Surface Ships
- Type 054A Frigates
- Engines: Pielstick PA6 STC diesel engines (French design, licensed production by Shaanxi Diesel Engine Factory)
The Type 054A frigate, a cornerstone of China's modern naval fleet, is lauded for its advanced missile systems and versatile capabilities. However, beneath the deck lies a dependency that China would prefer to keep under wraps. These frigates are powered by four Pielstick PA6 STC diesel engines. The Pielstick engines, a French design, are produced under license by the Shaanxi Diesel Engine Factory in China. This arrangement has enabled China to equip its frigates with reliable propulsion systems without having to develop such technology independently. The reliance on Pielstick’s tried-and-tested design has provided operational dependability, but it also highlights China’s lag in developing its own high-performance diesel engines for such crucial naval assets.
2. Type 052D Destroyers
- Engines: MTU 20V 956 TB92 diesel engines (German design, licensed production)
- Gas Turbines: The QC-280 gas turbines, like those on the Type 052D, are influenced by the Ukrainian GT25000 design.
- The Type 052D destroyers, often seen as a testament to China’s naval modernization, similarly depend on foreign technology for their propulsion. These destroyers use MTU 20V 956 TB92 diesel engines, a robust and reliable German design. The MTU engines are produced under license in China, ensuring that these warships can perform efficiently. The heart of their propulsion remains a product of German engineering. The use of these licensed engines underscores the gap in China’s ability to produce high-quality diesel engines domestically, a gap that contrasts with its advanced shipbuilding capabilities.
Diesel-Electric Submarines (SSKs)
- Type 039 (Song class)
- Engines: MTU 396 SE84 diesel engines (German design, licensed production)
- Type 041 (Yuan class)
- Engines: HND 8V 4000 M70 diesel engines (MTU 4000 series, German design, licensed production by Henan Diesel Engine Industry Co.)
Type 039 (Song Class) and Type 041 (Yuan Class) Submarines
And then we have the submarines. The Type 039 (Song class) submarines run on MTU 396 SE84 diesel engines – another German gem. Moving on to the Type 041 (Yuan class) subs, you’d think there’d be some breakthrough, right? Nope. These submarines use HND 8V 4000 M70 diesel engines, which are essentially based on the MTU 4000 series engines. These engines are produced by Henan Diesel Engine Industry Co., Ltd. (HND) under license, maintaining the reliance on German technological foundations.
China's naval fleet might look fierce from a distance, but up close, it's clear they’re leaning hard on German and French tech to keep things moving. Sure, China has made some impressive strides in shipbuilding, radar systems, and missiles, but when it comes to the heart of their ships – the engines – they're still stuck in the passenger seat, letting Europe drive.
So, next time China tries to throw shade at other countries like India for their naval advancements, maybe take a moment to reflect. India might be licensing tech too, but we’re also putting serious effort into developing our own engines and cutting down on foreign dependency. India’s got local manufacturers like Kirloskar stepping up, and strategic partnerships that actually transfer technology, not just slap a new label on it.
China, it’s time to get real. Stop riding on borrowed tech and start investing in your own diesel engine development. Only then can you truly claim to have a fleet that’s as powerful and independent as you want the world to believe. Until then, maybe hold off on the mockery – after all, those shiny warships of yours are still cruising on European engines.
We used to rely on imports for submarine diesel engines for decades. What is the current level?
Xiaomoji Narrative 2024-04-07 18:19 Shanghai
Submarine engines are the key to submarine performance. Germany's MTU series diesel engines lead the world. China has gradually improved its submarine engine technology through introduction and independent research and development. The CHD620 diesel engine has excellent performance, comparable to German products. China's engine technology has made breakthroughs in all aspects of sea, air and land, and is narrowing the gap with the world's leading level.
Editor | Xiao Mo
Preface
Today we are going to talk about the heart of a submarine - the engine. Whether this thing is awesome or not is directly related to how powerful a submarine can be. Look at Germany, their submarine power is really good, and they are truly the industry leader. Can our diesel engines compete with them? This is our topic today.
Power competition in submarines
Let's first talk about how submarines are divided. Basically, there are two types: nuclear-powered overbearing presidents and conventional-powered powerhouses. Nuclear submarines are the real big guns. No matter the size, speed, endurance, or equipment, they can easily leave conventional-powered submarines behind. However, there are only a few countries that can play with nuclear submarines, only six in the world, in addition to the five permanent members of the Security Council, India has also caught this train. Therefore, most countries can only play with conventional power.
Conventional powered submarines are a combination of diesel engines and batteries. In the 21st century, an AIP system was developed to increase endurance. Although it is auxiliary, it is also very powerful. The performance of the diesel engine directly affects the overall performance of the submarine. At present, Germany leads the world in this area, especially their MTU series, which is a best-seller in the world.
