Victor Class Submarine

A Victor class submarine (Project 671) is one of a series of nuclear attack submarines developed and built by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. With the first one being commissioned in 1967, a total of 48 subs were produced in three variants; Victor I, II, and III. Today 3 of them still remain in active service with the Russian Navy. When it was introduced, it was the first Soviet attack boat featuring a single-propeller shaft.

Technical Characteristics

Made of AK-29 steel, the Project 671 submarine has a double-hull configuration. The pressure hull comprises seven compartments: torpedo/berthing/battery; command center; reactor; turbine; auxiliary equipment; berthing and diesel generators; and electric motors. The ballast tanks are located along her sides, between outer and inner hull, as well as in forward and aft. The Soviet AK-29 steel is the equivalent to the American HY-100 steel, which has a high yield and high impact strength used in marine defense. This extremely hard steel enables the Victor class submarine to submerge to a maximum depth of 450 m (about 1,400 feet).

In order to reduce self-generated noise, the Project 671 is fitted with limber hole covers, which close automatically the deeper it sails. Thus, they reduce flow noise over the hull. The versions Victor II and III (Project 671RT and 671RTM respectively) have anechoic (anti-sonar) coating on the outer hull, and dampening coating on the inner hull. The purpose of the dampening coating is to reduce the transmission of machinery noises.

The Project 671 is powered by a twin VM-4P pressurized-water nuclear reactor, and twin OK-300 turbine. The submarine was designed with a streamlined sail, which has contributed to her excellent underwater performance. The first version, the Victor I, had a two-reactor plant, with a single steam turbine rated at 31,000 shaft horsepower. The single propeller is situated 4.5 m (15 feet) aft of the stern control surfaces.

Below, a Victor III (Project 671RTM) submarine in 1983. You can see the large sonar array pod on top of her vertical fin. Her electronic surveillance mast is raised.

Armament

The Victor class submarine features six bow torpedo tubes; four 533-mm tubes, and two 650-mm tubes to launch the VA-111 Shkval and the Type-65 torpedo as well as the SS-N-16 Stallion anti-submarine missiles. The VA-111 Shkval is a fast and lethal supercavitating torpedo, which can travel underwater at 225 knots, which means more than 380 km/h (305 mph).

Specifications

Type: nuclear-powered attack submarine

Displacement: 7,250 tons (submerged); 6,990 tons (surfaced).

Length: 102 m (334 feet)

Beam: 10 m (32 feet, 10 inches)

Draft: 7 m (23 feet)

Propulsion System: a twin VM-4P nuclear reactor; two OK-300 turbines.

Maximum Speed: 32 knots (59 km/h - 37 mph)

Range: limitless but must moor after 90 days for food supply.

Radar:  one MRK-50 Albatros; Skat sonar system

Crew: 37 men

Below, a Victor II (Project 671RT) at sea in 1980.