5 best submarines in the world. The largest submarine in the world (32 photos)

September 23, 1980 at the shipyard of the city of Severodvinsk, on the surface White Sea The first Soviet Akula class submarine was launched. 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 solid-fuel naval 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 Severodvinsky region 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 MANPADS (Igla-1). 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” in our country) 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.

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.

Shock is our way of speaking! The event took place in 1971, in the fall. A Soviet nuclear submarine (tactical number K-162, project 661 “Anchar”) with a titanium hull as strong as armor approached the stern of the Saratoga vessel. The US 6th Fleet attack carrier planned to break away easily. However, the unusual racer easily bypassed the miracle of foreign naval technology, appearing in front of his nose. The “lagging behind” team was shocked by the phenomenal speed capabilities. This is the only way the fastest submarine remained “modest”! There was and is no equal to her in the world. However, there is not a word about this on the pages of the Guinness Book of Records. Military secrets do not tolerate hype.

You're lying, you won't leave!

The unsurpassed pride of the States, the Lexington-class ship was sailing from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic port of Miami, to its permanent home base. Suddenly, the foreign sailors saw that in the depths they were being overtaken by a huge “whale” - a submarine, the dimensions of which were comparable to the size of a four-story house. As it turned out, it was impossible to escape: for several hours in a row, the deep boat effortlessly overtook the aircraft carrier, which had gained 30 knots (55.56 km/h). This was not surprising: “Anchar” (K-162) developed 44.7 knots (80.4 km/h).

The power of just one turbine was enough to gain and maintain fantastic speed. The fastest thing flying like a car on a highway has never been seen on planet Earth before. The observers' confusion grew. The formidable “Old Lady” (one of Saratoga’s nicknames) looked absolutely helpless. Soviet technology, right before the eyes of the enemy, demonstrated an absolute world record for the speed of underwater movement. And it did not belong to the States, but to a country in which, as some believed, bears walked the streets.

Decent answer

The stunned eyewitnesses could not understand: how can the epithets “amazing speed”, “fastest” be applied to the Russian “floating bast shoes”? “There is no cooler submarine”? Yes, it’s not for nothing that they say: it is better to believe and be deceived than to be deceived without believing. It turns out that it’s still possible! It is known that in March 1971, on the Motovskaya measuring line (a section of coastal waters), a speed of 44.85 knots (83.05 km/h) could be recorded.

Victory had to be achieved in the presence of observers from hydrographic vessels. In those days they liked to make dedications to major party events. They wanted to coincide with this feat to coincide with the opening of the XXIV Congress of the CPSU. A storm began and hydrologists were unable to go out to sea. When the weather settled down, they decided not to report. While it was stormy, with the power of the nuclear reactors at 100% capacity, the submarine set a new record, those same 44.85 knots.

Having made two circles downwind, on the third we encountered problems and the command was given to stop the risky experiment. Thus, the world record included the figure 44.7. The bar has not yet been crossed. In the mid-70s of the 20th century, Soviet designers counted on increasing production volumes and setting up serial production of new items. But this did not happen, although even modern submarines of the Northern Fleet do not reach the indicators of half a century ago.

Due to the high cost (costs amounted to 1% of the state’s budget), the high-speed “aircraft carrier killer” turned out to be the only one, unique and, as mentioned above, top-secret. For many years, information was not communicated to all military personnel. One can only guess about the degree of penetration into the topic of the civilian population. One way or another, this was a harsh response of socialism to capitalist “imperial habits”.

We'll show you Kuzka's mother!

Read more about how and why the fastest submarine was born. The world was in the grip of a cold war, and the parties representing two different political systems competed fiercely in building up armaments. In the middle of the 20th century, the United States of America developed a special military program. The emphasis was placed on a strategy of realistic deterrence, of which the ocean strategy became part.

The offensive forces changed the direction of the main power, and there was a sharp redirection from land to sea. The system was supported by “floating airfields” - groups of attack aircraft carriers. The country of victorious socialism urgently needed not only modern, new technology. The point was that the fastest submarine was about to appear. The USSR did not have time to set up large ships in the 60s of the last century: the war to defend the Fatherland from the Nazi invaders died down relatively recently. The country has barely recovered from the devastation. A solution was found: the head of state Nikita Sergeevich Khrushchev decided to show all the self-confident Kuzka’s mother in the form of an unsurpassed submarine fleet.

