Speed (knots): 33 (submerged)
Number in class: 2/7+
Users: Russia
Comments: Oscar carries the nickname of “Mango” for her size and firepower. She also is as quiet as Sierra and carries the same sonar system, including a towed array from the tube on top of the rudder, as the Sierra-class boats. With 24 SS-N-19 Shipwreck heavy antiship missiles and a full array of torpedoes, this is the largest and most heavily armed attack submarine in the world. Probably capable of taking one or more torpedo hits and still surviving.
Class name: Fourth generation SSN (Akula follow-on) (Project: ?)
Producer (country/manufacturer): Russia/Severodvinsk
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): ≈ 10,000 (submerged)
Dimensions (ft/m): (unknown)
Armament: Six to eight 650mm and 533mm torpedo tubes with 30+ weapons
Machinery: PWRs with steam turbines driving one 7-bladed screw; ? SHP
Speed (knots): ≈ 30-35 (submerged)
Number in class: ?
Users: Russia
Comments: If the Russians choose to continue SSN production, they will probably base the fourth-generation design on their formidable Akula class. In terms of capability, this boat will probably be the equal of a 688I in terms of quieting, and will have improvements in sonar, computers, and weapons. Should a decision be made to produce it, the first boat will probably be commissioned somewhere in the 2003-2005 time frame.
Typhoon. JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Typhoon-class ballistic missile submarine. OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PHOTO
Class name: Typhoon (Russian: Akula class) (Project 941)
Producer (country/manufacturer): Russia/Severodvinsk
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 18,500/25,000
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 560.9/171 Beam: 78.7/24 Draft: 41/12.5
Armament: Twenty SS-N-20 SLBMs; six 650mm and 533mm torpedo tubes with an estimated 24 weapons
Machinery: Two PWRs with steam turbines driving two shrouded 7-bladed screws; 90,000 SHP
Speed (knots): 25 (submerged)
Number in class: 6
Users: Russian-operated but under CIS control
Comments: The world’s biggest submarine, pure and simple. The Typhoon seems to have been designed as a direct counter to the Ohio-class SSBNs. She carries 20 equally huge SS-N-20 (RSM-52) Sturgeon submarine-launched ballistic missiles. Essentially two Delta IV pressure hulls slapped together, with additional spaces for torpedo tubes and storage and ship control, this monster of the deep is equipped for long-term operations, particularly in the Arctic areas. Because of its double hull and massive bulk, to sink it with just a single heavy torpedo hit would be nearly impossible. The Russians call this beast Akula.
Delta IV. JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Class name: Delta IV (Russian: Del’fin class) (Project 667 BRDM)
Producer (country/manufacturer): Russia/Severodvinsk
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 10,800/13,500
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 537.9/164 Beam: 39.4/12 Draft: 28.5/8.7
Armament: Sixteen SS-N-23 SLBMs; six 650mm and 533mm torpedo tubes with 18 weapons
Machinery: Two PWRs with steam turbines driving two 7-bladed screws; 50,000 SHP
Speed (knots): 24 (submerged)
Number in class: 7
Users: Russian-operated but under CIS control
Comments: A direct descendant of the highly successful Delta III SSBNs, the Delta IV was originally seen as a “just in case” program should the Typhoons not perform as desired. Unveiled in the light of the START II world, this formidable design has been seen for what it is, a very capable and quiet SSBN able to sustain long operations, even in the Arctic regions. Delta IVs carry 16 liquid-fueled SS-N-23 (RSM-54) Skiff submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
Delta III. JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Class name: Delta III (Russian: Kal’mar class) (Project 667 BDR)
Producer (country/manufacturer): Russia/Severodvinsk
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 10,600/13,250
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 510/155.5 Beam: 39.4/12.0 Draft: 28.2/8.6
Armament: Sixteen SS-N-18 SLBMs; six 533mm torpedo tubes with 18 weapons
Machinery: Two PWRs with steam turbines driving two 5-bladed screws; 50,000 SHP
Speed (knots): 24 (submerged)
Number in class: 14
Users: Russian-operated but under CIS control
Comments: First appearing in the mid-1970s, the Delta IIIs were the first Soviet SSBNs to truly rival the American SSBNs in weapons. Specifically, her long-range SS-N-18 (RSM-50) Stingray missiles with multiple reentry vehicles gave her the ability to hit numerous targets in North America from pier side at either Petropavlovsk or Murmansk bases. Delta IIIs will probably be the oldest SSBNs retained by the Russian Navy under START II, and some will probably serve until the beginning of the twenty-first century.
