SSV 021-class submarine

An SSV 021-class in 2014
Class overview
Builders:	Dajime Shipbuilding Co.
Operators:	UST Navy Imperial Taoist Navy
Succeeded by:	SSV 023-class
Built:	2004-2006
In commission:	2007-presnet
Planned:	2
Completed:	2
Active:	2
General characteristics
Type:	Nuclear submarine
Displacement:	7,000 tons (submerged)
Length:	110 m (360 ft)
Beam:	11 m (36 ft)
Draft:	7.5 m (25 ft)
Propulsion:	Nuclear reactor
Speed:	30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Range:	Unlimited
Armament:	6 × 533 mm torpedo tubes anti air, ship, and submarine missiles

The SSV 021-class submarine is a class of nuclear attack submarines constructed for the Imperial Taoist Navy. It is the only class of nuclear attack submarines in the ITN. It is a part of the "next-gen" fleet plan created in 1983.

Development

In 1983 the ITN began preliminary work on what is now known as the "next-gen" fleet project. This project would require a gradual evolution from ships using generally outdated equipment to ships using state of the art equipment. The plan called for at least two new classes of attack submarines. (SSV 001-class, SSV 011-class) While the possibility of a third, nuclear-powered submarine was considered, it was ultimately delayed until 1998, when the ITN officially ordered the class.

The propulsion system for these vessels is not like other submarines in the ITN's lineup. What sets the SSV 021 class apart is its nuclear reactors, which heats pressurized water into steam, which is then used to spin turbines. This creates a large amount of power, but most importantly, it runs off of uranium, which small amounts of can run the reactors for years. This, in theory, makes the only limitation to the vessels endurance, food.

List of vessels

Hull no.	Laid down	Launched	Commissioned	Status
SSV-021	29 October 2004	23 December 2005	4 May 2007	In active service
SSV-022	13 January 2005	8 February 2006	20 July 2007	In active service