The first Changzheng 6 of its class was laid down in 1978 at Huludao 120 miles North-East of Beijing; she was completed in 1981. She then spent 6 years being fitted out and conducting tests with its 12 JL-1 (CSS-N-3) missiles, becoming active in 1987. Later, the submarine went through numerous upgrades in incremental step, including using Type H/SQ2-262B sonar manufactured by No. 613 Factory replacing the original Type 604 sonar on board.
The 092 has undergone numerous refits, currently featuring a new black paint, possible quieting technologies, French designed sonar, and the improved longer ranged JL-1A SLBM. It is reported that the 092 has not sailed beyond Chinese regional waters. One of the two Xias built was reported lost during an accident.
The Xia is aging however and a new Ballistic Missile Submarine design is in the works for the People's Liberation Army Navy. The US Defense Intelligence Agency lists the Xia-Class as being "Not Operational." While its capability is still being questioned, Xia made its world wide debut on April 23rd, 2009 celebrating the 60th anniversary of PLA Navy's founding
The 092 class are homeported in Jianggezhuang near Qingdao.
| Type 092 Class Submarine overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders: | Huludao Shipyard |
| Operators: |  People's Liberation Army Navy |
| Succeeded by: | Type 094 (Jin class) |
| In service: | 1981 |
| Completed: | 2 |
| Active: | 1 |
| Lost: | 1 |
| General characteristics | |
| Displacement: | 6,500 tons, 7,000 tons submerged. |
| Length: | 120 m |
| Beam: | 10 m |
| Draught: | 8 m |
| Propulsion: | 1 × pressurized-water nuclear reactor, 58MW; 2 × steam turbines; 1 shaft. |
| Speed: | 22 kts |
| Range: | Unlimited |
| Test depth: | 300 m |
| Complement: | 100 |
| Armament: | 6 × 533 mm torpedo tubes (bow); missiles - 12 JL-1A SLBMs. |
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