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Oscar ll class
Томск в Вилючинске.jpg
K-150 Tomsk in Vilyuchinsk
Class overview
Name:Oscar class
Builders:Sevmash
Operators:
Preceded by:
Succeeded by:Yasen class
Built:1975–present
In commission:1980–present
Planned:20 (2 949, 18 949A)[1]
Completed:14 (2 949, 11 949A, 1 09852)
Cancelled:6 (2 incomplete, 4 never laid down)
Active:6 (+2 on modernization to 949AM)[2]
Laid up:2[3]
Lost:1
Retired:4
General characteristics
Type:Nuclear cruise missile submarine
Displacement:
  • 12,500/14,700 tonnes surfaced
  • 16,500/19,400 tonnes submerged[1]
Length:155 m (508 ft 6 in)[1] maximum
Beam:18.2 m (59 ft 9 in)
Draught:9 m (29 ft 6 in)
Installed power:2 × pressurized water cooled reactors
Propulsion:2 × steam turbines delivering 73,070 kW (97,990 shp) to two shafts
Speed:
  • 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph) surfaced
  • 32 knots (59 km/h; 37 mph) submerged[1]
Endurance:120 days[1]
Test depth:600 m
Complement:94/107[1]
Armament:
  • 4 × 533 mm (21.0 in) and 2 × 650 mm (26 in) torpedo tubes in bow
  • 28 × 533 mm and 650 mm weapons, including RPK-2 Vyuga (SS-N-15 Starfish) anti-submarine missiles with 15 kt nuclear warheads and RPK-6 Vodopad/RPK-7 Veter (SS-N-16) anti-submarine missiles with 200 kt nuclear warhead or Type 40 anti-submarine torpedo or 32 ground mines
  • 24 × P-700 Granit (SS-N-19 Shipwreck) cruise missiles with 750 kilograms (1,650 lb) HE or 4 × 100 Mt Poseidon drones

The Oscar class, Soviet designations Project 949 Granit and Project 949A Antey, (NATO reporting names Oscar I and Oscar II respectively), are a series of nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines designed in the Soviet Union for the Soviet Navy. They are currently in service with the Russian Navy with some of the vessels planned to be modernized as Project 949AM, to extend their service life and increase combat capabilities.

The Project 949 submarines were the largest cruise missile submarines in service until some Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines were converted to carry cruise missiles in 2007. They are the fourth largest class of submarines in displacement and length. Only the Soviet Typhoon-class, Russian Borei-class and American Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines are larger.

History[edit]

The first submarine of Project 949 was laid down in the mid-1970s and was commissioned in 1980. In 1982 an updated and larger version (Project 949A) replaced the earlier version. In total thirteen submarines were constructed. The Oscar class was designed to attack NATO carrier battle groups using long-range P-700 Granit (SS-N-19 "Shipwreck") anti-ship missiles and targeting data provided by the EORSAT satellite system (via the submarine's "Punch Bowl" antenna).[4][5][6] In the financial problems that followed the fall of the Soviet Union the Oscar class was prioritized by the Russian Navy and when many older submarine classes were retired the Oscar class remained active in both the Northern and Pacific Fleets.

Modernization[edit]

The Rubin Design Bureau started working on Project 949A modernization in 2011, with Zvezdochka and Zvezda shipyards to carry out modernization of the vessels.[7] In September 2015, Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu announced during his visit to Zvezda shipyard, that at least three Oscar-class submarines will undergo repair and modernization to extend their service life by 20 years.[8] The upgraded submarines will be known as "Project 949AM", according to the Russian officials. Modernization cost was estimated at RUB12 billion (US$182 million) per submarine.[9]

In September 2016, it was reported submarines K-132 Irkutsk and K-442 Chelyabinsk are currently being modernized to 949AM.[10] According to the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Yury Borisov, Russia's Pacific Fleet may get four modernized Oscar II-class submarines armed with Kalibr cruise missiles by 2021.[11]

Versions[edit]

Project 949 Granit (Oscar I)[edit]

Project 949

Two Project 949 Granit submarines were built at Severodvinsk between 1975 and 1982 and assigned to the Soviet Northern Fleet. K-525 was laid down in 1975 and K-206 was laid down in 1979. After the construction of the first two submarines, production continued with the improved project 949A Antey. Both submarines of the Project 949 were decommissioned in 1996[12] and scrapped in 2004.[13]

Project 949A Antei (Oscar II)[edit]

Project 949A

Eleven Project 949A Antey submarines were completed at Severodvinsk, of which five were assigned to the Soviet Northern Fleet. At one stage it had been planned to develop a new fourth-generation follow-on to the Project 949A, but this plan was later dropped. The external differences between the two classes were that the 949A class is about 10 metres (33 ft) longer than its predecessor (approximately 154 metres, 505 ft rather than 143 m, 469 ft), providing space and buoyancy for improved electronics and quieter propulsion.

