Global Security.org reports that development of the Type 093 began in the early 1980s. However, Admiral Liu Huaqing wrote in his memoirs that development began in 1994 following President Jiang Zemin's continued support for nuclear submarine development after the launch of the final Type 091 in 1990. Erickson and Goldstein suggest that the Yinhe incident in 1993, and continued tensions with Taiwan, also drove Jiang Zemin's support of the program. Two Type 093s were launched in 2002 and 2003 respectively. In 2013, it was understood that four improved Type 093s were at various stages of construction, including one which had already been launched in 2012. In December 2014, Chinese media reported that two Type 093Gs may have been completed. In May 2015, Chinese media reported three Type 093Gs were completed and awaiting delivery. Analysts speculate that no further Type 093s will be built due to the development of the Type 095 submarine.
Characteristics
The Type 093 is estimated to be roughly 7,000-ton displacement when submerged, long with a beam of. Commercial imagery suggests the Type 093G is longer. The sonar suite includes H/SQC-207 flank-mounted sonar. The boat may also use a seven-blade asymmetric propeller. The powerplant is speculated to be two pressurized water reactors. In 2002, Chinese sources said the Type 093 was powered by a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, but the immaturity of the technology makes this unlikely. The Type 093 is armed with six torpedo tubes; reports conflict on whether these are or tubes. The Type 093 has been said to be armed with the YJ-12 or YJ-82 anti-ship missiles. Anti-ship cruise missiles may also be future options. Chinese sources say the Type 093G includes a vertical launching system for YJ-18 anti-ship missiles, and a longer teardrop hull with a "wing-shaped cross-section" for improved speed and stealth. Rear AdmiralYin Zhuo has said the Type 093G may carry 12 anti-ship variants of the CJ-10cruise missile.
Noise
In 2002, Chinese sources said the Type 093's noise level was on par with the improved Los Angeles-class submarines. In 2004, Chinese sources said the Type 093 was on par with Project 971, at 110 decibels. In 2009, USN ONI listed the Type 093 as being noisier than Project 671RTM which entered service in 1979. Chinese media say the Type 093G is quieter than the shorter Type 093 due to an altered hull form.
Variants
There are two suspected variants of the Type 093. One, as noted above is the Type 093G, the cruise missile variant. This and the fast attack variant, might be able to launch the YJ-18 anti-ship cruise missile and a naval version of the DF-10 long-range land-attack cruise missile. The second variant is the Type 093A, which will be or are the third and subsequent three boats. These are stretched versions of the two original Shang-class boats: possibly in an attempt to accommodate a dry deck shelter for special forces.
