The Victor class is the general NATO classification for a type of nuclear-powered submarine that was originally put into service by the Soviet Union around 1967. In the USSR, they were produced under Project 671. Victor-class subs featured a teardrop shape, which allowed them to travel at high speed. These vessels were primarily designed to protect Soviet surface fleets and to attack American ballistic missile subs, should the need ever arise.

The Soviet Union discovered through its spy network that Americans could easily track Victor II-class subs (one of the sub-classifications listed below) and subsequently halted production of that type to design the Victor III class.

Three versions of Victor-class subs existed:

• Victor I was the initial type that entered service in 1967; 16 were produced. Each had 6 tubes for launching Type 53 torpedoes and SS-N-15 cruise missiles, and mines could also be released. Subs had a capacity of 24 tube-launched weapons or 48 mines (a combination would require less of each).
• Victor II entered service in 1972; 7 or more were produced under Project 671RT. These were originally designated Uniform class by NATO. Similar armament to Victor I.
• Victor III entered service in 1979; 25 or 26 were produced under Project 671RTM. Quieter, these had 2 tubes for launching SS-N-21 or SS-N-15 missiles and Type 53 torpedoes, plus another 4 tubes for launching SS-N-16 missiles and Type 65 torpedoes . 24 tube-launched weapons or 36 mines could be on-board.

General characteristics

• Length: 93 to 102 meters (303 to 335 feet)
• Beam: 10 m (33 ft)
• Draft: 7 m (24 ft)
• Displacement: 6,085 tons to 6,990 tons
• Propulsion:
  • 2 pressurized-water reactors
  • 1 propeller
• Crew: about 100
• Armament:
  • 6 torpedo tubes
  • cruise missiles
  • mines
• Speed: 56 km/h (32 knots/35 mph)
• Commissioned: November 5, 1967

References

• National Geographic: Victor class accessed March 14, 2004.
• NATO Code Names for Submarines and Ships accessed March 14, 2004.