Overview

Project 971 Shchuka-B (Akula-class submarine in NATO code), is a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) first deployed by the Soviet Navy in 1986. The true name of the class is the Bars-class, as Akula (Russian word for “Shark”) is the Soviet designation of ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) designated by NATO as the Typhoon class submarine.

There are 3 classes of Akula, consisting of the original seven Akula I submarines built between 1982 and 1986, five Improved Akula submarines built between 1986 and 1991, and four Akula II submarines built from 1991. This information is disputed, however, as the distinction between the Improved Akula and the Akula II class is debated by authoritative sources.

Akula incorporates a double hull system that increases the reserve buoyancy of the ship by almost three times. It is the quietest Russian nuclear attack submarine; the noise radiated by the Akula-II class is comparable to that of early versions of the American Los Angeles class .

All Akulas are armed with four 533 mm torpedo tubes which can use Type 53 torpedoes or the SS-N-15 Starfish missile, and four 650 mm torpedo tubes which can use Type 65 torpedoes or the SS-N-16 Stallion missile. These torpedo tubes are arranged in two rows of four tubes each. Improved Akulas and Akula IIs have an additional six 533 mm torpedo tubes mounted externally, however it is unclear whether these are fully functional external tubes, or if they are only capable of launching Mines and decoys. The external tubes are mounted outside the pressure hull in one row, above the 'Normal' Torpedo tubes, and can only be reloaded in port or with the assistance of a submarine tender. The 650 mm tubes can be fitted with liners to use the 533 mm weaponry. The submarine is also able to use its torpedo tubes to launch mines.

Current status

Information on the status of the Akula Class submarines is sketchy at best. Information provided by several internet sites varies widely.

Akula-I submarines

Of the seven original Akula-I submarines, only three are known to still be in service. The lead boat of the class, K-284 'Puma' was decommissioned in 1995, apparently to help save money in the cash-strapped Russian Navy. Three others, K-322 'Kashlot', K-480 'Bars', and K-317 'Pantera' are all thought to be in reserve.

Akula-I Improved submarines

The five Akulas of this class are all thought to be in service. There is some debate about the hull number of the 5th submarine. Some sources report it as K-267, while others say K-295. Most however agree on the name 'Drakon'. Sources also disagree as to whether construction of this class has been suspended, or if there are a further two units planned.

Akula-II submarines

The Akula-II 'Vepr' is the only Akula-II known to be in service at present. The 'Gepard' is thought to be in reserve, along with 'Kugar' and 'Nerpa'. A fifth submarine of unknown name is also thought to have construction suspended. The 'Gepard' is known to have a slightly larger Towed Array Sonar Dispenser than the other submarines of the class.

General characteristics

• Classification:
  • English: Nuclear Powered Attack submarine (SSN)
  • Russian: Podvodnaya Lodka Atomnaya (PLA)

• Displacement:
  • 5,700-7,500 tons surfaced
  • 7,900-9,100 tons submerged
  • 7,900-9,500 tons submerged (Akula-II)

• Maximum speed:
  • 20 knots (37 km/h) surfaced
  • 35 knots (65 km/h) submerged

• Operating Depth:
  • 450 m test depth
  • 550 m never-exceed depth
  • 600-660 m calculated crush depth

• Propulsion:
  • 1 190 MW OK-650B pressurized water nuclear reactor
  • 1 OK-7 steam turbine 43,000 hp (32 MW)
  • 2 OK-2 Turbogenerators producing 2,000 kW
  • 1 seven-bladed propeller
  • 2 retractable electric propulsors for low-speed manuvering at 3 knots (6 km/h)

• Length:

108.0 - 111.7 m (sources vary)

• Beam:

13.5 m

• Draft:

9.6 m

• Armament:
  • four 533 mm torpedo tubes (plus six external 533 mm tubes on Improved Akulas and Akula II’s)
  • four 650 mm torpedo tubes
  • storage space for up to forty torpedoes/mines/missiles etc.
  • one hand-held Surface-to-air missile launcher. (To be used if the sub is forced to remain surfaced)
  • assorted small arms for security. (Locked away when away from port)

• Sonar:
  • MGK-503-M Skat active/passive suite
  • Flank arrays
  • Pelamida towed array
  • MG-70 mine detection sonar

• Countermeasures:
  • Bukhta ESM/ECM
  • MG-74 Korund noise simulation decoys (fired from external tubes)
  • MT-70 Sonar intercept receiver
  • Nikhrom-M Identify Friend or Foe System

• Other systems:
  • Chiblis Surface Search Radar
  • Medvyedista-945 Navigation system
  • Molniya-M Satellite communications
  • MGK-80 Underwater communications
  • Tsunami, Kiparis, Anis, Sintez and Kora Communications antennas
  • Paravan Towed VLF Antenna
  • Vspletsk Combat direction system

• Crew:

25 Officers, 26 Enlisted. (See: Military rank)

• Commissioned: 1985