Multipurpose nuclear submarine of Project 971. Silent “Shchuka-B. Characteristics with comparative analysis

The newest multi-purpose Russian nuclear boat "Gepard" of the 5th generation is designed to destroy aircraft carriers, as well as destroy coastal objects and targets.

"Gepard" is a multi-purpose nuclear submarine of the improved Project 971 (Bars class, according to NATO classification - "Akula-2").
The project was developed by the Malachite Marine Engineering Bureau. This is the eleventh Bars-class submarine produced at the Northern Engineering Enterprise since 1988. Two of them - "Gepard" and "Vepr" (adopted into the Northern Fleet in 1996) - have been significantly modernized. Russian designers claim that these nuclear-powered submarines are the quietest and fastest in the world.

On board the ship there are two DG-300 diesel generators with reversible converters (2 x 750 hp) with a fuel reserve for 10 days of operation. They are designed to generate direct current for propulsion electric motors and alternating current for general ship consumers.

The hydroacoustic complex MGK-503 "Skat-KS" with a digital information processing system has a powerful noise direction finding and sonar system. It includes a developed bow antenna, two long-range onboard antennas, as well as a towed long-range antenna located in a container located on the vertical tail (the dimensions of the container are much larger than those on the Project 671RTM nuclear submarine). In addition to the SAC, Project 971 nuclear submarines are equipped with a highly effective, unparalleled worldwide system for detecting enemy submarines and surface ships using their wake (the equipment installed on the boat makes it possible to record such a wake many hours after the passage of an enemy submarine).

The ship is equipped with the Medveditsa-971 navigation complex, as well as the Molniya-M radio communication system with the Symphony space communications system and a towed antenna.

The torpedo-missile system includes four torpedo tubes with a caliber of 533 mm and four torpedo tubes with a caliber of 533 mm (the total ammunition load is more than 40 units of weapons, including 28 with a caliber of 533 mm). It is equipped to fire Granat cruise missiles, underwater missiles and Shkval, Vodopad and Veter missile-torpedoes, as well as torpedoes and self-transporting mines. In addition, the boat can lay conventional mines. The firing of Granit cruise missiles is controlled by a special hardware complex.

In the 90s The universal deep-sea homing torpedo UGST, created by the Research Institute of Marine Thermal Engineering and the State Research and Production Enterprise Region, entered service with submarines. It replaced the TEST-71M electric anti-submarine torpedo and the 53-65K high-speed anti-ship torpedo.

At the same time, on the basis of the Soviet-American agreements of 1989, weapons systems with nuclear weapons were excluded from the armament of multi-purpose nuclear submarines - the Shkval and Vodopad missile-torpedoes with SBC, as well as 28 long-range cruise missiles RK-55 Granit "to destroy coastal targets at a range of up to 3000 km, which can be equipped with a nuclear warhead with a yield of 200 kilotons.

The lead nuclear-powered vessel of the 971st project - K-284 - was laid down on the banks of the Amur in 1980 and entered service on December 30, 1984. Already during its testing, an achievement of a qualitatively higher level was demonstrated high level acoustic stealth. The noise level of the K-284 was 12-15 dB (i.e. 4-4.5 times) lower than the noise level of the “quiest” domestic boat of the previous generation - 671RTM. According to NATO classification, the new nuclear submarines received the designation Akula.
After the first “simply Sharks”, ships appeared, called Improved Akula in the West (probably, these included boats built in Severodvinsk, as well as the last “Komsomol” ships). Compared to their predecessors, they had better stealth than the US Navy's improved Los Angeles-class boats (SSN-688-I).

In 1996, the submarine cruiser Vepr, built in Severodvinsk, entered service. While maintaining the same contours, it had a new design of a durable body and internal “filling”. Once again, a serious leap forward was made in the field of noise reduction. In the West, this ship (as well as subsequent nuclear submarines of the 971st project) was called Akula-2.

According to US naval intelligence, the durable hull of the modernized Barsa has a 4 m long insert. The additional tonnage made it possible, in particular, to equip the boat with “active” systems for reducing vibration of the power plant, almost completely eliminating its impact on the ship’s hull. According to American experts, in terms of stealth characteristics, the modernized boat of Project 971 is approaching the level of the American fourth-generation multi-purpose nuclear submarine SSN-21 Seawolf.

High stealth and combat stability give the Bars the ability to successfully overcome anti-submarine lines equipped with stationary long-range hydroacoustic surveillance systems, as well as counter anti-submarine forces. They can operate in the enemy’s zone of dominance and deliver sensitive missile and torpedo strikes. The armament of the Bars allows them to fight submarines and surface ships, as well as hit ground targets with high precision with cruise missiles.
The underwater speed reaches 36 knots. In autonomous mode, the submarine can operate for up to 100 days. Crew - 61 people.

Gepard's predecessors left the plant two years after its foundation. Before “Cheetah” there were “Leopard”, “Panther”, “Wolf”, “Leopard”, “Tiger”, “Boar”. Sailors call this series of boats cat, although officially Project 971, to which “Gepard” belongs, has the code “Pike-B”, and according to the NATO classification - “Akula-2”. Despite the difference in names, they are all close to the new boat. They noted one main feature“cat” series - silent running. These are third generation boats.
Even under the most favorable conditions, the American Los Angeles-class submarine, which has the most advanced hydroacoustics, will be able to detect a “cat” boat no further than 10 kilometers away. This distance is critical. A nuclear submarine that has crept up unnoticed can already carry out its combat mission without hindrance.

American naval analyst N. Polmer noted at a hearing in the National Security Committee of the US House of Representatives: “The appearance of Akula-class submarines, as well as other third-generation Russian nuclear submarines, demonstrated that Soviet shipbuilders were closing the noise gap faster than expected. . In 1994 it became known that the gap no longer existed.”

The “Cat” series of boats is the closest relative of the Project 945 Barracuda nuclear submarine created at the Lazurit Central Design Bureau in Nizhny Novgorod. Let us recall that this boat is deep-sea, with a titanium hull. Today the name of its chief designer is widely known - Hero of Russia Nikolai Kvasha.
By May 1990, six submarines of this type had been built.
The Barracuda had one significant drawback. It was very expensive, and not every Russian shipyard where submarines were made could work with titanium. The fleet needed a series of submarines of a wide profile, cheap and easy to build. Project 945 was taken as a basis, but the boat's hull was made of low-magnetic steel. The new series of boats was assigned to Project 971.

This series of nuclear submarines inherited its “cat” name from the first Russian boats of the early 20th century. The former “Gepard” was laid down in September 1913 at the Baltic Shipyard in St. Petersburg. A year and a half later, the boat was already commissioned as warships. She participated in the First World War, providing search and reconnaissance operations on enemy sea lanes. The boat made 15 combat missions. But in October 1917, while on patrol in the Baltic Sea, she disappeared without a trace. The cause of the tragedy and the place of death have not yet been established.
A series of Project 971 boats was developed by Leningraders. In addition to being quiet, the boats are also formidable. The torpedo-missile system includes a total ammunition load of more than 40 units of weapons. The boats can launch Granat cruise missiles, underwater missiles and Shkval, Vodopad and Veter torpedo missiles. The boat can also be used as a minelayer.

