IN modern world great value The submarine fleet plays a role in ensuring the security of states. Especially if these are submarines carrying strategic nuclear weapons. They are the ones who are holding back major powers from open military confrontation, which could be the last in human history. And the larger and more powerful the submarine, the more weapons it can carry and make longer autonomous voyages off the coast of a potential enemy.

Project 941 "Shark"

Today, the largest submarine in the world is the creation of Soviet shipbuilders, the Project 941 Akula strategic nuclear-powered missile submarine. Its dimensions are colossal, with an underwater displacement of 48 thousand tons. The length of the giant is 172 m, and the width is 23.3 m, the height of the warship is comparable to 9 storey building. The submarine is driven by two pressurized water nuclear reactors with two steam turbine units, located separately in durable housings. The total power of the power plant is 100 thousand hp.

The powerful vehicle can reach speeds of up to 25 knots underwater and 12 knots on the surface. It can dive almost half a kilometer, and the usual operating depth is 380 m. The submarine is operated by a crew of 160 people and can sail autonomously for as long as four months. Moreover, to rescue the entire crew, the large underwater vehicle is equipped with a pop-up rescue capsule. The Akula's armament consists of:

• a missile system of 20 ballistic missiles, each of which can carry 10 warheads of 100 kilotons with individual guidance (it was structurally possible to carry 24 missiles). The launch weight of the R-39 missiles is 90 tons, and the combat range is 8.3 thousand km. The entire ammunition load of missiles can be fired in one salvo from both surface and submerged positions in any weather conditions.
• 6 torpedo tubes for launching rocket-torpedoes and 533 mm torpedoes and installing mine barriers;
• 8 sets of Igla-1 MANPADS for air defense;
• radio-electronic weapons.

The big “Sharks” were born at the Sevmash plant; for this purpose, the largest indoor boathouse on the planet was built. Thanks to its durable deckhouse and significant buoyancy reserve, the submarine can break through thick ice (up to 2.5 m), which allows it to carry out combat duty even at the North Pole.

Quite a lot of space on the boat is allocated to ensure crew comfort:

• spacious two- and four-berth cabins for officers;
• small cabins for petty officers and sailors;
• air conditioning system;
• TVs and washbasins in cabins;
• gym, sauna, solarium, swimming pool;
• living corner and lounge for relaxation, etc.

Ohio-class submarines

At one time, after the Akula project boats, these were the second largest submarines in the world. Their underwater displacement is 18.75 thousand tons, surface displacement is 16.75 tons. The length of the colossus is 170 m, and the width of its body is almost 13 m. A total of 18 vehicles of this type were produced, each of which received weapons in the form of 24 intercontinental ballistic missiles with multiple warheads. The ship's crew is 155 people. Speed ​​in a submerged position is up to 25 knots, in a surface position - up to 17 knots.

These warships have a durable hull, divided into four compartments and a separate enclosure:

• bow, which includes premises for combat, support and domestic purposes;
• missile;
• reactor;
• turbine;
• enclosure with electrical panels, trim and drainage pumps, and an air regeneration unit.

Project 955 "Borey"

The length of this missile submarine cruiser is almost the same as the two previous ships - 170 m. But this fourth-generation nuclear submarine has an underwater displacement of 24 thousand tons, and a surface displacement of 14.7 thousand tons. Therefore, in terms of this parameter, it can easily be in second place after the Project 941 “Shark” boats. By 2020, it is planned to build 20 submarine cruisers of this series. Currently, there are already three giants of Project 955 in service: “Yuri Dolgoruky”, “Alexander Nevsky”, “Vladimir Monomakh”.

The submarine has a crew of 107 people, most of which are officers. Its speed in a submerged position reaches 29 knots, and in a surface position 15 knots. The submarine can operate autonomously for three months. Borei-class submarines are designed as a replacement for nuclear submarines of the Akula and Dolphin projects. Submarine cruisers of this project are considered the first domestic nuclear submarines driven by a single-shaft water-jet system. The main armament is 16 solid-fuel ballistic missiles of the Bulava type with a combat range of 8 thousand km.

