On September 23, 1980, at the shipyard in the city of Severodvinsk, the first Soviet Akula-class submarine was launched onto the surface of the White Sea. When her hull 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 people already dubbed the cruiser “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. In the West, the boat was given the code name “Typhoon”. Subsequently, this boat began to be called Typhoon among us.
Thus, Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev himself, speaking at the 26th Party Congress, said: “The Americans have created a new submarine, the Ohio, with Trident missiles. We also have a similar system - “Typhoon”.
In the early 70s, the United States (as Western media wrote, “in response to the creation of the Delta complex in the USSR”) began the implementation of the large-scale Trident program, which envisaged the creation of a new solid-fuel missile with an intercontinental (more than 7000 km) range, as well as SSBNs a new type, capable of carrying 24 such missiles and having an increased level of stealth. The ship with a displacement of 18,700 tons had a maximum speed of 20 knots and could carry out missile launches at a depth of 15-30 m. In terms of its combat effectiveness, the new American weapon system was supposed to significantly surpass the domestic 667BDR/D-9R system, which was in mass production at that time. The political leadership of the USSR demanded that industry provide an “adequate response” to another American challenge.
The tactical and technical assignment for the heavy nuclear submarine missile cruiser Project 941 (code “Shark”) was issued in December 1972. On December 19, 1973, the government adopted a decree providing for the start of work on the design and construction of a new missile carrier. The project was developed by the Rubin Central Design Bureau, headed by general designer I.D. Spassky, under the direct supervision of chief designer S.N. Kovaleva. The main observer from the Navy was V.N. Levashov.
“The designers were faced with a difficult technical task - to place on board 24 rockets weighing almost 100 tons each,” says S.N., general designer of the projects at the Rubin Central Design Bureau for MT. Kovalev. - After many studies, it was decided to place the missiles between two durable hulls. There are no analogues to such a solution in the world.” “Only Sevmash could build such a boat,” says the head of the Department of the Ministry of Defense A.F. Shlemov. The construction of the ship was carried out in the largest boathouse - workshop 55, which was led by I.L. Kamai. We used a fundamentally new construction technology - the aggregate-modular method, which made it possible to significantly reduce the time frame. Now this method is used in everything, both underwater and surface shipbuilding, but for that time it was a serious technological breakthrough.
The indisputable operational advantages demonstrated by the first domestic naval solid-fuel ballistic missile R-31, as well as American experience (which was always treated with great respect in Soviet senior military and political circles) determined the customer’s categorical requirement to equip the 3rd generation submarine missile carrier with solid-fuel missiles . The use of such missiles made it possible to significantly reduce the time of pre-launch preparation, eliminate the noise of its implementation, simplify the composition of ship equipment, abandoning a number of systems - gas analysis of the atmosphere, filling the annular gap with water, irrigation, draining the oxidizer, etc.
Preliminary development of a new intercontinental missile system for equipping submarines began at the Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau under the leadership of chief designer V.P. Makeev in 1971. Full-scale work on the D-19 RK with R-39 missiles began in September 1973, almost simultaneously with the start of work on the new SSBN. When creating this complex, an attempt was made for the first time to unify underwater and ground-based missiles: the R-39 and the heavy RT-23 ICBM (being developed at the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau) received a single first-stage engine.
The level of domestic technology in the 70-80s did not allow the creation of a high-power solid-fuel ballistic intercontinental missile in dimensions close to those of previous liquid-propellant missiles. The increase in the size and weight of the weapon, as well as the weight and size characteristics of the new radio-electronic equipment, which increased by 2.5-4 times compared to the previous generation electronic equipment, led to the need to adopt unconventional layout solutions. As a result, an original type of submarine, which has no analogues in the world, was designed with two strong hulls located in parallel (a kind of “underwater catamaran”). Among other things, such a “flattened” shape of the ship in the vertical plane was dictated by draft restrictions in the area of the Severodvinsk shipyard and repair bases of the Northern Fleet, as well as technological considerations (it was necessary to ensure the possibility of simultaneous construction of two ships on one slipway “string”).
It should be recognized that the chosen scheme was largely a forced, far from optimal solution, which led to a sharp increase in the ship’s displacement (which gave rise to the ironic nickname for the boats of the 941st project - “water carriers”). At the same time, it made it possible to increase the survivability of a heavy submarine cruiser by dividing the power plant into autonomous compartments in two separate durable hulls; improve explosion and fire safety (by removing missile silos from the pressure hull), as well as placing the torpedo compartment and the main command post in isolated durable modules. The possibilities for modernizing and repairing the boat have also expanded somewhat.
When creating the new ship, the task was set to expand the zone of its combat use under the ice of the Arctic up to extreme latitudes by improving navigation and hydroacoustic weapons. To launch missiles from under the Arctic “ice shell,” the boat had to surface in ice holes, breaking through ice up to 2-2.5 m thick with the wheelhouse fencing.
Flight tests of the R-39 missile were carried out on the experimental diesel-electric submarine K-153, converted in 1976 according to Project 619 (it was equipped with one shaft). In 1984, after a series of intensive tests, the D-19 missile system with the R-39 missile was officially adopted by the Navy.
The construction of Project 941 submarines was carried out in Severodvinsk. To do this, the Northern Engineering Enterprise had to build a new workshop - the largest indoor boathouse in the world.
The first TAPKR, which entered service on December 12, 1981, was commanded by Captain 1st Rank A.V. Olkhovnikov, who was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for mastering such a unique ship. It was planned to build a large series of Project 941 heavy submarine cruisers and create new modifications of this ship with increased combat capabilities.
However, at the end of the 80s, for economic and political reasons, it was decided to abandon further implementation of the program. The adoption of this decision was accompanied by heated discussions: industry, the developers of the boat and some representatives of the Navy were in favor of continuing the program, while the Main Headquarters of the Navy and the General Staff of the Armed Forces were in favor of stopping construction. The main reason was the difficulty of organizing the basing of such large submarines armed with no less “impressive” missiles. The Akula simply could not enter most of the existing bases because of their cramped conditions, and the R-39 missiles could be transported at almost all stages of operation only along a railway track (they were also transported along rails to the pier for loading onto a ship). Loading of missiles had to be carried out by a special heavy-duty crane, which is a unique engineering structure of its kind.
As a result, it was decided to limit ourselves to the construction of a series of six ships of Project 941 (i.e., one division). The unfinished hull of the seventh missile carrier - TK-210 - was dismantled on the slipway in 1990. It should be noted that somewhat later, in the mid-90s, the implementation of the American program for the construction of Ohio-class submarine missile carriers ceased: instead of the planned 30 SSBNs, the US Navy received only 18 nuclear-powered submarines, of which it was decided to remain in service by the early 2000s only 14.
