Type 092-class (Xia)

The Type 092, designated 09-II and identified by the NATO reporting name Xia class, is the first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) deployed by the People's Liberation Army Navy. Designed by Peng Shilu and Huang Xuhua, the class is derived from the Type 091 with a hull modified to accommodate ballistic missile tubes. Only one boat, Changzheng 6, was constructed. It was laid down in 1978 at the Bohai Shipyard in Huludao, launched in 1981, and commissioned in 1983.

The submarine utilizes a pressurized-water nuclear reactor for propulsion. Design updates included the replacement of the original Type 604 sonar with the Type H/SQ2-262B and later French-designed systems. Refits also introduced new paint and potential quieting technologies. Reports regarding the vessel's performance cite high sound emissions compared to contemporary foreign SSBNs and issues regarding reactor reliability and radiation shielding. While initially equipped with JL-1 missiles, the vessel was later modified to carry the JL-1A variant.

Operational service for Changzheng 6 began in 1987 following years of fitting out and missile trials. Assigned to the North Sea Fleet and homeported at Jianggezhuang Naval Base, the vessel has functioned primarily as a platform for testing underwater technologies. Records indicate the submarine has not conducted strategic patrols outside Chinese regional waters and has spent extensive periods inactive at its home port. Despite appearing in a 2009 fleet review, the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency lists the submarine as non-operational. The class is succeeded by the Type 094.