"Shark", "Pike", "Ohio". Size matters. The largest submarine in the world: when size matters Submarine 941 shark device

01.11.202327.05.2017

The construction of Project 941 Akula submarine cruisers (according to the international classification "Typhoon") was a kind of response to the construction in the United States of Ohio-class nuclear missile submarines armed with 24 intercontinental ballistic missiles. In the USSR, the development of a new ship began later than the Americans, so design and construction proceeded almost in parallel.

“The designers were faced with a difficult technical task - to place on board 24 missiles weighing almost 100 tons each,” says S.N. Kovalev, general designer of projects at the Rubin Central Design Bureau for MT. “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.

As a result, the ship was built in record time - in 5 years. Behind this small number is a huge amount of work by the entire team of the enterprise and its numerous contractors. “The construction of the submarine supported more than a thousand enterprises throughout the country,” recalls A.I. Makarenko, at that time the chief engineer of the Sevmash enterprise. “Our “Akula” was ready a year earlier than the American “Ohio.” Naturally, the government highly appreciated the merits participants in the creation of this unique ship." By order of the Minister of the Shipbuilding Industry, Anatoly Innokentyevich was appointed personally responsible for the construction. For the creation of the nuclear submarine of project 941 A.I. Makarenko and KSP assembler A.T. Maksimov was awarded the title of Hero of Socialist Labor. Responsible deliverer A.S. Belopolsky was awarded the Lenin Prize, N.G. Orlov, V.A. Borodin, L.A. Samoilov, S.V. Pantyushin, A.A. Fishev - State Prize. 1219 employees of the enterprise were awarded orders and medals. Among those who distinguished themselves were shop managers G.A. Pravilov, A.P. Monogarov, A.M. Budnichenko, V.V. Skaloban, V.M. Rozhkov, chief specialists M.I. Shepurev, F.N. Shusharin, A.V. Rynkovich.

In September 1980, an unusually large nuclear submarine, the height of a nine-story building and the length of almost two football fields, touched the water for the first time. Delight, joy, fatigue - the participants in that event experienced different feelings, but everyone was united by one thing - pride in a great common cause. Mooring and sea trials were carried out in record time for a nuclear submarine of such a design. And this is a great merit of the delivery team, such excellent specialists as G.D Pavlyuk, A.Z. Elimelach, A.Z. Raikhlin, and the ship’s personnel under the command of Captain 1st Rank A.V. Olkhovikova. Despite the tight deadlines for the construction and testing of the newest nuclear submarine, situations arose when engineers were required to urgently develop new design solutions. “As you know, the outer hull of the boat is covered with a thick layer of rubber,” continues Anatoly Innokentyevich. “On the Shark, each sheet weighed 100 kilograms, and the total weight of the glued rubber was 800 tons. When the boat first went to sea, part of this "The coating came off. We had to quickly invent new gluing techniques."
The ship adopted the first domestic solid-fuel missile system D-19. The lead cruiser of the series, which later received the name Dmitry Donskoy, carried out a large number of missile launches. “The program for extended testing of missile weapons was more than intense,” recalls the former commander of the BC-5, Captain 1st Rank V.V. Kiseev. “The tests took place not only in the White Sea, but also in the North Pole region. During the missile firing period, no There were technical failures. Everything was very reliable."

After ten years of operation, the world's largest nuclear submarine was raised to the slipway for mid-term repairs. This was a difficult task in terms of ensuring radiation and fire safety, since nuclear submarines had not been repaired at the Sevmash workshops before. After average repairs and replacement of a number of complexes in May 2002, “Dmitry Donskoy” was taken out of the workshop. This date is considered the second birth of the ship. The slipway work and the removal of the ship were supervised by the deputy head of the workshop M.A. Abizhanov, and by the actions of the delivery team on the ship - mechanic G.A. Laptev. “The factory sea trials and state tests of various weapons systems are now successfully undergoing. “Dmitry Donskoy” is unique in its maneuverability and controllability,” says the commander of the nuclear submarine, Captain 1st Rank A.Yu. Romanov, with pride. “This order has amazing combat capabilities. This is the fastest of all the ships in the series, exceeding the previous speed record of Project 941 by two knots. The successful testing of the ship is largely due to the responsible deliverer E.V. Slobodyan, his deputies A.V. Larinsky and V.A. Semushin and, naturally, the crew nuclear submarine, specialists in their field, commander of the combat electromechanical unit, captain II rank A.V. Prokopenko, commander of the navigator combat unit, captain-lieutenant V.V. Sankov, commander of the combat communications unit, captain III rank A.R. Shuvalov and many others.”

A ship, like a person, has its own destiny. This cruiser proudly bears the name of the great Russian warrior, Prince of Moscow and Vladimir Dmitry Donskoy. As the submariners themselves say, their ship is reliable and happy. “Now the fate of this nuclear submarine is clear,” says S.N. Kovalev. “This submarine will for a long time be the most powerful ship of the Navy. Today is a good reason to congratulate all the designers who designed this boat, Sevmash, who it was built by many other enterprises that participated in its creation, and, naturally, the Navy on the anniversary of this wonderful ship.”

“Dmitry Donskoy” has been faithfully serving the Motherland for 25 years. The crew and delivery team change, but the cruiser remains dear to everyone. Today the ship, like a quarter of a century ago, is the first - it is at the forefront of testing new naval missile technology. Happy anniversary and happy sailing to you, "Dmitry Donskoy"!

Submarines (submarines) have shown their effectiveness in the struggle for supremacy at sea. The key feature of these ships is stealth, which allows them to deliver powerful strikes against the most vulnerable enemy targets.

