Launching of SSN Severodvinsk postponed indefinitely

12.05.2010 Launching of lead sub Severodvinsk was postponed indefinitely. The submarine was supposed to be launched on May 7. The delay was caused by technical reasons, reports Sevmash shipyard.

Conning tower of SSN Severodvinsk has streamlined oval shape and located in the middle of the hull but not at the sub's bow where is space for sonar antenna. Armament contains deep-water torpedoes, homing torpedoes, and supersonic cruise missiles. Being equipped with newest navigation and communications systems, Severodvinsk is the first 4-gen nuclear-powered attack submarine in Russian Navy. Launching of the sub was associated with anniversary of the Victory; however, due to technical reasons it was postponed, said Elena Makovetskaya, Sevmash press service official.

"That is a lead sub; technological delays are rather common. The shipyard has numerous orders. Besides, the dry dock for Severodvinsk is occupied", she said.

Undoubtedly, the reasons are really technical, say experts. The launching date was known 2 months before, although exact date is rarely named in advance. As for Andrei Frolov, researcher of Analysis Center for Strategies and Technologies:

"This is the only dry dock and it must be occupied, because apart from submarines Sevmash repairs an aircraft carrier for India and constructs an oil platform. Thus, official version might be true".

Even the experts have no idea of technical features and appearance of the sub. There are some pictures but it is still uncertain whether they have anything to do with reality. As long as information security is a sort of tradition in Russia, the project cost is also undisclosed. SSBN Yury Dolgoruky started sea trials last year was officially evaluated as 23 bln RUR. The sum was underrated, say experts.

"Given that Severodvinsk has been under construction since 1993, she might have passed a number of upgrades in the course of construction. In addition, long term of building also causes appreciation. In my opinion, if we say the sub costs 30 bln rubles, it would be slight undervaluation", said Andrei Frolov.

According to the analysts, time displacement of launching Severodvinsk would unlikely be very long. Normally, such events are connected to some memorable dates. Probably, the sub will be launched on Russian Navy Day.