Repair of SSK Kaluga Goes On

16.11.2011 Interim overhaul of diesel electric submarine (SSK) Kaluga being repaired by JSC Zvezdochka Ship Repair Center goes on schedule, reports the shipyard's press service.

SSK Kaluga (Project Varshavyanka or Paltus) based in Northern Fleet's Submarine Brigade has been staying at Zvezdochka since 2002. Due to lack of financing, no repair works had been held up to 2009. The sub was nearly decommissioned and scrapped. In 2004 it was reported that SSK Kaluga could be possibly sold to India, although later this information was confuted.

The shipyard started systematic works only two years ago. Presently, Zvezdochka conducts full-fledged repair of the sub with involvement of contracting parties. It is planned to complete labor-consuming electric works till the current year is over. Piping works have been 60% finished; at the same time, onboard equipment is being installed, ballast tanks tests are in progress as well. The submarine is almost ready for assembling of propeller-rudder system and sonar equipment. Currently, repairmen focus on that works. Zvezdochka demonstrates high work pace; according to engineer-in-charge Vladimir Gnevashev, repair will be completed in time.

Reportedly, recommission of SSK Kaluga is scheduled in the next year. Apart from interim overhaul, the submarine will be modernized. In particular, she will receive additional missile system Caliber-PL which is to improve her combat potential.

Project 877LPMB diesel electric submarine B-800 (serial number 606) was built at Krasnoye Sormovo shipyard in Gorky (now Nizhny Novgorod). The sub was laid down on March 5, 1987; launched on May 7, 1989; commissioned into Black Sea Fleet after a transfer via interior waters. The submarine was put in service on Sept 30, 1989; in summer 1991, she was transferred to Northern Fleet. In 2003 the submarine obtained the name of Kaluga.

Basic characteristics of Project 877 diesel electric submarine

Surface displacement – 2,300 tons
Submerged displacement – 3,100 tons
Dimensions: length - 73 meters, beam – about 10 meters, draft - about 6.5 meters
Full submerged speed - 17 knots, full surface speed - about 10 knots
Submerged range – over 6,500 miles
Diving depth – down to 300 meters
Endurance - 45 days
Propulsion plant: diesel electric, 1 x 5,500-shp propulsion motor; 2 x 1,000-kW diesels; 2 diesel generators, 1 screw
Armament: 6 x 533-mm torpedo tubes (18 torpedoes or 24 mines), 8 MANPADS Igla.
Crew – about 60 men including 15 officers