Type 922-II/-III (Dalang Class) Submarine Salvage & Rescue Ship

As the Type 922 (Zhonghua Class) submarine salvage ship and Type 930 (Hudong Class) submarine rescue ship could not meet the PLA Navy’s requirements, a new type of submarine support ship capable of both salvage and rescue missions was planned by the PLA Navy in the early 1970s. Shanghai-based 708 Institute submitted its Type 922-II submarine salvage and rescue ship design proposal in July 1970 and the design was reviewed by the PLA Navy and relevant organisations in April 1971.

The construction of the Type 922-II (NATO codename: Dalang class) submarine salvage and rescue ship began at Guangzhou Shipyard in September 1971. The first-of-class was launched on 27 September 1973. The ship underwent the sea trial in December 1975. The test of the rescue/diving bell was carried out between April and June 1976. The ship was then commissioned by the South Sea Fleet using hull number J503 (later changed to NANJIU 503). The ship was transferred to

Type 922-III (Dalang-II Class)

In 1978, the Chinese government approved the development of an improved variant Type 922-III (NATO codename: Dalang-II class). The ship was based on the hull design of the Type 922-II Dalang class, but with modified rescue equipments. Construction of the ship began in December 1982 at Wuchang Shipyard in inland China. The ship was launched in May 1983. Sea trial of the ship was carried out in the coast water near Shanghai in April 1986 and later near Qingdao. Following some maintenance and modifications, the ship was commissioned by North Sea Fleet in march 1987 using hull number BEIJIU 122.

Shiplist

Specifications

Displacement: (Full) 4,450 tonnes
Dimensions: Length 113.5m; Beam 15.5m, Draft ?
Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 4,500hp
Speed: Maximum 20 knots
Range: 3,500nm @ 18 knots
Enduration: N/A
Crew: 156
Aviation: None
Armament: 2 X Type 76 dual-37mm AAA (on some hulls)

Last update: 28 January 2008