Old news maybe but the Song is arguably not as stealthy as the Kilo
American military chiefs have been left dumbstruck by an undetected Chinese submarine popping up at the heart of a recent Pacific exercise and close to the vast U.S.S. Kitty Hawk - a 1,000ft supercarrier with 4,500 personnel on board.
Going for a song would seem to dispute what some folks are trying to suggest and in my experience this is DEFINITELY NOT the first conventional submarine to do this and was it wise for the Chinese to let the USA know what they could, or could not do?
Mike777
I have NEVER discussed taking on this battle group in any other location other than the actual Strait. I do however suggest that the laying of specialist mines is an excellent task for this type of vessel and certainly not as you state being 'an expensive asset for mine laying'
I have no idea how quiet or noisy any modern nuclear submarine would be when travelling at a speed capable of chasing down a nuclear carrier and her battle group, but from my time afloat speed and noise went hand in glove. More speed = more noise, less speed = less noise and far more capability at listening to the local radio
I believe we have both made our points in a constructive and polite manner and I guess we shall have to agree to disagree.
We can all say the Song class boat was lucky to be in the right location at the right time but a hit is a hit no matter whether we are lucky or unlucky. Plus I will always say... The harder we train.... The 'luckier' we get.