Let's look at our situation. In the 1970s and 1980s, our submarine technology was still in the process of development, and we basically relied on imitation. At that time, the 035 submarine used the GE390-ZC-1 diesel engine, which was powerful but average in technology. After the 1980s, through exchanges with Western technology, we came into contact with the German MTU 16V396 SE84 diesel engine, which was very cost-effective.
By the 1980s and 1990s, submarines of most countries in the world began to use this type of diesel engine. Since the 1990s, we have developed the 039 series of conventional-powered submarines with the help of foreign technology and our own exploration. The core power is still the MTU 16V396 SE84 diesel engine authorized by Germany.
Secrets and breakthroughs at the heart of a submarine
From the late 1990s to the early 21st century, the heart of our submarines still relied on German MTU diesel engines. But after 2010, the engines carried by the newly launched 039B and 039C submarines became a mystery. Take the 039B type for example. The interior of the submarine is divided into six large compartments, with everything, but the most curious thing is the power source.
Our submarine equipment is now competing with the world's top ones. In particular, the Type 039C, which was unveiled in 2020, is comparable to the top submarines of Japan and Germany. It also has a very fashionable "mushroom head" shell, coupled with the most cutting-edge optoelectronic mast and sound insulation technology.
As for the diesel engines used in 039B and 039C, we are taking the domestic route, but the details are unknown to outsiders. The power source of the navy is strictly confidential. So, how powerful are our diesel engines?
In 2017, Thailand insisted on buying our S26T submarine, which was modified from the Type 039B. Originally, they relied on German products, but when Germany stopped them, we took charge and developed the CHD620 diesel engine to replace it. This change not only won Thailand’s support, but also showed that our CHD620 was definitely not inferior to the German one. Until 2024, this deal has taken another step forward.
Thailand's change of heart and technological leap
Thailand has changed its mind this time. It no longer wants submarines, but wants a frigate or two patrol ships. In the past few years, our country's technological level has soared, especially after absorbing the top diesel engine technologies from Germany and France, the performance of our diesel engines has also been rising. For example, the 054B frigate is very likely equipped with a new domestically developed diesel engine. The ideal is to strive for full electric drive, but in reality, we still have to work harder.
When it comes to the progress of our engine technology, there have been great breakthroughs in all aspects, whether at sea, in the air, or on land. Although there is still some distance to the world's leading level, the distance is narrowing little by little. Take the CGT40 gas turbine that was unveiled in October 2023, for example. Its power and thermal efficiency are almost catching up with the European big brother. Engines in other fields are also making steady progress.
As for the diesel engine of our new submarine, although the model is like a state secret, judging from the external models such as CHD620 and CHD622, the "heart" of our submarine is definitely solid. Other aspects such as system configuration are also moving forward steadily.
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In order to catch up with the world's best, what is the level of China's submarine dedicated diesel engines?
2024-04-01 16:22 Henan
This article discusses the development history and current status of my country's submarine diesel engines, from the GE390-ZC-1 medium-speed diesel engine used in the Type 035 submarine to the MTU16V396SE84 supercharged diesel engine produced under German license used in the Type 039 submarine, and then to the great progress of my country's diesel engine technology in recent years. The article also mentioned that although the model of the diesel engine used in my country's new generation of conventional-powered submarines is unknown, its overall performance will not be bad. Finally, the article points out that my country's engine development has made great progress in all fields and is getting closer and closer to the world's first echelon.
In the previous article, the author talked with everyone about a series of developments in my country's submarines, such as the Type 035 submarine, the Type 039 submarine, and so on. Today, let's talk about the special diesel engine for my country's submarines. As the main power system of submarines, the comprehensive performance of diesel engines largely determines the comprehensive performance of submarines. At present, Germany belongs to the world's standard first echelon in the field of submarine engines. So, what level do China's submarine diesel engines belong to? Today, let's talk about this issue.
First, let's talk about the classification of submarines. According to the different power of submarines, they are divided into nuclear submarines and conventional powered submarines. Nuclear submarines have overwhelming advantages over conventional powered submarines in terms of tonnage, speed, range, weapons and system configuration. However, the threshold for nuclear submarines is too high. So far, only 6 countries have nuclear submarines, namely the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and India. Therefore, conventional powered submarines are the standard configuration for most countries in the world.
Conventional powered submarines are actually diesel-electric powered submarines, which mainly rely on diesel engines and batteries. Of course, since the 21st century, the AIP system (air-dependent propulsion device) has also been added. Of course, the AIP system is only used for auxiliary purposes. In other words, the performance of the diesel engine determines the overall performance of the submarine to a large extent. At present, Germany is a well-deserved first-tier company in the field of submarine diesel engines, especially the MTU series diesel engines, which are exported to a series of countries.
