OVERVIEW: The PLA-627A November [Kit] is a submarine, likely a derivative or modification of the Soviet Union's Project 627 November class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN). The "PLA" prefix suggests possible association with the People's Liberation Army Navy, though this may be a designation assigned for wargaming or simulation purposes. It entered service circa 1973.

DETAILS: The Project 627 November class, from which the PLA-627A is derived, represented the Soviet Union’s first foray into nuclear-powered submarine development. Driven by a desire to match and surpass Western submarine capabilities, the November class was designed primarily for anti-surface warfare (ASuW) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) roles, with a secondary capability for limited anti-air warfare (AAW). The design emphasized speed and endurance, leveraging nuclear propulsion to achieve a significant advantage over contemporary diesel-electric submarines. While the original November class suffered from notable acoustic signatures and reliability issues, later variants and modifications, potentially including the PLA-627A, likely incorporated improvements to address these shortcomings. The presence of the "[Kit]" designator suggests a specific upgrade package or refit applied to a November-class hull.

The primary operational role of the PLA-627A would be hunting and engaging enemy submarines, particularly ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and aircraft carriers. The vessel's considerable speed would allow it to rapidly deploy to areas of strategic importance and intercept potential threats. The ASuW capability allows it to target surface combatants, including warships and merchant vessels. While not a primary function, the November class and its derivatives could also be employed for intelligence gathering and surveillance, monitoring enemy naval activity and coastal installations. The Signal Ejector suggests an ability to launch countermeasures and communication buoys.

The sensor suite of the PLA-627A provides a comprehensive underwater awareness capability. The Trout Cheek [MG-10M Feniks-M] active/passive sonar system offers both detection and ranging capabilities. The Pike Jaw [MG-200 Arktika] sonar likely provides long-range detection, while the Mine Avoidance [MG-509 Radian-1] sonar is crucial for navigating minefields and shallow waters. The Quad Loop DF array improves the vessel's ability to localize radio transmissions from other vessels or land-based stations. The Acoustic Intercept [MG-13M Svet] system allows the submarine to passively listen for and identify other submarines or surface ships based on their acoustic signatures. The Snoop Plate [Flag] radar system provides limited surface search capability, mainly used for navigation and collision avoidance when near the surface. The 533mm torpedo tubes provide a significant offensive punch against both surface and subsurface targets. The Stop Light B [Nakat] electronic warfare support measures (ESM) system offers early warning of radar emissions from surface ships and aircraft.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 107.4 m || Beam: 7.9 m || Draft: 5.6 m || Disp: 3118 t

SENSORS: Quad Loop DF || Stop Light B [Nakat] || Trout Cheek [MG-10M Feniks-M] || Snoop Plate [Flag] || Acoustic Intercept [MG-13M Svet] || Pike Jaw [MG-200 Arktika] || Mine Avoidance [MG-509 Radian-1] || Generic Submarine Periscope || Optical

ARMAMENT: Signal Ejector || 533mm TT || 533mm TT