D
Naval ForcesChina

Type 039A Class (Yuan Class)

Diesel-electric submarineFielded 2006Pending verification
Naval ForcesCHN
Length 72 m
Identification silhouette. Not drawn to scale between entries.
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeDiesel-electric submarine
Date of introduction2006
ProliferationAt least 2 countries
Crew52Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Length72 m236 ftMed[1]
Beam8.4 m28 ftMed[1]
Displacement (surface)2,350 tons surfaceMed[1]
Displacement (submerged)3,126 tMed[1]
Propulsion and performance
Propulsion4 x Shaanxi dieselsMed[1]
Engine power6,092 total bhp; 1 shaftMed[1]
Speed12 kt22 km/hMed[1]
Protection
CountermeasuresYesMed[1]
NBC Water Washdown SystemYesMed[1]
EW1 X Radar WarningMed[1]
Armament
Torpedoes: torpedo tubes6 x 533-mm bow-mountedMed[1]
Torpedoes: torpedosYu-3 anti-ship torpedoes; Yu-4 anti-sub torpedoes; or 53-65KE wake-homing torpedoes.Med[1]
Torpedoes: basic load18 eaMed[1]
ArmamentYJ-8(C-801) (NATO: CSS-N-4 Sardine)Med[1]
Weapons and payload options · 1Confidence · Source
YJ-8(C-801) (NATO: CSS-N-4 Sardine)Anti-Ship Cruise Missile
Med[1]
Range
42 km26 mi · 23 nmi
Quantity
8 ea
Type
Anti-Ship Cruise Missile
Guidance
Inertial navigation/active radar homing terminal guidance
Warhead
165 kg
Speed
Mach 0.9
Length
5.81 m
Summary

The Type 039A submarine (NATO reporting name: Yuan class) is a class of diesel-electric submarine in China's People's Liberation Army Navy. It is China's first AIP-powered submarine and is presumed to be one of the quietest diesel-electric submarine classes in service.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
ChinaPakistan
Sources
  1. Type 039A Class (Yuan Class) Chinese Diesel-Electric Submarine, U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import