The Ill-Fated Soviet Submarine K-278 Komsomolets
The Soviet submarine K-278 Komsomolets was a unique and formidable underwater vessel that served in the Soviet Navy during the late 1980s. The submarine was designed to be a deep-diving, high-speed attack submarine, but its career was cut short in a tragic accident. Here are 7 facts about the Soviet submarine K-278 Komsomolets:
1. Design and Construction
The K-278 Komsomolets was a Project 685 Plavnik-class submarine, designed to be a high-speed, deep-diving attack submarine. The submarine was constructed at the Severodvinsk shipyard in the Soviet Union and launched on May 3, 1983. The submarine was 360 feet (109.7 meters) long, with a beam of 29 feet (8.8 meters) and a draft of 25 feet (7.6 meters).
2. Propulsion and Performance
The K-278 Komsomolets was powered by a single OK-650 nuclear reactor, which generated 190 megawatts of power. The submarine’s propulsion system consisted of a steam turbine connected to a reduction gear, which drove a single seven-bladed propeller. The submarine had a top speed of 24 knots (44 km/h) when surfaced and 21 knots (39 km/h) when submerged.
3. Armament and Sensors
The K-278 Komsomolets was armed with six 533mm torpedo tubes, which could fire wire-guided torpedoes or anti-ship missiles. The submarine also had a single 9K34 Strela-3 surface-to-air missile launcher and two 21-inch (533mm) torpedo tubes. The submarine’s sensor suite included a MGK-400 Rubikon active/passive sonar system and a MG-519 Arfa active sonar system.
4. Crew and Operating Cycle
The K-278 Komsomolets had a crew of 64 officers and enlisted personnel. The submarine’s operating cycle consisted of 60 days at sea, followed by 30 days in port for maintenance and replenishment. The submarine was designed to operate in the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, and its crew was trained to survive in extreme cold-water conditions.
5. Accident and Loss
On April 7, 1989, the K-278 Komsomolets caught fire while operating in the Norwegian Sea. The fire started in the submarine’s lithium-ion battery compartment and quickly spread throughout the vessel. The submarine’s crew attempted to fight the fire, but it soon became clear that the situation was hopeless. The submarine sank at 1841 hours, resulting in the loss of 42 lives. Four crew members managed to escape the submarine in an emergency rescue submersible.
💔 Note: The exact cause of the fire remains disputed, with some sources blaming a faulty welding job, while others point to a malfunctioning battery charger.
6. Investigation and Aftermath
The Soviet Navy launched an investigation into the sinking of the K-278 Komsomolets, which concluded that the fire was caused by a combination of human error and technical failure. The investigation also revealed that the submarine’s crew had been inadequately trained to respond to emergencies, and that the submarine’s safety procedures were inadequate.
7. Legacy and Preservation
The sinking of the K-278 Komsomolets marked a significant blow to the Soviet Navy’s submarine fleet. The incident led to a major overhaul of the navy’s safety procedures and training programs. Today, the wreck of the K-278 Komsomolets lies at a depth of approximately 5,250 feet (1,600 meters) in the Norwegian Sea. The wreck has been the subject of several documentaries and has been visited by deep-sea submersibles.
The sinking of the K-278 Komsomolets serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by submariners and the importance of safety procedures and training.
In summary, the Soviet submarine K-278 Komsomolets was a unique and powerful underwater vessel that was lost in a tragic accident. The incident led to significant changes in the Soviet Navy’s safety procedures and training programs, and the wreck of the submarine remains a fascinating and sobering reminder of the risks and challenges faced by submariners.
What was the primary cause of the fire on the K-278 Komsomolets?
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The exact cause of the fire remains disputed, with some sources blaming a faulty welding job, while others point to a malfunctioning battery charger.
How many crew members survived the sinking of the K-278 Komsomolets?
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Four crew members managed to escape the submarine in an emergency rescue submersible.
What was the operating cycle of the K-278 Komsomolets?
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The submarine’s operating cycle consisted of 60 days at sea, followed by 30 days in port for maintenance and replenishment.
