Among all the various achievements of mankind, there are many records, the authorship of which belongs to our compatriots. One of these is the creation of the largest submarine in the world. The Soviet submarine cruisers of the Akula project, built in the 1980s, remain unparalleled in size to this day.
The height of the Akula project submarine is approximately equal to the height of a nine-story building. Now imagine a nine-story building confidently moving forward at a depth of several hundred meters - such a picture can shock even a not very impressionable person!
But the Soviet designers working on “Project 941” thought about records in the last place. The main task was to ensure the preservation of military parity between the USSR and the USA.
By the 1970s, it became obvious that submarines carrying nuclear weapons played a very important role in ensuring national security.
The leadership of the USSR learned from intelligence reports that work had begun in the United States to create a new generation of nuclear submarines. The new Ohio-class missile carriers were supposed to provide the United States with an overwhelming advantage in sea-based nuclear carriers.
In December 1972, the Central Design Bureau of Marine Equipment "Rubin" received tactical and technical assignments for the design of a third-generation Soviet missile carrier. The chief designer of the project was Sergey Kovalev, the legendary creator of Soviet missile submarines.
"Shark", view from the right shell. Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org
Size matters
On December 19, 1973, the government of the Soviet Union decided to begin work on the design and construction of a new generation of strategic missile carriers.
The new Soviet three-stage intercontinental ballistic missile R-39, specially designed for arming submarines of a new type, was superior in its performance to the American counterpart Trident-I. The R-39 had the best characteristics of flight range, throw weight and had 10 blocks versus 8 for the Trident.
But you have to pay for everything. The high qualities of the R-39 were combined with unprecedented dimensions for sea-based missiles - almost twice as long and three times as heavy as the American counterpart.
This meant that it was necessary to develop a completely unique submarine cruiser, the size of which would have no analogues.
As a result, the Project 941 missile cruisers had the greatest length - 172.8 meters, the greatest hull width - 23.3 meters, a surface displacement of 23,200 tons and an underwater displacement of 48,000 tons.
The lead ship of the series, which was supposed to build 7 missile carriers, was laid down at the Sevmash plant in 1976. The launch of TK (heavy cruiser) 208 took place on September 23, 1980.
Anchor "Shark" in Severodvinsk. Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org / Schekinov Alexey Victorovich
"Sharks" of different types
When the hull of the boat was still in the stocks, on its bow, below the waterline, a drawn grinning shark could be seen, which was wrapped around a trident. And although after the descent, when the boat got into the water, the shark with the trident disappeared under the water and no one saw it again, the cruiser was already popularly dubbed the “Shark”. All subsequent boats of this class continued to be called the same, and a special sleeve patch with the image of a shark was introduced for their crews.
There is a certain confusion with domestic underwater “Sharks”. The name of the project does not refer to any of the boats included in it. According to NATO codification, this project is called “Typhoon”.
In NATO codification, “Sharks” refer to domestic multipurpose submarines of Project 971 “Shchuka-B”. The lead boat of this project, K-284, bore its own name “Shark”, without having anything to do with the “Rocket Sharks”.
And the first “Shark” in the history of the Russian submarine fleet was a submarine designed engineer Ivan Bubnov, launched in 1909. The Akula, which became the first underwater ship in the Russian Navy, created according to a Russian design, was lost in the Baltic during the First World War.
But let's return to the "Record Shark". The first boat of the new project, TK-208, entered service with the USSR Navy in December 1981, almost simultaneously with its competitor Ohio.
"Shark" in the ice. Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org / Bellona foundation
High reliability missile carrier
The main type of weapons of the missile carrier are 20 three-stage solid-fuel ballistic missiles R-39. The missiles have a multiple warhead with 10 individually guided warheads, each containing 100 kilotons of TNT, and the missiles' flight range is 8,300 km.
From Akula project boats, the entire ammunition load can be launched in one salvo; the interval between missile launches is minimal. Missiles can be launched from a surface or underwater position; in the case of launch from an underwater position, the immersion depth is up to 55 meters; there are no restrictions on weather conditions for launching missiles.
Unlike American Ohio-class submarines, which were primarily built for service in tropical waters, Akula-class missile carriers have increased strength, allowing them to break ice 2.5 meters thick. This makes it possible for the Akula to carry out combat duty in the Far North and even directly at the North Pole.
One of the design features of the boat is the presence of five habitable durable hulls inside a light hull, two of which are the main ones, their largest diameter is 10 meters, they are located according to the catamaran principle - parallel to each other. Missile silos with missile systems are located in the front of the ship, between the main pressure hulls. In addition, the boat is equipped with three sealed compartments: a torpedo compartment, a control module compartment with a central post and an aft mechanical compartment.
