Second Project 636.3 Non-Nuclear Sub Keel-Laid for Russian Navy

23.11.2011 First serial Project 636.3 diesel electric submarine for Russian Navy was laid down on Nov 21 at JSC Admiralteyskie Verfi shipyard (St. Petersburg).

Vice president of JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) Anatoly Tiukov congratulated the shipyard's staff and naval servicemen on "the outstanding event, keel-laying of the first serial submarine B-237 of Project 636.3". He reminded that in Aug 2010 the lead sub of the project – SSK Novorossiysk – had been also laid down at Admiralteyskie Verfi, the oldest Russian shipyard. Then Tiukov congratulated Black Sea Fleet (BSF) servicemen saying that "the pack of six Project 636 submarines is being created to improve combat capabilities of Black Sea Fleet".

Anatoly Tiukov promised BSF submariners that SSK Rostov-na-Donu would join the fleet no later than in 2014. The shipyard's acting director general Alexander Buzakov reminded in his turn that defense ministry had signed a contract with USC on Nov 5 providing that Admiralteyskie Verfi would build five subs of that project. Taking into account the lead submarine Novorossiysk keel-laid last year, Admiralteyskie Verfi will deliver six Project 636.3 subs.

According to Russian vice premier Dmitry Kozak, the government plans to appropriate over RUR 300 bln till 2020 for re-equipment and modernization of the Navy and scientific research fleet. Admiralteyskie Verfi has been always up to date, said Kozak. He added that the yard was working on another innovative project – a rescue ship equipped with deep-sea submersibles. "It is planned to complete the ship in 2013 and to hand it over for trial operation in 2014. Our Navy will receive this advanced high-tech and so needed vessel in 2014", emphasized the vice premier.

Project 636.3 Varshavyanka is third-generation diesel electric submarine. According to experts, it demonstrates development of one of the best non-nuclear submarine projects of the 20th century, i.e. Project 877EKM known in NATO as Kilo and then – Improved Kilo (Project 636).

Main advantages are low noisiness, advanced hull architecture, optimal level of control process automation, powerful missile/torpedo/mine armament, good living conditions, high reliability, and easy maintenance.

Kilo-class submarines have been exported since 1986. Construction of Project 636 subs – more powerful and silent – was started in mid 90's.

Commissioning of antiship cruise missiles significantly expanded combat capabilities of Kilo- and Improved Kilo-class submarines. It increased their competitiveness at world arms market.

Project 636 performance characteristics:

NATO classification: Improved Kilo
Surface speed: 17 knots
Submerged speed: 20 knots
Operating depth: 240 meters
Test depth: 350 meters
Endurance: 45 days
Crew: 57 men

The submarines are armed with six 533-mm torpedo tubes (combat load – torpedoes, missiles, or mines).

Reference

JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation is the Russia's largest shipbuilding company. It was established in 2007; 100% shares is federal property. The holding comprises over 50 companies and organizations of shipbuilding industry (largest shipyards and ship-repair plants, leading design bureaus). Presently, the corporation consolidates about 70% of national shipbuilding sector. Although the company is oriented on Russian market, it exports production to 20 countries.

JSC Admiralteyskie Verfi is the oldest shipyard in Russia established on November 5, 1704. It is a member of United Shipbuilding Corporation. The shipyard is specialized in designing, production and modernization of civil vessels and warships. Through its history, the yard has built over 2,500 surface warships, submarines, research and fishing vessels.