Good article about upcomming Zircon AShM

[ikalugin]

Ok, let me clarify some bits. Currently Russian Navy has, in terms of nuclear powered non strategic, non special purpose submarines:
- 1 Yasen class (1 operational).
- 8 Oscar series (5 operational, 3 in mid life repair&refit).
- 10 Akula series (3 operational, 2 in short term repairs/maintenance, 5 in mid life repair&refit or awaiting it)
- 4 Sierra series (2 operational, 2 awaiting mid life repair&refit).
- 3 Victor-IV class (1 operational 2 in short term repair/maintenance).

As you can see the total force is 10+8+4+3+1=26 submarines.

The current idea appears to maintain the ~24 strong force and have high/low mix with ~8 SSGNs (Yasens) and ~16 SSNs (Husky class). Husky class would go online after Akulas and Sierras series that went through refit would get close to their usefull lives. The influx of Yasens would compensate for decomissioning Victor-IVs and non refitted Akula/Sierra seires. Loss of the Oscar-III silo capacity would be to some extend compensated by having it on Husky class.

[Kapitan]

Originally Posted by ikalugin

Ok, let me clarify some bits. Currently Russian Navy has, in terms of nuclear powered non strategic, non special purpose submarines:
- 1 Yasen class (1 operational).
- 8 Oscar series (5 operational, 3 in mid life repair&refit).
- 10 Akula series (3 operational, 2 in short term repairs/maintenance, 5 in mid life repair&refit or awaiting it)
- 4 Sierra series (2 operational, 2 awaiting mid life repair&refit).
- 3 Victor-IV class (1 operational 2 in short term repair/maintenance).

As you can see the total force is 10+8+4+3+1=26 submarines.

The current idea appears to maintain the ~24 strong force and have high/low mix with ~8 SSGNs (Yasens) and ~16 SSNs (Husky class). Husky class would go online after Akulas and Sierras series that went through refit would get close to their usefull lives. The influx of Yasens would compensate for decomissioning Victor-IVs and non refitted Akula/Sierra seires. Loss of the Oscar-III silo capacity would be to some extend compensated by having it on Husky class.

Numbers match what i have here, so the intention would be to build multiple classes rather than one class does all like the UK and USA does which is what the Russian's have always done.

But yes this does clarify some things too didnt expect the Akulas to live on so long nor the Victor's

[ikalugin]

Victor-IVs are actually fairly fresh (layed down 1988-1991, completed 1990-1992), as they were constructed in paralel to the true 3rd gen SSNs (ie Akulas).

But I dont think that Victor-IVs would get refits and thus would be dumped with the 3rd gen SSNs that do not get it.

Then we have 12-14 SSBNs, special purpose subs, SSKs and so on.

[ikalugin]

The possible Husky class layout I have linked above has 3*4 missile silos. Compare and contrast with 8*4 silos on Yasen and 24*3 on Oscar-IIIs.

 

http://www.hisutton.com/Husky_SSN.html
pretty interesting resource in english but with the midget sub focus.

[Kapitan]

Originally Posted by ikalugin

Victor-IVs are actually fairly fresh (layed down 1988-1991, completed 1990-1992), as they were constructed in paralel to the true 3rd gen SSNs (ie Akulas).

But I dont think that Victor-IVs would get refits and thus would be dumped with the 3rd gen SSNs that do not get it.

Then we have 12-14 SSBNs, special purpose subs, SSKs and so on.

1980's fresh ? blimey ours are expected (Trafalgar class) between now and 2022 so probably along the same time frame then.

Interesting read too seems almost a throw back to the lira design of project 705

[ikalugin]

Sure, for example currently operational Akula series:
- K-317 Panther (1986-1990)
- K-335 Gepard (1991-2001)
- K-419 Kuzbas (1991-1992)
are fairly compatable in age in terms of layed down date to the Victor-IVs.

Currently operational Delta-IIIs are significantly older:
- K-44 Ryazan (1980-1982)
- K-223 Podolsk (1977-1979)
- K-433 Georgi Pobedonosec (1978-1980)
and they go on patrols, get new weapons, etc.

Delta-IIIs would probably get replaced by the next batch of Boreis.