The durable cases were made from titanium alloys, the lightweight case was made of steel and had a non-resonant anti-location and sound-insulating coating, the weight of which was 800 tons.
The unique design of the Akula ensures the survival of the crew in the event of an emergency on board, similar to the one that occurred on the Kursk submarine.
Ohio class nuclear submarine. Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org
"Floating Hilton"
Not only the combat characteristics of the new submarines were unique, but also almost everything connected with them.
The project included the construction of a special submarine training center in Obninsk near Moscow with all the infrastructure for crew members and their families.
It was assumed that each of the "Sharks" would receive three crews - two main and one technical, who would serve on a rotational basis.
The first crew, having completed a combat tour lasting 2-3 months, was supposed to leave the base in the Moscow region, and then go on vacation. At this time, a technical crew was supposed to work on the boat. Upon completion of the repair work, the technical crew handed over the boat to the second main crew, who were rested, had additional training in Obninsk and were ready to go to sea.
Much attention was paid to the life of submariners on the boat itself. A relaxation lounge, a sauna, a solarium, a gym, two wardrooms and even a swimming pool - Soviet submariners had never seen anything like this before. As a result, the Sharks received another nickname: the “floating Hilton.”
At home among the whales
The main weakness of the first domestic nuclear submarines was the high noise level, which unmasked them. The Sharks' hulls were designed so well that the noise level was significantly lower than even the designers expected. For the Americans, the “silence” of the “Shark” was an unpleasant surprise. Indeed, it feels somehow uncomfortable to think that somewhere in the ocean a “nine-story building” is moving silently and imperceptibly, with its salvo capable of turning several American megacities into a radioactive desert.
Submariners assure that the “Shark” managed to merge with the ocean so much that whales and killer whales often mistook the missile carrier for a relative, thereby creating an additional “cover” for it.
The appearance of Project 941 Akula missile carriers in the USSR Navy deprived the US military command of hopes of acquiring an overwhelming advantage over the USSR in sea-based nuclear forces.
But big politics intervened in the history of this project. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, US representatives, proposing new disarmament treaties, showed keen interest in the decommissioning and disposal of Soviet Sharks.
TK-202 in 1999, before disposal. Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org
The first one is also the last one
Of the seven planned Sharks, six were built, the last of which was accepted into the fleet in September 1989. The hull structures of the seventh boat were dismantled in 1990.
TK-202, TK-12 "Simbirsk" and TK-13 were disposed of between 2005 and 2009 with financial support from the United States. TK-17 "Arkhangelsk" and TK-20 "Severstal" were withdrawn to the fleet reserve in 2004-2006 due to lack of ammunition and are now also awaiting disposal.
The only missile carrier of the Akula project that still remains in service is the same submarine TK-208, launched on September 23, 1980.
In 2002, TK-208 was given the name “Dmitry Donskoy”. The largest submarine missile carrier in the world has undergone modernization under Project 941 UM and is now converted to the Bulava missile system. It was from the Dmitry Donskoy that most of the Bulava test launches were carried out. It is assumed that the missile carrier will continue to be used as a test platform for hydroacoustic complexes and weapons systems intended for the latest types of Russian submarines.
In the modern world, the submarine fleet plays a great role in ensuring the security of states. Especially if these are submarines carrying strategic nuclear weapons. They are the ones who are holding back major powers from open military confrontation, which could be the last in human history. And the larger and more powerful the submarine, the more weapons it can carry and make longer autonomous voyages off the coast of a potential enemy.
Project 941 "Shark"
Today, the largest submarine in the world is the creation of Soviet shipbuilders, the Project 941 Akula strategic nuclear-powered missile submarine. Its dimensions are colossal, with an underwater displacement of 48 thousand tons. The length of the giant is 172 m, and the width is 23.3 m; the height of the warship is comparable to a 9-story building. The submarine is driven by two pressurized water nuclear reactors with two steam turbine units, located separately in durable housings. The total power of the power plant is 100 thousand hp.
The powerful vehicle can reach speeds of up to 25 knots underwater and 12 knots on the surface. It can dive almost half a kilometer, and the usual operating depth is 380 m. The submarine is operated by a crew of 160 people and can sail autonomously for as long as four months. Moreover, to rescue the entire crew, the large underwater vehicle is equipped with a pop-up rescue capsule. The Akula's armament consists of:
- a missile system of 20 ballistic missiles, each of which can carry 10 warheads of 100 kilotons with individual guidance (it was structurally possible to carry 24 missiles). The launch weight of the R-39 missiles is 90 tons, and the combat range is 8.3 thousand km. The entire ammunition load of missiles can be fired in one salvo from both surface and submerged positions in any weather conditions.
