Ship design specialist Rachel Pawling estimates the ship would displace about 900 tons if fully submerged. According to their assessment, the weapons rooms take up so much space that there is little left to accommodate the crew.
This supports the possibility of unscrewed operation, but does not confirm it. An open bridge on top of the sail could accommodate a pilot during port movements.
Its possible role also helps explain the design. An arsenal ship primarily carries weapons, while other platforms can provide information needed to locate and engage targets. The Chinese ship could therefore act as a missile carrier in a larger network.
Such an agreement would make the focus on data and communications important dependencies. Hiding could provide concealment, but surfacing to prepare and fire missiles would result in a period of greater danger.
Speed, endurance, diving depth, control arrangements and operational status remain secret for the time being. The available evidence points to an unusual experimental missile platform, but its ultimate capabilities remain unclear.