Submarines became widespread during World War II, and means of combating them also developed. In the post-war period, only two cases of combat use of submarines against surface ships are officially known. However, they remain in service with 33 countries around the world, becoming an integral part of the fleet.

Project 941 "Shark" (in NATO classification - SSBN "Typhoon", "Typhoon") - nuclear-powered heavy strategic missile submarines (APRK, SSBN). Developed in the USSR, they were adopted by the Russian fleet. Submarines of this type are considered the largest in the world.

History of creation and start date of work on the project

The terms of reference for the development of Project 941 were issued in 1972. The focus was on competition with the United States, where development was underway on the Ohio nuclear submarine. As a result, the first ships of both projects were laid down almost simultaneously in 1976.

Etc. 941 was originally developed for R-39 intercontinental ballistic missiles. This aspect required the carrier boat to have significant dimensions. The launch of the first underwater heavy cruiser TK-208 took place on September 29, 1980. The submarine entered service on December 12, 1981.

Initially, the development plan focused on the production of 12 submarines. Later this number was reduced to 10 submarines. Between 1981 and 1989, 6 such ships were laid down and launched. The rest were never made.

Three of the submarines that entered service were dismantled in the mid-2000s as part of cooperation with the United States. TK-208 “Dmitry Donskoy”, after the death of chief designer S. N. Kovalev, was modernized for the new Bulava missiles. How long he will remain in service is unknown.

The two remaining boats TK-17 and TK-20 were subject to disposal, but in the summer of 2019 it was announced that they would be converted to cruise missiles. Approximate quantity - 200 pieces.

Main goals and tasks

Project 941 Akula submarines are classified as strategic nuclear cruisers. In addition to basic weapons, they carry intercontinental solid-fuel ballistic missiles on board. The mobility of such installations allows you to escape from enemy attack and reach the desired firing point.

This guarantees a retaliatory nuclear strike in the event of the use of atomic weapons. In combination with other deterrent factors, the presence of such submarines in the arsenal of leading powers provides a certain military parity.

The tactical tasks of this nuclear submarine (NPS) included patrolling, participation in exercises, and testing of new weapons. Due to its size, the submarine is not designed for active participation in naval battles as part of fleets.

Structural specifics of the body

Housing layout

The overall design of Project 941 Akula submarines is divided into five separate pressure hulls, united by one outer one. Two of them are considered key, the diameter in some places reaches 10 m. In the front part, between them there are missile silos.

The main hulls have transitions at the front, center and rear of the boat. There are a total of 19 waterproof compartments. At the base of the cabin there are two pop-up chambers designed for the evacuation of the entire crew.

In addition to the two main buildings, there are three additional ones - a torpedo compartment, a control module and a mechanical one. All of them are isolated from each other, which increases the fire safety and survivability of the submarine in emergency situations.

The outer lightweight casing is made of steel and has a non-resonant soundproofing and anti-location rubber coating. The casing of the durable cases is made of titanium alloys. Particular attention is paid to cutting - the upper fences make it possible to break through polar ice up to 2.5 m thick.

The stern tail of the submarine is cruciform and has horizontal rudders behind the propellers. The front horizontal rudders are retractable.

Comfortable accommodation conditions are provided for the crew. There is a lounge for relaxation, a gym, a swimming pool 4x2x2 m, a solarium, a sauna, a “living” corner, two wardrooms for officers and sailors. Privates are housed in small cockpits, officers - in two- and four-berth cabins with washbasins, TVs and air conditioning.

Reactor and turbine compartments

The reactor and turbine compartments are located aft in two main buildings. Between the turbines there is a separate aft sluice house.

Three bow compartments

The two bow compartments of the main hulls are hydroacoustic. Between them in an insulated housing there is a torpedo compartment. The adjacent compartments of the main part are missile compartments.

Three adjacent to the main command post

Three compartments adjacent to the central post ensure the survivability of the boat. Pop-up evacuation cameras are also located here.

Reliably insulated bow hull of the torpedo compartment

The torpedo compartment is isolated from the main hulls by durable casing. According to the statement of chief designer S.N. Kovalev, the situation that occurred with the Kursk nuclear submarine after the torpedo explosion would not have had such catastrophic consequences on the Sharks.

Housing for housing the main control unit and radio equipment

The main command post (MCP) is located in the central part, in the wheelhouse. It has a housing isolated from other compartments. All radio equipment that provides control of the boat is also located here.

Aft transitional building with a total length of 30 meters

The aft transition body contains technical compartments, from the reactor to the turbine compartment. It does not have separate insulation from the common compartments, but there is a hermetically sealed closure.

Armament

The armament of Project 941 submarines is divided into three categories:

ballistic missiles;
torpedoes;
radio-electronic systems.

D-19 ballistic missile systems are the strategic armament of the submarine. For firing torpedoes (53-65K, SET-65, SAET-60M, USET-80) and missile-torpedoes (“Shkval”, “Waterfall”), 6 launchers are provided, caliber - 533 mm. It is also possible to install minefields through them. The boat's air defense is provided by eight Igla-1 MANPADS.

Ballistic missile system D-19 class R-39 "Option"

The D-19 complex was developed specifically for Project 941 submarines. It consists of 20 R-39 Variant three-stage ballistic missiles. Considering the size and weight of these projectiles, the Akula is the only type of submarine capable of carrying them on board.

The missile's destruction range is 8,300 km, the warhead is divided into 10 warheads, each with its own guidance. The mass of the rocket at launch is 90 tons, the weight of each warhead in TNT equivalent is 100 kilotons.