Project 667BDRM "Dolphin"

This is another Russian strategic missile submarine that boasts large dimensions. In the modern Russian Navy, this is so far the most popular strategic submarine cruiser. The length of the vessel is 167 m. The underwater displacement is 18.2 thousand tons, the surface displacement is 11.74 thousand tons. The ship's crew is about 140 people. The armament of strategic nuclear submarines consists of:

• intercontinental ballistic missiles on liquid fuel R-29RM and R-29RMU “Sineva” with a combat range of more than 8.3 thousand km. All missiles can be fired in one salvo. When moving underwater at a depth of up to 55 meters, launching missiles is possible even at a speed of 6-7 knots;
• 4 bow torpedo tubes;
• up to 8 Igla MANPADS.

The Dolphins are propelled by two reactor units with a total capacity of 180 MW.

Vanguard-class submarines

Of course, Great Britain could not help but take part in the competition for the largest submarine nuclear-powered missile cruisers. The Vanguard series boats have an underwater displacement of 15.9 thousand tons, and a surface displacement of 15.1 thousand tons. The length of the vessel is almost 150 meters. To begin building the Vanguard boats, the Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd. shipyard was expanded and modernized. As a result of the reconstruction, she received a boathouse 58 m wide and 260 m long; the height of the boathouse allows the construction of not only nuclear submarines, but even destroyers. A vertical ship lift with a lifting capacity of 24.3 thousand tons was also built. The main armament of the submarine cruiser is 16 Trident II ballistic missiles.

Boats of the "Triumfan" type

In last place among the largest submarines are vessels manufactured by French shipbuilders. Triumphane-class boats have an underwater displacement of 14.3 thousand tons, and a surface displacement of 12.6 thousand tons. The length of the missile cruiser is 138 meters. The power plant of the underwater vehicle is a pressurized water reactor with a power of 150 MW; it provides a submerged speed of up to 25 knots, and a surface speed of up to 12 knots. Triumphant-class boats are armed with 16 ballistic missiles, 10 torpedoes and 8 cruise missiles, which are launched using torpedo tubes.

As you can see, the list of the largest submarines includes combat vehicles designed by leading world powers, possessing both strategic nuclear weapons and powerful naval forces.

IN Russia is completing construction of the largest nuclear submarine in the world.
It was developed at the Rubin-Sever Design Bureau, the Severodvinsk branch of the St. Petersburg Central Design Bureau Rubin. And there will be no missiles on this boat... perhaps there will be a torpedo))) Western analysts believe that this boat and torpedo with artificial intelligence and a 100-megaton nuclear charge will be the same breakthrough as Armata...

"Belgorod" is called the largest large research nuclear submarine, which is a carrier of manned and uninhabited underwater vehicles. Officially, its customer is the Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research (GUGI) of the Russian Ministry of Defense.

The record will be set for the length of the boat. The longest submarine in the world is the Akula Project 941, whose length is 172.5 m. The Belgorod is almost 12 meters longer - 184.
"Belgorod" is a boat according to the updated "Antey" project (project of submarines with cruise missiles 949A). Thus, “Belgorod” can even be included in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest in the world.

It is assumed that Belgorod will study the bottom of the Russian Arctic shelf, search for minerals at great depths, and also lay underwater communications. In particular, with the help of deep-sea vehicles, nuclear underwater modules will be installed on the seabed, designed to charge uninhabited underwater vehicles. The submarine will ensure the deployment of a global system for monitoring the underwater situation, which the military is building on the bottom of the Arctic seas. But not only)))

Representatives of the Navy list all this functionality with indispensable reservations: “according to some data”, “there is reason to assume”, “probably”... This stems from the fact that Belgorod, as well as another Project 09851 submarine being built in Severodvinsk "Khabarovsk" are the most secret boats of the Russian Navy. And the Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research has a controversial relationship with them. This is eloquently evidenced by the fact that not a single representative of the GUGI was present at the ceremonial laying of these two boats.

Perhaps, in addition to their civilian functions, these boats will become carriers of a strategic unmanned torpedo with a nuclear reactor as a power plant, with a unique range, artificial intelligence and a 100-megaton warhead. This torpedo was called "Status-6".

Washington Free Beacon columnist Bill Hertz recently published an article citing a statement from a US intelligence source, which states that Russian sailors successfully tested “an unmanned nuclear submarine capable of carrying a multi-megaton nuclear warhead.” The special purpose submarine B-90 Sarov took part in the tests. Hertz calls this weapon revolutionary, since designers in the USA and other technologically advanced countries of the world have not yet approached this idea.