The design of the Project 941 submarine is of the “catamaran” type: two separate durable hulls (each 7.2 m in diameter) are located in a horizontal plane parallel to each other. In addition, there are two separate sealed capsule compartments - a torpedo compartment and a control module located between the main buildings in the center plane, which houses the central post and the radio-technical weapons compartment located behind it. The missile compartment is located between the pressure hulls at the front of the ship. Both housings and capsule compartments are connected to each other by transitions. The total number of waterproof compartments is 19.
At the base of the wheelhouse, under the retractable device fence, there are two pop-up rescue chambers capable of accommodating the entire crew of the submarine.
The central post compartment and its light fencing are shifted towards the stern of the ship. The robust hull, central post and torpedo compartment are made of titanium alloy, and the lightweight hull is made of steel (its surface is coated with a special hydroacoustic rubber coating, which increases the stealth of the boat).
The ship has a developed stern tail. The front horizontal rudders are located in the bow of the hull and are retractable. The cabin is equipped with powerful ice reinforcements and a rounded roof, which serves to break the ice during ascent.
Conditions of increased comfort have been created for the boat's crew (mostly consisting of officers and midshipmen). The officers were placed in relatively spacious two- and four-berth cabins with washbasins, televisions and air conditioning, while the sailors and petty officers were housed in small cockpits. The ship received a gym, swimming pool, solarium, sauna, relaxation lounge, “living area”, etc.
Power plant of the 3rd generation with a nominal power of 100,000 hp. With. made according to the block layout principle with the placement of autonomous modules (unified for all boats of the 3rd generation) in both durable hulls. The adopted layout solutions made it possible to reduce the dimensions of the nuclear power plant, while increasing its power and improving other operational parameters.
The power plant includes two water-cooled thermal neutron reactors OK-650 (190 MW each) and two steam turbines. The block layout of all units and component equipment, in addition to technological advantages, made it possible to apply more effective vibration isolation measures that reduce the noise of the ship.
The nuclear power plant is equipped with a batteryless cooling system (BCR), which is automatically activated when the power supply is lost.
Compared to previous nuclear submarines, the reactor control and protection system has changed significantly. The introduction of pulsed equipment made it possible to control its condition at any power level, including in a subcritical state. The compensating elements are equipped with a “self-propelled” mechanism, which, in the event of a power failure, ensures that the grilles are lowered onto the lower end switches. In this case, the reactor is completely “damped”, even when the ship capsizes.
Two low-noise fixed-pitch seven-blade propellers are installed in ring nozzles. As backup propulsion, there are two 190 kW DC electric motors, which are connected to the main shaft line via couplings.
Four 3200 kW turbogenerators and two DG-750 diesel generators are installed on board the boat. To maneuver in cramped conditions, the ship is equipped with a thruster in the form of two folding columns with propellers (in the bow and stern). The thruster propellers are driven by 750 kW electric motors.
When creating the Project 941 submarine, great attention was paid to reducing its hydroacoustic signature. In particular, the ship received a two-stage rubber-cord pneumatic shock absorption system, a block layout of mechanisms and equipment was introduced, as well as new, more effective soundproofing and anti-hydrolocation coatings. As a result, in terms of hydroacoustic stealth, the new missile carrier, despite its gigantic size, significantly surpassed all previously built domestic SSBNs and, probably, came close to its American counterpart - the Ohio-class SSBN.
The submarine is equipped with a new navigation complex "Symphony", a combat information and control system, a hydroacoustic mine-detecting station MG-519 "Arfa", an echo ice meter MG-518 "Sever", a radar complex MRKP-58 "Buran", and a television complex MTK-100. On board there is a radio communication complex "Molniya-L1" with a satellite communication system "Tsunami".
A digital sonar system of the Skat-3 type, integrating four sonar stations, is capable of simultaneously tracking 10-12 underwater targets.
Retractable devices located in the wheelhouse enclosure include two periscopes (command and universal), a radio sextant antenna, radar, radio antennas for the communication and navigation system, and a direction finder.
The boat is equipped with two buoy-type pop-up antennas, which allow receiving radio messages, target designations and satellite navigation signals when located at great depths (up to 150 m) or under ice.
The D-19 missile system includes 20 solid-fuel three-stage intercontinental ballistic missiles with multiple warheads D-19 (RSM-52, Western designation SS-N-20). The entire ammunition load is launched in two salvos, with minimal intervals between missile launches. Missiles can be launched from a depth of up to 55 m (without restrictions on weather conditions on the sea surface), as well as from a surface position.
The three-stage R-39 ICBM (length - 16.0 m, hull diameter - 2.4 m, launch weight - 90.1 tons) carries 10 individually targeted warheads with a capacity of 100 kg each. Their guidance is carried out using an inertial navigation system with full astro-correction (a CEP of about 500 m is provided). The maximum launch range of the R-39 exceeds 10,000 km, which is greater than the range of its American counterpart, the Trident C-4 (7,400 km) and approximately corresponds to the range of the Trident D-5 (11,000 km).
To minimize the size of the rocket, the engines of the second and third stages have retractable nozzles.
An original launch system has been created for the D-19 complex with placement of almost all elements of the launcher on the rocket itself. In the silo, the R-39 is suspended, supported by a special shock-absorbing rocket launch system (ARSS) on a support ring located in the upper part of the silo.
The launch is carried out from a “dry” shaft using a powder pressure accumulator (PAA). At the moment of launch, special powder charges create a gas cavity around the rocket, which significantly reduces the hydrodynamic loads on the underwater portion of the movement. After exiting the water, the ARSS is separated from the missile using a special engine and moved to the side at a safe distance from the submarine.
There are six 533-mm torpedo tubes with a fast loading device, capable of using almost all types of torpedoes and missile-torpedoes of this caliber in service (typical ammunition - 22 USET-80 torpedoes, as well as Shkval missile-torpedoes). Instead of part of the missile and torpedo armament, mines can be taken on board the ship.
For self-defense of a submarine on the surface from low-flying aircraft and helicopters, there are eight sets of Igla (Igla-1) MANPADS. The foreign press reported on the development of Project 941 for submarines, as well as a new generation SSBN, a self-defense anti-aircraft missile system capable of being used from a submerged position.
All six TAPRCs (received the Western code name Typhoon, which quickly “took root” with us) were consolidated into a division that was part of the 1st flotilla of nuclear submarines. The ships are based in Western Litsa (Nerpichya Bay). The reconstruction of this base to accommodate new heavy-duty nuclear-powered ships began in 1977 and took four years. During this time, a special berth line was built, specialized piers were manufactured and delivered, capable, according to the designers, of providing TAPKR with all types of energy resources (however, at present, for a number of technical reasons, they are used as ordinary floating piers). For heavy missile submarine cruisers, the Moscow Transport Engineering Design Bureau has created a unique complex of missile loading facilities (KSPR). It included, in particular, a double-cantilever gantry crane-loader with a lifting capacity of 125 tons (it was not put into operation).