With the appearance in the waters of the northern seas and on Pacific Ocean“cat” nuclear submarines, the Americans had to forget the words that they constantly repeated: “Russian submarines are larger than ours, but they are poorly made.”
And the head of the US Navy operational detachment, Admiral Jeremy Borda, having analyzed all the contacts of his boats with the “cat” series submarines, came to the conclusion that in terms of their low noise they correspond to fourth-generation boats.
Concerned about the rapid development of Russian submarine shipbuilding, the American side made an attempt to involve the international non-governmental environmental organization Greenpeace in the planned operation. Obeying her customers, she transferred all her activities to the northern seas, fighting their nuclear contamination. As soon as the construction of new submarines in Russia stopped, Greenpeace immediately left the northern waters.

There was another incident related to these boats. In the early 80s, our country acquired unique high-precision metal-cutting machines from the Japanese company Toshiba. The deal was secret, but the press found out about it and immediately trumpeted it around the world. These machines made it possible to use new technologies in the processing of propeller shafts and propeller blades, thereby sharply reducing the noise level of the submarine. The United States, having learned about the deal, immediately announced to Toshiba the introduction of economic sanctions. But it was already too late.
The boat's hull has a hydroacoustic coating and is divided into seven main compartments. Comfortable conditions have been created for the crew: a relaxation room, a gym and even a small sauna with a swimming pool. The living quarters for four people are very similar to the compartments of a passenger train.

An interesting incident occurred on February 29, 1996, in the midst of NATO exercises. The warships were searching for a mock underwater enemy. The training task was completed, when suddenly... a Russian submarine made contact. Her commander asked for help. It was necessary to urgently evacuate a sailor with an acute attack of appendicitis.
For the British to whom the request was addressed, it was a shock. Until now, they are at a loss: whether help was really needed, or whether this was a well-planned operation. When the boat surfaced, everyone saw that it was in the very center of the order of NATO ships. If the combat situation was real...

"Cheetah" at operating speed, allowing it to quickly examine enough large area, is not detected at all by existing sonar systems. And even when he picks up speed, he is able to “see” and “hear” any adversary in the ocean before he notices him.
The Americans were also shocked when they “accidentally” discovered our “Pike” near their territorial waters.
Another “Pike” distinguished itself in the summer of 1999 during the NATO aggression against Yugoslavia. Then a message passed that in the waters Mediterranean Sea Our submarine has been spotted. She was actually noticed when she passed the narrow Strait of Gibraltar. But then she disappeared. After some time, she appeared off the coast of Corsica and Yugoslavia. She was hunted by both surface ships and anti-submarine aircraft. After playing hide and seek, the boat calmly left the Mediterranean Sea.
The shock came later when NATO headquarters learned that along with the Pike, which they had noticed at least for a short time, the submarine cruiser Kursk and Barracuda (Pskov) were in the Mediterranean Sea. They were discovered only when they were already returning to their native shores.

According to representatives of the US Navy, at operational speeds of the order of 5-7 knots, the noise of Improved Akula class boats, recorded by hydroacoustic reconnaissance, was less than the noise of the most advanced US Navy nuclear submarines of the Improved Los Angeles class.
According to the Chief of Operations of the US Navy, Admiral D. Burda, American ships were unable to accompany the Improved Akula nuclear submarine at speeds less than 6-9 knots (contact with the new Russian submarine took place in the spring of 1995 at east coast USA). According to the admiral, the improved Akula-2 nuclear submarine meets the requirements for fourth-generation boats in terms of low noise characteristics.

The appearance of new super-stealthy nuclear-powered ships in the Russian fleet after the end of the Cold War caused serious concern in the United States. In 1991, this issue was raised in Congress. Several proposals were put forward for discussion by American legislators aimed at rectifying the current situation in favor of the United States. In accordance with them, it was assumed, in particular:
- demand that our country make its long-term programs in the field of submarine shipbuilding public;
- establish for the Russian Federation and the United States agreed restrictions on the quantitative composition of multi-purpose nuclear submarines;
- provide assistance to Russia in re-equipping shipyards building nuclear submarines to produce non-military products.
The international non-governmental environmental organization Greenpeace also joined the campaign to combat Russian submarine shipbuilding, which actively advocated the ban on submarines with nuclear power plants (primarily, of course, Russian ones, which, according to the “greens,” pose the greatest environmental danger). In order to “exclude nuclear disasters,” Greenpeace recommended that Western governments make the provision of financial assistance to Russia dependent on the resolution of this issue.

The American side is also concerned about the fact that India, China and South Korea have shown great interest in boats of the “cat” series. Moreover, the Indian Navy got there before everyone else. The terms for the purchase of two submarines, which are now being completed on the slipways of Sevmash, were discussed.
It’s a pity, of course, that this strategic reserve is going to the side, but these are the realities, otherwise our Navy would not have received the Gepard.
Currently, all multi-purpose nuclear submarines of Project 971 are part of the Northern (Yagelnaya Bay) and Pacific (Rybachy) fleets. They are quite actively (of course, by the standards of the present time) used for combat service.

Thirty years ago, on December 30, 1984, the Project 971 Shchuka-B multi-purpose nuclear submarine K-284 entered service in the Pacific Fleet of the USSR Navy. It was the first steel multi-purpose nuclear submarine of the third generation. NATO called this project and its modifications "Shark".

"Roaring Cows"

The very fact of naming a Soviet submarine the name of a formidable ocean predator speaks volumes. Before that, our boats in the NATO classification were called silent, if not derogatory: “Tango”, “Foxtrot”, “November”... And among themselves the Americans called them nothing more than “roaring cows”, claiming that they could hear them under water for hundreds miles. The shark, as you know, does not roar; it attacks quietly and swiftly. And indeed, “Pike-B” turned out to be quieter than the overseas “Los Angeles”.

Steel double

It should be noted that Project 971 was implemented according to almost the same technical specifications as those previously issued to the Gorky shipbuilding enterprise Krasnoye Sormovo for the creation of a titanium boat of Project 945 Barracuda.

The lead Barracuda K-276 entered service with the Navy a little earlier - on September 21, 1984. NATO classified it as "Sierra". "Barracudas" immediately became and remain to this day the most formidable attack multi-purpose nuclear submarines, superior to their American counterpart - " Los Angeles"in almost everything. Alas, titanium projects were closed back in the late 1980s, and now they are not even remembered. Although the Lazurit design bureau had ready projects for fourth-generation titanium boats, and in the mid-1990s a truly revolutionary fifth generation multi-purpose submarine project.

The motivation for creating a steel twin of the Barracuda was simple: titanium is expensive, difficult to process, and is also susceptible to corrosion when in contact with steel structures. The fact that huge reserves of rolled titanium had already been accumulated, which at Soviet prices was not much more expensive than high-quality shipbuilding steel, and the technology for working with this metal at Krasnoye Sormovo had been brought to perfection was not taken into account. By the way, over the decades of operation on Project 945 boats, no particularly dangerous corrosion was observed; the hulls have retained their high strength to this day.

Nevertheless, the Leningrad SKB-143 "Malachite" received the task to build steel boats according to the same technical specifications as for project 945. Project 971 did not become a clone of the "Barracuda", including because between the design bureaus specializing in the design of submarines - "Lapis lazuli", "Malachite" and "Ruby", there was strong competition. Each enterprise went its own way. The steel "Pike-B" was not much inferior to the titanium "Barracuda".

It has long been no secret that the design of the boat was started by chief designer Georgy Chernyshev, and after his death the work was continued by Yuri Farafontov.

