Chinese stealth catamaran

Flag China Hiding behind signs warning onlookers not to take photographs, a previously unreported stealth boat has been seen in at least two Chinese ports. The vessel has been in the water for some time but had evaded the attention of onlookers, until now.

It has a catamaran layout with a large hangar space taking up most of the upper structures. A generous cockpit over the bow suggests that it is ordinarily crewed, but like all new Chinese special purpose vessels these days there’s a possibility that it is ‘optionally crewed’. Although its overall lines appear stealthy, there is a large lattice mast above the bridge.

Chinese stealth catamaran Chinese stealth catamaran

The design immediately brings to mind the American M80 Stiletto design, used as a Special Forces transport. It also bears some similarities to the French Espadon (Swordfish) MCM (mine countermeasures) vessel which is no longer active. That vessel is much more box-like, there is no chance of mistaking them, but the overall layout is similar with a catamaran hull and large hangar in the stern. The Espandon’s hangar can carry a towfish or other uncrwed payloads. In China, some Type-022 missile boats have been modified with large box-like superstructures resembling this, although I do not think that the two types are related.

American M80 Stiletto Reference image of the American M80 Stiletto. US Navy photo.

The most straightforward explanation is that this design is some sort of drone mothership, similar to the Espadon. In this line of thought, possibly it is uncrewed. We may one day find out.

Chinese stealth catamaran The sign reads ‘no photos’

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