There is also a coastal ship repair complex in Zapadnaya Litsa, which provides maintenance for Project 941 boats. Especially to provide a “floating rear” for boats of the 941st project in Leningrad at the Admiralty Plant in 1986, the sea transport-missile carrier “Alexander Brykin” (project 11570) was built with a total displacement of 11,440 tons, having 16 containers for R-39 missiles and equipped with 125 -ton crane.
However, a unique coastal infrastructure that provides servicing for Project 941 ships was created only in the Northern Fleet. The Pacific Fleet did not manage to build anything like this until 1990, when the program for further construction of the Sharks was curtailed.
The ships, each manned by two crews, were (and probably continue to be) constantly on alert even while at the base.
The combat effectiveness of the "Sharks" is largely ensured by the constant improvement of the communications system and combat control of the country's naval strategic nuclear forces. To date, this system includes channels using different physical principles, which increases reliability and noise immunity in the most adverse conditions. The system includes stationary transmitters that transmit radio waves in various bands of the electromagnetic spectrum, satellite, aircraft and ship repeaters, mobile coastal radio stations, as well as hydroacoustic stations and repeaters.
The huge reserve of buoyancy of heavy submarine cruisers of the 941st project (31.3%) in combination with powerful reinforcements of the light hull and wheelhouse provided these nuclear-powered ships with the ability to float in solid ice up to 2.5 m thick (which was repeatedly tested in practice). Patrolling under the ice shell of the Arctic, where there are special hydroacoustic conditions that reduce the detection range of an underwater target using the most modern sonar systems to just a few kilometers even with the most favorable hydrology, the Sharks are practically invulnerable to US anti-submarine nuclear submarines. The United States also does not have aircraft capable of searching for and destroying underwater targets through polar ice.
In particular, the “Sharks” carried out combat service under the ice of the White Sea (the first of the “941s” to make such a trip was made in 1986 by TK-12, on which the crew was replaced during patrols with the help of an icebreaker).
The growing threat from the predicted missile defense systems of a potential enemy required an increase in the combat survivability of domestic missiles during their flight. In accordance with one of the predicted scenarios, the enemy could try to “blind” the optical celestial navigation sensors of the ballistic missile using cosmic nuclear explosions. In response to this, at the end of 1984, under the leadership of V.P. Makeeva, N.A. Semikhatov (rocket control system), V.P. Arefiev (command devices) and B.C. Kuzmin (astrocorrection system), work began on creating a durable astrocorrector for submarine ballistic missiles, capable of restoring its functionality after a few seconds. Of course, the enemy still had the opportunity to carry out nuclear cosmic explosions at intervals every few seconds (in this case, the accuracy of the missile's guidance should have been significantly reduced), but such a solution was difficult to implement for technical reasons and pointless for financial reasons.
The improved version of the R-39, which in its main characteristics is not inferior to the American Trident D-5 missile, was put into service in 1989. In addition to increased combat survivability, the modernized missile had an increased disengagement zone for warheads, as well as increased firing accuracy (the use of the GLONASS space navigation system in the active phase of the missile’s flight and in the MIRV guidance section made it possible to achieve an accuracy no less than that of silo-based Strategic Missile Forces ICBMs). In 1995, TK-20 (commanded by Captain 1st Rank A. Bogachev) carried out missile firing from the North Pole.
In 1996, due to lack of funds, TK-12 and TK-202 were withdrawn from combat service, and in 1997 - TK-13. At the same time, additional funding for the Navy in 1999 made it possible to significantly speed up the protracted overhaul of the lead missile carrier of Project 941, the K-208. Over the ten years during which the ship was in the State Center for Nuclear Submarine Shipbuilding, the main weapons systems were replaced and modernized (in accordance with Project 941 U). It is expected that in the third quarter of 2000 the work will be fully completed, and after completion of the factory and sea acceptance tests, at the beginning of 2001, the updated nuclear-powered ship will again enter service.
In November 1999, two RSM-52 missiles were fired from the Barents Sea from one of the Project 941 TAPKRs. The interval between launches was two hours. The missile warheads hit targets at the Kamchatka test site with high accuracy.
As of 2013, out of 6 ships built under the USSR, 3 ships of Project 941 “Akula” have been scrapped, 2 ships are awaiting disposal, and one has been modernized according to Project 941UM.
Due to a chronic lack of funding, in the 1990s it was planned to decommission all units, however, with the advent of financial opportunities and a revision of the military doctrine, the remaining ships (TK-17 Arkhangelsk and TK-20 Severstal) underwent maintenance repairs in 1999-2002. TK-208 "Dmitry Donskoy" underwent major repairs and modernization under Project 941UM in 1990-2002 and since December 2003 has been used as part of the testing program for the latest Russian SLBM "Bulava". When testing the Bulava, it was decided to abandon the previously used test procedure.
The 18th Submarine Division, which included all the Sharks, was reduced. As of February 2008, it included the TK-17 Arkhangelsk (last combat duty - from October 2004 to January 2005) and the TK-20 Severstal, which were in reserve after the working life of the “main caliber” missiles had expired. "(last combat duty - 2002), as well as the K-208 Dmitry Donskoy converted to the Bulava. TK-17 "Arkhangelsk" and TK-20 "Severstal" were awaiting a decision on disposal or re-equipment with new SLBMs for more than three years, until in August 2007, the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Admiral of the Fleet V.V. Masorin, announced that until 2015 it is planned to modernize the Akula nuclear submarine for the Bulava-M missile system.
Interesting Facts:
For the first time, the placement of missile silos in front of the wheelhouse was carried out on boats of the Akula project.
For the development of a unique ship, the title of Hero of the Soviet Union was awarded to the Commander of the first missile cruiser, Captain 1st Rank A. V. Olkhovnikov in 1984
The ships of the Shark project are included in the Guinness Book of Records
The commander's seat in the central post is inviolable; there are no exceptions for anyone, not for the commanders of a division, fleet or flotilla, and even the Minister of Defense. P. Grachev, who broke this tradition in 1993, was rewarded with the hostility of the submariners during a visit to the Shark.
The Soviet Union and the United States maintained nuclear parity with each other until the early 70s. Neither side had an overwhelming superiority over each other in the number of nuclear warheads and delivery vehicles. In the USSR, they relied on silo installations of nuclear intercontinental missiles and a nuclear submarine fleet. Strategic aviation was small in number and did not have the qualities that would provide it with air superiority over the enemy. In the United States, on the contrary, at that time there already existed a nuclear triad, in which the main emphasis was on strategic aviation and silo launchers of ICBMs.
However, even such a large number of nuclear warheads and delivery vehicles, capable of repeatedly destroying all life on the planet, could not satisfy either the Soviet or the American side. Both countries were looking for a way to create a first strike advantage. The rapidly developing arms race in this direction led to the emergence of the largest submarines in the history of mankind, the Soviet Project 941 Akula-class nuclear submarines.