A Russian Navy Delta III-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine,
shortly after completing a transit of the Arctic to join the Russian Pacific Fleet. OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PHOTO
Class name: Fourth-generation SSBN (Delta IV follow-on) (Project: ?)
Producer (country/manufacturer): Russia/Severodvinsk
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): ≈ 13,000-15,000 (submerged)
Dimensions (ft/m): (unknown)
Armament: est. sixteen SS-N-? SLBMs; six 650mm and 533mm torpedo tubes with about 20 weapons
Machinery: PWRs with steam turbines driving two 7-bladed screws; ? SHP
Speed (knots): ≈ 25-30 (submerged)
Number in class: ?
Users: Russia
Comments: Should the Russians choose to build a fourth-generation SSBN, it will probably be based upon the highly successful Delta IV boat. Improvements will probably be limited to further quieting and some refinement to weapons (improved targeting and accuracy), as well as sensors.
Kilo. JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Class name: Kilo (Russian: Varshavyanka class) (Project 877)
Producer (country/manufacturer): Russia/Komsomolsk, Krasnaya Sormova, United Admiralty
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 2,325/3,076
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 243.7/74.3 Beam: 32.8/10 Draft: 21.6/6.6
Armament: Six 533mm torpedo tubes with 18 weapons
Machinery: Diesel-electric drive with one 6-bladed screw; 5,900 SHP
Speed (knots): 17 (submerged)
Number in class: 20+
Users: Russia, Poland, Algeria, Romania, India, Iran
Comments: Currently the only diesel-electric submarine known to be in production in Russia. The Kilo is a medium-sized, inexpensive SSK with excellent quieting and weapons, although the lack of a towed array limits it in the area of sensors. Something of a best-seller, the Kilo has become an important source of hard currency for the struggling Russian sub builders, though newer, more advanced Western designs may intrude on sales.
Tango. JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Class name: Tango (Project 641B)
Producer (country/manufacturer): Russia/Krasnaya Sormova
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 3,100/3,900
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 300.1/91.5 Beam: 29.5/9 Draft: 23/7
Armament: Ten 533mm torpedo tubes with 24 weapons
Machinery: Diesel-electric drive with three 5-bladed screws; 6,000 SHP
Speed (knots): 20 (submerged)
Number in class: 18
Users: Russia
Comments: One of the last big classes of diesel boat to be constructed by the Soviet Union, the Tangos were originally designed to be open ocean SSKs with the primary missions of attacking aircraft carriers and interdicting merchant ships. Extremely quiet and capable, they have excellent range and weapons. A number of the Tangos will continue to serve until the turn of the century.
Class name: Fourth-generation SS (Kilo follow-on) (Project: ?)
Producer (country/manufact
urer): Russia/Severodvinsk
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): ≈ 2,500-3,000 (submerged)
Dimensions (ft/m): (unknown)
Armament: six 533mm torpedo tubes with about 20 weapons
Machinery: Diesel-electric drive with one 7-bladed screw; probable AIP system; ? SHP
Speed (knots): ≈ 25-30 (submerged)
Number in class: ?
Users: Russia and ?
Comments: If Russia chooses to keep building conventionally powered submarines, they will probably base the next design on a prototype boat known as Beluga that has been undergoing testing in the Black Sea. The new design SS may utilize a novel Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system to extend slow-speed submerged endurance, which reduces the time the submarine would have to spend snorkeling. In addition, with a hull form based on the Alfa-class SSNs the fourth-generation SS may be capable of high SSN-like speeds for short periods.
