Delta III-class

Summary

Description

The Delta III-class submarine, known in the Soviet Union as Project 667BDR Kaľmar (Squid), is a ballistic missile submarine class operated by the Russian Navy. The design originated from the requirements published in 1972, with the objective to succeed the project 667BD. Development was led by Sergeiy Nikiticz Kovalev at the Rubin Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering. The Delta III-class features a double-hulled design, with a focus on being quieter and housing newer, longer-ranged missiles compared to its predecessors. They also possess a ten-section waterproof hull, which includes specialized emergency sections with escape hatches.

The submarines have a dual nuclear reactor propulsion system, with two pressurized water reactors and steam turbines generating 60,000 shaft horsepower, propelling them with five-bladed, fixed-pitch shrouded propellers. The design has enhanced hydro-acoustic characteristics and a modular freon firefighting system. Improvements in living conditions are noted with the inclusion of a solarium and gymnasium for the crew. Advanced onboard technology consists of the MGK-400 Rubikon sonar system and a battle management system named Almaz-BDR, as well as a high-precision inertial navigation system, Tobol-M, integrating with two observatories and a hydro-acoustic navigational station. The Delta III includes the 'Molnija-M' communications system, which is complemented by the 'Tsunami' satellite subsystem.

Armed with the R-29R (SS-N-18) ballistic missile developed by State Rocket Center Makayev, these submarines possess MIRV (Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicle) capabilities with improved targeting accuracy from an upgraded inertial navigation system. The submarines are equipped with sixteen missile tubes and can carry various configurations of missiles with different ranges and payload capacities. Additionally, they have four 533mm bow torpedo tubes and carry an assortment of torpedoes.

Operational history begins with the first ship, K-424, which was laid down in 1974 and completed sea trials by November 1976. Testing of its missile system concluded with its commissioning in September 1978. Most Delta III-class submarines have been assigned to the Pacific Fleet, with some operating in the Northern Fleet. Submarines have conducted difficult under-ice Arctic voyages, in addition to operations in southern territories.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the submarines have undergone general overhauls, refueling, and upgrades at the Zvezdochka and Zvezda shipyards. The upgrades saw an improvement to the missile system with lightly modified R-29R missiles and, on some ships, the installation of the Avrora-1 sonar station. Many ships were decommissioned from 1995 onwards, except for K-44 Ryazan, which received a second overhaul and remains in service after additional maintenance in 2012.

Technical specifications

Silhouette