SSBN Nerpa to begin state trials on Nov 15

06.11.2009
Nuclear submarine Nerpa which accident took away 20 lives last year will start state trials on Nov 15. This was written by newspaper Dalnevostochny Komsomolets with reference to Anatoly Zinoviev, the head of Amur Shipyard's test department.

According to the shipyard's official, the sub is being prepared and all defects revealed at builder's sea trials are being eliminated. If the state inspection board is satisfied, the trials will start as scheduled.

Normally, such trials last two weeks, he added.

Only control algorithm of firefighting system was improved after accident, since neither fire no serious damage occurred, specified Mr. Zinoviev.

A high-ranking spokesman of Pacific Fleet HQ had previously said that Nerpa after state trials would be commissioned and leased to India not earlier than Apr 2010.

Recently, Nerpa has successfully completed repeated builder's sea trials started on July 10.

As a consequence of freon release happened in Nerpa on Nov 8, 2008 during its sea trials in the Sea of Japan, 20 died and 21 were intoxicated out of 208 attendants. Seaman Dmitry Grobov was accused in "causing death carelessly to two or more persons" as per part 3 clause 109 of the RF Criminal Code which provides deprivation of freedom on term up to five years. Supposedly, the seaman incorrectly adjusted an air temperature sensor in living compartment and that led to emergency actuation of firefighting system. Results of investigation have not been promulgated.

The construction of SSBN Nerpa was launched in 1993 under Project 971 at Amur Shipyard. In 2002 the works were frozen due to lack of financing; the sub was floated out only in June 4, 2006. In 2004 they started fitting-out the sub under Project 971I to lease it for India. According to Indian sources, lease contract provides term of 10 years and payment of $650 mln.

Nerpa is multipurpose nuclear-power submarine of Project 971 Schuka-B laid down in 1991.

PERFORMANCE

NATO classification: Akula-II
Surface speed: 11.6 knots
Submerged speed: 30 knots
Operating depth: 520 meters
Maximum diving depth: 600 meters
Endurance: 100 days
Crew: 73

DIMENSIONS

Surface displacement: 8140 tonnes
Submerged displacement: 12770 tonnes
Extreme length (at design waterline): 114.3 meters
Extreme hull beam: 13.6 meters
Mean draft (at design waterline): 9.7 meters

PROPULSION

Nuclear reactor OK-650B3 (190 MW), 1 turbine (43 000 hp).

ARMAMENT

Four 650-mm torpedo tubes, four 533-mm torpedo tubes.

Source: RusNavy.com, photo: SSBN Nerpa