- 6 torpedo tubes for launching rocket-torpedoes and 533 mm torpedoes and installing mine barriers;
- 8 sets of Igla-1 MANPADS for air defense;
- radio-electronic weapons.
The big “Sharks” were born at the Sevmash plant; for this purpose, the largest indoor boathouse on the planet was built. Thanks to its durable deckhouse and significant buoyancy reserve, the submarine can break through thick ice (up to 2.5 m), which allows it to carry out combat duty even at the North Pole.
Quite a lot of space on the boat is allocated to ensure crew comfort:
- spacious two- and four-berth cabins for officers;
- small cabins for petty officers and sailors;
- air conditioning system;
- TVs and washbasins in cabins;
- gym, sauna, solarium, swimming pool;
- living corner and lounge for relaxation, etc.
Ohio-class submarines
At one time, after the Akula project boats, these were the second largest submarines in the world. Their underwater displacement is 18.75 thousand tons, surface displacement is 16.75 tons. The length of the colossus is 170 m, and the width of its body is almost 13 m. A total of 18 vehicles of this type were produced, each of which received weapons in the form of 24 intercontinental ballistic missiles with multiple warheads. The ship's crew is 155 people. Speed in a submerged position is up to 25 knots, in a surface position - up to 17 knots.
These warships have a durable hull, divided into four compartments and a separate enclosure:
- bow, which includes premises for combat, support and domestic purposes;
- missile;
- reactor;
- turbine;
- enclosure with electrical panels, trim and drainage pumps, and an air regeneration unit.
Project 955 "Borey"
The length of this missile submarine cruiser is almost the same as the two previous ships - 170 m. But this fourth-generation nuclear submarine has an underwater displacement of 24 thousand tons, and a surface displacement of 14.7 thousand tons. Therefore, in terms of this parameter, it can easily be in second place after the Project 941 “Shark” boats. By 2020, it is planned to build 20 submarine cruisers of this series. Currently, there are already three giants of Project 955 in service: “Yuri Dolgoruky”, “Alexander Nevsky”, “Vladimir Monomakh”.
The submarine has a crew of 107 people, most of which are officers. Its speed in a submerged position reaches 29 knots, and in a surface position 15 knots. The submarine can operate autonomously for three months. Borei-class submarines are designed as a replacement for nuclear submarines of the Akula and Dolphin projects. Submarine cruisers of this project are considered the first domestic nuclear submarines driven by a single-shaft water-jet system. The main armament is 16 solid-fuel ballistic missiles of the Bulava type with a combat range of 8 thousand km.
Project 667BDRM "Dolphin"
This is another Russian strategic missile submarine that boasts large dimensions. In the modern Russian Navy, this is so far the most widespread strategic submarine cruiser. The length of the vessel is 167 m. The underwater displacement is 18.2 thousand tons, the surface displacement is 11.74 thousand tons. The ship's crew is about 140 people. The armament of strategic nuclear submarines consists of:
- liquid fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles R-29RM and R-29RMU "Sineva" with a combat range of more than 8.3 thousand km. All missiles can be fired in one salvo. When moving underwater at a depth of up to 55 meters, missiles can be launched even at a speed of 6-7 knots;
- 4 bow torpedo tubes;
- up to 8 Igla MANPADS.
The Dolphins are propelled by two reactor units with a total capacity of 180 MW.
Vanguard-class submarines
Of course, Great Britain could not help but take part in the competition for the largest submarine nuclear-powered missile cruisers. The Vanguard series boats have an underwater displacement of 15.9 thousand tons, and a surface displacement of 15.1 thousand tons. The length of the vessel is almost 150 meters. To begin building the Vanguard boats, the Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd. shipyard was expanded and modernized. As a result of the reconstruction, she received a boathouse 58 m wide and 260 m long; the height of the boathouse allows the construction of not only nuclear submarines, but even destroyers. A vertical ship lift with a lifting capacity of 24.3 thousand tons was also built. The main armament of the submarine cruiser is 16 Trident II ballistic missiles.
Boats of the "Triumfan" type
In last place among the largest submarines are vessels manufactured by French shipbuilders. Triumphane-class boats have an underwater displacement of 14.3 thousand tons, and a surface displacement of 12.6 thousand tons. The length of the missile cruiser is 138 meters. The power plant of the underwater vehicle is a pressurized water reactor with a power of 150 MW; it provides a submerged speed of up to 25 knots, and a surface speed of up to 12 knots. Triumphant-class boats are armed with 16 ballistic missiles, 10 torpedoes and 8 cruise missiles, which are launched using torpedo tubes.
