rickusn

The below from this site which also outlines the rest of the Russian nuclear arsenal:

http://www.thebulletin.org/article_n...ofn=ma06norris

"Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs).

The strategic submarine fleet has shrunk from a Cold War high of 62. Today 12 boats--six Delta IVs and six Delta IIIs--are deployed with two of Russia's four fleets. Of the Delta IVs, the Verkhoturye, Yekaterinburg, and Novomoskovsk are active, and the Tula, Bryansko, and Karelia are undergoing overhauls. Work on the Tula was completed last spring, but by the end of 2005 the boat had not yet returned to service due to a contract dispute. All six are with the Northern Fleet and based in Gadzhiyevo on the Kola Peninsula.

Of the 14 original Delta III subs, six remain: The Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Svyatoy Giorgiy Pobedonosets, Zelenograd, and Podolsk are based at Rybachi on the Kamchatka Peninsula; the Ryazan and Borisoglebsk are based in Gadzhiyevo. The military may be using a seventh nonoperational Delta III, located at Rybachi, as a test platform. Though rumors suggest that Russia might retire the Delta III-class subs during the next few years, this will have to be coordinated with the introduction of new Borey-class SSBNs in order to achieve the planned goal of 208 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) in 2010. On September 30, the navy test-fired an SS-N-18 M1 SLBM from the Svyatoy Giorgiy Pobedonosets.

Two Borey-class subs are under construction at the Severodvinsk shipyard on the Kola Peninsula--both of them behind schedule. The military has pushed back the service entry of the initial boat, the Yuri Dolgoruki, until 2007, according to the new commander-in-chief of the Russian Navy, Adm. Vladimir Masorin. [14] The navy first flight-tested the SLBM that the sub is to carry, the Bulava (NATO designation SS-NX-30; also called RSM-56 in Russia or Bulava-M for morskoy, "naval"), on September 27, 2005, and fired a second test on December 21. The navy launched the missiles from the Dmitri Donskoi, a Typhoon-class submarine that has been modified to be a test platform for the Bulava. The submerged submarine launched the missiles from the White Sea toward a target at the Kura test range in Kamchatka.

Each Borey-class sub will carry 12 Bulava missiles, which Russia provided new details about as part of the July 2005 START data exchange. The three-stage, solid-fuel SLBM is almost 38 feet long and weighs approximately 81,000 pounds at launch--10 feet shorter and 17,000 pounds lighter than the SS-N-23 SLBM. (The U.S. Trident II D5 weighs 127,000 pounds.) It is unclear how many warheads the Bulava will carry (the December 21 flight-test carried only a single reentry vehicle). Media reports have speculated as many as 10, but more reentry vehicles increase weight and limit range. After the completion of flight-testing, Russia will declare the warhead count under START. (When the treaty expires in 2009, Russia and the United States will no longer be required to declare the warhead count for new ballistic missiles.) Meanwhile, inadequate funding for the Bulava program means "there is little chance the missile can be put into service . . . in 2007" as planned, according to Yuri Solomonov, chief missile designer at the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology. [15]

The keel of the second Borey-class sub Alexander Nevsky was laid down at Severodvinsk in March 2004 with delivery scheduled for 2008 at the earliest. A third boat, tentatively named Vladimir Monomakh, is scheduled to begin construction in March 2006 and to be completed in 2012. The Russian Navy would like to acquire three additional Borey SSBNs for a total of six, but if construction continues at the current pace, the final sub would not be ready until 2026--30 years after the keel was laid on the Yuri Dolgoruki. The future fleet, more than likely, will be about the size of the British or the French SSBN fleets, which have four subs each.

The Russian Navy conducted three SSBN deterrent patrols in 2005, two in 2004, two in 2003, and none in 2002--far from the 61 patrols conducted in 1990. The U.S. Navy, in comparison, continues to operate at near-Cold War levels and conducts more than 40 SSBN patrols per year."

TopHatter

How the mighty have fallen....