Reasons explaining the appearance of the steel monster
The huge steel monster, the size of a 9-story building, was a response to the appearance of the Ohio-class nuclear submarine in the US Navy. This submarine could carry 24 intercontinental missiles. Not a single submarine in the USSR possessed such firepower. The presence of such submarines by the enemy negated the existing balance in delivery means, which had been achieved with such difficulty by that time. Project 941, developed in the Soviet Union, could not only deprive the Americans of superiority in the naval component of the nuclear triad, but also provide a certain advantage.
This is what caused the next round of the naval arms race. Work began to boil in Soviet design bureaus and overseas. Each country tried to be the first to create a strategic submarine missile carrier.
The reasons for the appearance of a ship of this size are explained by the technical side of the issue. The thing is that the Soviet nuclear submarine was created with the expectation of being ahead of the Americans in terms of the power of its missile salvo. The Project 941 nuclear submarine was supposed to carry on board the new R-39 intercontinental ballistic missiles, which were superior to the American Trident-1 intercontinental missiles deployed on the Ohio-class missile submarines. The Soviet nuclear baton could carry 10 nuclear warheads, instead of the 8 on the American missile, and the R-39 missile flew much further than its American counterpart. The new Soviet rocket had three stages and, according to the project, was supposed to weigh up to 70 tons. Having such technical characteristics of the main weapon, Soviet designers had to solve a difficult task - to create an appropriate launch platform.
In addition, it was planned to immediately install 20 such missiles on the new nuclear submarine missile carrier. The commissioning of new Soviet nuclear-powered ships was supposed to cool the militant ardor of overseas strategists. As foreign sources noted, the Soviet Typhoon-class Shark submarine, according to NATO classification, could wipe out the entire West Coast of the United States with one salvo. The presence of 3-4 missile carriers of this type by the Soviets would threaten the entire territory of the United States, not to mention the vulnerability of the territories of NATO allies.
The enormous destructive power akin to a typhoon strike, which the Soviet submarine possessed, became the reason for it to be given the appropriate name “Typhoon” in the West. According to the classification, Project 941 boats had the code “Typhoon”.
For reference: According to the NATO classification, “Akula” submarines were Soviet multi-purpose submarines of the “Shchuka-B” type of Project 971, built already in the mid-80s. The NATO code “Akula” was assigned to these ships after the name of the lead ship of the K-284 “Akula” nuclear submarine project, which entered service with the Pacific Fleet in 1984.
Birth of a record holder
In the Soviet Union, there have already been cases of creating record-breaking equipment. This includes the world's largest transport aircraft, the AN-22 Antey, and the world's first nuclear-powered icebreaker, Lenin. In military terms, the USSR also caused a lot of trouble for the American military, creating excellent military equipment. The latest generation of Soviet intercontinental ballistic missiles caused terror overseas. The navy did not lag behind in this regard, so the world's largest nuclear submarine, the Akula, did not come as a surprise to the Soviet country.
The Soviet ship, built in the early 80s of the 20th century, remains to this day an unsurpassed achievement of design thought. In many technical respects, the new nuclear submarine is rightfully considered the most ambitious Soviet military project. The technical dimensions of the ship alone are amazing, not to mention the cost of building a ship of such scale. The length of the ship is 173 meters, and the width of the hull is 23 meters. The hull of the boat is a steel cigar the size of a 9-story building. Only the draft of the boat was 12 meters. These dimensions also corresponded to the huge displacement. The Soviet submarine missile carrier had the displacement of a World War II battleship - 50 thousand tons.
In terms of displacement, the Akula nuclear submarine was three times larger than its opponent, the Ohio-class submarine. If we talk about the name of the ship, the Soviet version is of folk origin. Even on the slipways, the boat began to be called a shark. This comparison was so successful that it subsequently took root in military and political circles. For the first time in the general public, the new nuclear-powered missile cruiser was called “Shark” by the General Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee L. I. Brezhnev.
For reference: In the domestic fleet, the first submarine, called “Shark,” was created back in 1909. The designer of the submarine was Ivan Bubnov. The boat was lost during the First World War during a military campaign.
The designers of the Rubin Central Design Bureau for Marine Equipment, the flagship of the Soviet shipbuilding industry, handled the task of developing a project for a Soviet underwater super-cruiser perfectly. In 1972, Leningraders received technical assignments for the development of a project for a third-generation strategic nuclear submarine. The design work was headed by the talented Soviet designer S.N. Kovalev, who already had completed and successful projects behind him. His offspring roamed the seas and oceans, remaining a reliable shield of the Soviet state. Since 1973, after the decision of the Soviet government, work on the creation of the project began within the walls of the Rubin Central Design Bureau.
The place where new ships of this size were built was the Sevmash enterprise. For the construction of new ships, a new boathouse of enormous size was specially erected on the shipyard territory. Dredging work was carried out in the water area of the shipyard to allow the passage of ships of such a large displacement.
Three years later, the first lead submarine of Project 941 was laid down on the Sevmash stocks. The ship received the factory index TK-208 (heavy cruiser - 208). In total, it was planned to build 7 ships under this project over the next 10-15 years. It should be noted that Soviet designers managed to overtake their American colleagues by earlier creating a ready-made project for a new submarine missile carrier. The launch of a new Soviet submarine of colossal size in September 1980 came as a real shock to the Americans. The first Ohio-class boat launched in December 1981, when the Soviet missile carrier entered the active fleet.
Over the course of 8 years, from 1981 to 1989, 6 vessels of the same type were built in the Soviet Union. The seventh ship planned for construction remained on the stocks, even taking into account the fact that the main hull structures for the submarine were ready. The construction of Soviet nuclear missile carriers of Project 941 was provided by more than 1000 related enterprises. At the Sevmash shipyard alone, 1,200 people worked on the construction of the ship.
An interesting detail: of the 6 ships built according to the project, the very first one turned out to be the longest-lived. The KT-208 submarine, launched back in 1981, continues to be in service today. Now this is the TPRKSN (heavy strategic missile submarine cruiser) “Dmitry Donskoy”, KT-208 boat of Project 941.
Design features of the Project 941 submarine missile carrier
For the uninitiated, the boat is a huge whale-shaped steel cigar. However, for specialists, special attention is drawn not so much to the size of the ship as to its layout. The submarine has a double-hull design. Behind the outer shell of a lightweight steel body is a dual main robust body. In other words, inside the boat there are two separate hulls located parallel to each other according to the catamaran design. Durable cases are made of titanium alloy. The torpedo compartment, central post and aft mechanical compartments on the ship are placed in closed compartments, capsules.
The space between the two durable hulls is filled with 20 silo launchers. The conning tower is shifted to the rear of the boat. The entire front deck is one big launch pad. This arrangement of launchers implies the possibility of simultaneous launching of all ammunition. In this case, the missiles should be launched with a minimum time interval. The Soviet missile carrier is capable of launching missiles from surface and submerged positions. The working immersion depth for launch is 55 meters.