It's not bad to bang straight from the depths

An important place was given to the regular improvement of the military even before the fastest submarine appeared. In a world of tough confrontation, in the wake of the ocean strategy, this need has reached its climax. As is known, the Soviet Union submarines of the sixties had a serious drawback: missiles could be launched to hit a target only when rising from depth, after surfacing.

Often, it was in this position that submarines were “exposed” to the enemy and destroyed (if they did not manage to “dive” in time). Soon the Amethyst appeared - a missile system capable of launching from the dark depths. It was created under the supervision of rocket and space technology designer Vladimir Chelomey (photo above). The new product was immediately adopted, although the mass of the warhead became smaller, as did the firing range. All these seemingly negative factors were compensated with a margin by the ability to deliver a hidden surprise strike.

Secret mission

It was assumed that a constantly moving target would be tracked by the all-seeing “eye” of an autonomous control and guidance system. This made it possible to simplify the task of evading the patrol ships (escort ships) of a possible enemy. They intended to install ten P-70 missile aircraft (cruise missiles) on board at once. Like air, the most powerful submarine was needed! In the world of ships capable of diving and operating underwater, under no circumstances could there be “clones” or competitors.

Not even hundreds, but thousands of specialists were involved in the work; they all signed an obligation not to disclose state secrets. Design solutions used earlier were immediately discarded: the submarine of the future was born. We focused on the flight range of a cruise missile with the beautiful name “Amethyst”. It is small - eighty kilometers. In order for the submarine to dynamically approach floating airfields within attack range, it was necessary to endow it with high speed capabilities (equated to torpedo capabilities).

Featured and ergonomic

In an atmosphere of tension and mystery, the best submarine was born. In the world and in the country, no one knew the name of the project leader. An indisputable scientific authority, a highly qualified shipbuilder, academician Nikolai Isanin (like the well-known designer of the Vostok spacecraft Sergei Korolev in his time) was a strictly classified figure. Under his sensitive and strict leadership, the team worked around the clock. At a certain stage, Nikolai Shulzhenko took control. Painstaking, intense activity brought rich fruits.

In December 1960, the project for the submarine of the future was ready. The number of avant-garde technical solutions was off the charts - 398: a steering wheel like an airplane, telemechanics, television cameras, automation, and, of course, the same durable titanium body that was manufactured by the Sevmash plant in Severodvinsk in 1962. The K-162 itself was laid down at the same enterprise in December 1963 (serial number 501). Ergonomics played an important role.

Four potential circumnavigations

Energy was provided by two nuclear reactors. Project 661 included a two-shaft steam power plant (40,000 horsepower each, 2 times higher than all foreign and domestic “brothers”). Largely due to this, the title of “fastest submarine” was won. In the world where he was just getting used to it, an example of technology bordering on science fiction gave our country confidence in its abilities.

The nuclear fuel in the reactors would be enough for four circumnavigations of the world (with increased efficiency and safety). “Celebrity biography” of the past in a short line: the boat (since January 1978 was listed under the tactical number K-222) was launched in 1968; decommissioned in 1988; finally disposed of in 2010 at Sevmash.

Noise is not good

The best submarine in the world could not be mass-produced for a number of reasons. The cool titanium case was extremely difficult to manufacture. By the end of the 80s of the twentieth century, the P-70 Amethyst missiles (the main weapon) became obsolete. The potential enemy has developed new detection devices. Hydroacoustic systems easily found the location of the K-162 (K-222) with a high degree of guarantee. The situation was complicated by the high noise level of the Anchar.

Anti-submarine aviation developed. Near the thunderstorm of the oceans “whale” (Soviet sailors called the boat “due to its high cost and agility” gold fish") there was less and less chance of survival. It would seem that recycling, which began in 2008, is an ordinary event. Humanity has not yet invented a perpetual motion machine. Everything falls into disrepair one day. But it was unique, a record holder, which could become a museum of design and engineering achievements. They didn't save it.

Overgrown with reality

K-222 was scrapped, like a rusty bed or an old kettle. And equipped with the systems “Sigma-661” (all-latitude), “Radan-1”, “Nichrome” (determined whether an object belonged to a particular state), the carrier of the Rubin hydroacoustic complex! Breaking is not building... There is an opinion: today a wonderful tourist attraction could increase in popularity.

After a long secret existence, the most powerful submarine would probably “tell” a lot of interesting things about its difficult life. There are not as many miracles in the world as it seems. Technology enthusiasts believe that “Anchar” was one of the unusual objects and phenomena. The experience of titanium structures was still used in other developments (685, 705, 945, 945A, etc.), and the Amethyst missiles were still useful on the Skat boats (built according to Project 670).