It should be clarified that there was a project 671RTM "Pike", also designed at Malachite. Externally, the boats of the two projects were similar, but in terms of internal content and combat capabilities they belonged to different generations.

What distinguished Project 971 "Pike-B"?

The boats had a double-hull design, classic for the Soviet school of underwater shipbuilding. The durable hull was made of high-quality alloy steel, which allowed the submarine to sink to a depth of 600 meters. To reduce noise, all the mechanisms of the boat were placed on shock-absorbing foundations, in addition, each block was isolated from the hull by rubber-cord pneumatic shock absorbers.

General shock absorption not only reduced acoustic noise, but also significantly reduced the destructive impact of underwater explosions on equipment and the traumatic impact on the crew. The boat had a streamlined boule through which a towed hydroacoustic antenna was extended. The smooth connection of the tail unit with the body was striking. The sleekness also reduced hydrodynamic noise and gave the boat a truly shark-like appearance.

The thermal power of the nuclear reactor was 190 MW and made it possible to develop a shaft power of 50,000 hp. With.

The armament of the Shchuka-B projects was very powerful. It included: torpedo missiles, torpedoes, cruise missiles and MANPADS. Firing could be carried out from four torpedo tubes of 650 mm caliber and four 533 mm caliber. The ammunition consisted of twelve units of 650 mm caliber and twenty-eight units of 533 mm caliber - a total of forty missiles and torpedoes, the boat could also carry mines on board. For comparison, the Pike simply had 24 units of ammunition. Initially, the Shchuk-Bs carried torpedoes and cruise missiles with nuclear warheads. But in the 1990s, the United States insisted that nuclear weapons be removed from all Russian non-strategic nuclear submarines.

Innovations introduced into Project 971 made it possible to increase the target detection range by 3 times, significantly reduce the time for determining and processing the parameters of a captured target, issuing all the necessary commands to destroy it, and reduce the level of its own noise by 4 times compared to its predecessor, the Pike.

Thanks to a high degree of automation, the crew size was almost halved - from 130 to 73 people. By comparison, Los Angeles has 121 crew members.

In later modernizations, the Shchuk-B was equipped with unique tracking systems that made it possible to detect the wake of an enemy aircraft carrier group on the third day after passing through a given point in the world ocean. The direction of movement was also determined, and the boat, if necessary, could easily catch up with the aircraft carrier order.

Unfulfilled plans

In total, it was planned to build 25 submarines of Project 971. Thirteen in Komsomolsk-on-Amur at plant No. 199 named after the Lenin Komsomol. Twelve at the Sevmash enterprise in Severodvinsk. Over the ten years from 1983 to 1993, twenty submarines were laid down, of which only fourteen were completed - seven at each plant. If the construction of the first boats lasted two to three years, then in the 1990s it stalled.

The first boat of Project 971, K-284, was laid down in 1980, launched in 1982. K-295 was laid down in 1985, launched in 1994, and commissioned into the Navy in 1996.

"Cats"

Initially, the boats had only tactical numbers, but at the end of 1990, by decision of the Commander-in-Chief of the USSR Navy, Admiral V.N. Chernavin, the K-317 boat, built in Severodvinsk and was part of the Northern Fleet, received the name "Panther" in honor of the submarine that opened in 1919 year, the combat account of Soviet submariners. Subsequently, all boats received the same proper names as those worn by pre-revolutionary Russian Bars-class submarines. Submariners said that an underwater “cat pack” had appeared in the USSR Navy, by analogy with the German underwater “wolf pack” of the Second World War.
However, along with the sonorous and formidable “Leopards”, “Tigers”, “Leopards”, “Panthers”, projects 971 were also given waterfowl names: “Dolphin”, “Sperm Whale”, “Whale”, “Narwhal”, “Walrus”. There is "Wolf", "Boar". There was even a “Dragon”, which was later renamed “Samara”.

The first "Pike-B", which began combat service thirty years ago, was called, one might say, in NATO language: "Shark". The biography of the submarine, which opened the era of third-generation steel multi-purpose nuclear submarines, developed quite simply. On January 15, 1985, it was introduced into the 45th division of the 2nd submarine flotilla of the Pacific Fleet. On April 13, 1992, the K-284 boat received its own name - “Shark”. In 2002 it was withdrawn from the Navy, and in 2004 it was expelled from the fleet. Currently it is rusting in sludge in Pavlovsky Bay.

Submarines in action

Project 971 and even 671RTM nuclear submarines were noted in world naval reports, causing NATO anti-submarine specialists a lot of problems. After all, they believed that they had been keeping the entire Russian submarine fleet under constant surveillance for a long time. Some generally known facts are worth recalling.

In 1996, the submarine of the Shchuka-B project entered the Mediterranean Sea. The British spotted her while passing Gibraltar and immediately sat on her tail. But very soon the boat disappeared into the not-so-vast depths of the Mediterranean. It was discovered again only off the coast of Yugoslavia. "Shchuka-B" protected the heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsov" from submarines. During that combat service, several NATO submarines were tracked, including the American Los Angeles-class attack submarine.

In the summer of the same year, the submarine K-461 "Wolf" under the command of Captain 1st Rank Alexei Burilichev, while on combat service in the far reaches of the Atlantic, discovered a strategic nuclear submarine of the US Navy and, remaining unnoticed, secretly watched its entry into the area combat patrol. Burilichev in fact showed the highest professionalism, both personally and of the entire crew, and confirmed all the characteristics of the Shchuki-B project. He was deservedly awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation.

American experts conducted a thorough analysis and came to the conclusion that their anti-submarine defense ships are simply not able to detect the Shchuka-B. The “Cat Series” even turned out to be capable of undetectedly overcoming the SOSUS submarine detection system, which at one time created many problems for Soviet submariners. For NATO this came as a kind of shock.

An anecdotal incident occurred on February 29, 1996. NATO ships were practicing the task of detecting and destroying boats of a potential enemy, probably Russian. The conditional boats were promptly identified and destroyed. When the command was reported about the success, a Russian submarine surfaced in the middle of the order of NATO ships, which observed the entire course of the exercises and whose existence no one knew. The ascent was due to the fact that one of the sailors had an operation to remove appendicitis right on board, but complications developed and more qualified help was required. The sick sailor was evacuated to shore, his life was saved.

British sailors identified the surfaced submarine as Project 971 Shchuka-B. However, they were mistaken: NATO was unable to visually identify and acoustically find the second generation boat - Project 671RTMK "Pike".

Whether by chance or not, after 1996, the activity of long-distance voyages of Russian multi-purpose nuclear submarines was sharply curtailed.

Another scandal happened quite recently. In June-July 2012, the Shchuka-B submarine spent several weeks undetected in the Gulf of Mexico, close proximity from the coast of the USA. She showed herself deliberately when she left for her native shores. A scandal broke out in the Pentagon.

As of 2013, only six Project 971 submarines remain in service. Four in the Northern Fleet, two in the Pacific. The rest are under repair, conservation or in storage.

The third-generation multi-purpose boats were to be replaced by new fourth-generation Yasen-class submarines. However, due to financial and technical problems, their commissioning was stalled. And now the continuation of construction is a big question. In the current conditions, Russia does not seem to need such large and expensive cruisers as the Yasen. What to do next? The steel submarines of Project 971, like the titanium submarines of Project 945, could probably be modernized and brought to the level of a new generation, as is done in aviation. And they were simply written off...