Some sources speculate that the acoustic performance of the Oscar II class is superior to early Akula class but inferior to the Akula II class as well as subsequent (4th generation) designs.[14] It also has a larger fin, and its propellers have seven blades instead of four.[15]

Like all post-World War II Soviet designs, they are of double hull construction.[16] Similarly, like other Soviet submarine designs, Project 949 not only has a bridge open to the elements on top of the sail but, for use in inclement weather, there is an enclosed bridge forward and slightly below this station. A distinguishing mark is a slight bulge at the top of the fin. A large door on either side of the fin reaches this bulge. These are wider at the top than on the bottom, and are hinged on the bottom. The Federation of American Scientists[15] reports that this submarine carries an emergency crew escape capsule; it is possible that these doors cover it. The VSK escape capsule can accommodate 110 people.[17]

Project 949AM[edit]

Modernization of Project 949A submarines, first announced by the Russian Defence Ministry in 2011.[7] As part of the modernization, submarines will have their 24 P-700 Granit anti-ship missiles replaced with up to 72 newer 3M-54 Kalibr or P-800 Oniks anti-ship cruise missiles. The upgrade requires no design changes to the hull as the new missiles will fit into the existing launchers outside the pressure hull. The modernized boats will also get upgraded Omnibus-M combat information and Simfoniya-3.2 navigation systems, as well as new fire-control system, communications, sonar, radar, and electronic intercept equipment.[9] The modernization aims to bring the submarines up to the same technological level as Russia's next-generation Yasen-class nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines.[8]

Belgorod, Project 09852[edit]

Main article: Russian submarine Belgorod (K-329)

In December 2012, construction began on a special purpose research and rescue submarine, designated Project 09852, and based on the incomplete Project 949A (Oscar II class) submarine Belgorod.[18][19][20] The submarine is reportedly designed to carry both manned (e.g. Project 18511 midget submarine) as well as unmanned (e.g. Klavesin-1R) underwater vessels.[19][21] However, while carrying smaller unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) would be possible as-is on an Oscar-class hull, the accommodation of a midget submarine such as Project 18511 Paltus or the even larger Project 10831 Losharik,[22] would probably require a major hull extension in order to accommodate a docking compartment. For example, the length of the submarine BS-64 Podmoskovye was increased by 9 metres (30 ft) even though the SLBM missile compartment was completely removed.[23][24]

Belgorod will be reportedly used as a carrier of the rumored Poseidon (NATO reporting name Kanyon) nuclear-powered, nuclear armed unmanned underwater device capable to carry a 100 Mt nuclear warhead, with at least four such devices being carried horizontally in place of the 24 P-700 Granit (SS-N-19 Shipwreck) launchers for a total yield of 600 megatonnes.[21][25][26][27]

It is estimated that Belgorod will be 184 metres (604 ft) long which would make it the longest submarine in the world.[21][28]

On 23 April 2019, Belgorod was floated out of a slipway during a ceremony at the Sevmash shipyard, watched by the Russian President Vladimir Putin via a TV-link. Further work was to be completed afloat and the submarine was scheduled to start its factory and state trials in 2020 after which it was to be delivered to the Russian Navy.[29][30] However, this schedule was delayed with sea trials now projected to begin in May 2021.[31]

Units[edit]

NoNameProjectLaid downLaunchedCommissionedFleetStatus
K-525Arkhangelsk
(ex-Minskiy Komsomolets)		94925 July 19753 May 198030 December 1980NorthernDecommissioned 1996,[12] scrapped in 2004[13]
K-206Murmansk94922 April 197910 December 198230 November 1983NorthernDecommissioned 1996,[12] scrapped in 2004[13]
K-148Krasnodar949A22 July 19823 March 198530 September 1986NorthernRetired, scrapping began in late 2012[32]
K-173Krasnoyarsk949A4 August 198327 March 198631 December 1986PacificInactive, caught fire during scrapping[33]
K-132Irkutsk [ru]949A8 May 198527 December 198730 December 1988PacificProjected to remain in refit until 2023;[34] Currently being modernized to 949AM at Zvezda shipyard[35][36][37]
K-119Voronezh [ru]949A25 February 198616 December 198829 December 1989NorthernActive, after overhaul completed in November 2011[38]
K-410Smolensk [ru]949A9 December 198620 January 199022 December 1990NorthernActive, after overhaul completed in December 2013[39][40]
K-442Chelyabinsk949A21 May 198718 June 199028 December 1990PacificCurrently being modernized to 949AM at Zvezda shipyard[36][37]
K-456Tver
(ex-Vilyuchinsk)		949A9 February 198828 June 199118 August 1992PacificActive
K-266Orel
(ex-Severodvinsk)		949AM19 January 198922 May 199230 December 1992NorthernActive, after overhaul completed in April 2017[41][42]
K-186Omsk [ru]949A13 July 198910 May 199315 December 1993PacificActive, after overhaul completed in 2008[43][44][45]
K-150Tomsk [ru]949A27 August 199120 July 199630 December 1996PacificActive, after overhaul completed in 2019[46][47][48]
K-141Kursk949A22 March 199216 May 199430 December 1994NorthernLost on 12 August 2000
K-329Belgorod0985224 July 199223 April 2019[29]2021/22Testing as of 2021 with Main Directorate of Deep Sea Research in Northern Fleet area of operations;[49] projected for deployment in the Pacific[50]"Tests" reported underway as of February 2021[51]
K-135Volgograd949A2 September 1993Unfinished, parts used in the construction of newer submarines[52]
Construction may be restarted[3]
K-165Barnaul949AApril 1994Unfinished, parts used in the construction of newer submarines[52]
Construction may be restarted[3]

