Project 955 Borei nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) Yury Dolgoruky will join Russian Navy in Sept 2012, president of JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) Andrei Diachkov told Central Navy Portal. As for him, all design characteristics of the submarine have been already proved. In particular, this fact is supported by a document signed by Chief of Russian Navy Main HQ Alexander Tatarinov who heads the sub's acceptance board.
It was earlier expected that the submarine would be commissioned on July 29, 2012. The reason for postponing of delivery date was the need for additional tests of weapon systems.
Being interviewed by Central Navy Portal, Andrei Diachkov explained that September is the deadline for Moscow Thermotechnics Institute to complete all works on the sub's primary weapon, ballistic missile Bulava.
It is planned to deliver the second Borei-class submarine SSBN Alexander Nevsky in Dec 2012. Totally, Russian military expects to receive eight Project 955 strategic submarines by 2020.
SSBN Yury Dolgoruky (Project 955 Borei) displaces 14,700/24,000 tons. Dimensions are 170 x 13.5 x 9 meters. Test depth is 450 meters. Speed is 15/29 knots. Crew is 107 men including 55 officers. All Borei-class subs will be armed with new missile system Bulava.