I am wondering 2 things:

1. How long do Russian boomers stay out on patrol

2. What are the conditions like on the Deltas? The Typhoon's had some very nice creature comforts as I understand it. (something Clancy got totally wrong in Hunt For Red October)

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rickusn

While Im at it a short update of the Russian surface combatants. The below compiled from a variety of sources.:

20 Frigates the first of which has been laid-down to be commissioned over a 20 year period.

These presumably will replace the existing Sovremennyy/Udaloy/Krivak/Neustrashimyy classes.

Distributed five to each fleet with the exception of the Caspian Sea Flotilla comprising among other vessels Gepard and Steregushiy class small frigates

The remaining Krivak class ships will likely pass out of service in the next few years.

The Krivak III ships operated by the Border Guard are not included. These seven ships apparently seldom operate due to the cost involved.

The two remaining Kara class a ships and the reamining Kashin class ship have reportedly been withdrawn from Black Sea fleet service permanently.

The Sovremennyy class ships have severe maintenance issues and rarely go to sea.

The Udaloy class ships are the work horses (but have no area SAM system) along with the Slava class cruisers to some extent. They usually deploy in pairs.

What will replace the Kirov/Slava classes has not been ascertained.

I will present each fleet with class and operational #'s on the left and non-op/reserve on the right.

Most of those that are non-op/reserve will not see service the most notable exception the Northern Fleets Kirov class cruiser Nahkimov.

Northern Ocean Fleet

1 Kirov (1)
1 Slava
1 Sovremennyy (3)
4 Udaloy I (1)
1 Udaloy II
1 Krivak

Baltic Sea Fleet

2 Sovremennyy
1 Neustrashimyy(another Neustrashimy class is said to be completed but I have no particulars on its employment)
2 Krivak

Black Sea Fleet

1 Slava
2 Krivak

Pacific Ocean Fleet

0 Kirov (1)
1 Slava
2 Sovremmennyy (2)
4 Udaloy
1 Krivak

rickusn

Heres a great site on the Russian Navy I just came across. It appears to be right up to date:

http://warfare.ru/?catid=243&linkid=1720

Horrido

Hrmm, a lot has changed in ten years. In 1995, I got photos in Vladivostok of an Udaloy, Kara, Krivak, and a number of other interesting creatures in port and on display for their navy demonstration/celebration. Oddly enough, no Sovremennys, and the Slava was absent, too, which I would have loved to have seen.

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Horrido

Also, are all the Typhoons withdrawn from service, and if so, why? What of the statements of the Typhoon-design basically consisting of two parallel Yankee hulls?

rickusn

Two are non-operational at the moment due more to lack of missles to carry than anything else apparently.

The other is trials ship for the new Bulava missile.

Its difficult to get a good handle on either the Russian or Chinese navy because there is a dearth of info to begin with plus sources often conflict on the info that is.

And in the case of Russia the lack of funds has really slowed down the entry into service of new equipment and platforms .


Heres what the link I posted above states on the Typhhoon SSBNs. My Combat Fleets books concur.:

The design of the Typhoon submarine is multi-hulled and bears resemblance to a catamaran. The submarine has two separate pressure hulls with a diameter of 7.2 m each, five inner habitable hulls and 19 compartments. The pressure hulls are arranged parallel to each other and symmetrical to a centerplane. The missile compartment is arranged in the upper part of the bow between the pressure hulls. Both hulls and all compartments are connected by transitions. The pressure hulls, the centerplane and the torpedo compartment are made of titanium and the outer light hull is made of steel. A protected module, comprising the main control room and electronic equipment compartment, is arranged behind the missile silos above the main hulls in a centerplane under the guard of retractable devices.
The submarine's design includes features to enable it to both travel under ice and for ice-breaking. It has an advanced stern fin with horizontal hydroplane fitted after the screws. The nose horizontal hydroplanes are in the bow section and are retractable into the hull. The retractable systems include two periscopes (one for the commander and one for general use), radio sextant, radar, radio communications, navigation and direction-finder masts. They are housed within the sail guard. The sail and sail guard have a reinforced rounded cover for ice-breaking.