Thanks to its excellent characteristics in terms of speed, stealth and depth, Status-6 has an increased ability to overcome US anti-submarine defenses with a range of 10,000 km and a diving depth of 1000 meters.

Even if it is detected by the SOSSUS anti-submarine sonar system, which monitors the US coastline for underwater invasion, the UUV will easily escape any NATO torpedo at maximum speed. In addition, possessing intelligence, “Status-6” is capable of performing complex maneuvers.
The fastest American torpedo, the Mark 54, has a speed of 74 km/h, that is, according to minimal estimates, 26 km/h less. The deepest European torpedo, the MU90 Hard Kill, launched in pursuit, can travel no more than 10 km at a maximum speed of 90 km/h.

The strategy for using Status-6 can be different. The device can act both as an impact weapon and as a weapon of guaranteed deterrence. In the second case, the UUV can arrive at its destination and lie low, waiting for a signal to detonate the warhead. The signal can be sent through an ultra-long wave channel, since only ultra-long waves penetrate the water column. The result is a weapon of deterrence, ready to work instantly. Without wasting time on approaching and “swimming”. This means that no matter how close the enemy’s nuclear forces are to Russia’s borders, our nuclear warhead has already been delivered to the potential aggressor, all that remains is to detonate it. So let's be better friends. And live, don’t bother...)))

Main sources: svpressa.ru/war21/, vpk-news.ru, 42.tut.by and other Internet.

The first cases of submarines being used for combat purposes date back to the mid-19th century. However, due to its technical imperfections, the submarine for a long time played only a supporting role in the naval forces. The situation changed completely after the discovery of atomic energy and the invention of ballistic missiles.

Goals and dimensions

Submarines have different purposes. The size of the world's submarines varies depending on their purposes. Some are designed for a crew of only two people, while others are capable of carrying dozens of intercontinental missiles. What tasks do the world's largest submarines perform?

"Triumfan"

French strategic nuclear submarine. Its name means "triumphant". The length of the boat is 138 meters, displacement - 14 thousand tons. The ship is armed with three-stage M45 ballistic missiles with multiple warheads, equipped with individual guidance systems. They are capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 5,300 kilometers. At the design stage, the designers were tasked with making the submarine as invisible as possible to the enemy and providing it with effective system early detection of enemy anti-submarine defense systems. Careful study and numerous experiments have shown that the main reason for revealing the location of an underwater vessel is its acoustic signature.

When designing the Triumphan, all known noise reduction methods were used. Despite the impressive size of the submarine, it is a rather difficult object to detect acoustically. The specific shape of the submarine helps reduce hydrodynamic noise. The sound level produced during operation of the ship's main power plant has been significantly reduced thanks to a number of non-standard technological solutions. "Triumphan" has on board an ultra-modern sonar system designed for early detection of enemy anti-submarine weapons.

"Jing"

Strategic nuclear-powered missile submarine built for navy China. Due to the increased level of secrecy, a significant part of the data about this vessel does not come from funds mass media, and from the intelligence services of the United States and other NATO countries. The submarine's dimensions were determined based on a photograph taken in 2006 by a commercial satellite designed to take digital images of the earth's surface. The length of the vessel is 140 meters, displacement - 11 thousand tons.

Experts note that the dimensions of the Jin nuclear submarine are larger than the dimensions of previous, technically and morally obsolete Chinese Xia-class submarines. The new generation vessel is adapted to launch Julan-2 intercontinental ballistic missiles equipped with multiple nuclear warheads. Their maximum flight range is 12 thousand kilometers. The Julan-2 missiles are an exclusive development. When designing them, the dimensions of the Jin class submarines, intended to become carriers of these formidable weapons, were taken into account. According to experts, the presence of such ballistic missiles and submarines in China significantly changes the balance of power in the world. Approximately three-quarters of the territory of the United States is in the zone of destruction of the Jin boats located in the Kuril Islands area. However, according to information available to the US military, test launches of Julan missiles often end in failure.