By the way, the unfinished hulls of Project 971 boats K-337 "Cougar" and K-333 "Lynx" at Sevmash were used in the construction of the strategic missile carrier "Yuri Dolgoruky" of Project 955 "Borey". This, by the way, is visible, since some kind of stubby architecture of “Yuri Dolgoruky” catches the eye.

The last of the 971 project boats - K-152 "Nerpa" was completed with great difficulty and with human casualties and on January 23, 2012 it was officially leased to the Indian Navy for a period of 10 years under the name "Chakra".

Although the multi-purpose "Pikes" and "Pikes-B" are consigned to history, they remain in the life of domestic shipbuilding and submarine fleet left a bright mark. Back in the 1980s, we caught up and even surpassed the Americans in terms of noiselessness and combat power of our multi-purpose nuclear submarines.

In July 1976, to expand the production of third-generation multi-purpose submarines, the military leadership decided to develop, based on the Gorky 945 project, a new, cheaper nuclear submarine, the main difference of which from the prototype was to be the use of steel instead of titanium alloys in the hull designs. Therefore, the development of the submarine, which received the number 971 (code “Shchuka-B”), was carried out according to the previous TTZ, bypassing preliminary design.

A feature of the new nuclear submarine, the development of which was entrusted to SKV Malakhit (Leningrad), was a significant reduction in noise, which is approximately 5 times less compared to the most advanced Soviet second-generation torpedo boats. It was supposed to reach this level through the implementation of early developments of SKV designers in the field of increasing the stealth of boats (an ultra-low-noise nuclear submarine was developed at SKV in the 1970s), as well as research by specialists from the Central Research Institute named after. Krylova.

The efforts of the submarine's developers were crowned with success: the new nuclear-powered submarine surpassed the best American-made analogue, the third-generation Los Angeles-class multi-purpose nuclear submarine, in terms of stealth for the first time in the Soviet submarine industry.

The Project 971 submarine was equipped with powerful strike weapons that significantly exceeded (in terms of missile and torpedo ammunition, caliber and number of torpedo tubes) the potential of Soviet and foreign submarines of similar purposes. The new submarine, like the Project 945 ship, was designed to combat enemy ship groups and submarines. The boat can take part in special-purpose operations, carry out mine laying and conduct reconnaissance.

On September 13, 1977, the technical design of “Pike-B” was approved. However, it was later subjected to modifications caused by the need to increase the technological level of the SAC to the level of American submarines (the United States again took the lead in this area). On Los Angeles-class submarines (third generation), the AN/BQQ-5 sonar system was installed, which has digital information processing, ensuring more accurate identification of the useful signal against the background noise. Another new “introduction” that necessitated the need to make changes was the military’s requirement to install the Granat strategic missile defense system on the submarine.

During the modification (completed in 1980), the submarine received a new digital sonar system with improved characteristics, as well as a weapons control system that allows the use of Granat cruise missiles.

In the design of the nuclear submarine of the 971st project, innovative solutions were implemented, such as comprehensive automation of the submarine's technical and combat equipment, concentration of control of the ship, weapons and in a single center - the GKP (main command post), the use of a pop-up rescue chamber (was successfully tested on submarines of the project 705).

The Project 971 submarine is a double-hulled submarine. The durable body is made of high-strength steel (yield strength is 100 kgf/mm2). The main equipment, wheelhouses and combat posts, the main command post are located in zonal shock-absorbing blocks, which are frame spatial structures with decks. The ship's acoustic field is significantly reduced by shock absorption, which helps protect equipment and crew from dynamic overloads that occur during underwater explosions. Also, the block layout made it possible to rationalize the submarine construction process: the installation of equipment was moved from the conditions of the compartment (quite cramped) to the workshop, to a zone block accessible from various sides. After installation is completed, the zone unit is “rolled” into the nuclear submarine hull and connected to pipelines and main cables of ship systems.

Nuclear submarines use a developed double-stage damping system, which significantly reduces structural noise. The mechanisms are installed on shock-absorbed foundations. All zonal blocks from the nuclear submarine hull are isolated by rubber-cord pneumatic shock absorbers, which form the second cascade of vibration isolation.

Thanks to the introduction of comprehensive automation, the submarine's crew was reduced to 73 people (of which 31 were officers). This is almost half the size of the crew of the Los Angeles-class nuclear submarine (141 people). The new ship has improved habitability conditions compared to Project 671RTM nuclear submarines.

The submarine's power plant includes a 190-megawatt OK-650B water-water reactor on thermal neutrons, which has four steam generators (for the 1st and 4th circuits there are a pair of circulation pumps, for the 3rd circuit - three pumps) and a single-shaft block steam turbine unit with extensive redundancy of mechanization. The power at the shaft was 50 thousand hp.

SSN "Bars" pr.971 at sea

A pair of AC turbogenerators are installed. DC consumers are powered by two groups of batteries and two reversible converters.

The submarine is equipped with a seven-bladed propeller with a reduced rotation speed and improved hydroacoustic characteristics.

In the event of failure of the main power plant, for its subsequent commissioning there are auxiliary means of propulsion and emergency energy sources - two thrusters and DC propulsion motors each with a power of 410 hp. Auxiliaries provide a speed of 5 knots and are used for maneuvering in limited water areas.

On board the submarine there are two DG-300 diesel generators with a capacity of 750 horsepower each with reversible converters, a fuel supply for ten days of operation. The generators were intended to generate alternating current to power general ship consumers and direct current to power propulsion electric motors.

SAC MGK-540 "Skat-3", which has a digital data processing system with a powerful sonar and noise direction finding system. The hydroacoustic complex consists of a developed bow antenna, two long-range onboard antennas and a towed extended antenna located in a container mounted on the vertical tail.

The maximum target detection range using the new complex has increased by 3 times compared to sonar systems installed on second-generation submarines. The time required to determine the target's motion parameter has also been significantly reduced.

In addition to the hydroacoustic complex, Project 971 nuclear submarines are equipped with a highly effective system for detecting submarines and surface vessels using their wake (the boat is equipped with equipment that allows recording such a wake several hours after the passage of an enemy submarine).

The boat is equipped with the Symphony-U (navigation) and Molniya-MC (radio communication complex) complexes, which have a towed antenna and the Tsunami space communications system.

The torpedo-missile system consists of 4 TAs of 533 mm caliber and 4 devices of 650 mm caliber (total ammunition - 40 units of weapons, including 28 533 mm). It is adapted to fire the Granat missile launcher, underwater missile-torpedoes (Veter, Shkval and Vodopad) and missiles, self-transporting mines and torpedoes. In addition, the submarine is capable of laying conventional mines. Fire control when using Granat cruise missiles is carried out by special hardware. complex.

In the 1990s, nuclear submarines entered service with the UGST (universal deep-sea homing torpedo), developed at the Research Institute of Marine Thermal Engineering and the State Research and Production Enterprise Region. It replaced the TEST-71M electric anti-submarine torpedoes and 53-65K high-speed anti-ship torpedoes. The purpose of the new torpedo was to destroy enemy surface ships and submarines. A significant fuel reserve and a powerful thermal power plant provide the torpedo with a wide range of travel depths and the ability to hit high-speed targets at long distances. A low-noise water-jet propulsion system and an axial piston engine (unitary fuel is used) enable the universal deep-sea homing torpedo to reach speeds of over 50 knots. The propulsion unit, which does not have a gearbox, is connected directly to the engine, which, together with other measures, should significantly increase the stealth of the torpedo.

