Quote:
Originally Posted by peter12
Fuel-cell subs with the ability to dive below the icebergs would be perfect. I've read those things are like holes in the ocean, almost completely undetectable by surface vessels, especially to the Russian navy, which is completely trained to detect the louder nuke subs.
I was reading a rumour that the Chinese managed to surface a couple of fuel-cell subs right in the middle of a US carrier group doing exercises off of Taiwan.
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Diesel electric subs are quieter then Nuclear subs because of lower plant noises. The Victoria class submarines are quieter then a first flight 688 attack sub. But non nuclear boats also have a shorter range and are far slower so the speed advantage and patience advantage lies with an SSN.
The rumor is true, a Song class diesel electric SSX surfaced after getting into torpedo range of the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk without being detected. The Song is now being upgraded to use the AIP, but as far as I know none of the 6 new submarines of the Song enhanced have been delivered. The Sub that carried out the successful attack was a conventional diesel submarine.
I'm betting the Admiral in charge of the Kitty Hawk battle group saw a big black mark attached to his record.
http://www.sinodefence.com/navy/sub/039.asp