People’s Republic of China
While the Russians ran headlong into the business of building nuclear submarines, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) took a slow, steady pace. Their first SSN, the Han class, is a simple boat with very little of the high technology that would be considered standard on an American or British boat. From the Hans have come the Xia class, the PRC’s first SSBN. It appears that both the Han and the Xia have finished their production runs. With only six first-generation units, the Chinese appear to have mixed feelings about the success of the Han and Xia. Nevertheless, it is likely that within the foreseeable future, the Chinese will begin production of the Han and Xia follow-ons.
Class name: Han
Producer (country/manufacturer): PRC/Huludao
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 4,500 (submerged)
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 295.2/90 Beam: 32.8/10 Draft: ?
Armament: Six 533mm torpedo tubes
Machinery: One PWR with turboelectric drive; one-bladed screw; 15,000 SHP
Speed (knots): 30 (submerged)
Number in class: 5
Users: PRC
Comments: This is the first class of SSN produced by the PRC, and it shows. Rather noisy and limited in its weapons load and sensors, it is still relatively fast and better than nothing. Roughly equal to a Skipjack or Victor I in performance.
Class name: Xia
Producer (country/manufacturer): PRC/Huludao
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 7,000 (submerged)
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 393.6/120 Beam: 32.8/10 Draft: ?
Armament: Twelve CSS-N-3 SLBMs; six 533mm torpedo tubes
Machinery: One PWR with turboelectric drive; one-bladed screw; 15,000 SHP
Speed (knots): 20 (submerged)
Number in class: 1
Users: PRC
Comments: The first class of SSBNs built by the PRC, the Xias are roughly similar to the Soviet Yankee II-class boat in performance and weapons loadout. A derivative of the Han class (the hull and reactor are virtually identical), the Xias give the PRC leadership a minor and somewhat credible FBM capability in their part of the world.
France
The French are somewhat unusual because they chose to develop nuclear submarines to carry ballistic missiles (SSBNs) before they developed nuclear attack submarines (SSNs). This was due to the desire of General Charles de Gaulle in the 1960s to have a nuclear deterrent independent of NATO. Consequently, they developed a force of four SSBNs, the Le Redoubtable class, first, and only recently developed a force of SSNs. Currently they are finishing the construction of the Améthyst-class SSNs, as well as working on a new class of SSBNs, the four units of the Le Triomphant class. In addition, the French maintain a small force of diesel-electric submarines, though the number of these will surely decrease. As for the future, the French plans are not clear beyond the attempts of commercial yards to market conventional versions of the Améthyst-class boats.
Class name: Améthyst
Producer (country/manufacturer): France/DCAN, Cherbourg
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 2,400/2,660
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 241.4/73.6 Beam: 24.9/7.6 Draft: 21/6.4
Armament: Four 533mm torpedo tubes with 14 weapons
Machinery: One PWR with turboelectric drive; one 7-bladed screw; 9,500 SHP
Speed (knots): 28 (submerged)
Number in class: 1 + 2
Users: France
Comments: Basically an improved Rubis with a rounded bow, these boats are superior in both radiated noise and sensors. Currently there are no plans by the French Navy for a larger SSN force, and these will be the last ones built in the foreseeable future.
Améthyst (French). JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Rubis (French). JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Class name: Rubis
Producer (country/manufacturer): France/DCAN, Cherbourg
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 2,385/2,670
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 236.5/72.1 Beam: 24.9/7.6 Draft: 21/6.4
Armament: Four 533mm torpedo tubes with 14 weapons
Machinery: One PWR with turboelectric drive; one 7-bladed screw; 9,500 SHP
Speed (knots): 25 (submerged)
Number in class: 4
Users: France
Comments: The first of the French SSNs, the Rubis class appeared only in the last decade or so. These compact little boats are the smallest SSNs ever built, and this is reflected in the small crew size (8 officers and 57 men) and the weapons loadout (14 weapons). The early units of the class were reported to be relatively noisy, requiring a major refit. All units are currently being brought up to the standard of the Améthyst-class boats.
Class name: Le Triomphant
Producer (country/manufacturer): France/DCAN, Cherbourg
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 12,640/14,120
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 452.6/138 Beam: 41/12.5 Draft: ?
