12.11.2009
Source:
SSBN K-18 Karelia which had been modernized at Zvezdochka Ship Repair Center in Severodvinsk started builder's sea trials, said the shipyard's press service on Wednesday.
Interim overhaul and upgrade works have been performed since Oct 2004 in the framework of governmental defense order. In November 2008 the submarine left covered slipway.
According to the press service, over 100 innovations improving vessel's performance characteristics were applied during overhaul and modernization. Noisiness of the submarine was reduced; its detection capability of enemy subs has been significantly increased; casualty control and nuclear safety were also improved. Besides, missile system was upgraded as well.
"Nowadays Project 667BDRM submarines with their ballistic missiles are basis of nuclear triad's naval component. After overhaul subs will perform their combat tasks during ten years", says press release.
The submarine will be handed over to the Navy at the end of this year or early next one, specified press service official in interview to
RIA Novosti.
Project 667BDRM SSBN K-18 (class
Delfin, on NATO classification –
Delta IV) was laid down at
Sevmashpredpriyatie in 1987; in two years was set afloat, and on Oct 11, 1989 Navy flag was hoisted on it and the ship entered service.
Karelia is fifth Project 667BDRM submarine has been repaired at
Zvezdochka. The shipyard had previously carried out interim overhaul and modernization of SSBNs K-51
Verkhoturye, K-84
Yekaterinburg, K-114
Tula and K-117
Bryansk.
