SSBN Alexander Nevsky Starts Sea Trials in Next Few Days

16.11.2011 First serial Borei-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) Alexander Nevsky within the next three days will take the White Sea to start second phase of trials, reported RIA Novosti on Nov 16 referring to a source in the White Sea Naval Base.

"At present, the sub is fully ready to test performance, maneuvering, and communication capabilities at sea", said the interviewee.

As for him, stormy weather in the White Sea hinders the submarine to leave the base. Currently, wind speed reaches 25 mps there. According to naval forecasters, it would be about 30 meters per second.

SSBN Alexander Nevsky passed first phase of sea trials late in Oct; on Nov 9, Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin visited the sub in Severodvinsk and congratulated the crew on successful tests.

The fourth-generation SSBN Alexander Nevsky is the second Borei-class sub; she was laid down at Sevmash shipyard in 2004. Submarines of this project are standard platforms of Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile. The sub's cost is evaluated as RUR 23 bln. It is planned to finish trials in 2012.

The project's lead sub – SSBN Yury Dolgoruky – passes trials as well. Two recent sorties were held to conduct test launches of SLBM Bulava. Both of them were recognized successful.

Borei project was developed by Rubin Central Design Bureau (St. Petersburg). Reportedly, the most up-to-date technologies (naval radioelectronics, noise reduction etc) were implemented in Borei project. The submarines will be armed with new ballistic missile system Bulava. All Borei-class sub would be capable to carry 12 solid-propellant missiles with 10 warheads each. The subs will be equipped with surfacing rescue chambers accommodating the whole crew. Hull length is 170 meters, beam is 13.5 meters, diving depth is 450 meters, crew is 107 men. According to Russian Navy command, Borei subs will become the core of Russia's maritime nuclear force in the 21-st century.