"Vanguard"

British strategic nuclear submarine, the size of which allows it to compete with the most large submarines in the world. The length of the vessel is 150 meters, displacement - 15 thousand tons. Boats of this type have been in service with the Royal Navy since 1994. Today, Vanguard-class submarines are the only carriers of British nuclear weapons. They carry Trident-2 ballistic missiles. This weapon deserves special mention. It is produced by the famous American company for the US Navy. The British government took on 5% of the cost of developing the missiles, which, according to the designers' plans, were supposed to surpass all their predecessors. The Trident-2's kill zone is 11 thousand kilometers, and the accuracy of the hit reaches several feet. Missile guidance does not depend on the American global positioning system. Trident 2 delivers atomic warheads to a target at a speed of 21 thousand kilometers per hour. The four Vanguard boats carry a total of 58 of these missiles, representing the UK's "nuclear shield".

"Murena-M"

Soviet submarine built during the Cold War. The main goals of creating the boat were to increase the range of missiles and overcome American sonar detection systems. The expansion of the affected area required a change in the dimensions of the underwater vessel compared to previous versions. The launch silos are designed for D-9 missiles, the launch mass of which is twice the usual. The length of the ship is 155 meters, displacement is 15 thousand tons. According to experts, Soviet designers managed to complete the initially set task. The range of the missile system has increased approximately 2.5 times. To achieve this goal, the Murena-M submarine had to be made one of the largest submarines in the world. The size of the missile carrier did not change the level of its stealth for the worse. The design of the boat included vibration damping mechanisms, since at that time the US sonar tracking system became a serious problem for Soviet strategic submarines.

"Ohio"

"Borey"

The development of this nuclear submarine began in the Soviet Union. It was finally designed and built in Russian Federation. Its name comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of the north wind. In accordance with the plans of the creators, the Borey boat in the foreseeable future should replace the Akula and Dolphin class submarines. The length of the cruiser is 170 meters, displacement - 24 thousand tons. Borei was the first strategic submarine built in the post-Soviet era. First of all, the new Russian boat serves as a platform for launching Bulava ballistic missiles equipped with multiple nuclear warheads. Their flight range exceeds 8 thousand kilometers. Due to problems with financing and disruption of economic ties with enterprises located in the territory of the former Soviet republics, the deadline for completing the construction of the ship was repeatedly postponed. The Borey boat was launched in 2008.

"Shark"

According to NATO classification, this vessel is designated "Typhoon". The dimensions of the Akula submarine exceed everything that has been created throughout the history of submarines. Its construction was the answer Soviet Union American project"Ohio". The huge size of the heavy submarine cruiser "Akula" was due to the need to deploy on it R-39 missiles, the mass and length of which significantly exceeded those of the American Trident. Soviet designers had to come to terms with large dimensions in order to increase the flight range and weight of the warhead. The Akula boat, adapted for launching these missiles, has a record length of 173 meters. Its displacement is 48 thousand tons. Today, the Akula remains the largest submarine in the world.

Creation of an era

The USSR also occupies the first place in the ranking. This is understandable: superpowers involved in cold war, believed in the possibility of delivering a pre-emptive strike. They saw their main task as quietly placing nuclear missiles as close to the enemy as possible. This mission was assigned to submarines large sizes, which became the legacy of that era.

The "Shark" class is still the undefeated record of the USSR. Sailing autonomously for 120 days, she crossed the oceans with ease and undetected; she was able to break thick Arctic ice and hit enemy targets, firing the entire ammunition load of ballistic missiles in a short time. Today they cannot find a use for it, and its fate is unclear.

Our answer

The war that unfolded between the USSR and the USA required worthy responses from both sides to mutual challenges. In the 70s, the United States received a ship with a displacement of 18.7 tons. Its speed was 200 knots, and the equipment included equipment for underwater missile launches from a depth of 15 to 30 meters. In response, the country's leadership demanded the creation of superior technology from Soviet science and the military-industrial complex.

In December 1972, a tactical and technical specification was issued for the creation of a submarine cruiser with the code “Shark” and number 941. Work began with a government decree on the start of development; the project was assigned to the Rubin Central Design Bureau. The implementation of the design idea took place in the largest boathouse in the world - at the Sevmash plant; the laying took place in 1976. During the construction of the submarine, several technological breakthroughs were made, one of them was the aggregate-modular construction method, which significantly reduced the delivery time of the facility. Today this method is used everywhere in all types of shipbuilding, but the Akula class submarine was the first in everything.