As you can see, the list of the largest submarines includes combat vehicles designed by leading world powers, possessing both strategic nuclear weapons and powerful naval forces.
The world's largest nuclear boat, designed for combat duty in high latitudes.
The creation of a large strategic missile-carrying boat began in the early 1970s, in response to the American program to develop Ohio-class nuclear-powered ships with 24 Trident I (later Trident II) ballistic missiles. The project was led by the Leningrad Central Design Bureau for MT Rubin, chief designer Sergei Kovalev. The lead boat entered the fleet in December 1981, the last in the series in September 1989.
During the development, the characteristic areas of combat service of boats were taken into account - high Arctic latitudes. The fencing of the wheelhouse was made with reinforcements, which made it possible to break through heavy ice up to 2-2.5 meters thick during the ascent.
The initial symmetrical requirement (24 missiles) was reduced by Navy Commander-in-Chief Sergei Gorshkov to 20. This was also due to weight and size characteristics: the R-39 missiles of the D-19 complex, while superior to the Tridents in basic parameters, were significantly larger than the “Americans” . This immediately increased the size of the boat itself.
Five of the six Project 941 TYPHOON SSBNs built in Western Litsa, 1980−90s. Photo: Wolf
Therefore, “Shark” turned out to be outstanding in all respects. This is the largest submarine ever built in the world - 48 thousand tons of underwater displacement (about half of which is the capacity of the ballast tanks, for which Project 941 was disrespectfully nicknamed the “water carrier” in the navy), the greatest length is 170-173 meters in different representatives of the project, the width of the hull is over 23 meters. The boat is made according to a multi-hull design: under the light hull it has five (!) durable titanium hulls, of which the two main ones (10 meters in diameter) are arranged in parallel according to the catamaran principle. The cases are connected by capsule insulated transition compartments in only three places. In fact, there are two boats under the light hull at once, which dramatically increases survivability.
The main power plant is represented by two OK-650 reactors and two steam turbine units, located in pairs in adjacent durable housings - in fact, the boat’s propulsion system is completely duplicated. The maximum underwater speed is 25 knots according to the standard, the real one is 26.3-28 knots (different representatives of the project). Maximum surface speed 13-14 knots. Working diving depth is 400 meters.
The dimensions of the boat made it possible to create comfortable living conditions for the crew (168 people), unimaginable by the standards of Soviet submarines. The officers were accommodated in two- and four-berth cabins with washbasins, televisions and air conditioning, while the sailors were accommodated in small cockpits. The boat had a gym, a swimming pool measuring 4 by 2 meters and a depth of 2 meters, an oak-paneled sauna, a solarium, a lounge, a room with slot machines and even a “living corner”.
"TK-17" Arkhangelsk" and TK-20 Severstal. Photo: Oleg Kuleshov/Defend Russia
The main armament of the nuclear-powered ship is 20 R-39 intercontinental solid-fuel missiles of the D-19 complex, located in the missile compartment between both durable hulls. The missiles carried 10 high-speed low-power warheads. Missiles could be launched from a depth of up to 55 meters, and without restrictions on weather conditions on the sea surface.
Torpedo armament includes six 533-mm torpedo tubes with an ammunition load of 22 torpedoes, Shkval-type missile-torpedoes and anti-submarine missiles of the RPK-6 M "Vodopad" and RPK-2 "Vyuga" complexes.
A total of six boats of Project 941 were built, three of them have already been disposed of, two are in reserve (the issue of disposal is being resolved). The lead ship of the TK-208 series (Dmitry Donskoy) was converted according to the 941UM project and carries 20 R-30 Bulava missiles, and was used as a test bed when testing the missile.
While you are reading these lines, somewhere far (or maybe not so far) from you, silent killers are plowing the seas, hiding under the water. They are huge, powerful and deadly, capable of lurking in the depths for months, only to one day strike a decisive blow.
No, we are not talking about a new horror film or a documentary video “from the life of sharks.” In this article, you, dear readers, will find the answer to the question of which submarine deserves the title of the largest in the world, and which countries can afford to build such steel giants.
And just recently we introduced readers to 10 in the world.
10. “Astyut” – length: 97 m, width 11.3 m
The tenth largest submarine in the world, it is the largest, most advanced and most powerful submarine ever operated by the British Royal Navy. Its size is 97 meters long and 11.3 meters wide.
The Astyut class includes three submarines, with four more under construction. In case it has to engage in battle, the submarine is armed with six 48 missiles or torpedoes, Tomahawk cruise missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles and 533 mm torpedo tubes (TA).
