The Oscar class and Kursk disaster
 

Just finished writing this new article regarding the project 949 series (NATO Oscar class) submarines.

I focus on the details of the boats their weapons, sensors and power plant, I also detail the current list of boats and their status and bring you a couple of images not really seen in the west.

I also write about the tragic loss of the Kursk which sank in August 2000.

Inside the article I have finally been able to put together the pictures from inside the Kursk after she was raised.
A source had given these images to me some time ago and I had just saved them but now you can see inside the submarine after she was raised.

Check it out and let me know what you think

https://www.navygeneralboard.com/articles/

Extensive research was done before writing this, obviously, and both knowledge and enthusiasm for the matter is on display. Plenty of photographic material. Reading it was time well spend. Unfortunately I cannot comment much on the content because I am not familiar with the matter. Nevertheless, thanks! Interesting to learn this overview about the whole story.

I remember a two-part series on H2(I think it was) Remember it was a detective job going through the evidence towards the incident that happened on Kursk.

Markus

A great read Blair :up:

I agree, very interesting and well written. Thanks for the story :up:

very interesting read.

There were always rumours that the Kursk may have had a collision with a U.S. sub and that this may have contributed to the accident. Has anyone ever looked into that aspect?

Indeed they have, the USS Memphis pulled into Norway 3 days after the explosion which initially lead to the speculation of a collision but lack of damage also showed no involvement Memphis went under way again not long after making port.

According to US Sources it was to drop of tapes that they had recorded of the incident so they could be taken back to the US to be analyzed.

We do know the US did inform the Russians that both their submarines (Memphis and Toledo) were in the area at that time and were not involved, There was also a British submarine HMS Splendid in the area and she came back un damaged.

To be honest I Don't think the collision theory has much weight behind it, mainly because you have a 19,000ton SSGN going against a 6,000ton SSN the damage to the SSN would have been severe as we had seen in previous collisions.

Being double hulled the Kursk would likely have suffered a big dent but nothing major enough to cause what happened, this view is supported by the Russian admirals and government.

The other theory that a western torpedo was fired at Kursk I also find ridiculous simply because the amount of ASW assets in the area and other submarines and ships any firing from a western boat would have immediately been responded too by force.

The conspiracy theory points to a circular shape on the casing as the entry point for a MK48 ADCAP, I am pretty sure it was actually caused by the wire cutter they used to remove the bow during lifting operations.
Besides Kursk and her sisters are designed in such a way to take at least one direct hit.
The lack of fire damage aft of compartment 3 plus the wreckage we see of the bow is peeled outwards the explosion is almost certainly internal.
On top of that had a torpedo impacted the Kursk from the outside 2 mins and 15 seconds it a long time too cook off weapons, and had the torpedo got inside there would have been substantial flooding enough to keep the weapons at least reasonably cool and prevent flash over, in Any case likely a survivable event.

Thanks for the reviews guys it is much appreciated :Kaleun_Salute:

I held off commenting until I had read and re-read the material. As usual, your article reflects extensive research, as Skybird had said. I will read through these articles again as time permits as they are full of good information and concisely written. Great read, Blair. :Kaleun_Thumbs_Up:
If you are looking for subject material, might I suggest reviews on the PLA of China and their navy. Specifically, How closely their designs replicate those of the Russian vessels that the PLA purchased and any improvements, refinements and deviations from the original design specifications. This would include armament, armor and power plants and specs.

China has a track record for stealing, borrowing and leasing anything that could have military applications, reverse engineering them and finally, mass producing them. The Chinese J-31 is an example of replicating the U.S F-35 without the fan mounted behind the pilot enabling vertical flight.

With regards to the Kursk, I was under the impression the explosion on Kursk was related to a buildup of Hydrogen gas from onboard battery issues. Forensic evidence showed the explosion was internal, not from an external torpedo hit or collision.


Great work, Blair.

Ditto, great read. I want to figure out a way to go visit the HMCS Sackville. As far as I can tell, that trip would be expensive!

I have thought about working on the Chinese ships and submarines for articles, I did do one on the Han class which wasn't the best I must admit.
There are two issues I face with this and it will take some time to work on naturally, firstly China keeps a lot of its history and technical details well concealed.
Secondly H I Sutton does a good job on Chinese tech so I have to find my own format and research material as I don't want to plagiarize his material, he also has better contacts that end than me too.

But i certainly can do some digging and get something going.

Thanks appreciate it, the Sackville is also on my list I have been to Halifax many times just never got the time to get onboard her.

Best option I can offer is fly, to Halifax the real issue is public transport like a lot of Canada there isn't much about outside the main 3 provinces.