Sang-O-class submarine
The Sang-O (Shark) class submarine[4] (Hangul: 상어급 잠수함) are in use by North Korea, and are the country's second largest indigenously-built submarines.
.jpg.webp) Submarine involved in the 1996 incident | |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders | Bong Dao Bo Shipyards, Singpo[1] |
| Operators |  North Korea |
| Preceded by | Yugo class |
| Succeeded by | Sinpo class |
| Subclasses | attack version, infiltration/reconnaissance version |
| In commission | 1991 |
| Completed | 41+ |
| Active | 40 (February 2021)[2][3] |
| Lost | 1 captured by South Korea |
| General characteristics (Sang-O I armed version) | |
| Type | coastal submarine |
| Displacement | 275 tons (surfaced), 370 tons (submerged) |
| Length | 34m |
| Beam | 3.8m |
| Propulsion | Diesel-electric: 1 small diesel, 1 electric motor, 1 shaft |
| Speed |
|
| Range | 1,500 nautical miles (2,800 km) |
| Test depth | 150 metres, capable of bottoming |
| Capacity | 0 (10/11 in recce version) |
| Complement | 15 crew |
| Sensors and processing systems |
|
| Armament | |
| Notes | Fitted with a snorkel |
As of February 2021, it's reported that North Korea maintains 40 Sang-O-class submarines.[3]
History
The Sang-O class was first constructed in 1991 at Sinpo.[4] A single unit was captured by the Republic of Korea Navy (South Korea) after it ran aground on 18 September 1996 in the 1996 Gangneung submarine infiltration incident.[1]
The submarine seized after 1996 was seen at the Unification Park, which was opened on September 26, 2001.[4]
Design
The Sang-O-class was reported to be larger than a midget submarine, but smaller than the Romeo and Whiskey-class submarines.[5] They're usually equipped with four 533mm torpedo tubes and 16 mines, but some are unarmed and are used to carry North Korean commandos.[6]
New Class
It was widely reported[7] in March 2011 that a new version of the Sang-O class had been deployed in North Korea. Satellite imagery from 2005 suggests the Sang-O II / K-300 may have been produced at the Mayang-do naval base and fitted out at the dry docks located at 39.9978 N, and 128.20019 E.[8]
Other footage of the nearby docks of Sinp'o appear to depict the Sang-O II / K-300 as early as 2004 (at 40 01'31.20"N 128 09'55.80"E). Subsequent satellite imagery shows the Sang-O II / K-300 deployed to the Ch’aho-rodongjagu submarine Navy Base at 40.205441 N 128.649524 E on North Korea's east coast.[8]
According to the KPA Journal,[2] the decision to develop a larger, improved version of the Sang-O came in the late 1990s or early 2000. The Sang-O II / K-300 is a stretched version of the original Sang-O class with an approximate length of 39 to 40 metres and a corresponding surface displacement of approximately 300 to 340 tons.
The increased length and internal volume would suggest an increase in the operational range of the submarine and troop/equipment carrying capabilities. Top speed is also reported to be higher in the new model, meaning an improved propulsion system is possibly housed in some of the extra length.
References
- Miller 2003, p. 472.
- "N.Korea Builds up Submarine Force" (PDF). The Chosun Ilbo. 21 March 2011.
- "North Korea Submarine Capabilities | NTI".
- "SSC Sang-o Class".
- "SANG-O-class SSM | Military Periscope".
- "Asia's Submarine Race". 13 November 2013.
- Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. (21 March 2011). "KPN deploys new version of Sang O class Coastal Submarine". KPA Journal.
- "South Korea releases details of North Korea coastal submarine". 25 April 2011.
Bibliography
- Miller, David, ed. (2003). Illustrated Directory of Special Forces. St. Paul, Minnesota: Salamander Books. ISBN 978-0760314197.
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