In 2012, the Astutes proved their ability to launch Tomahawk missiles by successfully firing two missiles from the Gulf of Mexico and accurately hitting targets at a test site in North Florida.
9. “Seawolf” – 107.6 x 12.2 m
This series of nuclear submarines was built for the US Navy in 1989-1998. The Seawolves were a response to the construction of Project 971 Shchuka-B submarines in the Soviet Union. A total of three ships were built, although it was originally planned that the series would include 12 submarines.
The length and width of the Seawolf hull are 107.6 meters and 12.2 meters, respectively. These submarines are equipped with a single nuclear reactor and their speed is 18 knots.
The armament installed on the American submarine includes eight 660 mm torpedo tubes, 50 torpedoes or missiles and 50 Tomahawk cruise missiles.
8. Project 945A “Condor” – 110.5 x 12.2 m
The first, but not the only one among the largest submarines in Russia. Today, there are two Condors in operation, 110.5 meters long and 12.2 meters wide.
The hull of Condor-class submarines is made of lightweight and durable titanium, which allows the submarine to reach greater depths and reduces noise levels. Among the weapons, the Condors boast six 533 mm torpedo tubes, 40 torpedoes, S-10 Granat cruise missiles and 8 Igla-1 and Igla MANPADS launchers.
7. Project 971 “Pike-B” – 110.3 x 13.6 m
The Soviet Union can be criticized for many things, but not for its weak army and navy. It was in the USSR that the construction of one of the largest nuclear submarines in the world, Shchuka-B, was carried out. Unlike the Condors, the hull of this submarine is made of alloy steel. The length of the formidable steel “fish” is just over 110 meters, and the width is over 13 meters.
The Shchuki-B project (1983-2001) was carried out at the Sevmash machine-building enterprise in Severodvinsk and was revised several times. The improved boats were called "Improved Akula" or "Akula-II" by Western militaries. And the most modernized submarine, the K-335 Cheetah, was called Akula-III in the West. The Indian Navy also has one of the modernized Shchuk-B (K-152 Nerpa) in service. It lacks the SOKS system and the ability to launch acoustic countermeasures.
In 2017, four Shchuka-B class submarines remained in service. Each of them is equipped with four 650 mm torpedo tubes, four 533 mm TA, IRS Kalibr-PL and Strela-3M MANPADS.
6. “Triumphan” – 138 x 12.5 m
Sunny France is one of the few European countries that can afford to build a huge, heavy and expensive submarine. From 1989 to 2009, four Triumphant-class submarines with a length of 138 and a width of 12.5 meters were built. Initially, the construction of six units was planned, but the plans of the French Navy changed due to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The Triumphants are armed with four 533 mm torpedo tubes, 10 torpedoes, 8 Exocet SM39 cruise missiles launched from the launch vehicle and M45 and M51 missiles.
5. “Vangard” – 149.9 x 12.8 m
The pride of the British Navy, over 149 meters long and over 12 meters wide. The Vanguard series includes four nuclear submarines, the history of which began in the 90s of the twentieth century. They were built in a huge covered boathouse (workshop for construction or repair) 260 meters long and 58 meters wide. Its dimensions make it possible to build not only nuclear submarines, but also destroyers with guided missile weapons.
Initially, it was planned to assemble 6 or even 7 submarines, but with the collapse of the USSR, Great Britain and other NATO countries no longer needed a large number of submarines as one of the means of nuclear deterrence.
On board the Vanguards are four 533 mm caliber TAs, 16 Trident II D5 ballistic missiles and Spearfish or Tigerfish remote-controlled torpedoes.
4. “Delta” - 167.4 x 11.7 m
This is a collective designation for four types of strategic nuclear submarines assembled in the USSR. Project code names:
- "Moray eel".
- "Moray eel-M".
- "Squid".
- "Dolphin".
The length of the latest modification, the Dolphin, is 167.4 meters and the width is 11.7 meters. This great steelhead was commissioned in December 1984. Of the seven Dolphins built, five are still in service with the Russian Navy.
The enemies of the Dolphins will not be in trouble, because they are equipped with four 533 mm caliber TAs, 12 torpedoes, 16 ballistic missiles and from 4 to 8 Igla and Igla-1 MANPADS.
3. “Ohio” – 170.7 x 12.8 m
These giants are the largest submarines in the United States and the basis of America's strategic offensive nuclear forces. They regularly have to carry out combat patrols, spending 60% of their time at sea. The size of "Ohio" is 170.7 meters and 12.8 meters (length and width, respectively).
The first submarine of this series was put into operation in November 1981. All other submarines were named after American states, with the exception of USS Henry M. Jackson, which was named after one of the senators.
