China’s New Trimaran Submarine: 16 Missiles And An Unconventional Design

A Chinese trimaran submersible undergoing trials at Huludao appears configured to carry a large missile load in two enclosed launcher compartments within its central hull. Satellite imagery supports identification of at least eight launch tubes, while analysis suggests approximately 16 to 18 if the two compartments share the same arrangement. The vessel has a prominent snorkel and stern outriggers, and its launchers would apparently need to be elevated after surfacing. Its official designation, missile type and crew arrangement remain unconfirmed, so the configuration should be understood as an observed experimental design rather than an acknowledged operational submarine class.