The ship has 19 compartments, each of which communicates with the others. Horizontal rudders are installed in the light hull of the bow of the boat. The conning tower has a reinforced structure, specially designed for the emergency ascent of the ship in conditions of the presence of a continuous ice sheet on the surface. Increased strength is the main distinguishing feature of Soviet III generation missile carriers. While American Ohio-class nuclear submarines were built to patrol the clear waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Soviet submarines mainly operated in the Arctic Ocean, so the ship’s design was created with a safety margin capable of overcoming the resistance of a 2-meter-thick ice shell .
On the outside, the boat has a special anti-radar and soundproof coating, the total weight of which is 800 tons. Another feature of the ship's design is the presence of life support systems in each individual compartment. The internal layout of the boat is planned and equipped in such a way as to ensure the survival of the ship's crew in the most unforeseen situations.
The heart of the nuclear-powered ship is two OK-650VV nuclear reactors with a total power of 380 MW. The submarine is set in motion through the operation of two turbines with a capacity of 45-50 thousand l/s each. Such a huge ship also had propellers of the appropriate size - 5.5 m in diameter. Two 800W diesel generators were installed on the boat as backup engines.
The nuclear-powered missile carrier on the surface could reach a speed of 12 knots. Underwater, a submarine with a displacement of 50 thousand tons could move at a speed of 25 knots. The working diving depth was 400 m. At the same time, the boat had a certain reserve of critical diving depth, amounting to an additional 100 m.
A ship of such large size and with such performance characteristics was controlled by a crew of 160 people. A third of this number were officers. The interior living quarters on the submarine were equipped with everything necessary for a long and comfortable stay. Officers and midshipmen lived in comfortable 2- and 4-berth cabins. The sailors and petty officers lived in specially equipped cubicles. All living areas on the boat were served by an air conditioning system. During long cruises, the ship's crew, free from combat shifts, could spend time in the gym, visit the cinema and library. It should be noted that the ship’s autonomy exceeded all standards existing before that time - 180 days.
Main comparative characteristics of the Project 941 ship
The Soviet nuclear-powered ship, which entered service in 1981, had a significant superiority in comparison with other foreign-built ships of the same type. The likely opponents of the Soviet III generation missile carrier were:
- American Ohio-class nuclear submarine with 24 Trident ICBMs on board, 18 units built;
- English nuclear submarine "Vangard" with 16 Trident ICBMs, 4 units built;
- French nuclear submarine Triumphant with 16 M45 ICBMs, 4 ships were also built.
The Soviet nuclear submarine was three times larger than all the listed ships in terms of displacement. It had a total weight of 51 tons for a salvo of 20 R-39 ICBMs. British and French submarines were significantly inferior to the Soviet missile carrier in this parameter. British and French nuclear submarines could fire warheads weighing a total of 44 tons at the enemy. Only American Ohio-class submarines, of which less than two dozen were launched, could compete with the Soviet underwater giants.
No other ship, domestic missile carriers of projects 667BDRM and 955, could compare in displacement and combat power with Akula-class submarines. Soviet nuclear submarines, launched in the 80s of the last century, formed the basis of the nuclear missile power of the USSR and became the basis for the nuclear naval component of modern Russia.
The nuclear-powered icebreaker KT-208 “Dmitry Donskoy” remains the only operational ship of this class in the Russian Navy. Two vessels, KT-17 Arkhangelsk and KT-20 Severstal, were put into reserve in 2006 and 2004. respectively. The final decision on the fate of these two legendary ships has not yet been made. The nuclear submarine KT-208 received a new name in 2002 - KT-208 “Dmitry Donskoy”. The boat is the only one of all ships of this type that has retained its technological resource. This, in turn, made it possible to carry out on the ship in 1999-2002. modernization according to project 941M. The purpose of the modernization was to re-equip the ship for the new Bulava SLBM.
There are no plans to equip the ship with new ballistic missiles. The submarine is used as a self-propelled floating test complex for new types of missile technology. The decision of the high government commission was to extend the life of the vessel until 2020. The nuclear-powered missile carrier is based at the Zapadnaya Litsa naval base and is part of the Russian Northern Fleet.
The first cases of submarines being used for combat purposes date back to the mid-19th century. However, due to their technical imperfections, submarines for a long time played only a supporting role in the naval forces. The situation changed completely after the discovery of atomic energy and the invention of ballistic missiles.
Goals and dimensions
Submarines have different purposes. The size of the world's submarines varies depending on their purposes. Some are designed for a crew of only two people, while others are capable of carrying dozens of intercontinental missiles. What tasks do the world's largest submarines perform?
"Triumfan"
French strategic nuclear submarine. Its name means "triumphant". The length of the boat is 138 meters, displacement - 14 thousand tons. The ship is armed with three-stage M45 ballistic missiles with multiple warheads, equipped with individual guidance systems. They are capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 5,300 kilometers. At the design stage, the designers were tasked with making the submarine as invisible as possible to the enemy and equipping it with an effective early detection system for enemy anti-submarine defense systems. Careful study and numerous experiments have shown that the main reason for revealing the location of an underwater vessel is its acoustic signature.
When designing the Triumphan, all known noise reduction methods were used. Despite the impressive size of the submarine, it is a rather difficult object to detect acoustically. The specific shape of the submarine helps reduce hydrodynamic noise. The sound level produced during operation of the ship's main power plant has been significantly reduced thanks to a number of non-standard technological solutions. "Triumphan" has on board an ultra-modern sonar system designed for early detection of enemy anti-submarine weapons.
"Jing"
Strategic nuclear-powered missile submarine built for the Chinese Navy. Due to the increased level of secrecy, much of the information about this ship comes not from the media, but from the intelligence services of the United States and other NATO countries. The submarine's dimensions were determined based on a photograph taken in 2006 by a commercial satellite designed to take digital images of the earth's surface. The length of the vessel is 140 meters, displacement - 11 thousand tons.
Experts note that the dimensions of the Jin nuclear submarine are larger than the dimensions of previous, technically and morally obsolete Chinese Xia-class submarines. The new generation vessel is adapted to launch Julan-2 intercontinental ballistic missiles equipped with multiple nuclear warheads. Their maximum flight range is 12 thousand kilometers. The Julan-2 missiles are an exclusive development. When designing them, the dimensions of the Jin class submarines, intended to become carriers of these formidable weapons, were taken into account. According to experts, the presence of such ballistic missiles and submarines in China significantly changes the balance of power in the world. Approximately three-quarters of the territory of the United States is in the zone of destruction of the Jin boats located in the Kuril Islands area. However, according to information available to the US military, test launches of Julan missiles often end in failure.
