Golf I & II-class (Project 629)

Summary

Description

The Golf-class submarines were a series of diesel-electric ballistic missile submarines that were operated by the Soviet Navy. Known as Project 629, these marine vessels emerged from a mid-1950s initiative, along with the D-2 missile launch system. Their design was a modification of the Foxtrot-class submarine and was undertaken by the OKB-16 design bureau. The submarines carried R-11FM ballistic missiles, and later, the more extended range R-13 missiles. The first units were commissioned between 1958 and 1962, spanning the construction of 22 boats. The initial design known as Golf I was succeeded by the modified Golf II variant, which featured improved missile systems, allowing for submerged launches of the R-21 missiles.

Regarding armament, the original Golf I-class submarines were equipped with three ballistic missiles, while the Golf II-class could carry more advanced weaponry, reflecting technological advancements over time. The Golf II submarines underwent further modifications to test new SLBM systems and various other roles.

The operational history of the Golf-class saw extensive service with the Soviet Navy until 1990, at which time all units had been formally decommissioned. Following decommissioning, several boats were sold to North Korea in 1993 and were reported to be considered for reactivation. North Korean defectors have indicated attempts to develop nuclear-powered versions of the Golf II-class for future deployment.

The operating countries of the Golf-class extended beyond the Soviet Union. China operated at least one Golf-class submarine for testing SLBMs following the acquisition of technology from the Soviet Union in 1959. The single Chinese modified unit remains in service.

One notable event in the history of the Golf-class was the loss of the K-129, a Golf II-class submarine, in 1968. An explosion of unknown origin caused the vessel to sink in the Pacific Ocean, carrying with it its missiles and torpedoes. This incident led to the covert American recovery operation, Project Azorian, which succeeded in extracting parts of the submarine from the ocean floor.

The variants within the Golf-class included the original Project 629 (Golf I) and the upgraded Project 629A, known as Golf II. There were also other specialized modifications such as the Project 601 (Golf III), Project 605 (Golf IV), Project 619 (Golf V), and Project 629R (Golf SSQ), each with specific changes and test purposes. China's indigenous versions, the Type 6631 and the successor Type 031, also known as the Great Wall 200, demonstrated significant alterations to meet the requirements of using solid-fueled SLBMs instead of Soviet-designed liquid-fueled missiles and were primarily used for training purposes.

Technical specifications

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