Akula-class submarine
Overview
Project 971 Shchuka-B (Akula-class submarine in NATO code), is a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) first deployed by the Soviet Navy in 1986. The true name of the class is the Bars-class, as Akula (Russian word for “Shark”) is the Soviet designation of ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) designated by NATO as the Typhoon class submarine.
There are 3 classes of Akula, the original seven Akula I submarines built between 1982 and 1986, the five Improved Akula submarines built between 1986 and 1991, and the three Akula II submarines built from 1991. This information is not known to be totally accurate, due to the fact that the exact dates of commission and which submarines are Improved Akulas or Akula II’s is debated by authoritative sources.
Akulas incorporate a double hull system that increases the reserve buoyancy of the ship by almost three times. They are the most silent Russian nuclear attack submarine, and the Akula-II compares with early versions of the American Los Angeles class submarine for stealth.
All akulas are armed with four 533 mm torpedo tubes which can use Type 53 torpedoes or the SS-N-15 Starfish missile, and four 650 mm torpedo tubes which can use Type 65 torpedoes or the SS-N-16 Stallion missile. These torpedo tubes are arranged in a 4 across by 2 high format. Improved Akulas and Akula II’s have an additional six 533 mm torpedo tubes mounted externally, however military websites conflict about the capabilities of these tubes, with some saying they are fully functional external tubes, while others say they are only capable of launching Mines and decoys. The external tubes are mounted external to the pressure hull in one row, above the 'Normal' Torpedo tubes, and can only be reloaded in port or with the assistance of a submarine tender. The 650 mm tubes can be fitted with liners to use the 533 mm weaponry. The submarine is also able to use its torpedo tubes to launch mines.
Current status
Information on the status of the Akula Class submarines is sketchy at best. There are several internet sites that all say different things about the status.
Akula-I submarines
Of the seven original Akula-I submarines, only three are known to still be in service. The lead boat of the class, K-284 'Puma' was decommissioned in 1995, apparently to help save money in the cash-strapped Russian Navy. Three others, K-322 'Kashlot', K-480 'Bars', and K-317 'Pantera' are all thought to be in reserve.
Akula-I Improved submarines
The five Akulas of this class are all thought to be in service. There is some debate about the naming of the 5th submarine's Hull Number. Some sources report K-267, while others say K-295. Most agree on the name 'Drakon' however. Some sources report two other submarines of this class under construction, however, construction is thought to be suspended on these submarines.
Akula-II submarines
The Akula-II 'Vepr' is the only Akula-II known to be in service at present. The 'Gepard' is thought to be in reserve, along with 'Kugar' and 'Nerpa'. A 5th submarine of unknown name is also thought to have construction suspended. The 'Gepard' is known to have a slightly different Towed Array Sonar Dispenser than other submarines, which is smaller.
General characteristics
- Classification:
- English: Nuclear Powered Attack submarine (SSN)
- Russian: Podvodnaya Lodka Atomnaya (PLA)
- Displacement:
- 5,700-7,500 tons surfaced
- 7,900-9,100 tons submerged
- 7,900-9,500 tons submerged (Akula-II)
- Operating Depth:
- 450 m test depth
- 550 m never-exceed depth
- 600-660 m calculated crush depth
- Propulsion:
- 1 190 MW OK-650B pressurized water nuclear reactor
- 1 OK-7 steam turbine 43,000 hp (32 MW)
- 2 OK-2 Turbogenerators producing 2,000 kW
- 1 seven-bladed propeller
- 2 retractable electric propulsors for low-speed manuvering at 3 knots (6 km/h)
108.0 - 111.7 m (sources vary)
- Beam:
13.5 m
9.6 m
- Armament:
- four 533 mm torpedo tubes (plus six external 533 mm tubes on Improved Akulas and Akula II’s)
- four 650 mm torpedo tubes
- storage space for up to forty torpedoes/mines/missiles etc.
- one hand-held Surface-to-air missile launcher. (To be used if the sub is forced to remain surfaced)
- assorted small arms for security. (Locked away when away from port)
- Sonar:
- MGK-503-M Skat active/passive suite
- Flank arrays
- Pelamida towed array
- MG-70 mine detection sonar
- Countermeasures:
- Bukhta ESM/ECM
- MG-74 Korund noise simulation decoys (fired from external tubes)
- MT-70 Sonar intercept receiver
- Nikhrom-M Identify Friend or Foe System
- Other systems:
- Chiblis Surface Search Radar
- Medvyedista-945 Navigation system
- Molniya-M Satellite communications
- MGK-80 Underwater communications
- Tsunami, Kiparis, Anis, Sintez and Kora Communications antennas
- Paravan Towed VLF Antenna
- Vspletsk Combat direction system
- Crew:
25 Officers, 26 Enlisted. (See: Military rank)
- Commissioned: 1985