All missiles can be launched in one salvo, with a short interval between individual launches. Firing is allowed from the surface, as well as from a depth of up to 55 m. Weather conditions do not affect launches. The shock-absorbing rocket launch system reduces the interval between launches and the level of noise produced.

D-19U missile system with 20 R-39UTTH "Bark" ballistic missiles

In 1986, the Akula submarine missile system was planned to be upgraded to the R-39UTTH Bark missiles. These projectiles were supposed to cover a distance of up to 10 thousand km, and also pass through ice. The re-equipment was supposed to take place in 2003, when the service life of the R-39 was ending. However, in 1998, after unsuccessful tests, it was decided to curtail the project and develop a new solid-fuel ballistic missile, the Bulava.

Specifications

The technical characteristics of Project 941 submarines are the most outstanding in the world. Its gigantic size, combined with a safe layout and firepower, makes each such cruiser a reliable tool for nuclear deterrence.

190 MW pressurized water nuclear reactor

The nuclear power plant is made of a block type. Consists of two pressurized water reactors OK-650 thermal neutrons. The thermal power of each is 190 MW, the total shaft power is 2x50,000 liters. With.

Turbine

The Akula submarine has two steam turbine units. Each is located in the aft compartments of the main hulls, which increased the survivability of the submarine. Due to two-stage rubber-cord shock absorption and a block arrangement, vibration insulation of the units is ensured, which reduces overall noise.

Mover

"Shark" has two low-speed seven-bladed propellers with a fixed pitch. To reduce the noise produced, the propellers are located in ring fairings (fenestrons).

Reserve means of propulsion

The reserve means of propulsion for Project 941 submarines include two ASDG-800 800 kW diesel generators, two 190 kW DC electric motors and a lead-acid battery. For maneuvering in confined spaces, two thrusters with 750 kW engines and rotary propellers are provided. They are located in the bow and stern.

Electronic equipment

Electronic equipment and weapons are represented by the following systems:

information and control combat system "Omnibus";
hydroacoustic complex "Skat-KS", on TK-208 replaced by "Skat-3";
hydroacoustic mine search station MG-519 “Harp”;
echometer MG-518 “Sever”;
radar complex MRKP-58 “Buran”;
navigation system "Symphony";
radio communication complex "Molniya-L1" and satellite communication system "Tsunami";
television complex MTK-100.

There are also two buoy-type pop-up antennas. They allow you to receive signals, messages and target designations at a depth of 150 m, as well as when under ice.

Characteristics of full speed and displacement

The speed characteristics of Akula submarines have the following indicators:

surface speed - 12 knots;
underwater - 25 knots (46.3 km/h);
navigation autonomy - up to 6 months.

The surface displacement is 23,200 tons, the underwater displacement is 48,000 tons. These submarines are jokingly called water carriers, since when submerged, half of their weight is ballast water.

Dive depths

Project 941 submarines are capable of diving up to 500 m. The operating depth is 400 m, radio communication is provided at 150 m, and launching ballistic missiles is up to 55 m.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the Project 941 submarine are as follows:

waterline length - 172.8 m;
hull width - 23.3 m;
waterline draft - 11.2 m.

Thanks to these parameters, the Akula is the largest submarine in the world, created specifically to carry R-39 missiles. The crew number is 160 people, including 52 officers.

Advantages and disadvantages

With the advent of high-precision strategic ballistic missiles, stationary launch silos began to lose ground in the matter of delivering a guaranteed retaliatory strike. Project 941 nuclear submarines were created to restore this potential.

The advantages of the Akula submarines are represented by three key aspects:

the possibility of serving in the Arctic, including sub-ice shelves;
heavy R-39s, which have no analogues among portable strategic missiles;
increased safety and survivability of the crew and the submarine due to the structural layout.

The appearance of such cruisers in service with the Soviet fleet prompted the United States to sign the SALT-2 treaty. It was these boats that ensured the parity of world powers in the Cold War; their photos still inspire respect and fear of a possible nuclear war.

The shortcomings of Project 941 are controversial. There are complaints about the size caused by the low quality of solid fuel of the R-39, the running properties and controllability of the submarine, noise, and high cost. In modern analytics, there is an opinion that for the USSR it was more important to show scale and power than practical efficiency and expediency.

However, a comparison of performance characteristics with foreign and domestic analogues shows that most of these claims have no significant basis. Certain noise and cost issues do exist, but they are within acceptable limits when adjusted for development time and proportionality.

Submarine sizes in comparison

The main competitor to Project 941 is the Ohio-class submarines, a series of ships in the United States designed to carry strategic missiles. Both projects were developed around the same time.

In terms of dimensions, the Ohio submarine is not much inferior in comparison to the Shark - 170.7 m long, 12.8 m wide and 11.1 draft. The displacement differs more significantly - the American submarine weighs 16,746 and 18,750 tons in the surface and submerged state, respectively.

Despite its smaller size, the American submarine carries 24 Trident II D5 ballistic missiles. Its key advantage is the modular system of individual units, which facilitates the gradual modernization of the submarine.

While you are reading these lines, somewhere far (or maybe not so far) from you, silent killers are plowing the seas, hiding under the water. They are huge, powerful and deadly, capable of lurking in the depths for months, only to one day strike a decisive blow.

No, we are not talking about a new horror film or a documentary video “from the life of sharks.” In this article, you, dear readers, will find the answer to the question of which submarine deserves the title of the largest in the world, and which countries can afford to build such steel giants.

And just recently we introduced readers to 10 in the world.

10. “Astyut” – length: 97 m, width 11.3 m

The tenth largest submarine in the world, it is the largest, most advanced and most powerful submarine ever operated by the British Royal Navy. Its size is 97 meters long and 11.3 meters wide.