At the end of September 1980, the first submarine cruiser “Akula” of Project 941 was launched into the White Sea from the Severodvinsk shipyard. According to a maritime legend, or were, on the bow of the submarine, until it was launched into the water, below the waterline, a shark was drawn baring its teeth, wrapping its tail around trident. After descending into the sea, the drawing disappeared under water and no one saw the emblem again, but popular memory, fascinated by symbolism and signs, immediately gave the name to the cruiser - “Shark”. All subsequent submarines of type 941 received the same name, and their own symbols were introduced for crew members in the form of a sleeve patch with the image of a shark. In the USA, the cruiser was given the name "Typhoon".

Design

The Akula class submarine is designed like a catamaran - two hulls, each with a diameter of 7.2 meters, are located parallel to each other in horizontal plane. A sealed compartment with a control module is located between the two main buildings; it contains the control panel and radio equipment of the cruiser. The rocket unit is located in the front of the boat between the hulls. It was possible to move from one part of the boat to another using three passages. The entire hull of the boat consisted of 19 waterproof compartments.

Project 941 (“Shark”) has in its design, at the base of the wheelhouse, two pop-up evacuation chambers with a capacity for the entire operating crew. The compartment in which the central post is located is located closer to the stern of the cruiser. Titanium casing covers two central hulls, a central post, torpedo rooms, the rest of the surface is covered with steel, on which a hydroacoustic coating is applied, reliably hiding the boat from tracking systems.

The front retractable rudders of a horizontal design are located in the bow of the boat. The upper deckhouse is reinforced and equipped with a rounded roof that is capable of breaking through strong ice cover when surfacing in northern latitudes.

Characteristics

Type 941 submarines were equipped with third-generation power plants (their power was 100,000 hp) of a block type; the placement was divided into two blocks in durable housings, which reduced the dimensions of the nuclear power plant. At the same time performance have been improved.

But it was not only this step that made the Akula class submarines legendary. The characteristics of the power plant included two water-water nuclear reactor OK-650 and two steam turbines. All assembled equipment made it possible not only to increase the efficiency of the entire operation of the submarine, but to significantly reduce vibration and, accordingly, improve the noise insulation of the ship. The nuclear installation was put into operation automatically when the electrical power disappeared.

Specifications:

• Maximum length - 172 meters.
• Maximum width - 23.3 meters.
• The height of the body is 26 meters.
• Displacement (underwater/surface) - 48 thousand tons/23.2 thousand tons.
• Autonomy of navigation without ascent - 120 days.
• Immersion depth (maximum/working) - 480 m/400 m.
• Navigation speed (surface/underwater) - 12 knots/25 knots.

Armament

The main armament is solid-fuel ballistic missiles "Variant" (body weight - 90 tons, length - 17.7 m). The missile's range is 8.3 thousand kilometers, the warhead is divided into 10 warheads, each of which has a power of 100 kilotons of TNT and an individual guidance system.

The entire submarine's ammunition arsenal can be launched in a single salvo with a short launch interval between missile units. The ammunition load is launched from surface and submerged positions; the maximum depth at launch is 55 meters. The design characteristics provided for an ammunition load of 24 missiles, which was later reduced to 20 units.

Peculiarities

Project 941 Akula submarines were equipped with a power plant consisting of two modules located in different, securely fortified hulls. The condition of the reactors was monitored by pulse equipment, an automatic response system at the slightest loss of power supply.

When issuing a design assignment by one of mandatory conditions was to ensure the safety of the boat and crew, the so-called safe radius, for which the hull components (two pop-up modules, fastening containers, mating hulls, etc.) were calculated using the dynamic strength method and tested experimentally.

The Akula class submarine was built at the Sevmash plant, where the world's largest indoor boathouse, or workshop No. 55, was designed and created especially for it. Project 941 ships are characterized by increased buoyancy - more than 40%. In order for the boat to be completely submerged, its ballast must be half its displacement, which is why the second name appeared - “water carrier”. The decision on such a design was made with a far-sighted aim - repairs and preventive maintenance will be necessary at existing piers and repair plants.

The same reserve of buoyancy ensures the survival of the ship in northern latitudes, where it is necessary to break through thick ice coverings. Project 941 Akula-class submarines cope with harsh conditions north pole, where the ice thickness reaches 2.5 meters with accompanying ice hummocks and swells. the ability to break through ice has been repeatedly demonstrated in practice.

Crew comfort

The submarine cruiser was crewed mainly by officers and midshipmen. Senior officers were accommodated in two- and four-berth cabins equipped with a TV, washbasin, air conditioning system, wardrobes, desks etc.

