Akulas—the NATO designation for the Project 971 Shchuka-B Soviet Submarine—are some of the deadliest sea weapons in existence. Not deadly to people on land, as the Russian Typhoons are—the largest submarines ever built, equipped with 20 RSM-52 nuclear ballistic missiles—but to other submarines and ships. Equipped with four 533mm internal torpedo tubes plus six external 533mm, and an extra four 650mm tubes, the Akulas were designed to hunt other vessels, subaquatic or on the surface. And they, according to US intelligence reports, they can do that mighty well. They are the counterpart to the US Los Angeles-class SSN 751 nuclear subs.
These things can launch up to forty torpedoes, mines, and missiles—the later using a separate tube for surface launch. It’s equipped with a sophisticated sound reduction system, which was perfected in the 80s with the help of Toshiba, who sold them precision milling systems for that task. At least, according to the US Navy.
Seriously, why do this now? Couldn’t the Russians park the subs at home, and have a picnic to enjoy the summer? [NYT and Wikipedia]
james-mac
Friday, August 7, 2009 at 10:34 AMThey’re either trying to defect… or knowing Russian technology, they’re lost.
There aren’t any windows on those things to check for landmarks.
Glenn
Friday, August 7, 2009 at 12:09 PMWhy worry? I’m sure the US aren’t having their Nuke Subs just rusting away in port? Or does anyone really believe that the USN subs are not sailing around Russian waters as well as other countries of interest?
Kris Thomas
Monday, August 10, 2009 at 11:20 AMred october anyone?
Discoman
Friday, February 25, 2011 at 4:47 PMactually, the Akulas ARE the biggest submarine in the world. and they are not really a threat to shipping. they are ‘boomer’ subs, which launch nuclear strikes against countries. they each would be accompanied by an attack sub, whose job it is to protect the akula and lure away enemy subs.
each akula probably carries multiple cruise missiles, most likely still with nuclear armaments.