"Vanguard"
British strategic nuclear submarine, the size of which allows it to compete with the largest submarines in the world. The length of the vessel is 150 meters, displacement - 15 thousand tons. Boats of this type have been in service with the Royal Navy since 1994. Today, Vanguard-class submarines are the only carriers of British nuclear weapons. They carry Trident-2 ballistic missiles. This weapon deserves special mention. It is produced by a famous American company for the US Navy. The British government took on 5% of the cost of developing the missiles, which, according to the designers' plans, were supposed to surpass all their predecessors. The affected area of Trident-2 is 11 thousand kilometers, the accuracy of the hit reaches several feet. Missile guidance does not depend on the American global positioning system. Trident 2 delivers atomic warheads to a target at a speed of 21 thousand kilometers per hour. The four Vanguard boats carry a total of 58 of these missiles, representing the UK's "nuclear shield".
"Murena-M"
Soviet submarine built during the Cold War. The main goals of creating the boat were to increase the range of missiles and overcome American sonar detection systems. Expanding the affected area required changing the dimensions of the underwater vessel compared to previous versions. The launch silos are designed for D-9 missiles, the launch mass of which is twice the usual. The length of the ship is 155 meters, displacement is 15 thousand tons. According to experts, Soviet designers managed to complete the initially set task. The range of the missile system has increased approximately 2.5 times. To achieve this goal, the Murena-M submarine had to be made one of the largest submarines in the world. The size of the missile carrier did not change the level of its stealth for the worse. The design of the boat included vibration damping mechanisms, since at that time the US sonar tracking system became a serious problem for Soviet strategic submarines.
"Ohio"
"Borey"
The development of this nuclear submarine began in the Soviet Union. It was finally designed and built in the Russian Federation. Its name comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of the north wind. In accordance with the plans of the creators, the Borey boat in the foreseeable future should replace the Akula and Dolphin class submarines. The length of the cruiser is 170 meters, displacement - 24 thousand tons. Borei was the first strategic submarine built in the post-Soviet era. First of all, the new Russian boat serves as a platform for launching Bulava ballistic missiles equipped with multiple nuclear warheads. Their flight range exceeds 8 thousand kilometers. Due to problems with financing and disruption of economic ties with enterprises located on the territory of the former Soviet republics, the completion date of the ship's construction was repeatedly postponed. The Borey boat was launched in 2008.
"Shark"
According to NATO classification, this vessel is designated "Typhoon". The dimensions of the Akula submarine exceed everything that has been created throughout the history of submarines. Its construction was the Soviet Union's response to the American Ohio project. The huge size of the heavy submarine cruiser "Akula" was due to the need to deploy on it R-39 missiles, the mass and length of which significantly exceeded those of the American Trident. Soviet designers had to come to terms with large dimensions in order to increase the flight range and weight of the warhead. The Akula boat, adapted for launching these missiles, has a record length of 173 meters. Its displacement is 48 thousand tons. Today, the Akula remains the largest submarine in the world.
Creation of an era
The USSR also occupies the first place in the ranking. This is understandable: the superpowers involved in the Cold War believed in the possibility of delivering a pre-emptive strike. They saw their main task as quietly placing nuclear missiles as close to the enemy as possible. This mission was assigned to large submarines, which became the legacy of that era.
In general, no “Typhoons” are listed in the official documents of the Russian Navy. This name was invented by the Western military. They love to give their military equipment creepy nicknames. Although, you must admit, “Project 941 nuclear-powered strategic missile cruiser” sounds much less impressive.
The birth of Typhoon was preceded by a long history. At the beginning of this century, when the first combat submarines appeared, military theorists were more than skeptical about this type of equipment. Few could imagine that a thin-walled, slow-moving tin with the barrels of small-caliber guns absurdly protruding above the knobby bridge would turn into an aggressive sea predator, the most dangerous enemy of surface fleet ships, within a decade.
But the strength of a submarine does not lie in its guns and armor, or even in its torpedoes, which, by the way, were very imperfect for a long time. Stealth is the main advantage of combat submarines. An underwater predator sneaks up on its prey unnoticed and discharges its torpedo tubes almost point-blank.
But what about enemy targets located on land? Torpedoes cannot run along the shore; the range of artillery fire is too short. Maybe airplanes? At the end of World War II, the Japanese created an entire flotilla of submarine aircraft carriers. And they were ready to strike at the Panama Canal locks. Fortunately, we didn’t have time.
And the creation of such aircraft carriers is difficult and quite expensive. Rockets are a different matter. With the advent of this type of weapon, it became clear in which direction the submarine fleet would develop. Missile submarines are the solution to the problem.
And the first such projects appeared in the USSR in 1949. Initially, it was planned to use captured FAUs, although not winged, but ballistic. But then a much more advanced R-11 missile designed by S.P. Korolev arrived.
On January 26, 1954, the USSR Council of Ministers adopted a secret resolution on the creation of a large missile-armed submarine. This date can be considered the birthday of our submarine missile fleet. A pair of R-11s were installed on the B-67 boat, and on September 16, 1955, for the first time in the world, a ballistic missile was launched from a submarine.
In order to launch, the first missile carriers had to surface. The launch procedure itself took more than 10 minutes, which, naturally, gave the enemy a good chance of destroying the boat. Underwater launch technology was not developed until 1960.
In 1970, the Project 667 strategic submarine missile carrier appeared. But the problem was that it turned out to be too noisy. The NATO hydroacoustic tracking system detected the missile carriers even as they left the base. The main component of the noise spectrum of a boat is the noise of the propeller. The smoother the surface of the blade, the less noise. The machines that made it possible to create such parts had to be purchased from Japan, but the rubber-like material that covers the outside of the boat’s hull was borrowed from the British. Both of these caused considerable scandals.
It is believed that the Typhoon is the most comfortable boat in the world. A six-meter fresh water swimming pool, a sauna, two gyms where you can play tennis, a cinema hall, and a library. It would seem that all this is more suitable for a pleasure yacht than for a submarine cruiser. In fact, the need for comfort is dictated by iron logic - “habitability” is no less important than nuclear missile weapons.
The design of the boat is completely unique. "Typhoon" is a catamaran. The two durable bodies fit together like the barrels of a double-barreled shotgun. There is a jumper between the steel cylinders of the hulls, which house the main mechanisms of the ship, living quarters and nuclear power plant. It is equipped with twenty launch silos for RSM-52 intercontinental ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads.
The flight range of such “toys” is more than three thousand kilometers. The missiles have from one to three individually targetable thermonuclear warheads. The power of each is one and a half megatons, and the shooting accuracy is such that it ensures hitting a circle with a diameter of 30 meters. No fleet in the world has more advanced weapons.
Having a standard displacement of 23 thousand tons on the surface, the Typhoon surpassed most of the heavy cruisers of the last war in this parameter. And the fact that a heavier and larger submarine has not yet been built is absolutely certain.