The construction of the boat, named “Kazan”, is being carried out according to the modernized project 885M. In many respects, she is superior to the lead ship of this project, Severodvinsk.

“Kazan should be presented to the public and launched on March 30,” said news agency TASS source from the Russian military department.

The submarine's delivery to the fleet is scheduled for 2018. Once in service with the Navy, this boat will become the most powerful ship the US Navy has ever faced. “This will probably be the most combat-ready nuclear submarine in service with a potential enemy,” Michael Kofman, a Russian military expert at the Center for Naval Analyzes, told The National Interest.

Indeed, Kazan should become much more advanced than its older brother Severodvinsk. This boat has updated equipment, which was born after the start of construction of the Severodvinsk in 1993. Kazan also takes into account the shortcomings identified during testing of the lead boat of this project.

Context

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“The 885M is truly the first ship in its class,” Kofman said. “It is significantly improved on the lessons that shipbuilders learned during the lengthy design, construction and testing of the first Project 885 boat.”

Project 885 differs significantly from Soviet and Russian submarines of earlier designs. Unlike old Soviet ships, Project 885 submarines are multi-purpose, and in their purpose they are similar to the American Seawolf and Virginia class submarines.

“Severodvinsk is Russia’s first truly multi-mission submarine,” write Michael Kofman and Norman Polmar in the Proceedings journal of the US Naval Institute. “Severodvinsk can fight submarines, surface ships and strike ground targets. Among the most interesting features of this boat is the Irtysh-Amphora sonar system located in the bow with a large spherical antenna, as well as eight vertical missile silos located in the middle of the ship for 32 Caliber or Onyx cruise missiles. These are weapons designed to destroy ships and ground targets, became especially significant after Russian surface ships and submarines launched these long-range missiles at targets in Syria in 2016.”

In total, Russia plans to create seven Project 885M boats. The submarines Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Arkhangelsk and Perm are currently being built at the Sevmash shipyards in the city of Severodvinsk on the White Sea.

Subsequently, Russia intends to create the next type of attack submarines that will hunt American SSBNs. As Kofman and Polmar write, “a new Russian hunter submarine is currently being designed. This multi-role submarine will play main role in the fight against Western nuclear missile submarines. A new boat is a very important project, but this moment almost nothing is known about it, except that its construction should begin in the near future.”

There is no doubt that the Russians have the technical skills to design a very capable class of attack submarines. The question is whether the Kremlin will have enough financial resources to implement another expensive defense project.

Dave Majumdar is a military editor at The National Interest.

InoSMI materials contain assessments exclusively of foreign media and do not reflect the position of the InoSMI editorial staff.

Submarines are part of the navies of many countries. Some of them are so small that the crew consists of only two people, and some are simply huge. The list of the latter is contained in this article. The largest submarines are underwater cruisers with a displacement of up to forty-eight thousand tons and a length of 172 meters.

10th place. Navaga 128 meters long

The rating of the world's largest submarines opens with Soviet submarines called Navaga of Project 667A. They carry ballistic missiles. The length of the submarine reaches 128 meters, with a width of 11.7 m. This project is equipped with installations carrying R-27 missiles, which are capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 2,400 km. The submarine’s general combat kit also includes twenty-two torpedoes, including two that carry a nuclear charge. Work began on the development of submarines of this series in 1958.

9th place. Triomphant – 138 meters

Among the largest submarines in the world are French-made Triumphant-class submarines. Construction of the first submarine of this project began in 1986. Due to the collapse of the Soviet Union, an adjustment was made and instead of the planned six units, only four were built. The underwater displacement is 14,335 tons. The length of the body is 138 meters, and its width is 12.5 meters. There are sixteen M45 class missiles in service.

8th place. Jin – 140 meters

A stunning impression remains from the size of the Project 094 Jin submarine from China. These submarines replaced the 092 Xia class boats that were in service. Construction of the underwater giants began in 1999. Since China has a policy that does not allow talking about their developments, there is very little information about these boats. The length of the boat is 140 meters, with a width not exceeding thirteen meters. The volume of underwater displacement is estimated at 11,500 tons. The submarine is armed with twelve ballistic missiles capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 12,000 km. The first boat of the Jin series. Launched in 2004. As follows from the information voiced by the Chinese military, it now includes navy this country has six submarines. In 2014, they were supposed to begin combat patrols.

