http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_094_submarine Operators: People's Liberation Army Navy Displacement: 8,000 tons surfaced , 9,000 tons submerged Length: 133 m [4] Propulsion: Nuclear reactor, 1 shaft Speed: 20+ kts Range: Unlimited Armament: Torpedoes: six 533 mm bow tubes Missiles: 12 JL-2 SLBM The Type 094 (NATO reporting name: Jin-class; Chinese: 晋级潜艇 is a new class of ballistic missile submarine developed by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy. The first-of-class was constructed at Huludao Shipyard in Huludao, Liaoning Province and launched in July 2004. At least two are confirmed to have been launched. The JL-2 (巨浪-2 Ju Lang-2, Giant Wave 2) is a Chinese second generation intercontinental-range submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) which has a two-stage, solid-liquid fuelled propulsion design. Accurate specifications of the new missile are hard to obtain and substantiate due to the secretive nature of the program. However, the missile is thought to be able to deliver its payload(s) up to a range of 7,200 km[3] (4,500 miles) to 8,000 km (5,000 miles) and could carry either single or multiple warheads (conventional or nuclear).
I stand corrected. But do you really think they are willing to risk a full scale deep water naval war with the United States because they may have 5 subs? US Navy 433,500 personnel 289 ships 3,700+ aircraft 11 Aircraft carriers 10 Amphibious assault ships 9 Amphibious transport docks 12 Dock landing ships 22 Cruisers 55 Destroyers 30 Frigates 71 Submarines http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Navy
They tried it again today but it failed: <object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ey-pxV7qPZQ?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ey-pxV7qPZQ?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>
I only used his comments which said the armaments were torpedoes. I see that it says missiles next to it. I have spoken too quickly twice, but if you continue to think that China would risk war with the US at this stage in the game you are crazy. China is mad because they need to stall another 5-10 years while they develop a Navy capable of competing with the United States. Obviously we are not interested in letting it get to that stage. The missile was not from a Chinese sub. The possibility is almost 0. The launch site is near several Naval and AF installations dealing with weapons research. I presume that is a far more likely culprit. Unless you really think the military admits to every operation it runs.
I only pointed out very specific factual matter, did not express my opinion on other matter, such as if China is the one fired it. You acted like a compulsive gambler, the more you lose the more stack you risk. I do not have time to put up a debate on the expanded topic.
Was it really an ICBM? Hard to tell just looking at the contrails. For your safety, I hope it isn't. And if they can identify it, then they'll know who launched it. I believe the Navy screwed up and doesn't want to admit it.