Armament: Sixteen M45 SLBMs; four 533mm torpedo tubes with ? weapons
Machinery: One PWR with steam turbines driving one pumpjet propulsor; 41,500 SHP
Speed (knots): 25+ (submerged)
Number in class: 1 + 3
Users: France
Comments: New generation of French SSBN. Considerable attention paid to quieting measures including main propulsion machinery raft and a pumpjet propulsor. More streamlined hull form over L’Inflexible and earlier SSBNs. Will be equipped with the latest in submarine sonar systems including a large flank array, and new combat system.
L’Inflexible (French). JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Class name: L’Inflexible
Producer (country/manufacturer): France/DCAN, Cherbourg
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 8,080/8,920
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 422.1/128.7 Beam: 34.8/10.6 Draft: 32.8/10
Armament: Sixteen M4 SLBMs; four 533mm torpedo tubes with 12 weapons
Machinery: One PWR with steam turbines driving one 7-bladed screw; 16,000 SHP
Speed (knots): 20 (submerged)
Number in class: 1
Users: France
Comments: Essentially a Le Redoubtable class with some improvements in quieting, hull steel, and sensors.
Le Redoubtable (French). JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Class name: Le Redoubtable
Producer (country/manufacturer): France/DCAN, Cherbourg
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 8,000/9,000
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 419.8/128 Beam: 34.8/10.6 Draft: 32.8/10
Armament: Sixteen M4 SLBMs; four 533mm torpedo tubes with 12 weapons
Machinery: One PWR with steam turbines driving one 7-bladed screw; 16,000 SHP
Speed (knots): 20 (submerged)
Number in class: 4
Users: France
Comments: The first class of SSBNs constructed by the French Navy and, in fact, the first nuclear ship built indigenously in Europe. Le Redoubtable was decommissioned in December 1991; all others in the class undergoing modernization to L’Inflexible standard.
Agosta (Fre
nch). JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Class name: Agosta
Producer (country/manufacturer): France/DCAN, Cherbourg
Displacement (surfaced/submerged): 1,490/1,740
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 221.7/67.6 Beam: 22.3/6.8 Draft: 17.7/5.4
Armament: Four 550mm torpedo tubes with 20 weapons
Machinery: Diesel-electric drive with one 7-bladed screw; 4,600 SHP
Speed (knots): 20 (submerged)
Number in class: 4
Users: France, Pakistan, Spain
Comments: The last general purpose diesel-electric subs built by the French. An excellent design, they are being upgraded to the standards of the Améthyst class.
Dauphné (French). JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD.
Class name: Dauphné
Producer (country/manufacturer): France/DCAN, Cherbourg
Displacement: (surfaced/submerged): 869/1,043
Dimensions (ft/m): Length: 188.9/57.6 Beam: 22.2/6.8 Draft: 17.4/5.3
Armament: Twelve 550mm torpedo tubes with 12 weapons
Machinery: Diesel-electric drive with two 3-bladed screws; 2,000 SHP
Speed (knots): 16 (submerged)
Number in class: 19
Users: France, Pakistan, Portugal, Spain, South Africa
Comments: Older SSK (diesel-electric submarine) design, though quite successful. Extensively upgraded, the class continues in service today.
United Kingdom
Of all the nations that operate submarines, none holds closer institutional and engineering ties to the United States than the United Kingdom. Currently the U.K. sub force is undergoing its own downsizing after several decades of steady growth. Part of this is due to financial constraints, though the entire “V” class of SSNs is being retired rather prematurely because of hydrogen embrittlement of valves and other plumbing fixtures in their propulsion plants. As this book is being written, the British are headed for a force of twelve SSNs (Swiftsure and Trafalgar classes), four SSBNs (the Vanguard class), and four SSKs (diesel-electric submarines) (the Upholder class). Even this force may be whittled down, with the Upholders reportedly being considered for sale to export clients. As to future sub construction, the British would like to build a second batch of Trafalgars powered by the British-built PWR-2 power plant, though only the British Parliament and the Minister of Defence are able to determine whether this will happen.