The sailors and junior officers had comfortable quarters at their disposal. Living conditions on the submarine were more than comfortable; only ships of this class were equipped with a sports hall, a swimming pool, a solarium and a sauna. In order not to be too distracted from reality on a long hike, a living corner was created.

laid up

Over the entire period of construction of Type 941 submarines, six cruisers were adopted by the Navy:

• "Dmitry Donskoy" (TK - 208). Adopted in December 1981, after modernization it began service again in July 2002.
• TK-202. Received home port and entered service in December 1983. In 2005, the boat was cut into scrap metal.
• "Simbirsk" (TK-12). Admitted to the Northern Fleet in January 1985. Was disposed of in 2005.
• TK-13. The cruiser was commissioned in December 1985. In 2009, the hull was cut into metal, and part of the submarine (six-compartment block, reactors) was transferred to long-term storage on the Kola Peninsula.
• "Arkhangelsk" (TK-17). Date of entry into the fleet - November 1987. Due to the lack of ammunition, the issue of disposal has been discussed since 2006.
• "Severstal" (TK-20). Enlisted in the Navy in September 1989. In 2004, it went into reserve due to lack of ammunition and is planned for disposal.
• TK-210. The laying of the hull structures coincided with the breakdown of the economic system. Lost funding and was dismantled in 1990.

The Akula class nuclear submarines were consolidated into one division, with Zapadnaya Litsa (Murmansk region) serving as their base. The reconstruction of Nerpichya Bay was completed in 1981. To accommodate type 941 cruisers, a mooring line and piers with special capabilities were equipped, and a unique crane with a lifting capacity of 125 tons was built for loading missiles (not put into operation).

Current state

Today, all available nuclear submarines of the Akula class are in their home port in mothballed form, and their future fate is being decided. The submarine "Dmitry Donskoy" was modernized for combat equipment "Bulava". According to media reports, in 2016 it was planned to dispose of inoperative copies. There were no reports of the plan being implemented.

The giant Project 941 Akula submarine is still a unique weapon, the only cruiser capable of carrying out combat duty in the Arctic. They are almost invulnerable to anti-submarine submarines in US service. Also, not a single potential adversary has technical aviation assets to detect a cruiser under ice.

Since their appearance in the fleets of the whole world, submarines have played almost a decisive role in the development of all naval combat tactics. What is at least worth the legendary German U-35, which sent to the bottom Atlantic Ocean 226 ships and transports, and this was done in just 19 combat missions.

But those ships were very small, and their crew lived in truly Spartan conditions: maximum convenience, which they could count on - a shower of sea water, which they were given regularly, according to at will. As time went on, the ships became more and more impressive. Their underwater relatives have not deviated from this trend either. Not so long ago, the world's largest submarine appeared, which is capable of eclipsing even some surface vessels in its dimensions.

How it was

At the end of September 1980, the “Shark” entered the White Sea. The artist who covered the bow section of the vessel with a beautiful painting depicting a shark and a trident is unknown. Of course, after launching the picture was no longer visible, but among the people the name “Shark” had already firmly entered into everyday use.

All ships of this class officially began to be called by this name, and a chevron with the image of a grinning shark’s mouth was even introduced for their crews. In the West, these submarines became known as Typhoon. Soon the largest submarine, the Typhoon, became the official rival of the American Ohio.

Yes, in those years our former allies were intensively replenishing their submarine fleet with new vessels... But the Akula was supposed to become not just another boat, but part of the huge and very important Typhoon program. Domestic science and industry received technical specifications for its design back in 1972, and S. N. Kovalev was appointed curator of the project.

But the world's largest submarine is still known throughout the world precisely for its size. Why are all experts shocked by them? Perhaps the ship is not so big?

Legendary dimensions

The official name of one of the remaining ships in our fleet is “Dmitry Donskoy”. So what are the dimensions of the largest submarine? Its total displacement is 27,000 tons, this giant is 170 meters long and 25 meters wide. Its deck is so large that a loaded KAMAZ can easily turn around there. From the keel to the top of the deckhouse, the height is also 25 meters. For reference: this is the height of an eight-story building with an improved layout and high ceilings. The remaining two submarines are in no way inferior to the Donskoy.

If the world's largest submarine lifts all retractable devices, then the height is already similar to a nine-story building. No, the famous Tseretelli did not participate in the design of the vessel: these dimensions were simply due to the size of the new high-power intercontinental missiles.