True, the underwater speed of our submarine is not too high, but its cruising range and time at sea are excellent. No one has yet beaten the figure of 120 days, which is how long the Typhoon can autonomously sail. And at the same time dive to depths of up to 400 m and successfully launch missiles from a depth of 30-60 m.
The Russian Navy currently has six such submarines in service. And only in 2003 they will have to embark on modernization!
A. KONSTANTINOV
Inventor and innovator 2000 No. 8
Current status
As of 2017, out of 6 ships built under the USSR, 3 ships of Project 941 have been scrapped, 2 ships have been withdrawn from the fleet and are being prepared for disposal, one has been modernized according to Project 941UM and is in service.
Due to a chronic lack of funding, in the 1990s it was planned to decommission all units, however, with the advent of financial opportunities and a revision of the military doctrine, the remaining ships (TK-17 Arkhangelsk and TK-20 Severstal) underwent maintenance repairs in 1999-2002. TK-208 "Dmitry Donskoy" underwent major repairs and modernization under Project 941UM in 1990-2002 and since December 2003 has been used as part of the testing program for the latest Russian SLBM "Bulava". When testing the Bulava, it was decided to abandon the previously used test procedure:
- throws from a submersible stand in Balaklava,
- throws from a specially converted experimental submarine
- at the next stage - a series of launches from a ground stand
- only after successful launches from a ground stand was the missile allowed to undergo flight testing from a submarine - its standard carrier
“Today we no longer have Balaclava. An experimental submarine is expensive to build. The ground stand near Severodvinsk is not in the best condition. And it must be adapted and rebuilt for the new missile system. Therefore, at our instigation, a rather bold - from the point of view of the designers - justified decision was made: all tests of the Bulava ballistic missile (BM) would be carried out from the converted lead submarine of Project 941U Typhoon."
The 18th Submarine Division, which included all the Sharks, was reduced. As of February 2008, it included the TK-17 Arkhangelsk (last combat duty - from October 2004 to January 2005) and the TK-20 Severstal, which were in reserve after the working life of the “main caliber” missiles had expired. "(last combat duty - 2002), as well as the TK-208 Dmitry Donskoy converted to the Bulava. TK-17 "Arkhangelsk" and TK-20 "Severstal" were awaiting a decision on disposal or re-equipment with new SLBMs for more than three years, until in August 2007, the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Admiral of the Fleet V.V. Masorin, announced that until 2015 it is planned to modernize the Akula nuclear submarine for the Bulava-M missile system.
On May 7, 2010, Commander-in-Chief of the Navy Vladimir Vysotsky stated that two nuclear submarines of the Akula class will remain in the Russian Navy until 2019 in combat condition. At the same time, a decision has not yet been made on the fate of the submarines; in particular, the issue of the timing of possible modernization has not been resolved. However, the modernization capabilities of submarines of this type are very large, Vysotsky noted. In particular, the option of re-equipping them to accommodate cruise missiles, similar to the re-equipment of the US Navy's Ohio-class submarines, was considered.
On September 28, 2011, a statement was published by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, according to which, “Sharks”, as they do not fit into the START-3 treaty limits and are excessively expensive in comparison with the new Borei class missile carriers, are planned to be written off and cut into metal before 2014. Options for converting the three remaining ships into transport submarines according to the Rubin TsKBMT project or cruise missile arsenal submarines were rejected due to the excessive cost of work and operation.
At a meeting in Severodvinsk, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin announced that Russia had decided to temporarily abandon the dismantlement of third-generation strategic nuclear submarines currently in service with the Navy. As a result, the shelf life of the boats will last up to 30-35 years instead of the current 25. The modernization will affect strategic nuclear submarines of the Akula type, where electronic filling and weapons will be changed every 7 years.
In February 2012, information appeared in the media that the main armament of the Akula-class nuclear submarines, the RSM-52 missiles, were not completely disposed of, and the Severstal and Arkhangelsk boats with standard weapons on board could be put into operation by 2020.
In March 2012, information appeared from sources of the Russian Ministry of Defense that the Project 941 Akula strategic nuclear submarines would not be modernized for financial reasons. According to the source, the deep modernization of one Akula is comparable in cost to the construction of two new Project 955 Borei submarines. The submarine cruisers TK-17 Arkhangelsk and TK-20 Severstal will not be modernized in light of the recently adopted decision; the TK-208 Dmitry Donskoy will continue to be used as a test platform for weapon systems and sonar systems until 2019
In June 2016, it was announced that the service life of the Dmitry Donskoy in the Navy was extended until 2020.
In January 2018, the final decision was made to dismantle Arkhangelsk and Severstal after 2020.
MOSCOW, January 19 – RIA Novosti. The world's most powerful heavy strategic missile submarines, the Akula, are too early to be sent for disposal: they can be upgraded to carry new ballistic or cruise missiles, according to Russian admirals interviewed by RIA Novosti on Friday.
As a source in the shipbuilding industry previously reported to RIA Novosti, two nuclear submarines of Project 941 (code "Akula") - Arkhangelsk and Severstal - will be dismantled by Rosatom after 2020. Their further operation was considered unprofitable and they have already been removed from the Russian Navy, the source said.
Upgrade to "Bulava"
“I can only express my personal regret. These submarines are the most powerful in the world, the most high-tech in production. One Akula carried 20 missiles with ten warheads each. I went to sea on them, being the first deputy commander of the Northern Fleet "They are easy to operate. I have never experienced greater delight," said former commander of the Black Sea Fleet, Admiral Vladimir Komoyedov.
In his opinion, “we are acting barbarically with our brainchild, sending the Sharks to be cut to pieces.” The Russian shipbuilding industry, for economic reasons, is no longer able to build such a submarine, the admiral believes.
According to him, these nuclear submarine cruisers can be modernized for the intercontinental ballistic Bulava or modern cruise missiles - following the example of the Americans who modernized the Ohio submarines.
Komoyedov emphasized that “it is not so easy to dismantle such a submarine.” “I would like to express the hope that the decision to dismantle the two submarine cruisers has not yet been made, and if accepted, it will be reviewed. I would even develop a modernization plan,” the admiral said.
He categorically disagreed that the further operation of the Sharks was unprofitable: “In general, maintaining combat-ready armed forces is a costly business. But these submarines are worth the cost.”
"Bulava" in action: how the ballistic missile was launched from a submarine cruiserThe Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from the missile submarine cruiser Yuri Dolgoruky in the Barents Sea. Watch footage of combat training shooting.Work for "Star"
Former First Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, Admiral Igor Kasatonov, also spoke out against cutting up Arkhangelsk and Severstal for metal. As a forced positive aspect, he noted that “recycling will bring money to the budget and provide jobs.”
Most likely, the hulls of the cruisers will be dismantled at the Zvezdochka Ship Repair Center in Severodvinsk, the agency’s interlocutor noted.
