Foxtrot-class
Summary
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Submarine |
| Subtype | Attack submarine |
| Manufacturer | Sudomekh, Leningrad |
| Year commissioned | 1958 |
Description
The Foxtrot-class submarines, known in the Soviet Union as Project 641, were a fleet of diesel-electric patrol submarines constructed as a part of Cold War naval armament. Developed to succeed the Zulu class with enhanced structural integrity and operational range, the Foxtrot-class was introduced in 1958 and continued production until 1983, with a total of 58 units serving the Soviet Navy. Despite being larger and having significant underwater endurance thanks to extensive battery decks, the class was criticized for its noisier operation due to three-screw propulsion and limited speed submerged by the hefty battery weight.
These submarines were instrumental during the Cuban Missile Crisis, where four were deployed and three surfaced following US Navy pressure. This showcased their strategic role during one of the Cold War's pivotal moments. However, by the time the last unit was launched, the design was considered obsolete, especially compared to the newer teardrop-hull designs offering superior submerged performance.
The Foxtrot-class saw service in various navies worldwide, including the Indian, Libyan, Cuban, Polish, and Ukrainian forces, reflecting the geopolitical alliances and military cooperation of the era. They were eventually phased out of Russian service between 1995 and 2000, with some units preserved as museum pieces, illustrating their historical significance
Technical specifications
| Foxtrot | |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1952 tons |
| Displacement submerged | 2475 tons |
| Range | 37000 km at 8 knots |
| Endurance | 3-5 days submerged |
| Crew | 78 members |
| Width | 7.4 m (24.3 ft) |
| Length | 89.9 m (294.9 ft) |
| Max. depth | 296 m (971.1 ft) |
| Propulsion | 3 Kolomna 2D42M diesel-electric engines with a power of 6,000 hp each - 3 propellers |
| Armament | 10 533mm TLTs (6 forward, 4 aft) with 22 torpedoes in storage |
| Maximum speed | 16 knots |
| Max. speed submerged | 15 knots |
Photo of Foxtrot class
Silhouette