Next, let's talk about the development of diesel engines for Chinese submarines. In the 1970s and 1980s, my country's submarine technology was limited, so a series of equipment and systems were basically copied from foreign systems. In the 1970s and 1980s, my country developed the Type 035 submarine, which used two GE390-ZC-1 medium-speed diesel engines with a maximum power of 5,200 horsepower. The propulsion system is a dual-shaft, dual five-blade propeller, and a double-plate rudder.
The technical standards of the GE390-ZC-1 medium-speed diesel engine are limited and there are problems in various aspects. After entering the 1980s, my country entered a very valuable honeymoon period with European and American countries. During this period, my country was exposed to a series of advanced European and American technologies. Among them, in the field of submarine development, my country was exposed to Germany's MTU 16V396 SE84 supercharged diesel engine. This is a product launched by Germany in the early 1980s, with a very good cost performance.
Since the 1980s and 1990s, submarines in most countries in the world have adopted this series of diesel engines. In fact, my country is no exception. In the 1990s, my country took advantage of the advanced technology of Europe and the United States and combined with its own experience to develop the Type 039 conventional powered submarine. Among them, the Type 039 basic model, Type 039G, and Type 039A all use the MTU 16V396 SE84 supercharged diesel engine produced under license from Germany.
Please note that from the 1990s to the early 21st century, my country's submarines did use MTU 16V396 SE84 supercharged diesel engines. As for the 039B and 039C submarines that gradually appeared after 2010, the diesel engine models used are absolutely confidential. Taking my country's 039B submarine as an example, according to public media reports, the pressure-resistant hull is divided into six compartments, compartment I is for torpedoes and front battery compartments, compartment II is for command compartments, compartment III is for living and rear battery compartments, compartment IV is for diesel generator compartments, compartment V is for SE/AIP compartments, and compartment VI is for propulsion motors and shafting compartments.
At the same time, it uses the 205-type sonar array, 265-type sonar, and integrated navigation system, and has reached the world's advanced level in all aspects. As for the 039C submarine, which will not be publicly unveiled until after 2020, according to foreign media speculation, its comprehensive performance is basically equivalent to that of Japan's Taigei-class and Germany's 212A-class submarines. For example, from the published photos, the 039C submarine uses a very novel "mushroom-shaped" hull. At the same time, the most mainstream integrated optoelectronic mast system is used, and the entire boat is paved with brand-new sound-insulating and anechoic tiles.
As for the diesel engines used by the 039B and 039C, according to foreign media reports, they have adopted domestic models, but the specific models and performance are unknown. Up to now, the power compartments of the main elite submarines of various navies cannot be made public, because too much key information can be exposed. So, what level have the diesel engines of Chinese submarines reached?
my country's diesel engine technology has reached a very good standard
In 2017, Thailand signed a contract with my country to import three S26T conventional-powered submarines from my country. Please note that the S26T submarine is a foreign trade model developed on the basis of my country's 039B submarine. However, a problem arose. Germany refused to authorize the export of the MTU16V396 SE8 diesel engine produced in my country to a third country, which caused a big problem.
In response, my country proposed to use domestic CHD620 diesel engines to replace MTU16V396 SE8 diesel engines. Please note that since my country can propose this alternative, it means that the comprehensive performance of CHD620 diesel engines has reached or is close to that of German products. Otherwise, my country would definitely not propose it. There have been repeated discussions on this issue. In 2023, Thailand agreed to use CHD620 diesel engines as a replacement. In 2024, this plan changed again.
Thailand abandoned its submarine purchase plan and requested to replace it with one frigate or two patrol ships. In fact, in recent years, with the development of science and technology in my country, after absorbing a lot of experience and technology of advanced diesel engines from Germany and France, my country's diesel engine level has made great progress. For example, the 054B frigate is very likely to use a new generation of domestically produced diesel engines. Of course, the most ideal state of the 054B frigate is definitely a full-electric system, which is just temporarily unattainable.
Finally, let's talk about the development of engines in my country. Whether it is ship gas turbines, diesel engines, aircraft turboshafts, turbofans, turbojet engines, and armored vehicle diesel engines, my country has made great progress and breakthroughs in all aspects. Although there is still a distance from the world's first echelon, the distance is getting smaller and smaller. For example, the CGT40 gas turbine. In October 2023, the domestically produced CGT40 gas turbine was unveiled. According to reports, the CGT40 gas turbine belongs to the domestically produced new generation of large gas turbines.
The maximum rated power is between 40 and 42 MW, and the thermal efficiency reaches 39.5%. In comparison, the MT30 gas turbine of Rolls-Royce of Europe has a maximum power of 40 MW and a thermal efficiency of about 40%. Similar situations have also occurred in engines in various other fields.
At present, the diesel engine used by my country's new generation of conventional-powered submarines is of unknown model. However, judging from a series of foreign trade models such as CHD620 and CHD622, the diesel engines used by the PLA submarines will not have bad overall performance. At the same time, other configurations and systems are progressing steadily.
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