Zvezdochka experts discharged nuclear fuel from SSBN Borisoglebsk

10.03.2010 Source: RIA Novosti, photo: SSBN Borisoglebsk (Central Navy Portal)

Experts of Zvezdochka Ship Repair Center (Severodvinsk) have completed discharge of spent nuclear fuel from reactors of SSBN Borisoglebsk, reported Tuesday the shipyard's press service.

Project 667BDR SSBN Borisoglebsk was decommissioned in Nov 2008. Naval flag was hauled down in Aug 2009; then started works to prepare the sub for utilization.

"Discharge of spent nuclear fuel began on Dec 24, 2009 and has been finished last weekend. There were no accidents during fuel discharge process", says the release.

Project 667BDR Kalmar submarines including SSBN Borisoglebsk are the series of Soviet nuclear ballistic missile submarines armed with D-9R system with 16 sea-launched ballistic missiles. The project was designed by Rubin Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering.

SSBN K-496 Borisoglebsk (Project 667BDR, on NATO classification Delta-IV) was laid down on Nov 23, 1975 at Sevmash shipyard (Severodvinsk). Less than two years later – on Nov 11, 1977 – the naval flag was hoisted. With acceptance certificate signed on Dec 30, 1977 the sub was commissioned into Soviet Navy.

In 1983 the sub sailed to the North Pole, consequently a leak occurred in steam generator at reactor's main circuit. After overhaul the sub carried out another cruise to the North Pole.

The sub had been repaired at Zvezdochka shipyard two times. Late 2008 she returned to the shipyard again for further utilization.