Alfa-class
Summary
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Submarine |
| Subtype | Nuclear attack submarine |
| Manufacturer | SEVMASH |
| Year commissioned | 1971 |
| Units | K-64, K-123, K-316, K-373, K-432, K-463, K-493 |
Description
The Submarine Alfa class, also known as the Project 705, is a unique class of Soviet/Russian submarines that were developed during the 1960s and 1970s. Designed to be high-speed attack submarines, the Alfa class was built with the purpose of countering the growing threat of Western naval forces.
One of the most distinctive features of the Alfa class submarines is their titanium hull, which was a major departure from conventional submarine construction at the time. This titanium hull not only provided the submarines with exceptional strength and maneuverability, but it also allowed them to operate at much greater depths than their counterparts.
In terms of propulsion, the Alfa class submarines were equipped with a unique combination of a liquid-metal cooled nuclear reactor and a steam turbine. This propulsion system, known as the "Lead-Bismuth" reactor, provided the submarines with unparalleled speed, allowing them to reach speeds of over 40 knots (approximately 46 mph). This made them the fastest submarines in the world during their time of service.
The Alfa class also featured advanced sonar and targeting systems, giving them the capability to engage enemy ships and submarines with precision and accuracy. Additionally, they were armed with a variety of torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, further enhancing their offensive capabilities.
Despite their technological advances and impressive performance characteristics, the Alfa class submarines had some limitations. The most significant drawback was their limited range and endurance due to their high speed and smaller size. This meant that the Alfa class was primarily designed for short-range missions and lacked the long-duration capabilities of other contemporary submarines.
In total, only seven Alfa class submarines were built, with six of them serving in the Soviet Navy and one in the Russian Navy. The class was eventually decommissioned in the 1990s due to various reasons, including high maintenance costs and the emergence of more advanced submarine designs.
Technical specifications
| Alfa | |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2300 tons |
| Displacement submerged | 3200 tons |
| Crew | 31 members |
| Width | 9.5 m (31.2 ft) |
| Length | 81.4 m (267.1 ft) |
| Max. depth | 600 m (1968.5 ft) |
| Propulsion | 1 OK-550 reactor with a power of 40,000 hp - 1 propeller |
| Armament | 6 533mm TLTs (SET-65, VA-111 Shkval, SS-N-15, SS-N-16) |
| Maximum speed | 12 knots |
| Max. speed submerged | 40 knots |
Silhouette