The UGST uses two-plane rudders, which extend beyond the contours after the torpedo exits the torpedo tube. The combined acoustic homing equipment has modes for locating underwater targets and searching for surface ships using the vessel's wake. There is a wired telecontrol system (torpedo coil 25 thousand m long). A complex of onboard processors ensures reliable control of torpedo systems during search and destruction of targets. The original solution is the presence of the “Tablet” algorithm in the guidance system. The “tablet” simulates a tactical picture at the moment of firing on board torpedoes, which is superimposed on a digital picture of the water area (depths, fairways, bottom topography). After the shot, the data is updated from the carrier. Modern algorithms give torpedoes the properties of a system that has artificial intelligence, allowing the simultaneous use of several torpedoes against several or one target during active enemy counteraction or in a complex target environment.

SSN "Wolf" (K-461) and "Bars" (K-480) of the 24th Northern Fleet Division in Gadzhievo

The length of the universal deep-sea homing torpedo is 7200 mm, weight is 2200 kg, explosive weight is 200 kg, speed is 50 knots, travel depth is 500 meters, firing range is 50 thousand m.

The improvement of missile-torpedoes included in the armament of Project 971 nuclear submarines also continues. Today, missile-torpedoes are equipped with a second stage, which is an APR-3M underwater missile (weight 450 kg, caliber 355 mm, warhead weight 76 kg), which has a hydroacoustic a homing system with a capture radius of 2 thousand m. The use of the guidance law with an adaptive lead angle made it possible to shift the center of the missile group to the middle of underwater targets. The torpedo uses an adjustable turbo-water jet engine running on high-calorie mixed fuel, which provides the APR-3M with a significant approach speed to the target, which makes it difficult for the enemy to use hydroacoustic countermeasures. The underwater speed is from 18 to 30 meters per second, the maximum depth of hitting targets is 800 meters, the probability of hitting a target is 0.9 (with a root mean square error of target designation from 300 to 500 meters).

At the same time, on the basis of treaties between the USSR and the USA signed in 1989, nuclear-armed weapons systems - the Shkval and Vodopad missile-torpedoes, as well as Granat-type cruise missiles - were excluded from the armament of multi-purpose nuclear submarines.

The Shchuka-B submarine is the first type of multi-purpose nuclear submarine, the serial construction of which was initially organized not in Leningrad or Severodvinsk, but in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, which testified to the increased level of development of this industry in the Far East. The lead nuclear-powered vessel of the 971st project, K-284, was laid down in 1980 on the banks of the Amur River and entered service on December 30, 1984. Already during the testing of this vessel, the achievement of a higher level of acoustic stealth was demonstrated. The noise level of the K-284 was 4-4.5 times (12-15 dB) lower than the noise level of the “quiest” Soviet submarine of the previous generation - 671RTM. This made the USSR a leader in this most important indicator of submarines.

Characteristics of the Project 971 nuclear submarine:
Maximum length – 110.3 m;
Maximum width – 13.6 m;
Average draft – 9.7 m;
Normal displacement – ​​8140 m3;
Total displacement – ​​12770 m3;
Working diving depth – 520 m;
Maximum diving depth – 600 m;
Full submerged speed – 33.0 knots;
Surface speed - 11.6 knots;
Autonomy - 100 days;
Crew – 73 people.

During serial construction, continuous improvement of the submarine's design was carried out, and acoustic testing was carried out. This made it possible to strengthen the achieved position in the field of secrecy, eliminating US superiority.

According to the NATO classification, the new nuclear submarines received the designation Akula (which caused confusion, since the name of another USSR submarine, Project 705 Alfa, began with the letter “A”). After the first “Sharks”, ships appeared that were called Improved Akula in the West (these probably included submarines built in Severodvinsk, as well as the last “Komsomol”-built ships). The new submarines, compared to their predecessors, had better stealth than the improved SSN-688-I submarines (Los Angeles type) of the US Navy.

SSGN pr.949-A and PLA pr.971 in the database

Initially, Project 971 boats carried only tactical numbers. But on October 10, 1990, an order was issued from the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Chernavin, to assign the name “Panther” to the K-317 submarine. Subsequently, other nuclear-powered ships of the project received names. K-480, the first “Severodvinsk” boat, received the name “Bars”, which soon became a common name for all submarines of the 971st project. The first commander of Barca is captain of the second rank Efremenko. At the request of Tatarstan, in December 1997, the Bars submarine was renamed Ak-Bars.

The cruising nuclear submarine (KAPL) Vepr, built in Severodvinsk, entered service in 1996. While maintaining the same contours, the submarine had new internal “filling” and a durable hull design. Another major leap forward has also been made in the area of ​​noise reduction. In the West, this submarine ship (as well as subsequent ships of Project 971) was called Akula-2.

According to the chief designer of the project, Chernyshev (who died in July 1997), Bars retains significant modernization capabilities. For example, the reserve that Malachite has makes it possible to increase the search potential of the submarine by approximately 3 times.

According to American naval intelligence, the durable hull of the modernized Barca has a 4-meter-long insert. The additional tonnage made it possible to equip the submarine with “active” systems for reducing vibration of the power plant, almost completely eliminating the impact of vibration on the ship’s hull. According to experts, the upgraded Project 971 boat, in terms of stealth characteristics, approaches the level of the fourth-generation multi-purpose nuclear submarine SSN-21 Seawolf of the US Navy. In terms of diving depth, speed characteristics and armament, these submarines are approximately equivalent. Thus, the advanced Project 971 nuclear submarine can be considered a submarine close to the fourth generation level.

Project 971 submarines manufactured in Komsomolsk-on-Amur:
K-284 “Shark” – laying – 1980; launching - 10/06/82; commissioning - 12/30/84.
K-263 “Dolphin” – laying – 1981; launching - 07/15/84; commissioning - December 1985
K-322 “Sperm Whale” – laying – 1982; launching - 1985; commissioning - 1986
K-391 “Whale” – laying – 1982; launching - 1985; commissioning - 1987 (in 1997 the boat was renamed KAPL K-391 "Bratsk").
K-331 “Narwhal” – laying – 1983; launching - 1986; commissioning - 1989
K-419 “Walrus” – laying – 1984; launching - 1989; commissioning - 1992 (In January 1998, by order of the Navy Civil Code, K-419 was renamed K-419 “Kuzbass”).
K-295 “Dragon” – laying – 1985; launching - 07/15/94; commissioning - 1996 (May 1, 1998, the submarine "Dragon" was given the Guards St. Andrew's flag of the nuclear submarine K-133, and the nuclear submarine K-152 "Nerpa" under construction was given the Guards St. Andrew's flag K-56. K-295 in August 1999 renamed the cruising nuclear submarine K-295 "Samara").
K-152 “Nerpa” – laying – 1986; launching - 1998; commissioning - 2002
Project 971 submarines manufactured in Severodvinsk:
K-480 “Bars” – laying – 1986; launching - 1988; commissioning - December 1989
K-317 “Panther” – laying – November 1986; launching - May 1990; commissioning - 12/30/90.
K-461 “Wolf” – laying – 1986; launching - 06/11/91; commissioning - 12/27/92.
K-328 “Leopard” – laying – November 1988; launching - 10/06/92; commissioning - 01/15/93. (In 1997, the cruising nuclear submarine "Leopard" was given the Order of the Red Banner of Battle. Some publications say that on April 29, 1991, she inherited the Red Banner Naval ensign from the nuclear submarine K-181 of Project 627A).
K-154 “Tiger” – laying – 1989; launching - 07/10/93; commissioning - 05.12.94.
K-157 “Vepr” – laying – 1991; launching - 12/10/94; commissioning - 01/08/96.
K-335 “Cheetah” – laying – 1992; launching - 1999; commissioning - 2000 (Since 1997 - Guards KAPL).
K-337 “Cougar” – laying – 1993; launching - 2000; commissioning - 2001
K-333 “Lynx” – laying – 1993; withdrawn from construction due to lack of funding in 1997.

