Good article about upcomming Zircon AShM

[ikalugin]

http://vpk-news.ru/articles/29966
You can read it there in Russian.
In short it provides the time line with some facts about the missile itself The time line is as following:

2011 - initial desighn and preparatory work for production.
2012 - subassemblies desighn completed, first flight tests.
2013&2014 - the program continues flight testing.
2015 - first flight tests out of a ground launcher, the contract for the VLS adaptation is announced.
2017 - in March the adapted VLS units are to be transfered to the refit of Kirov class cruiser.
2018 - program is to be completed.

As a reminder - Zircon is a hypersonic (~5M sustained speed class) AShM, desighned for air and VLS launch. It appears that all UKSK patern VLSs are being adapted for Zircon usage. The UKSK patern VLSs can be found on:
- Buyan-M class Small Missile Ship (pr.21631, 8 cells per ship)
- Karakut class Small Missile Ship (pr.22800, 8 cells per ship)
- Gremuyashy class Corvette (pr.20385, 8 cells per ship)
- Grigorovich class Guard Ship (pr.11356, 8 cells per ship)
- Gorshov class Frigade (pr.22350, 16 cells per ship)
- Kirov class refit (pr.11442M, 80 cells per ship)
- Yasen class SSGN (pr.885, 24-32 cells per ship, exact number debated)
- Oscal class SSGN (pr.949AM, 48-72-96 cells per ship, exact numbers debated)

[ikalugin]

http://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/4185331
TASS source claims that Zircon reached 8M during a test flight and confirms that it could be used out of the UKSK patern VLS.

[Kapitan]

So the they are planning to retrofit the Yasen to carry VLS with this missile much like the 688i and Virginia might be a cheaper option all round and get rid of the more expensive Oscar II in the medium future.

However current plans for yasen extends to just 12 boats to be some what effective i would assume the build plan would be extended to at least 24

[ikalugin]

Zircon is being adapted to UKSK patern VLS, this means that current UKSK platforms would be capable of using it with minor modifications.

I have listed those platforms above, in the OP.

Oscar-IIs are probably all going to be refitted to Oscar-III standard. The reason is simple - there are delays in Yasen program and Oscar-III bring new quality through quantity (72 VLS cells is no joke). Current narrative is that after Yasens we would begin construction of a new SSN class - Husky. One of the possible Husky laouts:

 

[Kapitan]

Indeed but doesnt answer a question do you think they should increase the build numbers of yasen from 12 to 24 or more?

[ikalugin]

Originally Posted by Kapitan

Indeed but doesnt answer a question do you think they should increase the build numbers of yasen from 12 to 24 or more?

We would love more Yasens but it may not be feasable as we desire to maintain a 24 strong force and Yasens are big/expensive. Husky is marketed as the light component of the hi-low mix with Yasen.