The Astyut class includes three submarines, with four more under construction. In case it has to engage in battle, the submarine is armed with six 48 missiles or torpedoes, Tomahawk cruise missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles and 533 mm torpedo tubes (TA).

In 2012, the Astutes proved their ability to launch Tomahawk missiles by successfully firing two missiles from the Gulf of Mexico and accurately hitting targets at a test site in North Florida.

9. “Seawolf” – 107.6 x 12.2 m

This series of nuclear submarines was built for the US Navy in 1989-1998. The Seawolves were a response to the construction of Project 971 Shchuka-B submarines in the Soviet Union. A total of three ships were built, although it was originally planned that the series would include 12 submarines.

The length and width of the Seawolf hull are 107.6 meters and 12.2 meters, respectively. These submarines are equipped with a single nuclear reactor and their speed is 18 knots.

The armament installed on the American submarine includes eight 660 mm torpedo tubes, 50 torpedoes or missiles and 50 Tomahawk cruise missiles.

8. Project 945A “Condor” – 110.5 x 12.2 m

The first, but not the only one among the largest submarines in Russia. Today, there are two Condors in operation, 110.5 meters long and 12.2 meters wide.

The hull of Condor-class submarines is made of lightweight and durable titanium, which allows the submarine to reach greater depths and reduces noise levels. Among the weapons, the Condors boast six 533 mm torpedo tubes, 40 torpedoes, S-10 Granat cruise missiles and 8 Igla-1 and Igla MANPADS launchers.

7. Project 971 “Pike-B” – 110.3 x 13.6 m

The Soviet Union can be criticized for many things, but not for its weak army and navy. It was in the USSR that the construction of one of the largest nuclear submarines in the world, Shchuka-B, was carried out. Unlike the Condors, the hull of this submarine is made of alloy steel. The length of the formidable steel “fish” is just over 110 meters, and the width is over 13 meters.

The Shchuki-B project (1983-2001) was carried out at the Sevmash machine-building enterprise in Severodvinsk and was revised several times. The improved boats were called "Improved Akula" or "Akula-II" by Western militaries. And the most modernized submarine, the K-335 Cheetah, was called Akula-III in the West. The Indian Navy also has one of the modernized Shchuk-B (K-152 Nerpa) in service. It lacks the SOKS system and the ability to launch acoustic countermeasures.

In 2017, four Shchuka-B class submarines remained in service. Each of them is equipped with four 650 mm torpedo tubes, four 533 mm TA, IRS Kalibr-PL and Strela-3M MANPADS.

6. “Triumphan” – 138 x 12.5 m

Sunny France is one of the few European countries that can afford to build a huge, heavy and expensive submarine. From 1989 to 2009, four Triumphant-class submarines with a length of 138 and a width of 12.5 meters were built. Initially, the construction of six units was planned, but the plans of the French Navy changed due to the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The Triumphants are armed with four 533 mm torpedo tubes, 10 torpedoes, 8 Exocet SM39 cruise missiles launched from the launch vehicle and M45 and M51 missiles.

5. “Vangard” – 149.9 x 12.8 m

The pride of the British Navy, over 149 meters long and over 12 meters wide. The Vanguard series includes four nuclear submarines, the history of which began in the 90s of the twentieth century. They were built in a huge covered boathouse (workshop for construction or repair) 260 meters long and 58 meters wide. Its dimensions make it possible to build not only nuclear submarines, but also destroyers with guided missile weapons.

Initially, it was planned to assemble 6 or even 7 submarines, but with the collapse of the USSR, Great Britain and other NATO countries no longer needed a large number of submarines as one of the means of nuclear deterrence.

On board the Vanguards are four 533 mm caliber TAs, 16 Trident II D5 ballistic missiles and Spearfish or Tigerfish remote-controlled torpedoes.

4. “Delta” – 167.4 x 11.7 m

This is a collective designation for four types of strategic nuclear submarines assembled in the USSR. Project code names:

"Moray eel".
"Moray eel-M".
"Squid".
"Dolphin".

The length of the latest modification, the Dolphin, is 167.4 meters and the width is 11.7 meters. This great steelhead was commissioned in December 1984. Of the seven Dolphins built, five are still in service with the Russian Navy.

The enemies of the Dolphins will not be in trouble, because they are equipped with four 533 mm caliber TAs, 12 torpedoes, 16 ballistic missiles and from 4 to 8 Igla and Igla-1 MANPADS.

3. “Ohio” – 170.7 x 12.8 m

These giants are the largest submarines in the United States and the basis of America's strategic offensive nuclear forces. They regularly have to carry out combat patrols, spending 60% of their time at sea. The size of "Ohio" is 170.7 meters and 12.8 meters (length and width, respectively).

The first submarine of this series was put into operation in November 1981. All other submarines were named after American states, with the exception of USS Henry M. Jackson, which was named after one of the senators.

These underwater hulks are capable of carrying over twenty Trident II missiles and over 150 Tomahawk cruise missiles. Their armament also includes four 533 mm torpedo tubes.

2. Project 955 “Borey” – 170 x 13.5 m

Second in the list of the largest submarines is again a Russian design, one of the most advanced in the world. The Borei project began in 2011, and in May 2018 it became known that 14 ships of this type are planned to be built by 2027.

In the future, it will be “Borey” that will replace the first and fourth numbers on our list.

The submarine's dimensions are 170 meters long and 13.5 meters wide. This curvaceous, deadly beauty can travel underwater at a speed of 29 knots, and is equipped with six 533 mm torpedo tubes, six 324 mm sonar countermeasures, torpedoes, torpedo missiles and cruise missiles (including Onyx and Caliber), as well as 16 PU of the Bulava complex.