These underwater hulks are capable of carrying over twenty Trident II missiles and over 150 Tomahawk cruise missiles. Their armament also includes four 533 mm torpedo tubes.
2. Project 955 “Borey” – 170 x 13.5 m
Second in the list of the largest submarines is again a Russian design, one of the most advanced in the world. The Borei project began in 2011, and in May 2018 it became known that 14 ships of this type are planned to be built by 2027.
In the future, it will be “Borey” that will replace the first and fourth numbers on our list.
The submarine's dimensions are 170 meters long and 13.5 meters wide. This curvaceous, deadly beauty can travel underwater at a speed of 29 knots, and is equipped with six 533 mm torpedo tubes, six 324 mm sonar countermeasures, torpedoes, torpedo missiles and cruise missiles (including Onyx and Caliber), as well as 16 PU of the Bulava complex.
1. Project 941 “Shark” – 172.8 x 23.3 m
Known to the West as the Typhoon class and to Russian sailors as the Akula, these majestic steel giants were created as a countermeasure to the American Ohio-class submarines during the Cold War.
At 172.8 meters long and 23.3 meters wide, these monsters, with a surface and submerged displacement of 23,200 tons and 48,000 tons respectively, were larger than American rival submarines. Their height (26 meters) is comparable to the height of a nine-story building.
Essentially, the Sharks' mission was to create a nuclear apocalypse in the West if the Cold War went into a hot phase.
The largest nuclear submarine in the world received its predatory nickname thanks to the image of a shark, which was painted before its first descent, which took place in September 1980.
Inside the lightweight hull of the huge submarine are five habitable hulls. In the event of an emergency in one of the buildings, the crew inside the other buildings will be safe and the auxiliary devices will still work.
Two nuclear reactors give these strategic submarine cruisers the power they need to reach a top speed of about 25 knots underwater.
Instead of constantly moving around the world's seas and oceans, the Sharks were designed to remain north of the Arctic Circle for six months, awaiting command to launch their "farewell greeting to the world" - the R-39 Variant ballistic missiles.
Due to the length and nature of its missions, this Soviet nuclear-powered missile submarine was designed with crew comfort in mind. In fact, the living quarters on the Sharks were so luxurious that sailors in the Soviet (and later Russian) navy nicknamed these giant vessels "floating Hiltons."
Instead of utilitarian steel furniture with minimal upholstery, the Shark's interior features comfortable upholstered chairs, full-size doorways, a fully equipped gym, a fresh or salt water swimming pool, a solarium and even a sauna, the walls of which are lined with oak planks. The command cabins have TVs, washbasins and air conditioning systems.
However, the triumph of the huge and formidable “Sharks” did not last long. Of the seven planned submarines, six were built during the 1980s and retired less than 10 years later in the 1990s. The Russian government simply could not afford to maintain these largest missile submarines in the world in combat-ready condition.
Currently, only one modernized Akula, the TK-208 Dmitry Donskoy, is in service. The world's largest submarine serves as a test bed for advanced submarine-launched ballistic missiles (Bulava SLBMs).
Documentary video – Project 941 “Shark”
Submarines (submarines) have shown their effectiveness in the struggle for supremacy at sea. The key feature of these ships is stealth, which allows them to deliver powerful strikes against the most vulnerable enemy targets.
Submarines became widespread during World War II, and means of combating them also developed. In the post-war period, only two cases of combat use of submarines against surface ships are officially known. However, they remain in service with 33 countries around the world, becoming an integral part of the fleet.
Project 941 "Shark" (in NATO classification - SSBN "Typhoon", "Typhoon") - nuclear-powered heavy strategic missile submarines (APRK, SSBN). Developed in the USSR, they were adopted by the Russian fleet. Submarines of this type are considered the largest in the world.
History of creation and start date of work on the project
The terms of reference for the development of Project 941 were issued in 1972. The focus was on competition with the United States, where development was underway on the Ohio nuclear submarine. As a result, the first ships of both projects were laid down almost simultaneously in 1976.
Etc. 941 was originally developed for R-39 intercontinental ballistic missiles. This aspect required the carrier boat to have significant dimensions. The launch of the first underwater heavy cruiser TK-208 took place on September 29, 1980. The submarine entered service on December 12, 1981.
Initially, the development plan focused on the production of 12 submarines. Later this number was reduced to 10 submarines. Between 1981 and 1989, 6 such ships were laid down and launched. The rest were never made.
Three of the submarines that entered service were dismantled in the mid-2000s as part of cooperation with the United States. TK-208 “Dmitry Donskoy”, after the death of chief designer S. N. Kovalev, was modernized for the new Bulava missiles. How long he will remain in service is unknown.