“Leopards” in the Northern Fleet have been consolidated into a division based in Yagelnaya Bay. In particular, the nuclear submarine "Wolf" in December 1995 - February 1996 (on board was the crew of the nuclear submarine "Panther" under the command of captain first rank Spravtsev, the senior on board was deputy division commander captain first rank Korolev), while in the Mediterranean sea ​​in combat service, provided long-range anti-submarine support for the heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Kuznetsov. At the same time, they carried out long-term tracking of several NATO submarines, including the American Los Angeles-class nuclear submarine.

Combat stability and high stealth give the Bars the ability to overcome anti-submarine lines, which are equipped with stationary long-range hydroacoustic surveillance systems and are countered by anti-submarine forces. "Leopards" can operate in the enemy's zone of dominance, delivering sensitive torpedo and missile strikes against him. The submarine's armament allows it to fight surface ships and submarines, as well as hit ground targets with high precision using cruise missiles.

SSN "Gepard"

Each Project 971 boat in the event of an armed conflict can create a threat and also pin down a significant enemy group, preventing attacks on Russian territory.

According to scientists from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, given in the brochure “The Future of Russia’s Strategic Nuclear Forces: Discussion and Arguments” (1995, Dolgoprudny), even in the case of the most favorable hydrological conditions, which are typical for the Barents Sea in winter, nuclear submarines of the project 971 can be detected by American Los Angeles-class submarines with the AN/BQQ-5 sonar system at a range of up to 10 thousand meters. In the case of less favorable conditions in this area, it is almost impossible to detect the Bars GAS.

The appearance of submarines with such high combat qualities changed the situation and forced the US Navy to reckon with the possibility of significant opposition from the Russian fleet, even under the condition of complete superiority of US offensive forces. “Leopards” can attack not only strike groups of American naval forces, but also their rear areas, including supply and basing points, coastal control centers, no matter how far away they are located. Stealthy, and therefore inaccessible to the enemy, Project 971 nuclear submarines turn a potential war in the vast ocean into a kind of offensive through a minefield, where any attempt to move forward threatens with an invisible, but real danger.

It is appropriate to cite the characteristics of Project 971 submarines given by N. Polmar, a prominent US naval analyst, during hearings in the National Committee. Security of the House of Representatives of the United States Congress: “The appearance of Akula-class submarines and other Russian third-generation nuclear submarines demonstrated that Soviet shipbuilders were closing the noise gap faster than expected.” In 1994 it became known that this gap had been completely eliminated.

According to representatives of the US Navy, at operational speeds of about 5-7 knots, the noise of the Improved Akula class boats, which was recorded by hydroacoustic reconnaissance, was lower than the noise of the most advanced nuclear submarines of the US Navy, the Improved Los Angeles class. According to Admiral Jeremy Boorda, chief of operations for the US Navy, US ships were unable to accompany the Akula submarines at speeds less than 9 knots (contact with the new Russian submarine took place in the spring of 1995 off the east coast of the United States). The advanced nuclear submarine Akula-2, according to the admiral, meets the requirements for fourth-generation boats in terms of low noise characteristics.

The appearance of new super-stealthy submarines in the Russian fleet after the end of the Cold War has caused serious concern in the United States. This issue was raised in Congress in 1991. Several proposals were put forward for discussion by US legislators, which were aimed at correcting the current situation in favor of the United States of America. In particular, in accordance with them it was assumed:
- demand that Russia make long-term programs in the field of submarine construction public;
- establish agreed upon limits for the United States and the Russian Federation on the number of multipurpose nuclear submarines;
- provide Russia with assistance in re-equipping shipyards that build nuclear submarines for the production of non-military products.

The non-governmental international environmental organization “Greenpeace” also joined the campaign to combat Russian underwater shipbuilding, which actively advocated for the prohibition of submarines with nuclear power plants (of course, this concerned primarily Russian submarines, which, according to the “greens”, represent greatest environmental hazard). Greenpeace, in order to “exclude a nuclear catastrophe,” recommended that Western governments provide financial assistance. assistance from Russia depending on the resolution of this issue.

However, the rate of replenishment of the navy with new multi-purpose submarines by the mid-1990s sharply decreased, which removed the urgency of the problem for the United States, although the efforts of the “greens” (as is known, many of which are closely associated with NATO intelligence services) directed against the Russian Navy , have not stopped even today.

Currently, Project 971 multi-purpose nuclear submarines are part of the Pacific (Rybachy) and Northern (Yagelnaya Bay) fleets. They are quite actively used for combat service.

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Dear colleagues, I present to you my next model. This is a Soviet nuclear submarine of the 3rd generation of Project 971 “Pike-B” (according to NATO classification - Akula), made on a scale of 1/350 by the Chinese company Hobby Boss.

Prototype:

To expand the scope of construction of third-generation multi-purpose submarines, in July 1976 it was decided to create a new, cheaper ALL based on the Gorky project 945, the main difference of which from its prototype was to be the use of steel instead of a titanium alloy in the hull structures.

Kit:

The length of the model is 314.5 mm.
The model made by the Chinese has a number of shortcomings, some of which are very serious and cannot be corrected. I'll try to outline some of them:

• incorrect contours of the cabin;
• the wheelhouse is shifted relative to the hull towards the stern;
• too thin GSR;
• incorrect division of the upper feather of the VR into small and large (turned upside down).
• scuppers incorrect in shape and location;
• too narrow wheelhouse door in the forward wall of the cabin;
• Incorrect TA breakwater shield covers in a lightweight housing.

But I liked the imitation of the water intakes of the main turbine turbine cooling system. Very well made. I haven’t checked other geometric dimensions of the model, so I can’t say anything.

Anyone interested in a more accurate boat model should turn their attention to the model of their Severodvinsk colleagues from Polar Bear. The model there is also not without surprises, but it is more accurate, though also more expensive.
I decided to put together this Chinese craft and see what kind of “Pinocchio” it turns out to be!

Assembly:

The assembly took place on the friendly website karopka.ru.
As always, I started working with the body. I cut holes for large PMUs in the roof of the wheelhouse fence, and slightly deepened the cutout for the navigation bridge. I made end washers for the NGR from 0.13 mm plastic.

I cut off imitation bollards from the body and made them again from 0.8 mm brass tubes and 0.2 mm wire.
All devices had to be made almost anew from medical needles and scrap materials. Only the head of the PMU “Sintez” (cone) was used out of the box.
I also had to fix the VR top stay by turning it upside down. Well, move the intermediate mounting bracket down accordingly.

Color:

The model is primed by Mr. Surfacer 1200. Painted with Tamiya, Gunze Mr. enamels. Color. There's not much to tell: first the WL, then the underwater part and finally the surface part.