1. Project 941 “Shark” – 172.8 x 23.3 m

Known to the West as the Typhoon class and to Russian sailors as the Akula, these majestic steel giants were created as a countermeasure to the American Ohio-class submarines during the Cold War.

At 172.8 meters long and 23.3 meters wide, these monsters, with a surface and submerged displacement of 23,200 tons and 48,000 tons respectively, were larger than American rival submarines. Their height (26 meters) is comparable to the height of a nine-story building.

Essentially, the Sharks' mission was to create a nuclear apocalypse in the West if the Cold War went into a hot phase.

The largest nuclear submarine in the world received its predatory nickname thanks to the image of a shark, which was painted before its first descent, which took place in September 1980.

Inside the lightweight hull of the huge submarine are five habitable hulls. In the event of an emergency in one of the buildings, the crew inside the other buildings will be safe and the auxiliary devices will still work.

Two nuclear reactors give these strategic submarine cruisers the power they need to reach a top speed of about 25 knots underwater.

Instead of constantly moving around the world's seas and oceans, the Sharks were designed to remain north of the Arctic Circle for six months, awaiting command to launch their "farewell greeting to the world" - the R-39 Variant ballistic missiles.

Due to the length and nature of its missions, this Soviet nuclear-powered missile submarine was designed with crew comfort in mind. In fact, the living quarters on the Sharks were so luxurious that sailors in the Soviet (and later Russian) navy nicknamed these giant vessels "floating Hiltons."

Instead of utilitarian steel furniture with minimal upholstery, the Shark's interior features comfortable upholstered chairs, full-size doorways, a fully equipped gym, a fresh or salt water swimming pool, a solarium and even a sauna, the walls of which are lined with oak planks. The command cabins have TVs, washbasins and air conditioning systems.

However, the triumph of the huge and formidable “Sharks” did not last long. Of the seven planned submarines, six were built during the 1980s and retired less than 10 years later in the 1990s. The Russian government simply could not afford to maintain these largest missile submarines in the world in combat-ready condition.

Currently, only one modernized Akula, the TK-208 Dmitry Donskoy, is in service. The world's largest submarine serves as a test bed for advanced submarine-launched ballistic missiles (Bulava SLBMs).

Documentary video – Project 941 “Shark”

Heavy strategic missile submarines of Project 941 "Akula"(SSBN "Typhoon" according to NATO classification) - the world's largest nuclear submarines. The project was developed at the Rubin Central Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering (St. Petersburg). The development order was issued in December 1972.

Story

In the early 70s in the United States (as Western media wrote, in response to the creation of the Delta complex in the USSR), the implementation of the large-scale Trident program began, providing for 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 political leadership of the USSR demanded that industry provide an “adequate response” to another American challenge.

“The designers were faced with a difficult technical task - to place on board 24 rockets weighing almost 100 tons each,” says S.N. Kovalev, general designer of projects at the Rubin Central Design Bureau for MT. “After many studies, it was decided to place the rockets between two durable hulls. There are no analogues to this there is no 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.

As a result, the ship was built in record time - in 5 years. Behind this small number is a huge amount of work by the entire team of the enterprise and its numerous contractors. “The construction of the submarine was supported by more than a thousand enterprises throughout the country,” recalls A.I. Makarenko, at that time the chief engineer of the Sevmash enterprise. “Our “Shark” was ready a year earlier than the American “Ohio.” Naturally, the government highly appreciated the merits of the participants in the creation this unique ship." By order of the Minister of the Shipbuilding Industry, Anatoly Innokentyevich was appointed personally responsible for the construction. For the creation of the nuclear submarine of project 941 A.I. Makarenko and KSP assembler A.T. Maksimov was awarded the title of Hero of Socialist Labor. Responsible deliverer A.S. Belopolsky was awarded the Lenin Prize, N.G. Orlov, V.A. Borodin, L.A. Samoilov, S.V. Pantyushin, A.A. Fishev - State Prize. 1219 employees of the enterprise were awarded orders and medals. Among those who distinguished themselves were shop managers G.A. Pravilov, A.P. Monogarov, A.M. Budnichenko, V.V. Skaloban, V.M. Rozhkov, chief specialists M.I. Shepurev, F.N. Shusharin, A.V. Rynkovich.

The ship adopted the first domestic solid-fuel missile system D-19. The lead cruiser of the series, which later received the name Dmitry Donskoy, carried out a large number of missile launches. “The program for extended testing of missile weapons was more than intense,” recalls the former commander of the warhead-5, captain 1st rank V.V. Kiseev. The tests took place not only in the White Sea, but also in the North Pole region. During the period of missile firing there were no failures in the equipment "Everything was very reliable."

After ten years of operation, the world's largest nuclear submarine was raised to the slipway for mid-term repairs. This was a difficult task in terms of ensuring radiation and fire safety, since nuclear submarines had not been repaired at the Sevmash workshops before. After average repairs and replacement of a number of complexes in May 2002, “Dmitry Donskoy” was taken out of the workshop. This date is considered the second birth of the ship. The slipway work and the removal of the ship were supervised by the deputy head of the workshop M.A. Abizhanov, and by the actions of the delivery team on the ship - mechanic G.A. Laptev. “The factory sea trials and state tests of various weapons systems are now successfully passing. The Dmitry Donskoy is unique in terms of maneuverability and controllability,” says the submarine commander, Captain 1st Rank A.Yu. Romanov, proudly. “This order has amazing combat capabilities. This is the most the fastest of all the ships in the series, exceeding the previous speed record of Project 941 by two knots. The successful testing of the ship is largely due to the responsible commissioner E.V. Slobodyan, his deputies A.V. Larinsky and V.A. Semushin and, naturally, the crew of the nuclear submarine, "specialists in their field, commander of the combat electromechanical unit, captain II rank A.V. Prokopenko, commander of the navigator combat unit, captain-lieutenant V.V. Sankov, commander of the combat communications unit, captain III rank A.R. Shuvalov and many others."