The two remaining boats TK-17 and TK-20 were subject to disposal, but in the summer of 2019 it was announced that they would be converted to cruise missiles. Approximate quantity - 200 pieces.
Main goals and tasks
Project 941 Akula submarines are classified as strategic nuclear cruisers. In addition to basic weapons, they carry intercontinental solid-fuel ballistic missiles on board. The mobility of such installations allows you to escape from enemy attack and reach the desired firing point.
This guarantees a retaliatory nuclear strike in the event of the use of atomic weapons. In combination with other deterrent factors, the presence of such submarines in the arsenal of leading powers provides a certain military parity.
The tactical tasks of this nuclear submarine (NPS) included patrolling, participation in exercises, and testing of new weapons. Due to its size, the submarine is not designed for active participation in naval battles as part of fleets.
Structural specifics of the body
Housing layout
The overall design of Project 941 Akula submarines is divided into five separate pressure hulls, united by one outer one. Two of them are considered key, the diameter in some places reaches 10 m. In the front part, between them there are missile silos.
The main hulls have transitions at the front, center and rear of the boat. There are a total of 19 waterproof compartments. At the base of the cabin there are two pop-up chambers designed for the evacuation of the entire crew.
In addition to the two main buildings, there are three additional ones - a torpedo compartment, a control module and a mechanical one. All of them are isolated from each other, which increases the fire safety and survivability of the submarine in emergency situations.
The outer lightweight casing is made of steel and has a non-resonant soundproofing and anti-location rubber coating. The casing of the durable cases is made of titanium alloys. Particular attention is paid to cutting - the upper fences make it possible to break through polar ice up to 2.5 m thick.
The stern tail of the submarine is cruciform and has horizontal rudders behind the propellers. The front horizontal rudders are retractable.
Comfortable accommodation conditions are provided for the crew. There is a lounge for relaxation, a gym, a swimming pool 4x2x2 m, a solarium, a sauna, a “living” corner, two wardrooms for officers and sailors. Privates are housed in small cockpits, officers - in two- and four-berth cabins with washbasins, TVs and air conditioning.
Reactor and turbine compartments
The reactor and turbine compartments are located aft in two main buildings. Between the turbines there is a separate aft sluice house.
Three bow compartments
The two bow compartments of the main hulls are hydroacoustic. Between them in an insulated housing there is a torpedo compartment. The adjacent compartments of the main part are missile compartments.
Three adjacent to the main command post
Three compartments adjacent to the central post ensure the survivability of the boat. Pop-up evacuation cameras are also located here.
Reliably insulated bow hull of the torpedo compartment
The torpedo compartment is isolated from the main hulls by durable casing. According to the statement of chief designer S.N. Kovalev, the situation that occurred with the Kursk nuclear submarine after the torpedo explosion would not have had such catastrophic consequences on the Sharks.
Housing for housing the main control unit and radio equipment
The main command post (MCP) is located in the central part, in the wheelhouse. It has a housing isolated from other compartments. All radio equipment that provides control of the boat is also located here.
Aft transitional building with a total length of 30 meters
The aft transition body contains technical compartments, from the reactor to the turbine compartment. It does not have separate insulation from the common compartments, but there is a hermetically sealed closure.
Armament
The armament of Project 941 submarines is divided into three categories:
- ballistic missiles;
- torpedoes;
- radio-electronic systems.
D-19 ballistic missile systems are the strategic armament of the submarine. For firing torpedoes (53-65K, SET-65, SAET-60M, USET-80) and missile-torpedoes (“Shkval”, “Waterfall”), 6 launchers are provided, caliber - 533 mm. It is also possible to install minefields through them. The boat's air defense is provided by eight Igla-1 MANPADS.
Ballistic missile system D-19 class R-39 "Option"
The D-19 complex was developed specifically for Project 941 submarines. It consists of 20 R-39 Variant three-stage ballistic missiles. Considering the size and weight of these projectiles, the Akula is the only type of submarine capable of carrying them on board.
The missile's destruction range is 8,300 km, the warhead is divided into 10 warheads, each with its own guidance. The mass of the rocket at launch is 90 tons, the weight of each warhead in TNT equivalent is 100 kilotons.
All missiles can be launched in one salvo, with a short interval between individual launches. Firing is allowed from the surface, as well as from a depth of up to 55 m. Weather conditions do not affect launches. The shock-absorbing rocket launch system reduces the interval between launches and the level of noise produced.