Gallery[edit]

  • This picture clearly displays the arrangement of the hatches in the hull above the missile tubes, on either side of the dorsal fin. Also shown is the opening for the forward hydroplane (currently folded in), as well as the bulge on the top of the fin under which the rescue capsule is located. Although partially obscured by shadow, the seam between the capsule and the fin is faintly visible.

  • K-186 Omsk during 2008 Naval Parade in Vladivostok

  • K-266 Orel after completion of its overhaul

  • Disassembling of an Oscar-class submarine at the Zvezdochka shipyard in Severodvinsk, Russia

  • Artist impression of a Soviet ballistic missile submarine base during the 1980s

See also[edit]

  • List of submarine classes in service

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f Podvodnye Lodki, Yu.V. Apalkov, Sankt Peterburg, 2002, ISBN 5-8172-0069-4
  2. ^ "ЦАМТО / Новости / До 2025 года Минобороны РФ намерено модернизировать 4 атомные подлодки для ТОФ". www.armstrade.org. Archived from the original on 2017-06-09. Retrieved 2017-07-12.
  3. ^ a b c "Russia to Complete and Modernize Antei-class Subs". rusnavy.com. Archived from the original on 2012-05-14. Retrieved 2012-03-24.
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  5. ^ "data" (JPG). i.imgur.com. Archived from the original on 2016-08-26. Retrieved 2016-08-13.
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  34. ^ https://seawaves.com/?p=5466
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  38. ^ ЦС "Звездочка" завершил ремонт атомного подводного ракетного крейсера К-119 "Воронеж" [CA "Star" completed the renovation of nuclear submarine K-119 "Voronezh"]. flot.com (in Russian). I-mash.ru. Archived from the original on 2012-04-24. Retrieved 2012-01-01.
  39. ^ "Repair Works Started on SSN Smolensk". rusnavy.com.
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  41. ^ "Подводный крейсер "Орел" отправился к месту базирования". 6 April 2017. Archived from the original on 6 April 2017. Retrieved 6 April 2017.
  42. ^ "Nuclear-powered Oscar-class submarine returns to Russian fleet". 11 April 2017. Archived from the original on 2017-07-02. Retrieved 2017-07-12.
  43. ^ "Defense shipyard Zvezda claims RUR 65 mln for repairs of SSGN Omsk". rusnavy.com. 7 September 2010. Archived from the original on 5 February 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
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  46. ^ "PRESS-CENTER". dcss.ru. Archived from the original on 2017-07-26. Retrieved 2017-07-12.
  47. ^ "Nuclear submarine Tomsk returns to Kamchatka naval base having completed naval combat training tasks : Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation". eng.mil.ru. Archived from the original on 2016-01-31. Retrieved 2016-01-24.
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  49. ^ https://www.forbes.com/sites/hisutton/2020/07/06/russian-navys-spy-submarine-losharik-1-year-after-fatal-accident/#7ed8dc3154fb
  50. ^ https://tass.com/defense/1274461
  51. ^ https://news.usni.org/2021/02/25/new-details-of-russian-belgorod-doomsday-submarine-revealed
  52. ^ a b Лодки с крылатыми ракетами Archived 2016-08-13 at the Wayback Machine defendingrussia.ru

Bibliography[edit]

  • The Encyclopedia Of Warships, From World War Two To The Present Day, General Editor Robert Jackson.

External links[edit]

  • "The Kursk Crisis". deepspace4.com. 23 August 2000. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011.
  • "Oscar-class subs and Soviet RORSATs". Friends and Partners. 1 September 2000.
  • Line drawing of Oscar-class submarine