Russia new nuclear submarine
Russia launches its most powerful nuclear submarine to date
A new nuclear-powered Russian submarine is unveiled, capable of reaching speeds of up to 31 knots and carrying hundreds of torpedoes that could hit the east coast of America from the middle of the Atlantic.
The Project 885 Yassen-class fourth-generation Kazan nuclear submarine has been under construction since 2009 ahead of its launch on Friday at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, northern Russia.
The ship reportedly carries a crew of up to 90 men and can be at sea for 100 days. It measures at around 139 meters long and can reach depths of around 600 meters underwater.
The vessel has space for eight Oniks and Kalibr cruise missiles and 300 torpedoes, and can reach speeds of up to 31 knots.
A single-shaft steam turbine nuclear power unit is understood to be part of the ship’s design, giving it a capacity of 43,000 horse power, and its arsenal is thought to be capable of hitting targets up to 1,500 miles away.
Russia unveils its new nuclear submarine
According to Russia’s state news agency TASS, the new submarine has been designed to destroy an enemy’s submarines, surface ships, naval bases and ports, among other targets.
At the launch of the new submarine, Admiral Vladimir Korolyov claimed the new ship is the most modern in the world, emphasizing how hard it is to track due to its low-level noise.
“It represents the cutting edge of nuclear submarine design,” he said.
The launch comes at a time when Russian submarines combat patrols have reached levels not seen since the Cold War. Crews spent more than 3,000 days on patrol last year, which Admiral Korolyov called “an excellent level”.
The submarine is expected to be placed in service by next year and Russia’s navy intends to commission a total of seven of the submarines to be put into service by 2023.