D-19U missile system with 20 R-39UTTH "Bark" ballistic missiles
In 1986, the Akula submarine missile system was planned to be upgraded to the R-39UTTH Bark missiles. These projectiles were supposed to cover a distance of up to 10 thousand km, and also pass through ice. The re-equipment was supposed to take place in 2003, when the service life of the R-39 was ending. However, in 1998, after unsuccessful tests, it was decided to curtail the project and develop a new solid-fuel ballistic missile, the Bulava.
Specifications
The technical characteristics of Project 941 submarines are the most outstanding in the world. Its gigantic size, combined with a safe layout and firepower, makes each such cruiser a reliable tool for nuclear deterrence.
190 MW pressurized water nuclear reactor
The nuclear power plant is made of a block type. Consists of two pressurized water reactors OK-650 thermal neutrons. The thermal power of each is 190 MW, the total shaft power is 2x50,000 liters. With.
Turbine
The Akula submarine has two steam turbine units. Each is located in the aft compartments of the main hulls, which increased the survivability of the submarine. Due to two-stage rubber-cord shock absorption and a block arrangement, vibration insulation of the units is ensured, which reduces overall noise.
Mover
"Shark" has two low-speed seven-bladed propellers with a fixed pitch. To reduce the noise produced, the propellers are located in ring fairings (fenestrons).
Reserve means of propulsion
The reserve means of propulsion for Project 941 submarines include two ASDG-800 800 kW diesel generators, two 190 kW DC electric motors and a lead-acid battery. For maneuvering in confined spaces, two thrusters with 750 kW engines and rotary propellers are provided. They are located in the bow and stern.
Electronic equipment
Electronic equipment and weapons are represented by the following systems:
- information and control combat system "Omnibus";
- hydroacoustic complex "Skat-KS", on TK-208 replaced by "Skat-3";
- hydroacoustic mine search station MG-519 “Harp”;
- echometer MG-518 “Sever”;
- radar complex MRKP-58 "Buran";
- navigation system "Symphony";
- radio communication complex "Molniya-L1" and satellite communication system "Tsunami";
- television complex MTK-100.
There are also two buoy-type pop-up antennas. They allow you to receive signals, messages and target designations at a depth of 150 m, as well as when under ice.
Characteristics of full speed and displacement
The speed characteristics of Akula submarines have the following indicators:
- surface speed - 12 knots;
- underwater - 25 knots (46.3 km/h);
- navigation autonomy - up to 6 months.
The surface displacement is 23,200 tons, the underwater displacement is 48,000 tons. These submarines are jokingly called water carriers, since when submerged, half of their weight is ballast water.
Dive depths
Project 941 submarines are capable of diving up to 500 m. The operating depth is 400 m, radio communication is provided at 150 m, and launching ballistic missiles is up to 55 m.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the Project 941 submarine are as follows:
- waterline length - 172.8 m;
- hull width - 23.3 m;
- waterline draft - 11.2 m.
Thanks to these parameters, the Akula is the largest submarine in the world, created specifically to carry R-39 missiles. The crew number is 160 people, including 52 officers.
Advantages and disadvantages
With the advent of high-precision strategic ballistic missiles, stationary launch silos began to lose ground in the matter of delivering a guaranteed retaliatory strike. Project 941 nuclear submarines were created to restore this potential.
The advantages of the Akula submarines are represented by three key aspects:
- the possibility of serving in the Arctic, including sub-ice shelves;
- heavy R-39s, which have no analogues among portable strategic missiles;
- increased safety and survivability of the crew and the submarine due to the structural layout.
The appearance of such cruisers in service with the Soviet fleet prompted the United States to sign the SALT-2 treaty. It was these boats that ensured the parity of world powers in the Cold War; their photos still inspire respect and fear of a possible nuclear war.
The shortcomings of Project 941 are controversial. There are complaints about the size caused by the low quality of solid fuel of the R-39, the running properties and controllability of the submarine, noise, and high cost. In modern analytics, there is an opinion that for the USSR it was more important to show scale and power than practical efficiency and expediency.
However, a comparison of performance characteristics with foreign and domestic analogues shows that most of these claims have no significant basis. Certain noise and cost issues do exist, but they are within acceptable limits when adjusted for development time and proportionality.
Submarine sizes in comparison
The main competitor to Project 941 is the Ohio-class submarines, a series of ships in the United States designed to carry strategic missiles. Both projects were developed around the same time.
In terms of dimensions, the Ohio submarine is not much inferior in comparison to the Shark - 170.7 m long, 12.8 m wide and 11.1 draft. The displacement differs more significantly - the American submarine weighs 16,746 and 18,750 tons in the surface and submerged state, respectively.
Despite its smaller size, the American submarine carries 24 Trident II D5 ballistic missiles. Its key advantage is the modular system of individual units, which facilitates the gradual modernization of the submarine.