A ship, like a person, has its own destiny. This cruiser proudly bears the name of the great Russian warrior, Prince of Moscow and Vladimir Dmitry Donskoy. As the submariners themselves say, their ship is reliable and happy. “Now the fate of this nuclear-powered submarine is clear,” says S.N. Kovalev. “This submarine will for a long time be the most powerful ship of the Navy. Today is a good reason to congratulate all the designers who designed this boat, Sevmash, who built it , many other enterprises that participated in its creation, and, naturally, the Navy on the anniversary of this wonderful ship."

Current status

As of 2007, one Project 941 ship (TK-202) was scrapped. TK-12 "Simbirsk" and TK-13 have been withdrawn from the Russian fleet and are being scrapped.
Due to a chronic lack of funding, in the 1990s it was planned to decommission all units, however, with the advent of financial opportunities and a revision of the military doctrine, the remaining ships (TK-17 Arkhangelsk and TK-20 Severstal) underwent maintenance repairs in 1999-2002. TK-208 "Dmitry Donskoy" underwent major repairs and modernization under Project 941UM in 1990-2002 and since December 2003 has been used as part of the testing program for the latest Russian SLBM "Bulava". When testing the Bulava, it was decided to abandon the previously used test procedure:
throws from a submersible stand in Balaklava,
throws from a specially converted experimental submarine,
at the next stage - a series of launches from a ground stand,
Only after successful launches from a ground stand was the missile allowed to undergo flight testing from a submarine, its standard carrier.

For throw and launch tests, the modernized TK-208 “Dmitry Donskoy” was used. General designer S. N. Kovalev explains the decision as follows:
Today we no longer have Balaclava. An experimental submarine is expensive to build. The ground stand near Severodvinsk is not in the best condition. And it must be adapted and rebuilt for the new missile system. Therefore, at our instigation, a rather bold - from the point of view of the designers - justified decision was made: all tests of the Bulava ballistic missile (BM) were to be carried out from the converted lead submarine of Project 941U Typhoon.

The 18th Submarine Division, which included all the Sharks, was reduced. As of February 2008, it included the TK-17 Arkhangelsk (last combat duty - from October 2004 to January 2005) and the TK-20 Severstal, which were in reserve after the working life of the “main caliber” missiles had expired. "(last combat duty - 2002), as well as the TK-208 Dmitry Donskoy, converted for test purposes. TK-17 "Arkhangelsk" and TK-20 "Severstal" were awaiting a decision on disposal or re-equipment with new SLBMs for more than three years, until in August 2007, the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Admiral of the Fleet V.V. Masorin, announced that until 2015 it is planned to modernize the Akula nuclear submarine for the Bulava-M missile system.

On May 7, 2010, Commander-in-Chief of the Navy Vladimir Vysotsky announced that two nuclear submarines of the Akula class would remain in the Russian Navy until 2019 in combat condition. At the same time, a decision has not yet been made on the fate of the submarines; in particular, the issue of the timing of possible modernization has not been resolved. However, the modernization capabilities of submarines of this type are very large, Vysotsky noted.

Heavy strategic missile submarines of Project 941 "Akula" (SSBN "Typhoon" according to NATO codification) are a series of Soviet and Russian submarines, the world's largest nuclear submarines (and submarines in general).

Project 941 Akula submarines - video

The tactical and technical specifications for the design were issued in December 1972, and S. N. Kovalev was appointed chief designer of the project. The new type of submarine cruiser was positioned as a response to the US construction of Ohio-class SSBNs (the first boats of both projects were laid down almost simultaneously in 1976). The dimensions of the new ship were determined by the dimensions of the new solid-fuel three-stage intercontinental ballistic missiles R-39 (RSM-52), with which it was planned to arm the boat. Compared to the Trident-I missiles, which were equipped with the American Ohio, the R-39 missile had better flight range characteristics, throw weight and had 10 blocks versus 8 for the Trident. However, the R-39 turned out to be almost twice as long and three times as heavy as its American counterpart. The standard SSBN layout was not suitable for accommodating such large missiles. On December 19, 1973, the government decided to begin work on the design and construction of a new generation of strategic missile carriers.

The first boat of this type, TK-208 (which means “heavy cruiser”), was laid down at the Sevmash enterprise in June 1976, launched on September 23, 1980. Before the descent, an image of a shark was painted on the side of the submarine in the bow below the waterline; later, stripes with a shark appeared on the crew’s uniform. Despite the later launch of the project, the lead cruiser entered sea trials a month earlier than the American Ohio (July 4, 1981). TK-208 entered service on December 12, 1981. In total, from 1981 to 1989, 6 Akula-type boats were launched and put into operation. The planned seventh ship was never laid down; Hull structures were prepared for it.

The construction of “9-story” submarines provided orders for more than 1000 enterprises of the Soviet Union. At Sevmash alone, 1,219 people who participated in the creation of this unique ship received government awards. For the first time, Leonid Brezhnev announced the creation of the “Shark” series at the XXVI Congress of the CPSU.

To ensure reloading of missiles and torpedoes, in 1986 the diesel-electric transport-missile carrier “Alexander Brykin” of Project 11570 was built with a total displacement of 16,000 tons; it could carry up to 16 SLBMs.