7th place. Vanguard – 150 meters

British Vanguard-class submarines are also among the largest submarines in the world. These submarines replaced the Resolution class boats at the combat post. England was prompted to create a new boat by the production of new types of submarines by the military industries of the Soviet Union and America, in order to give it identical combat characteristics. The strategic plans included the production of at least seven submarines, but the collapse of the Soviet Union made such a solution to the issue irrelevant, and the number of missile carriers was reduced to four, which entered the British Navy. Construction of the first boat began in 1986. Its underwater displacement was 15,900 tons, its hull length was 150 meters, and its width was 12.8 meters. Vanguard carried sixteen Trident-2 D5 ballistic missiles on board.

6th place. Squid – 155 meters

Kalmar submarines produced at Russian shipyards occupy sixth place in the ranking of the largest submarines in the world. Development of the submarine project began in 1972, in connection with the need to deploy R-29R ballistic missiles. With an underwater displacement of 13,050 tons, its length reaches 155 meters, with a width of 11.7 meters. It is armed with sixteen R-29R intercontinental liquid missiles, the range of which exceeds six thousand kilometers. The bulk of boats of this type were scrapped, and the remaining ones continue to serve as part of the Russian Pacific Fleet.

5th place. Murena-M – 155 meters

Submarines of the Murena-M project occupy the fifth line of the rating. It is a modernized version of the Murena project boat. The main difference is the increase in the number of missiles to sixteen, instead of twelve on the previous project. To make this possible, the hull was increased by sixteen meters, the length of which became 155 meters. Its underwater displacement reached 15,750 tons. The width of the boat reached 11.7 meters. Sixteen R-29D missiles placed on board are capable of hitting targets at a distance of 9,000 km.

4th place. Dolphin – 167 meters

A continuation of the development of the Kalmar project was the submarine Dolphin. The first submarine was laid down in 1981. Ultimately, seven submarines were built. Currently, they are all serving as part of the Russian submarine fleet. According to its physical characteristics, the Dolphin is among the largest submarines in the world. With an underwater displacement of 18,200 tons, its length reaches 167 meters, with a width of 11.7 meters. The submarine is armed with sixteen R-29RM class ballistic missiles.

3rd place. Ohio (Ohio class SSBN/SSGN) – 170 meters

These American submarines are of the third generation. On board they carry twenty-four Trident-class ballistic missiles. Their feature is the ability to divide the head into several parts that can cause damage according to an individual pattern. Currently, Ohio-class submarines play the role of the core of America's nuclear forces. The location of their combat duty is the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Having a width of 12.8 meters, the length of the submarine reaches 17.7 meters. When submerged, the boat's displacement is 18,750 tons. It is capable of diving to a depth of 550 meters. The first representative of this class was commissioned in 1981. Known for this interesting fact: in 2009, the crew of the submarine USS Rhode Island, which was on combat duty, rescued four men and one boy who were shipwrecked and had lost all hope of salvation.

2nd place. Borey – 170 meters

In second place in the ranking of the largest submarines in the world is the Russian Borey-class submarine. To date, the construction and commissioning of three submarine cruisers have been completed, and three more are on the stocks in the process of construction. The last one was laid in 2015. The military plans to build eight Borei submarines by 2018. The start of development was due to the need to replace submarines belonging to the Dolphin and Akula classes. The underwater displacement of Borey class boats is 24,000 tons. The length of their hull is 170 meters and the width is 13.5 meters. Sixteen Bulava class missiles are used as weapons.

1 place. Shark – 173 meters

The leader of the TOP 10 is rightfully the Akula submarine. Man has never built a larger submarine than this one. It is difficult to imagine a nine-story building rushing underwater, stretching the length of two football fields. Such dimensions, of course, raise some doubts about its combat effectiveness, but one simply cannot help but admire it. Construction of the submarine began in 1976. It was assumed that it would serve as a response to the construction of the Ohio class boat by the Americans. The first submarine missile carrier was delivered to the Navy in 1980. Its underwater displacement is 48,000 tons. The length of the hull stretched to 172.8 meters, and the width was 23.3 meters. The missile cruiser is armed with twenty three-stage R-39 Variant ballistic missiles. Excellent conditions have been created for the submarine crew. They can use the small swimming pool, solarium, sauna, gym and even relax in the living corner. This means that the Shark is quite capable of carrying out combat patrols in the waters of the Arctic latitudes. In total, six Akula-class submarine cruisers currently serve in the Russian Navy.