Jin class

   The Type 094 (NATO designation Jin class) nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine is the second-generation SSBN of the Chinese navy. It's development possibly began in the early 1980s. It is a successor to the unreliable Type 092 or Xia class. The whole project is kept in secrecy.

   Speculations have been made, that development of the Type 094 class was assisted by Russian Rubin Design Bureau, however this information was not confirmed. Construction of the lead vessel began in 1999 and it was launched in 2004. It seems that the first boat was commissioned in 2010. Currently at least three hulls of the class have been identified. The second vessel of the class was launched in 2007. Some sources claim, that a total of 5 submarines of this class are projected.

   Externally the Jin class appears to be a scaled-up version of the Xia class. It also incorporates some technologies of the Type 093 (Shang class) nuclear-powered attack submarine.

   The Jin class reportedly will carry twelve JL-2 (NATO designation CSS-N-5 Sabbot) SLBMs. The JL-2 missile has a maximum range of 8 000 km and can carry up to 3 nuclear warheads. It will allow this submarine to hold US territory within missile range, while operating from Chinese costal waters. Hull of the submarine was enlarged to accommodate missile tubes and part of the nuclear reactor. Originally these submarines were planned to carry 16 missiles. Other armament includes six 533-mm torpedo tubes.

   It was reported that the Type 094 class boats are as noisy as Soviet submarines of the 70s.

   Some sources claim that these Chinese ballistic missile submarines were plagued with various problems and design flaws. By 2013 Jin class boats were never sent on deterrent patrol missions.