Introduction to the Akula II Class Submarine
The Akula II class submarine is a Russian naval vessel that has been in service since the late 1990s. It is a third-generation attack submarine, designed to be stealthy and highly maneuverable, making it a formidable opponent in the underwater battlefield. The Akula II class submarine is an upgraded version of the original Akula class, with improved capabilities and features that make it one of the most advanced submarines in the world.
Design and Construction
The Akula II class submarine was designed by the Rubin Design Bureau, a leading Russian naval design firm. The submarine has a length of 110 meters (361 feet) and a beam of 13.6 meters (44.6 feet). It has a displacement of 13,800 tons when surfaced and 18,000 tons when submerged. The submarine has a crew of 73 officers and sailors, and it can stay at sea for up to 100 days.
The Akula II class submarine has a double-hulled design, with the inner hull being made of high-strength steel and the outer hull being made of lighter materials. This design provides excellent strength and durability, while also reducing the submarine’s acoustic signature. The submarine’s propeller is driven by a nuclear reactor, which provides a virtually limitless supply of power.
Armament and Sensors
The Akula II class submarine is equipped with a variety of armaments, including:
- Torpedoes: The submarine has six 533mm torpedo tubes, which can fire a variety of torpedoes, including the 65-76A and the TEST-71ME.
- Missiles: The submarine can fire the SS-N-21 Sampson land-attack missile, which has a range of up to 1,500 kilometers (932 miles).
- Mines: The submarine can also lay mines, including the PMK-2 and the PMK-4.
The Akula II class submarine has a range of advanced sensors, including:
- Active and passive sonar: The submarine has a suite of sonar systems, including active and passive arrays, which allow it to detect and track targets.
- Radar: The submarine has a radar system, which provides air and surface surveillance.
- ESM: The submarine has an electronic support measures (ESM) system, which can detect and analyze radar signals.
Stealth Features
The Akula II class submarine has a number of stealth features, which make it extremely difficult to detect. These include:
- Anechoic coatings: The submarine’s hull is covered with anechoic coatings, which absorb sonar waves and reduce the submarine’s acoustic signature.
- Propeller design: The submarine’s propeller is designed to be very quiet, with a specialized blade design that reduces cavitation.
- Pumpjet propulsion: The submarine uses a pumpjet propulsion system, which is much quieter than traditional propeller systems.
Operational History
The Akula II class submarine has been in service with the Russian Navy since the late 1990s. The first submarine, the Vepr, was commissioned in 1995, and a total of four submarines have been built to date. The submarines have been used for a variety of tasks, including:
- Patrolling: The submarines have been used to patrol Russia’s maritime borders and to protect its naval bases.
- Training: The submarines have been used for training exercises, including anti-submarine warfare and torpedo firing exercises.
- Research: The submarines have been used for research purposes, including studying ocean currents and marine life.
Comparison with Other Submarines
The Akula II class submarine is often compared with other advanced attack submarines, including the US Navy’s Virginia class and the French Navy’s Barracuda class. Here is a comparison of the Akula II class with these submarines:
| Akula II | Virginia | Barracuda | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 110m | 114m | 99m |
| Beam | 13.6m | 10.4m | 8.8m |
| Displacement | 18,000t | 7,800t | 5,300t |
| Speed | 28kt | 25kt | 25kt |
| Crew | 73 | 135 | 60 |
| Armament | Torpedoes, missiles, mines | Torpedoes, missiles | Torpedoes, missiles |
Conclusion
The Akula II class submarine is a highly advanced and stealthy Russian naval vessel. Its improved capabilities and features make it one of the most advanced submarines in the world. The submarine’s stealth features, armament, and sensors make it a formidable opponent in the underwater battlefield.
What is the main purpose of the Akula II class submarine?
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The main purpose of the Akula II class submarine is to conduct anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare operations.
How many Akula II class submarines have been built?
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A total of four Akula II class submarines have been built.
What is the top speed of the Akula II class submarine?
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The top speed of the Akula II class submarine is approximately 28 knots.
