Kilo Vs Akula Sonar

[Avio]

The Kilo sub sonar seems to be very good at picking up sonar signal even from a far off distance, compared to the Akula.

Is that correc, both in the sim as well as real-life? (Assuming both moving at 5 knots)?

I am playing with the RA Mod latest version 1.47.

[p7p8]

You mean active sonar?

Database from RA 1.47

Kilo / Kilo improved MF active
max speed 15; sensitive -19; range 36,575 km

Akula I / I Imp MF active
max speed 18; sensitive -20; range 45,719 km

Akula II / III MF active
max speed 20; sensitive -20; range 45,719 km

[Avio]

Actually I meant the passive sonar. Is it better at picking up faint signal from further away compared to that of the Akula's passive sonar?

By the way, where can I find the RA database info that you've listed? Also, what do the -19 and -20 mean?

Thanks.

[p7p8]

Originally Posted by Avio

Also, what do the -19 and -20 mean?

its sensitiveness of sensor ("-" because it reduces background noise)

It means: -10 is less sensitive than -15

Originally Posted by Avio

Actually I meant the passive sonar

Hmm but Kilo haven't TA sonar. Instead TA kilo have Low Frequency cylindical sonar with range from 45 Hz to 800 Hz

Akula for LF use only TA sonar.
Bow sonar for Akula have range from 800 Hz to 2000 Hz

It means Kilo bow sonar can show you 1st 2nd 3rd lines of acoustic signature
but Akula bow sonar only 4th and 5th

[Avio]

May I know what is the Akula's Tow Array frequency range? Is it better (lower) than the bow array of the Kilo?

[p7p8]

LOW FREQUENCY

Akula I / I imp Towed Array
max speed 12; sensitive -8; range 120,380 km frequency 0-1200 Hz

Akula II Towed Array
max speed 20; sensitive -8; range 120,380 km frequency 0-1200 Hz

Akula III Towed Array
max speed 21; sensitive -10; range 120,380 km frequency 0-1200 Hz

Kilo LF passive bow sonar
max speed 9; sensitive -3; range 120,380 km frequency 45-800 Hz


MEDIUM FREQUENCY

Kilo MF passive bow sonar
max speed 15; sensitive -11; range 50,000 km frequency 800-2000 Hz

Akula I / Imp / II passive bow sonar
max speed 17; sensitive -12; range 50,000 km frequency 800-2000 Hz

Akula III passive bow sonar
max speed 21; sensitive -13; range 52,000 km frequency 800-2000 Hz


Kilo have 2 bow sonars: medium and low frequency

sensitive means Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR)
max speed means minimum sensitiveness
maximum sensitivenes is at 75% of maximum speed

[Avio]

Thank you for the info.

In terms of avoiding detection, is the Kilo better at stealth than the Akula?

[ikalugin]

Originally Posted by p7p8

its sensitiveness of sensor ("-" because it reduces background noise)

It means: -10 is less sensitive than -15


Hmm but Kilo haven't TA sonar. Instead TA kilo have Low Frequency cylindical sonar with range from 45 Hz to 800 Hz

Akula for LF use only TA sonar.
Bow sonar for Akula have range from 800 Hz to 2000 Hz

It means Kilo bow sonar can show you 1st 2nd 3rd lines of acoustic signature
but Akula bow sonar only 4th and 5th

There is an export towed sonar marketed for Improved Kilos, but none were sold I think.

[p7p8]

You mean Lada class ot TA from Lada class?

[FPSchazly]

Originally Posted by Avio

Thank you for the info.

In terms of avoiding detection, is the Kilo better at stealth than the Akula?

At low speeds (less than around 6 or 7 knots), yes. Above that, Akula is quieter. This is for RA by the way. Not sure if this applies to stock or lwami.

[p7p8]

Originally Posted by FPSchazly

This is for RA by the way. Not sure if this applies to stock or lwami.

In vanilla and Lwami nuklear submarines are louder than conventional at low speed and quieter at high speed - exactly the same like in RA mod