The submarine is equipped with the D-19 launch system with 20 solid-fuel propellant R-39 missiles which have a range of up to 10,000 km. They are arranged in silos in two rows in front of the sail between the main hulls.
Remaining Typhoons will be refitted with newest SS-NX-30 Bulava missile system in 2005-2009.
The Typhoon has an automated torpedo and missile loading system including 6 torpedo tubes with calibres of 650 and 533 mm.
The main machinery consists of two reactors each and two steam turbines of 190 MW that provide a maximum speed of 25-27 knots. Compared to the first and second generation of SSBNs the Typhoon enjoys far greater maneuverability Despite of its larger displacement the Typhoons are less noisy than their predecessors. To reduce the acoustic signature a two-spool system of rubber-cord pneumatic shock-absorption is employed as well as a block layout of gears and equipment, a new sound isolation and andrihydroacoustic coating.


The Typhoons are equipped with the "Slope" hydroacoustic system that consists of four hydroacoustic stations. The "Slope" system allows to track 10-12 vessels simultaneously. It also employs two floating antenna buoys to receive radio messages, target designation data and satellite navigation signals at great depth and under an ice cover.

The Typhoon class of ballistic missile nuclear-powered (SSBN) submarines are the largest submarines ever to be built.



They were constructed at the Severodvinsk Shipyard, on the White Sea near Archangel. The first of the six members of the class to be commissioned was TK 208 in 1981, followed by TK 202 in 1983, TK 12 in 1984, TK 13 in 1985, TK 17 in 1987 and TK 20 in 1989. TK 12 and TK 13 are no longer operational. The submarines are stationed with the Russian Northern Fleet at Litsa Guba. CONSTRUCTION The Typhoon class submarine is of multi-hulled design - five inner hulls are situated inside a superstructure of the two parallel main hulls. The superstructure is coated with sound-absorbent tiles. There are 19 compartments including a strengthened module which houses the main control room and electronic equipment compartment which is above the main hulls behind the missile launch tubes, under the guard for the periscopes etc. The submarine's design includes features to enable it to both travel under ice and for ice-breaking. It has an advanced stern fin with horizontal hydroplane fitted after the screws. The nose horizontal hydroplanes are in the bow section and are retractable into the hull. The retractable systems include two periscopes (one for the commander and one for general use), radio sextant, radar, radio communications, navigation and direction-finder masts. They are housed within the sail guard. The sail and sail guard have a reinforced rounded cover for ice-breaking. Maximum diving depth is 400 m. Speed is 12 knots when surfaced and 25 knots when submerged. Typhoon is capable of spending 120 days at sea. Two releasable escape chambers are located on each side of the sail.
MISSILES The submarine carries 20 RSM-52 intercontinental, three stage solid propellant ballistic missiles. The two rows of missile launch tubes are situated in front of the sail between the main hulls. Each missile consists of 10 independently targetable multiple re-entry vehicles (MIRV's), each with a 100 kiloton nuclear warhead. Guidance is inertial with stellar reference updating. Range is 8,300 km with accuracy (CEP) of 500 m. The missile weighs 84,000 kg at launch. The missile was designed by the Makayev Design Bureau and has the NATO designation of SS-N-20 Sturgeon.
2005: all remaining Typhoons to be refitted with newest Bulava missile system. TK-208 is already refitted and successfully launched new SLBM in Oct 2005.

TORPEDOES Typhoon has four 630 mm torpedo tubes and two 533 mm torpedo tubes with a total of 22 antisubmarine missiles and torpedoes of varying types. The torpedo room is in the upper part of the bow between the hulls. The torpedo tubes can also be used to deploy mines. SONAR The sonar is an active/passive search and attack type with the sonar mounted on the hull under the torpedo room. RADAR The submarine is fitted with I/J band surface target detection radar.
COUNTERMEASURES Countermeaures include ESM (electronic support measures), radar warning system and direction-finding system.
COMMUNICATIONS The submarine has both radio and satellite communications systems. It is fitted with two floating antenna buoys to receive radio signals, target designation data and satellite navigation signals, at depth and under ice cover.
MACHINERY The submarine main machinery consists of two nuclear water reactors and two turbogear assemblies comprising steam turbine and gearbox. One reactor and one turbogear assembly are fitted in each main hull. Each nuclear water reactor produces 190 megawatts. These drive two 50,000 hp steam turbines and four 3,200 kW turbogenerators. Two 800 kW diesel generators serve as standby propulsion units and are coupled to the shaft line. The two propellers are 7-blade, fixed pitch shrouded. The built-in thrusters on the bow and stern are two telescopic turning screw rudders and are powered by a 750 kW motor.

