After being subject to modifications for sixteen years at the Severodvinsk shipyard, the BS-64 Podmoskovye nuclear-powered submarine resumed the sea for a classified operation.
The K-64, the third strategic Delta-IV class submarine, was transferred to the 1999 from its base on the Kola peninsula to the Zvezdochka shipyard in Severodvinsk. The unit was converted to house the experimental Russian mini-submarines that operate deep into the icy arctic waters. The central section, designed to house sixteen ballistic missiles, has been modified for new assets. The BS-64 Podmoskovye is to be considered as the first Russian submarine carrier for underwater drones and for the 10830 Losharik project. The hull has been extended to 162,5 meters: defensive capabilities have not been dismantled. A few hours ago, the Rossiskaya Gazeta confirmed the departure of Podmoskovye for the White Sea.
The 10830 Losharik project
The Losharik nuclear-powered submarine was designed for special operations, scientific research and rescue at great depths. Losharik is one of the most secret projects in the country: just think that those who worked at Sevmash's N42 yard were kept under strict military control for the fifteen years necessary for its development.
Of Losharik, the hero of a famous Soviet animated film, nothing is known except that he is capable of reaching a depth of six thousand meters and that he is propelled by a newly developed nuclear reactor. It should be approximately 60 meters long with a crew not exceeding 25 units. Project 10830 exploits the principles of the bathysphere: a shape necessary to withstand the enormous pressure of the water at those depths. The outer casing represents the real armor against pressure. The inner hull, on the other hand, is separated from the bathysphere by a highly compressed material. The Losharik could sail undisturbed anywhere on the globe with total impunity. The disadvantages are related to the tight spaces for the crew and the low cruising speed. It is certainly the first nuclear-powered boat capable of reaching such depths: the American NR1 could reach three thousand meters. His only known mission took place with the Northern Fleet at a depth of three thousand meters on the Mendeleyev Ridge in the Arctic.
the class Delta IV
the class Delta IV, Project 667BDRM, Dolphin, is in service with six units (the seventh is the BS-64 Podmoskovye to which the launchers have been removed). THE Dolphin, to date, they represent the backbone of Russian deterrence. The entire class was converted to be equipped with the latest version of the R-29RMU missiles Sineva, the U2 Layner, operational since the end of the 2014. Unlike the Bulava, the fire tests of the R-29RMU2 Lajner made by the K-84 Ekaterinburg and from the K-114 Tula, proved to be immediately successful. Thanks to the new weapon system, able to carry up to twelve Mirv / Marv heads with variable yield, the operational life of the Dolphin it has been extended to the 2030, the year in which the gradual radiation from the service will begin.
(photo: Thomas Nilsen / thebarentsobserver)
