Typhoon-Class Submarines

The Typhoon-class submarines are a series of Russian nuclear-powered Ballistic Missile submarines which were produced by the Soviet Union between 1976 and 1986, during the Cold War. Developed by the State-run, ship-building company Sevmash, the first one of this series, Dmitriy Donskoy (TK-208), was commissioned in 1981 to be part of the Soviet Navy's Northern Fleet. In the Soviet Union, it was known as Project 941 Akula (Shark).

Powered by two nuclear reactors, it is the largest submarine which has ever been built in history. Although most sources say that only one of the six Typhoon submarines which were produced remain in service, Dimitriy Donskoy, some military pundits believe that three Project 941 submersible vessels have been secretly modernized and reactivated: the Arkhangelsk (TK-17), the Severstal (TK-20), and the Simbirsk (TK-12) since 2014, when the Ukraine Crisis broke out, with the military coup against President Viktor Yanucovych.

Below, the Dmitriy Donskoy (TK-208) nearing its naval base in 2011

Armament

Since the Typhoon-class are ballistic missile submarines, they are fitted with the most lethal weapons in the world: 20 RSM-56 submarine-launched ballistic missiles, which have a range of 10,000 km. The nose of each one of these missiles are armed with 10 MIRVs; Multiple Independent, Reentry Vehicles, each having a 100-kilotone warhead. Meanwhile, two of the reactivated Typhoon-class submarines are equipped with the high-tech hypersonic Kalibr cruise missiles, as well as with the P-800 Oniks anti-ship missiles.

Technical Characteristics

The Typhoon class submarines were built with a multiple pressure-hull design, using titanium alloy. The inner and second hull, as well as the exterior surface of the external hull, are lined with special rubber tiles to absorb noise, making it one of the stealthiest sub in the world. Their conning tower has no fins and it is located on the aft portion of the submersible vessel. It was developed to counter the USS Ohio-class subs, which are much smaller than the Russian ones.

A Typhoon-class submarine cruising in the waters of the Pacific Ocean in 1992.

Power Plant

They are fitted with two OK-650 nuclear reactors, with each one producing 190 MW. They supply two steam turbines, each delivering 50,000 HP. These drive two shafts which are fitted with 7-bladed shrouded screws.

Specifications

Type: nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine.

Length: 175 m (574 ft)

Beam: 23 m (75 ft 6 in)

Displacement: 48,000 tons (submerged)

Draft: 12 m (39 ft 4 in)

Maximum Speed: 27 knots (submerged)

Range: unlimited, depending on food and ammunition logistic supplies.

Crew: 165 sailors and officers.

Below, the Typhoon-class Arkhangelsk T-17 sub.

Below, the Typhoon-class submarine Simbirsk (TK-12) in 1988, leaving its naval base.