Description:
The Project 971-class nuclear-powered submarines, Akula NATO-codename and Schuka-B Russian designation, have been designed to engage surface ships, submarines, and ground targets using nuclear and conventional weapons. They feature a double-hull design with 4 533mm and 4 650mm torpedo tubes. They can launch torpedoes, missiles, mines and rockets through the 8 torpedo tubes.
The Shuka-B class submarines are the quietest submarines built ever in the former Soviet Union. The improved class members known as Project 971U feature reduced noise emissions and existing Project 971 submarines may be converted to the 971U or 971A standard.
The first Project 971-class submarine entered service with the Soviet Navy in 1985. At least 6 Project 971 and 5 Project 971U submarines were built between 1985 and 1996 but this information remains uncertain.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 73
Number of Weapons: 40
Dimensions: Length 110 m, Width 13.5 m
Weights: Max Weight 10,500 t, Min Weight 8,100 t
Performance: Endurance 100 day, Max Operating Depth 500 m (1,640 ft), Top Speed 18 mps (35 kt)
Power: Power 43,000 shp
Other: Torpedo Tubes 8
Operators
Russia / 11
As of
Holdings
2008
6
Ships
K-157 Tigr
Commissioning: 1994
K-263 Delfin
Commissioning: 1985
K-267 Drakon
Commissioning: 1994
K-267 Samara
Commissioning: 1994
K-317 Pantera
Commissioning: 1990
K-328 Leopard
Commissioning: 1993
K-331 Narval
Commissioning: 1988
K-391 Bratsk
Commissioning: 1987
K-419 Morzh
Commissioning: 1992
K-461 Volk
Commissioning: 1992
K-480 Ak Bars
Commissioning: 1989
Image Gallery
Notes (*) lead contractor
IOC: Initial Operating Capability
FOC: Full Operating Capability
CEP: Circular Error Probable
Comm: Commissioning Date
Meters (m) Kilometers (km) Nautic Miles (nm) Inch (in) Yard (yd) Foot (ft) Millimeter (mm)
Pound (lb) Kilogram (kg) kN (KiloNewton) Ton (t)
Meters per Second (mps) Kilometers per Hour (kph) Knot (kt) Miles per Hour (mph)
Liter (l) Galon (gl)
Year (yr) Minutes (min) Second (sec)
Shaft-Horse-Power (shp)
Russia / 11 