Missile weapons

The new weapon received the Soviet name "Thunder", but in the West they were called Rif. These missiles were significantly superior to the American Trident-I, which were equipped with the Ohio boats, having many best characteristics in terms of flight range and number of multiple warheads, which could penetrate almost any missile defense system.

But you had to pay for such impressive characteristics with no less impressive dimensions. Each rocket not only weighs 84 tons, but also has a diameter of 2.5 meters! The American equivalent weighs 59 tons. With comparable characteristics. So, in fairness, we note that our largest submarine in the world still could not become the “best” in all respects.

Although no, I could. The fact is that the "Shark" is the only missile carrier that can fire at half the globe while being under the ice of the Northern Arctic Ocean. This is something incredible even by today's standards. The fact is that each R-39 missile could hit targets located at a distance of 9000 km: simply put, a missile fired at the North Pole itself could easily reach the equator. Of course, such formidable weapons reached the United States even more so. Since the greatest diving depth of a submarine of this type reached five hundred meters, which was 200 meters higher than the Ohio.

Because of this, the boats did not need to go on long sea voyages: having moved a couple of thousand kilometers away, they could literally “dissolve” in the vastness of the northern seas.

Foreign analogues

It would be foolish to think that the idea of ​​creating giant submarines came exclusively to the minds of Soviet designers. What are the largest submarines in the world? Firstly, this is the “Ohio” we mentioned: its length is also 170 meters, but its width is “only” 12 meters. Actually, this is where the list ends. No other country in the world has been able to create anything similar.

Work on the design and training of crews of new ships

Thus, the designers had to completely rework the layout of the ships. At the end of 1973, the resolution to begin work on the project was finally approved. The first boat was laid down at the beginning of 1976, and it was launched on September 23, 1980. In addition to the cyclopean dimensions, the program provided for an absolutely incredible routine for the operation of these facilities.

The secrecy was incredible, there were no leaks at all. Thus, the Americans generally received a photo of the largest submarine by accident, simply by looking at satellite images of the USSR. According to rumors, heads rolled in the military department: looking at such a “whale” under the nose is an unforgivable oversight!

In Obninsk they had to build a giant training center with a military camp and complete social infrastructure. Several submarine crews were supposed to be trained there at once. For each (!) of the seven boats it was supposed to have three sets: two crews were combat crews, who were supposed to work in shifts, and the third was a technical one, responsible for the condition of the mechanisms. Their mode of operation is very unique.

The first set of sailors sails the oceans for three months. Gradually, faults begin to accumulate on the ship. The ship goes to the base, the crew is loaded into comfortable buses (where their families are already waiting for them), and then sent on vacation. The place of “resort-goers” is taken by techies. “Soldering Iron and File” workers carry out a complete diagnosis of all systems, carry out preventive maintenance and eliminate all faults found.

In this way, the Shark - the largest submarine - is like a Formula 1 car in a pit stop. Here they will change your “wheels”, and they can also replace the pilot if necessary.

Routine for the second crew

At this time, the second combat crew, slightly tired from rest, flies to Obninsk. Here they are mercilessly put through all the simulators, and then the sailors, having proven their professional suitability, go to Murmansk. After this, they are sent to a ship, which by that time is in full combat readiness and can go to sea. The process is repeated over and over again.

In general, the conditions for working on these submarines are truly fabulous. Conscript sailors recall that there is a sauna on board, gym and comfortable cabins. You can serve like this for at least a whole year: psychophysical fatigue is minimal. And this is extremely important for a missile carrier, which can “lie” under the ice for months Northern Ocean, camouflaging itself from enemy detection means.

This is what makes Russia's largest submarines unique (today there are three of them left).

Main technical characteristics

The unique missile carriers were powered by two OK-650VV reactors at once, and the power of each of them was 360 MW. The fuel was especially pure uranium dioxide. To understand the power of these power plants, it is enough to know that they could easily ensure the electrification of the entire Murmansk and its suburbs. Their energy turns giant propellers and ensures the functioning of complex onboard systems.

In the navy, the boats also received the nickname “loaf”, since the shape of the hull strongly resembled this bakery product. But this is just the outer shell of a formidable ship. It is needed to minimize the resistance of the aquatic environment. Inside the “shell” there is a second, especially durable body of a unique design. No one in the world has done this.

