Zvezdochka dismantles unique titanium nuc sub

05.03.2010
Experts of Zvezdochka Ship Repair Center (Severodvinsk) started utilization of unique titanium nuclear-powered submarine K-222 Anchar dubbed as "Goldfish".

"Works are carried out under state defense order. As the sub herself, dismantling operation is unique since cutting is performed without nuclear fuel discharge", reports Interfax referring to the source in Severodvinsk administration.

"All required safety precautions are considered while organization of work", underlined the source.

The interviewee did not specify the reasons for utilization being made prior to decision of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) about tender for consultant of spent fuel project.

The project orderer is Federal Center for Nuclear and Radiation Safety, informed previously Interfax citing EBRD. Financing of the project is carried out by ecological foundation North Dimension. The contract itself deals with two projects – spent fuel discharge from Russia's only titanium submarine and utilization of Murmansk-based floating workshop Lepse.

First-ever titanium nuclear-powered submarine K-222 is presently moored at Zvezdochka shipyard berth. By estimate of experts, this experimental fast-speed nuclear sub is a unique vessel and still has not analogs in world's shipbuilding.

In 1989 the sub was decommissioned; in 1999 she was towed for utilization to Sevmash. However, uniqueness of the project excluded use of traditional submarine dismantling technologies. Through almost ten years the shipyard's staff provided viability of the sub and then she was transferred to Zvezdochka Ship Repair Center.

K-222 was laid down on Dec 28, 1963 in Severodvinsk and commissioned on Dec 31, 1969.

In 1971 the sub accelerated up to 44.7 knots which is still submarine world record.

The sub's bow consists of two cylinders, 5.5 m in diameter each. They located one over another in a way which constitutes eight-curve in cross section. Upper cylinder is first compartment, lower one is second. Behind fourth compartment which contacts with the eight-curve, there is the cylindrical hull 9 m in diameter. In total, the sub has nine compartments.

It was initially supposed that after lead sub is built, series of 10 submarines would be laid down. However, the project was abandoned due to technological difficulties and long-term construction of such unique sub. Besides, she was too noisy and had a number of missile weapon defects. In addition, at that time has started serial production of cheaper and more silent subs of Project 670.

Source: Interfax, photo: nuclear-powered submarine Anchar (voencom.net)