Departing giants
Project 941 TRKSN are the world's largest nuclear submarines. The ship's total displacement is 49.8 thousand tons, length - 172 meters, width - 23.3 meters. A total of six cruisers of the project were built. "Dmitry Donskoy" - the lead ship in the series - was laid down on June 30, 1976, accepted into service with the Northern Fleet in 1981.
In 1996-1997, due to a lack of funds, three Project 941 nuclear submarines (TK-12, TK-202 and TK-13), which had served only 12-13 years, were withdrawn from service in the Russian Navy.
The cruiser TK-208 "Dmitry Donskoy" underwent repairs, modernization and re-equipment at Sevmash for more than ten years to test the Bulava missile system. Currently, this Project 941U ship remains the last "Akula" in the Russian Navy.
The most famous warships and submarines of Russia
/ "Yuri Dolgoruky" is a nuclear submarine with new generation ballistic missiles. It is the first submarine produced by Russia since the Soviet era. It was built by the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk for the Russian Navy. The groundbreaking took place in 1996. The first sea trials of the vessel took place in the summer of 2009.
1 out of 10
"Yuri Dolgoruky" is a nuclear submarine with new generation ballistic missiles. It is the first submarine produced by Russia since the Soviet era. It was built by the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk for the Russian Navy. The groundbreaking took place in 1996. The first sea trials of the vessel took place in the summer of 2009.
/ The famous cruiser "Aurora", which is permanently moored near the Petrogradskaya embankment in St. Petersburg, is an object of cultural heritage of the Russian Federation. The first-rank cruiser of the Baltic Fleet is famous for its role in the October Revolution of 1917. It was laid down in 1897 at the New Admiralty shipyard in St. Petersburg. The cruiser was named after the sailing frigate "Aurora", which became famous during the defense of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky during the Crimean War.
2 out of 10
The famous cruiser "Aurora", which is permanently moored near the Petrogradskaya embankment in St. Petersburg, is an object of cultural heritage of the Russian Federation. The first-rank cruiser of the Baltic Fleet is famous for its role in the October Revolution of 1917. It was laid down in 1897 at the New Admiralty shipyard in St. Petersburg. The cruiser was named after the sailing frigate "Aurora", which became famous during the defense of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky during the Crimean War.
© Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Russian FederationThe aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov" is the only one in its class in the Russian Navy. The heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser is designed to destroy large surface targets and defend naval formations from attacks by a potential enemy. Built at the Black Sea Shipyard in Nikolaev in the early 80s of the last century. The cruiser was named in honor of Nikolai Gerasimovich Kuznetsov, Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union. Previous names of the vessel in order of assignment: “Soviet Union” (project), “Riga” (laying), “Leonid Brezhnev” (launching), “Tbilisi” (tests).
3 out of 10
The aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov" is the only one in its class in the Russian Navy. The heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser is designed to destroy large surface targets and defend naval formations from attacks by a potential enemy. Built at the Black Sea Shipyard in Nikolaev in the early 80s of the last century. The cruiser was named in honor of Nikolai Gerasimovich Kuznetsov, Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union. Previous names of the vessel in order of assignment: “Soviet Union” (project), “Riga” (laying), “Leonid Brezhnev” (launching), “Tbilisi” (tests).
/ The patrol ship "Admiral Grigorovich" was named in honor of Admiral Ivan Konstantinovich Grigorovich, Russian Minister of Navy in 1911-1917. The ship was laid down in December 2010 at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad and launched in March 2014.
4 out of 10
The patrol ship "Admiral Grigorovich" was named in honor of Admiral Ivan Konstantinovich Grigorovich, Russian Minister of Navy in 1911-1917. The ship was laid down in December 2010 at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad and launched in March 2014.
/ "Igor Belousov" is a rescue ship built for the Russian Navy at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg. The ship was launched in 2012. The vessel is designed to provide assistance to the crews of emergency submarines lying on the ground or on the surface, supplying air, electricity and life-saving equipment to submarines and surface ships. In addition, the ship can search and inspect emergency objects.
6 out of 10
"Igor Belousov" is a rescue ship built for the Russian Navy at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg. The ship was launched in 2012. The vessel is designed to provide assistance to the crews of emergency submarines lying on the ground or on the surface, supplying air, electricity and life-saving equipment to submarines and surface ships. In addition, the ship can search and inspect emergency objects.
/ B-261 "Novorossiysk" is a diesel-electric submarine of Project 636.3 "Varshavyanka". The vessel is designed to combat enemy submarines and ships, for the defense of naval bases, coastal and sea communications, reconnaissance and patrol activities on enemy communications. The submarine was laid down in August 2010, launched in November 2013, and accepted into the fleet in August 2014.
7 out of 10
B-261 "Novorossiysk" is a diesel-electric submarine of Project 636.3 "Varshavyanka". The vessel is designed to combat enemy submarines and ships, for the defense of naval bases, coastal and sea communications, reconnaissance and patrol activities on enemy communications. The submarine was laid down in August 2010, launched in November 2013, and accepted into the fleet in August 2014.
/ TK-208 "Dmitry Donskoy" is a heavy nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine of Project 941 "Akula", the first ship in the series. The ship is equipped with a Bulava missile system with 6 hypersonic nuclear warheads. The boat was laid down in June 1976 at Sevmashpredpriyatiya, entered service with the Navy in 1981, and became part of the Northern Fleet in 1982. Today, the TK-208 "Dmitry Donskoy" is the largest submarine in the world.
8 out of 10
TK-208 "Dmitry Donskoy" is a heavy nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine of Project 941 "Akula", the first ship in the series. The ship is equipped with a Bulava missile system with 6 hypersonic nuclear warheads. The boat was laid down in June 1976 at Sevmashpredpriyatiya, entered service with the Navy in 1981, and became part of the Northern Fleet in 1982. Today, the TK-208 "Dmitry Donskoy" is the largest submarine in the world.
/ "Peter the Great" is the fourth and only heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser of the third generation of Project 1144 "Orlan" in service. The main purpose of the vessel is to destroy enemy aircraft carrier groups. The cruiser was laid down in 1986 on the slipway of the Baltic Shipyard. She was launched in 1989 and entered the fleet in 1988.
9 out of 10
"Peter the Great" is the fourth and only heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser of the third generation of Project 1144 "Orlan" in service. The main purpose of the vessel is to destroy enemy aircraft carrier groups. The cruiser was laid down in 1986 on the slipway of the Baltic Shipyard. She was launched in 1989 and entered the fleet in 1988.
© Photo: press service of the Northern Fleet of the Russian Federation/Oleg KuleshovK-560 "Severodvinsk" is a Russian multi-purpose nuclear submarine with 4th generation cruise missiles, the lead ship of Project 885 "Yasen". For the first time in the practice of domestic shipbuilding, torpedo tubes were located behind the central post compartment. The Severodvinsk submarine was laid down at the Sevmash defense shipyard in 1993. The ship was launched in 2010.