Most of all, it resembles two giant cigars placed next to each other, which are connected to each other through three through passages at once, which are located at the bow, in the center and at the stern. After this, it is not surprising that the largest nuclear submarine at one time was designed by the best engineers of the Union.

Simply put, there are actually two submarines located in one outer hull. For convenience, they are called “left side” and “starboard side”, meaning by this term the entire “cigar” as a whole. The design is also unique in that the “sides” completely duplicate each other: turbines, engines, reactors and even cabins. If everything fails on one half, there is a radiation leak or something similar, the crew will move to the second half and will be able to bring the giant submarine to its home port. Yes, the largest Russian submarines have no analogues in the world.

Housing characteristics

Everything on the right sub is marked with odd numbers. On the left - even. This is done so that the crew simply does not get confused. By the way, all the sailors on board are also called “port specialists” or “starboard specialists”, that is, even the crew on the boat is completely duplicated.

Between the two buildings there remains quite a significant space in which all the important equipment is located, which urgently needs to be protected from the effects of high pressure and other negative environmental factors. Yes, yes, this submarine (the largest, by the way) even has missiles there: they are located between the sides of the “cigars” and in the front part of the wheelhouse (more precisely, in front of it). It's also unique distinguishing feature, since you will not find such a missile armament configuration on any other submarine in the world.

At the same time, the “Shark” seems to “push” its massive weapons in front of itself. Important! When diving, water fills (!) the space between the sides, and therefore, when moving, has a huge impact on the maneuverability of the vessel. This allows you not only to save engine life, but also... to incredibly reduce noise levels.

About how the whale fell in love with Shark

What else is characteristic of this submarine? The biggest is good, but Americans are afraid of these ships for a completely different reason.

Since the advent of submarines, what their crews have been most afraid of is the noise that occurs during the operation of systems and mechanisms. The noises unmask the ship and give it away to the enemy Navy. “Shark” with its double hull became a champion not only in size, but also in extreme low level noise produced during operation. In one case, the result was completely unexpected... Somewhere near Spitsbergen, a female whale circled around the submarine for a long time, mistaking it for her beau.

The acousticians, laughing and joking, recorded her love serenades on tape. In addition, killer whales sometimes rub against the Sharks’ hulls, emitting interested trills. Even world-famous ichthyologists became interested in this phenomenon. They came to the conclusion that the combination of engine noise and the resonant sounds of masses of water splashing inside the outer hull somehow attracts marine life.

Of course, the largest Russian submarine was clearly not designed with the goal of seducing female whales and playing with killer whales, but the effect was still extremely interesting.

Once again about the living conditions of sailors

Even compared to surface ships, living conditions on the Sharks were simply unimaginably good. Perhaps, only the fictional “Nautilus” by Jules Verne could compete with the domestic submarine. It was jokingly nicknamed the “floating hotel.”

There was no effort to save weight and dimensions when designing the boat, and therefore the crew lived in luxurious cabins for two, four and six places, which were furnished no worse than a hotel room. The sports complex was also amazing: a huge gym, many exercise machines and treadmills.

Not every surface combat ship has four showers and nine latrines either. Up to ten people could wash in the sauna, the walls of which were lined with oak boards. And there was even a four-meter-long swimming pool on board. What is characteristic is that even conscripts could use all this wealth, which is generally something unthinkable for our army.

A stab in the back, or the current state of affairs

Western countries were simply terrified of these missile carriers. Of course, after the collapse of the Union, a bunch of “partners” appeared who immediately convinced the government to cut three unique ships into metal. The seventh side of the TK-210, laid down at the shipyards, was completely barbarically stolen, deciding not to complete construction. The huge sums of money and titanic labor that the people of the USSR spent on creating these incredible machines were actually splashed out on cold water Northern Ocean.

And the disposal took place even though the military and designers were almost begging to create floating supply bases for northern cities based on submarines. Alas, today only the Dmitry Donskoy continues to serve, which was converted to carry Bulava missiles. They do not pose any danger to the United States. The cruisers TK-17 Arkhangelsk and TK-20 Severstal are awaiting either disposal or an equally meaningless modernization.

What did the Americans do with their Ohio? Of course, no one began to saw them. The boats are undergoing planned modernization and are being equipped with new cruise missiles. The US government does not intend to throw away technologies that have spent so much time and effort creating.