Type 39 Mod (Type 39C?) - New Pictures

We have previously covered some of the adjustments taking place with the Type 39 submarines. The Yuan class, also known as the Type 39A, was supposed to be a replacement for the Type 39 and Type 39G Song class. However we previously compared the differences between the Type 39A and what we are calling the Type 39B. We also previously highlighted what appears to be a Type 39C under construction in Wuhan.

We observed yesterday new pictures of the Type 39C on Chinese BBS. These three pictures are better quality than the Type 39C pictures previously posted on the internet, but because the angle we still require long angle pictures to make definitive assessments. Regardless, it should be noted that since the last Pentagon military report on China, there are at least 2 new Type 39 submarine versions. The rate of PLAN submarine construction continues to be at least 4x that of the United States.




Click the pictures to enlarge. Also check out Feng's place (fix your pics Feng) where we are seeing confirmation of Yuan being an AIP submarine. If the Type 39A is considered to use 2 AIP engines for 100kw power, then the modifications to the Type 39C speculated by some of our submarine observers who believed the mods were to increase power output could be correct. Still, there isn't enough information yet to do much beyond speculate.