In 1987, the TK-12 "Simbirsk" carried out a long high-latitude voyage to the Arctic with repeated replacement of crews.

On September 27, 1991, during a training launch in the White Sea on the TK-17 Arkhangelsk, a training rocket exploded and burned out in the silo. The explosion tore off the cover of the mine, and the warhead of the rocket was thrown into the sea. The crew was not injured during the incident; the boat was forced to undergo minor repairs.

In 1998, tests were carried out in the Northern Fleet, during which 20 R-39 missiles were launched “simultaneously”.

Design of Project 941 Akula submarines

The power plant is made in the form of two independent echelons located in different durable buildings. The reactors are equipped with an automatic shutdown system in case of loss of power supply and pulse equipment for monitoring the condition of the reactors. When designing, the TTZ included a clause on the need to ensure a safe radius; for this purpose, methods for calculating the dynamic strength of complex hull components (fastening modules, pop-up cameras and containers, inter-hull connections) were developed and tested by experiments in experimental compartments.

To build the Sharks, a new workshop No. 55 was specially built at Sevmash - the largest indoor boathouse in the world. The ships have a large reserve of buoyancy - more than 40%. When submerged, exactly half of the displacement is accounted for by ballast water, for which the boats received the unofficial name “water carrier” in the navy, and in the competing design bureau “Malachite” - “a victory of technology over common sense.” One of the reasons for this decision was the requirement for the developers to ensure the smallest draft of the ship to be able to use existing piers and repair bases. Also, it is the large reserve of buoyancy, coupled with a durable deckhouse, that allows the boat to break through ice up to 2.5 meters thick, which for the first time made it possible to conduct combat duty in high latitudes right up to the North Pole.

Frame

A special feature of the boat’s design is the presence of five habitable durable hulls inside the light hull. Two of them are the main ones, have a maximum diameter of 10 m and are located parallel to each other, according to the principle of a catamaran. At the front of the ship, between the main pressure hulls, are missile silos, which were first placed forward of the wheelhouse. In addition, there are three separate pressurized compartments: a torpedo compartment, a control module compartment with a central control post, and an aft mechanical compartment. The removal and placement of three compartments into the space between the main hulls made it possible to increase the fire safety and survivability of the boat.

Both main strong hulls are connected to each other by three transitions through intermediate strong capsule compartments: in the bow, in the center and in the stern. The total number of waterproof compartments of the boat is 19. Two pop-up rescue chambers, designed for the entire crew, are located at the base of the wheelhouse under the retractable device fence.

The durable hulls are made of titanium alloys, the lightweight ones are made of steel, covered with a non-resonant anti-location and sound-proofing rubber coating with a total weight of 800 tons. According to American experts, the strong hulls of the boat are also equipped with sound-proofing coatings. The ship received a developed cruciform stern tail with horizontal rudders located directly behind the propellers. The front horizontal rudders are retractable.

In order for the boats to be able to carry out duty in high latitudes, the wheelhouse fencing is made very strong, capable of breaking through ice 2-2.5 m thick (in winter, the thickness of the ice in the Arctic Ocean varies from 1.2 to 2 m, and in some places reaches 2.5 m). The bottom surface of the ice is covered with growths in the form of icicles or stalactites of considerable size. When surfacing, the underwater cruiser, having removed the bow rudders, is slowly pressed against the ice ceiling with a specially adapted bow and wheelhouse fencing, after which the main ballast tanks are sharply purged.

Power point

The main nuclear power plant is designed according to the block principle and includes two water-cooled thermal neutron reactors OK-650 with a thermal power of 190 MW each and a shaft power of 2 × 50,000 liters. pp., as well as two steam turbine units, located one each in both durable hulls, which significantly increases the survivability of the boat. The use of a two-stage rubber-cord pneumatic shock absorption system and a block arrangement of mechanisms and equipment made it possible to significantly improve the vibration isolation of the units and, thereby, reduce the noise of the boat.

Two low-speed, low-noise, seven-bladed fixed-pitch propellers are used as propulsors. To reduce noise levels, the propellers are installed in ring fairings (fenestrons). The boat has backup propulsion means - two 190 kW DC electric motors. For maneuvering in cramped conditions, there is a thruster in the form of two folding columns with 750 kW electric motors and rotary propellers. Thrusters are located in the bow and stern of the ship.

Habitability

The crew is accommodated in conditions of increased comfort. The boat has a lounge for relaxation, a gym, a swimming pool measuring 4x2 m and a depth of 2 m, filled with fresh or salt sea water with the possibility of heating, a solarium, a sauna lined with oak boards, and a “living corner”. The rank and file are accommodated in small cockpits, the command personnel are accommodated in two- and four-berth cabins with washbasins, televisions and air conditioning. There are two wardrooms: one for officers, the other for midshipmen and sailors. Sailors call Akula-class submarines “the floating Hilton.”

Regeneration of the environment

In 1984, for participation in the creation of TRPKSN pr. 941 "Typhoon", the FSUE "Special Design and Technological Bureau for Electrochemistry with a Pilot Plant" (until 1969 - the Moscow Electrolysis Plant) was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor.

Armament of Project 941 Akula submarines

The main armament is the D-19 missile system with 20 three-stage solid-propellant ballistic missiles R-39 "Variant". These missiles have the largest launch mass (together with the launch container - 90 tons) and length (17.1 m) of the SLBMs put into service. The combat range of the missiles is 8300 km, the warhead is multiplex: 10 warheads with individual guidance of 100 kilotons of TNT each.

