The Type 039 / Type 039G Song-class is a Chinese diesel-electric attack submarine family built for the People's Liberation Army Navy. GlobalSecurity describes it as China's first new-design conventional submarine, with the improved Type 039G deleting the stepped sail of the first boat and adding anechoic tiles to reduce acoustic signature.
GlobalSecurity describes the Song as China's first new-design conventional submarine and notes that the improved Type 039G replaced the stepped sail of the lead boat with a level-topped sail. The same source also says later boats added anechoic tiles to help reduce acoustic signature.
| Program milestone | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Lead design | First Chinese new-design conventional submarine | Song Class Type 039 |
| Type 039G change | Stepped conning tower deleted on the improved variant | Song Class Type 039 |
| Acoustic treatment | Anechoic tiles added on improved boats | Song Class Type 039 |
GlobalSecurity says the first Song-class submarine was launched on 25 May 1994 at Wuhan.
Sources: Song Class Type 039
GlobalSecurity says the first Type 039 did not become operational until 1998 after sea trials.
Sources: Song Class Type 039
Wuhan Shipbuilding Industry Company revealed a further improved Type 039G1 variant in June 2004.
Sources: Song Class Type 039
GlobalSecurity reports that by March 2006 China had 13 Song-class SSKs in service and was shifting new production toward the Yuan class.
Sources: Song Class Type 039