I used decals from the kit. The backing of the decals is thin, they are well positioned and are welded with special fluids, I used Tamiya Mark fit Strong, and I am pleased with the result. But the Chinese made a couple of unpleasant mistakes. Firstly, the recess marks are printed on one side, and secondly, the so-called. The “grids” are too thick.

So, fellow model in front of you - enjoy watching! Criticism, comments and suggestions are welcome as always. Have a great mood everyone!

For a long time they have been the main striking force of our fleet and a means of countering a potential enemy. The reason for this is simple: historically, our country has not had good luck with aircraft carriers, but missiles launched from under water are guaranteed to hit any point on the globe. That is why even in the Soviet Union, great importance was attached to the development and creation of new types of submarines. At one time, Project 971 was a real breakthrough, within the framework of which multi-purpose low-noise ships were created.

New "Pikes"

In 1976, a decision was made to design and build new submarines. The task was entrusted to the well-known Malachite enterprise, which the country’s nuclear fleet has always counted on. The peculiarity of the new project is that during its development the developments on the “Barracuda” were fully used, and therefore the preliminary design stage and many calculations were skipped, which significantly reduced the cost of the project itself and accelerated the work carried out within its framework.

Unlike the “ancestors” of the 945 family, project 971, at the suggestion of engineers from Komsomolsk-on-Amur, did not involve the use of titanium in the production of cases. This was due not only to the enormous cost and scarcity of this metal, but also to the monstrous labor intensity of working with it. In fact, only Sevmash, whose capacities were already fully loaded, could pull off such a project. The first components had already been sent to the stocks... as intelligence provided information about the new American Los Angeles-class submarine. Because of this, Project 971 was urgently sent for revision.

Already in 1980 it was completely completed. Another feature of the new Shchukas was that most of the work on their design and creation was carried out in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. Before that, the Pacific shipyards were in the position of a “poor relative” and performed only the functions of slaves.

Other project features

Few people know about this historical fact, but at the very beginning of the 80s, our country purchased Toshiba products from Japan - especially precise machines for metal processing, which made it possible to make new screws that produce a minimum of noise during operation. The deal itself was particularly secret, but the United States, which by that time had practically “colonized” Japan, learned about it almost immediately. As a result, Toshiba even came under economic sanctions.

Thanks to the propellers and some other design features, Project 971 was distinguished by amazing quiet sailing. This is largely the merit of Academician A.N. Krylov, who worked for several years to reduce the noise of submarines, having been involved in the creation of the Barracuda. The efforts of the honored academician and the entire team of the research institute he headed did not go without reward: the boats of Project 971 “Pike-B” made several times less noise than the newest American “Los Angeles”.

Purpose of new submarines

The new submarines were able to adequately meet any enemy, since their strike weapons and their diversity amazed even seasoned seamen. The whole point is that “Pike-B” had to destroy surface and underwater vessels, lay mines, conduct reconnaissance and sabotage raids, participate in special operations... In a word, do everything to justify the description of “multi-purpose submarine of Project 971” Shchuka- B"

Innovative solutions and ideas

As we said, the original design of submarines of this type had to be significantly adjusted. The only weak link of our submarines in comparison with their American counterparts was the lack of a digital interference filtering system. But in terms of general combat characteristics, the new “Pikes” were still far superior to them. For example, they were armed with the latest Granat anti-ship missiles, which, if necessary, made it possible to greatly thin out any enemy surface naval group.

But after “refinement with a file” in 1980, the “Pikes” still received the Skat-3 digital interference processing complex, as well as latest systems guidance that allowed the use of the most advanced cruise missiles. For the first time, means of controlling the battle and the weapons themselves were achieved; a special pop-up capsule was massively introduced into the design to rescue the entire crew, which was successfully tested on the Barracudas.

Design features

Like all the main USSR submarines of this class, Project 971 submarines used the now classic double-hull design. For the first time in the history of “underwater” shipbuilding, the experience of block articulation of submarine fragments was widely used, which made it possible to carry out most of the work in comfortable workshop conditions. Zone units of equipment were also widely used, which, after installation was completed, were simply connected to centralized data buses.

How did you manage to reduce the noise level?

In addition to the special screws, which we have already mentioned several times, special shock absorption systems are used. Firstly, all mechanisms are installed on special “foundations”. Secondly, each zone block has another shock absorption system. This scheme made it possible not only to significantly reduce the volume of noise generated by the submarine, but also to additionally protect the crew and equipment of the submarine from the action of shock waves generated during explosions of depth charges. So our fleet, for which submarines have almost always been the main striking force, received a weighty “argument” for deterring a potential enemy.

Like all modern submarines, the “Pikes” have a developed fin with a prominent bulge, which houses a towed antenna of the radar complex. The peculiarity of the plumage of these boats is that it is made as if integral with the power elements of the main hull. All this is done in order to minimize the number of turbulences. The latter can put enemy hydroacoustics on the trail of the ship. These measures have borne their legitimate fruit: the “Pikes” are considered the most inconspicuous underwater vessels to date.

Submarine dimensions and crew

The ship's surface displacement is 8,140 tons, and its underwater displacement is 10,500 tons. The maximum length of the hull is 110.3 m, the width does not exceed 13.6 m. The average draft on the surface is close to ten meters.

Due to the fact that various solutions for complex automation of its control were massively applied in the design of the boat, the crew was reduced to 73 people compared to the American 143 crew members (on the Los Angeles). If we compare the new “Pikes” with previous varieties of this family, the living and working conditions of the crew have been significantly improved. By reducing the number of the latter, it also became possible to place people in the two most protected compartments (living areas).

Power point

The heart of the ship is a 190 mW reactor. It consists of four steam generators and one turbine, the controls and mechanization of which are duplicated many times. The power delivered to the shaft is 50,000 liters. With. The propeller is seven-blade, with a special blade section and reduced rotation speed. The maximum speed of a ship under water, if translated into values ​​understandable to “land” people, exceeds 60 km/h! Simply put, the boat can move in dense environments faster than many sport yachts, not to mention heavy warships. The thing is that the boat hulls were developed by a whole “battalion” of academicians with numerous works in the field of hydrodynamics.

Means of detecting enemy ships

The real highlight of the new Pike was the MGK-540 Skat-3 complex. It can not only filter out interference, but also independently detect the bearing of noise from the propellers of any ship. In addition, "Scat" can be used as a regular sonar when passing unfamiliar fairways. The detection range of enemy submarines has tripled compared to submarines of previous generations. In addition, "Skat" determines the characteristics of the pursued targets much faster and provides a forecast for the time of combat contact.

A unique feature of any Project 971 submarine is an installation that allows you to detect any surface ship by the wake it leaves. The equipment calculates the waves diverging from it even several hours after the ship passes in this square, which makes it possible to covertly monitor enemy ship groups at a safe distance from them.

Weapon characteristics

The main striking force is four 533 mm missile and torpedo tubes. But four more 650 mm TA caliber units look much more impressive. In total, the submarine can carry up to 40 missiles and/or torpedoes. "Pike" can fire "Granat" and "Shkval" missiles, which are equally effective in submerged and surface positions. Of course, it is possible to fire conventional torpedoes and release automatic mines from torpedo tubes, which are independently placed in a firing position.

