SSGN Severodvinsk Performed Underwater Cruise Missile Launch

29.11.2012 Project 885 Yasen nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine (SSGN) Severodvinsk carried out underwater launch of a supersonic cruise missile against a land-based target during trials in the White Sea, said a source in defense industry on Nov 28.

"Severodvinsk performed the first underwater test launch of a supersonic cruise missile against a land-based target", reports Interfax referring to the source.

As for him, the launch was effective, the target was hit.

"It is the third successive launch of the newest Russian sea-based supersonic missile Caliber", pointed out the interviewee.

On Nov 26, SSGN Severodvinsk performed surface test launch of the missile against a land target, and on Nov 7 the sub successfully launched the cruise missile against sea target.

Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Viktor Chirkov said on Aug 17 that trials of SSGN Severodvinsk would finish by the end of the year.

SSGN Severodvinsk is a double-hulled single-shaft nuclear submarine with reduced level of acoustic field. Conning tower has streamlined oval shape; strength hull is subdivided into 10 compartments.

For the first time in Soviet/Russian shipbuilding, torpedo tubes are located not in bows but behind central station; that enabled to use bow space for advanced sonar antenna.

Eight vertical launch tubes are designed for missile arms. Powerful weapon system includes supersonic cruise missiles and multipurpose deep-water homing torpedoes. The sub is also equipped with state-of-the-art communication hardware and navigation aids, and powered by crucially new nuclear powerplant. Introduction of latest Russian military technologies will make Yasen class the world's most silent and covert submarines.

Displacement of SSGN Severodvinsk is 8,600/13,800 tons; dimensions are 119 x 13.5 x 9.4 meters; test depth is 600 meters; speed is 16/31 knots; crew is 90 (32 officers).