Due to the large dimensions of the R-39, the Akula project boats were the only carriers of these missiles. The design of the D-19 missile system was tested on the BS-153 diesel submarine, specially converted according to Project 619, which was based in Sevastopol, but it could only accommodate one silo for the R-39 and was limited to seven launches of dummy models. The entire ammunition load of the Akula missiles can be launched in one salvo with a short interval between the launch of individual missiles.

Launch is possible both from surface and submerged positions at depths of up to 55 m and without restrictions on weather conditions. Thanks to the ARSS shock-absorbing rocket launch system, the rocket is launched from a dry shaft using a powder pressure accumulator, which reduces the interval between launches and the level of pre-launch noise. One of the features of the complex is that with the help of ARSS, the missiles are suspended at the neck of the silo. The design included the deployment of an ammunition load of 24 missiles, but, by the decision of the Commander-in-Chief of the USSR Navy, Admiral S.G. Gorshkov, their number was reduced to 20.

In 1986, a government decree was adopted on the development of an improved version of the missile - the R-39UTTKh "Bark". The new modification planned to increase the firing range to 10,000 km and implement a system for passing through ice. The rearmament of the missile carriers was planned to be carried out until 2003 - the expiration date of the warranty life of the produced R-39 missiles. In 1998, after the third unsuccessful launch, the Ministry of Defense decided to stop work on the 73% complete complex. The Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering, the developer of the “land” Topol-M ICBM, was assigned to develop another solid-fuel SLBM “Bulava”.

In addition to strategic weapons, the boat is equipped with 6 torpedo tubes of 533 mm caliber, intended for firing torpedoes and missile-torpedoes, as well as for laying minefields.

Air defense is provided by eight sets of Igla-1 MANPADS.

Missile carriers of the Akula project are equipped with the following electronic weapons:

combat information and control system "Omnibus";
analog hydroacoustic complex "Skat-KS" (digital "Skat-3" was installed on the TK-208 during mid-repair);
sonar mine detection station MG-519 “Harp”;
echometer MG-518 “Sever”;
radar complex MRKP-58 “Buran”;
navigation complex "Symphony";
radio communication complex "Molniya-L1" with satellite communication system "Tsunami";
television complex MTK-100;
two pop-up buoy-type antennas that allow receiving radio messages, target designations and satellite navigation signals when located at a depth of up to 150 m and under ice.

Representatives

The first boat of this type, TK-208, was laid down at the Sevmash enterprise in June 1976 and entered service in December 1981, almost simultaneously with the similar Ohio-class SSBN of the US Navy. Initially, it was planned to build 7 boats of this project, but according to the SALT-1 agreement, the series was limited to six ships (the seventh ship of the series, TK-210, was dismantled on the slipway).

All 6 built TRPKSN were based in the Northern Fleet in Western Litsa (Nerpichya Bay) 45 km from the border with Norway, these are: TK-208 “Dmitry Donskoy”; TK-202; TK-12 "Simbirsk"; TK-13; TK-17 "Arkhangelsk"; TK-20 "Severstal".

Disposal

In accordance with the SALT-2 strategic arms limitation treaty, and also due to the lack of funds to maintain boats in combat-ready condition (for one heavy cruiser - 300 million rubles per year, for 667BDRM - 180 million rubles) and in connection with the cessation of production of R missiles -39, which are the main armament of the Sharks, it was decided to scrap three of the six built ships of the project, and the seventh ship, TK-210, not to be completed at all. One of the options for the peaceful use of these giant submarines was considered to be their conversion into underwater transports for supplying Norilsk or into tankers, but these projects were not implemented.

The cost of dismantling one cruiser was about $10 million, of which $2 million was allocated from the Russian budget, the rest was funds provided by the United States and Canada.

Current status

As of 2013, out of 6 ships built under the USSR, 3 ships of Project 941 have been scrapped, 2 ships are in reserve, 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".

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.

In March 2012, information appeared from sources of the Russian Ministry of Defense that the Project 941 Akula strategic nuclear submarines would not be modernized for financial reasons. According to the source, the deep modernization of one Akula is comparable in cost to the construction of two new Project 955 Borei submarines. The submarine cruisers TK-17 Arkhangelsk and TK-20 Severstal will not be modernized in light of the recently adopted decision; the TK-208 Dmitry Donskoy will continue to be used as a test platform for weapons systems and sonar systems until 2019.

Performance characteristics of Project 941 Akula submarines

Speed (surface)…………..12 knots
Speed (underwater)…………..25 knots (46.3 km/h)
Working depth of immersion…………..400 m
Maximum immersion depth…………..500 m
Navigation autonomy…………..180 days (6 months)
Crew…………..160 people (including 52 officers)

Overall dimensions of Project 941 “Shark” boats
Surface displacement…………..23 200 t
Underwater displacement…………..48,000 t
Maximum length (according to the water line)…………..172.8 m
Hull width max……………23.3 m
Average draft (according to waterline)…………..11.2 m

Power point
2 pressurized water nuclear reactors OK-650VV, 190 MW each.
2 turbines 45000-50000 hp each. each
2 propeller shafts with 7-bladed propellers with a diameter of 5.55 m
4 steam turbine nuclear power plants of 3.2 MW each
Reserve:
2 diesel generators ASDG-800 (kW)
Lead-acid battery, product 144

Armament
Torpedo and mine weapons…………..6 TA 533 mm caliber;
22 torpedoes: 53-65K, SET-65, SAET-60M, USET-80. Rocket torpedoes "Waterfall" or "Shkval"
Missile weapons…………..20 SLBM R-39 (RSM-52) or R-30 Bulava (Project 941UM)
Air defense…………..8 MANPADS “Igla”