Garry

that was really big submarine...... I actually was very much interested about another project which used a liquid metal as a coolant for the reactor. The project failed but now many remember the technology of this reactor to be used for other applications.

huh_what

I though they were relatively modern vessels. Can you tell me about what kind of problems they're having??

rickusn

Sure can:

" The Project 956 Sovremenny class large destroyers were undermined by their unreliable high-pressure steam boilers and poor servicing; factors which led to 7 of the 17 built from 1980 to 1994 to be stricken. Of the remaining ten ships, only the Bespokoyniy and the Nastoichiviy of the Baltic Fleet and the Besstrashniy of the Northern Fleet are fully operational.[13] The Northern Fleet destroyers Rastoropniy and the Bezuprechniy are derelict at Severniy Wharf in St. Petersburg, while the Bezuprechiy will soon follow, along with the laid-up Gremiashiy of the Northern Fleet.[14] The Bezuderzhniy is also kept in reserve in unsatisfactory condition. In the Pacific Fleet, the Bystriy, Burniy, Bezboyaznniy and the Boyevoy are all in a so-called "limited" condition of fitness, and the first two are the only ones that ever go to sea. "

Found here:

http://www.mdb.cast.ru/mdb/2-2004/rat/sfd/


One of the Baltic fleet ships, Bespokoyniy, entered a shipyard for a presumed ovehaul and is now on the non-operational list. But who knows if she will ever emerge and if so how long it will take.

"620 Bespokoiny DDG Sovremenny 28.12.1991 #190 Severnaya BAL
Laid: 18.04.87. 11.2.1992 entered BAL. Participated in BALTOPS 97, Sovremenny-15. 678 (1992), 620 (1993). 2004: in overhaul at Yantar'. "

Data found here:

http://warfare.ru/?lang=&catid=243&linkid=1720

Sandman

So what was once a surface fleet of 250 major warships, and almost 400 submarines, is today less than 50 operational subs, and even fewer surface warships that can actually get underway, along with a carrier that can only make 18 knots?
I had a relative who was commander of a Knox class frigate, and he noticed that the Soviets spent a lot of time towing their warships around. He thought at the time they were just trying to save fuel and time on the engines, but now I suspect that their naval engineering just sucks. I am guessing they have very unreliable, and very short lived engines and hulls. Glowing north fleet submariners are further proof of this. Perhaps they hadn't learned as the traditional and historic naval powers like the Great Britian and the USN have that the first enemy a navy must deal with is the sea. Was the Sov navy such a paper tiger, built more to impress the Commisars than to actually fight? My relative also said that the Sovs also painted their ships immaculately.

Sandman

What does it generally mean when a ship has been "laid up"? I know inactive, but is it in a state of being quickly recommissioned? Has it been preserved, or just abandoned?

-{SpoonmaN}-

Yeah I saw some footage of a media tour inside a Typhoon, if featured a sauna for the crew.

-{SpoonmaN}-

I guess it's less important for the Federal Navy to be worrying about their boomers than it is for the Army to get a handle on the insurgency in Chechnya and to keep the country stable enough for the economic recovery to get underway. Once that happens, the Russians will probably start thinking about overhauling their Military Forces to better fit their new place in the world. But really they dont have a lot of Maritime interests, so I doubt they'll ever field the huge carrier-killing and submarine supporting fleet they built towards the end of the Cold War, they just dont need it anymore.

rickusn

"What does it generally mean when a ship has been "laid up"? I know inactive, but is it in a state of being quickly recommissioned? Has it been preserved, or just abandoned?"

"abandoned" is the usual state but various states of preservation are sometimes undertaken.

In the USN CAT B is the highest state with all machinery excellently preserved along with humidic and cathodic protection provided on a continiuous basis.

Its relatively expensive but would make any reactivation simpler and easier.

But reactivation of any laid-up ship is time consuming and the longer its laid-up (especially if not afforeded a CAT B type preservation status) the longer and more expensive it will be to reactivate.

In fact some Russian warship reactivations have been stopped because it was just no longer feasible to continue due to the poor state of the ships.