Last spring, China's Wuhan shipyard has launched the first unit of a new diesel submarine class, the Type 040 [Yuan]. From the launch photo (www.centurychina.com), it seems to combine elements of both Russian (Project 877 Kilo) and Chinese (Type 039 [Song]) submarine technology. There have been reports that the Chinese have built their own version of the Kilo. This may be it. By the way, the round objects to the right of the drummer are balloons, and the boxes behind him to the left contain pigeons -- LOTS of pigeons. There has been speculation that Yuan has air-independent propulsion, but I believe that's too big a technical leap. If it is a Chinese Kilo equivalent, and it's a successful design, that's enough of an advance over earlier classes. Models of new surface ship classes have also appeared at arms shows. The one at upper right is of the Type 054A frigate. The first Type 054 [Jiangkai], a 3500-ton frigate, may enter service this year. It is the first of four planned. The Type 054A might properly be typed as an FFG, since the model features a VLS aft of the 100mm mount. The image below may be a model of the Type 071 Wu Deng LSD, exhibited at a recent arms exhibition, possibly the Maritech show in Shanghai last December. Rumors of a large ship being built in Dalian have been circulating for some time. Taiwan claims it’s a helicopter carrier, and some have even claimed it was a full-fledged aircraft carrier, but this model suggests otherwise. Besides the model, Pielstick has announced on its web site the sale of diesel engines for a large amphibious ships. In addition to a well deck for four LCAC-type landing craft, the helicopter deck has spots for two large helicopters. There is a medium-caliber gun forwarward, with a point-defense mount super-imposed behind it, as well as what may be two ADMG-type weapons mounted midships at the 03 level. Thanks to Alexandre Sheldon-Dupleix for his help on this article. BT Back to The Naval Sitrep # 27 Table of Contents Back to Naval Sitrep List of Issues Back to MagWeb Master Magazine List & copy Copyright 2004 by Larry Bond and Clash of Arms. This article appears in MagWeb.com (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history and related articles are available at http://www.magweb.com