In addition, this submarine can also be used to lay down conventional minefields. So the range of means of destruction is very wide. When launching cruise missiles, their guidance and tracking occur in a fully automatic mode, without diverting the crew’s attention from performing other combat missions. Alas, in 1989, after the conclusion of extremely unfavorable agreements for our country with the Americans, Project 971 submarines went on combat duty without “Grenades” and “Whirlwinds”, since these weapons can carry a nuclear charge.

The significance of the Shchuk for domestic shipbuilding

As we said, these submarines became the first independent project of the shipyards of the Far East, which for the first time received a government order of such complexity and importance. The K-284 boat, which became the flagship of the series, was laid down in 1980 and four years later entered service with the fleet. During construction, minor corrections were promptly made to the design, which were routinely used in the creation of all subsequent submarines.

Already during the first tests, sailors and members of the Ministry of Defense were delighted with how quiet the submarine turned out to be. These indicators were so good that they allowed us to speak with complete confidence about the entry of Soviet shipbuilding to a fundamentally new level. Western military advisers completely agreed with this, who recognized the Pike as a weapon of a new class and assigned them the Akula code.

Thanks to their features, Project 971 submarines can overcome deep-in-depth anti-submarine defenses equipped with standard acoustic detection means. Given its powerful weapons, the submarine can easily fend for itself even if it is discovered.

Even in a zone of enemy dominance, quiet and inconspicuous nuclear submarines of Project 971 can inflict significant losses on the enemy, including shelling coastal targets with nuclear destruction means. “Pikes” are quite capable of surface and submarine ships, as well as the destruction of strategically important command centers, even those located at a considerable distance from the coastal zone.

The significance of the Shchuka-B project for our country

The appearance of the Project 971 nuclear submarine confused all the cards for the Americans. Before this, they quite rightly considered their offensive surface forces to be the strongest in the world, and the Soviet fleet, which had significantly fewer surface ships, was rated rather low by their experts. “Pikes” have reached a completely new level of play. They can safely work even deep behind enemy lines, going beyond anti-submarine defense lines. In the event of a full-scale war, no one is safe from a nuclear strike from under water. command center, let alone full-scale cutting sea ​​routes messages are not worth talking about.

Any offensive operation of a potential enemy in such conditions turns into an analogue of a dance, and one can forget about the surprise of the attack. The US leadership is very worried about the Pike (especially the modernized ones). Already in 2000, they repeatedly made attempts to force a legislative agreement on severe restrictions on their use, but the interests of the Russian Federation do not favor such “mutually beneficial” agreements.

Modifications and further development of the project

Subsequently, the “Pike” (project 971) was repeatedly improved, especially in terms of sonar stealth. The vessels “Vepr” and “Dragon”, built according to an individual project 971U, are especially different from others. They are immediately noticeable by the modified contours of the body. The latter was immediately lengthened by four meters, which made it possible to regularly place additional equipment for direction finding and apply new design solutions aimed at reducing noise levels. The displacement in surface and submerged positions increased by more than one and a half tons.

The power plant that powers the OK-650B3 reactor has also changed significantly. The changes were so obvious that the new nuclear attack submarine was immediately dubbed Improved Akula in foreign media. Four more submarines were supposed to be built according to the same project, but in the end only two of them were laid down and created at the shipyards. The first of them, K-335 “Gepard”, was generally built according to the special project 971M, which provided for the use of the latest achievements in the radio-electronic industry in the design.

This boat generally became known to Western naval sailors as Akula II, since its differences from the basic design were striking. The second completed submarine, also known as K-152 Nerpa, was also created according to a special project 971I, initially intended for lease to the Indian Navy. Basically, “Nerpa” differs from its “brothers” in the most simplified radio-electronic filling, which does not contain secret components.

The continuity of generations

Initially, all boats in this series had only an index, without being designated by proper names. But in 1990, K-317 received the name “Panther”. It was given in honor of the submarine Russian Empire, who was the first to open the battle account. Subsequently, the “birthday girl” was the Project 971 Tiger nuclear submarine. Soon, all submarines of this family also received proper names, echoing the designations of ships that were part of the Imperial and Soviet Navy. The only exception is Project 971, Kuzbass. Previously, this ship was called "Walrus". At first it was named in honor of one of the first submarines of the Empire, but later they honored the memory of Soviet sailors.

But the most significant were the nuclear submarines produced at Sevmash. Their entire series received the code name “Bars”. For this, all submarines of the project received the nickname “cats” in the West.

"Semi-combat" work

During NATO's aggression against Serbia in 1996, the K-461 "Wolf" was on combat duty in the Mediterranean Sea. American hydroacoustics managed to detect its location while passing through the Strait of Gibraltar, but our submariners managed to escape from them. It was possible to re-discover the “Wolf” only directly off the coast of Yugoslavia. In this military campaign, the nuclear submarine protected the domestic aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov from potential aggressive actions of “Western partners.” At the same time, the “Wolf” carried out covert surveillance of six NATO nuclear submarines, including one boat of the “competing” type “Los Angeles”.

In the same year, another “Pike-B”, under the command of A.V. Burilichev, was on combat duty in the waters of the Atlantic. There, the crew discovered a US Navy SSBN and then secretly accompanied the ship throughout its combat duty. If it had been a war, the American missile carrier would have sunk. The command understood all this very well, and therefore Burilichev immediately after the “business trip” received the title of Hero of the Russian Federation. This is another evidence of the high combat qualities and stealth of any Project 971 boat.

About cases of appendicitis at sea...

At the end of February of the same 1996, an anecdotal incident occurred. At that time, large-scale NATO fleet exercises were taking place. The order of anti-submarine ships had just managed to contact the command and report the absence of potential enemy submarines along the convoy's route... A few minutes later, the commander of the Russian submarine contacted the British ships. And soon the “hero of the occasion” herself appeared in front of the stunned British sailors.

The crew reported that one of the sailors was in serious condition due to a burst appendicitis. In the conditions of a submarine, the success of the operation was not guaranteed, and therefore the captain made an unprecedented decision to communicate with foreign colleagues. The patient was quickly loaded onto an English helicopter and sent to the hospital. It is difficult to imagine how the British sailors, who had just reported the absence of enemy submarines, felt at that moment. What’s even more interesting is that they weren’t able to spot the Project 971 boat of the old series! Since then, Project 971 "Shark" has been deeply respected by

Current state of affairs

Currently, all submarines of this series are in service, serving as part of the Pacific and the above-mentioned Nerpa is in service in and, according to the terms of the contract, will remain there until 2018. It is possible that after this the Indians will prefer to extend the contract, since they highly appreciate the combat qualities of the Russian submarine.

By the way, in the Indian Navy the “Nerpa” was named Chakra. Interestingly, the boat 670 “Scat” previously bore exactly the same name, which also served India on a lease basis from 1988 to 1992. All the sailors who served there became true professionals in their field, and some officers from the first Chakra had already managed to rise to the rank of admiral. Be that as it may, Russian “Pikes” are today actively used in the difficult task of carrying out combat duty and serve as one of the guarantors of the state sovereignty of our country.

Today, when the fleet begins to gradually recover after the 90s, there is already talk that fifth-generation nuclear submarines should be based specifically on the developments of Project 971, since ships of this series have repeatedly proven their promise. The “Pikes” themselves correspond in their parameters to fourth-generation submarines. An indirect confirmation of this is the fact that they repeatedly deceived the SOSUS sonar detection system, which at one time created many problems for Soviet sailors.