SSBN K-18 Karelia successfully took the sea after modernization

08.12.2009
Northern Fleet's nuclear-powered submarine K-18 Karelia has successfully completed post-modernization sea trials and returned to moorage at Zvezdochka Ship Repair Center, informs ITAR-TASS referring to Ludmila Shuryndina, acting director of the shipyard's press service.

The second out of three sea trial phases has been finished. It is anticipated that till the end of the year Karelia will be sent to Polar region, the permanent basing site where it will be delivered to the Navy.

The sub was launched in November being completed on 71%. The rest of works were performed afloat.

The submarine has being modernized at Zvezdochka shipyard since 2004 till 2009. Over 100 innovations were applied during upgrade, including installation of TVR-671RTM rocket torpedo system and RSM-54 Sineva missiles.

According to Zvezdochka official, lifetime of modernized submarine will be ten years.

K-18 Karelia is a Project 667BDRM Delfin 2-generation SSBN.

REGISTRATION

Gadzhievo, Northern Fleet

CONSTRICTION

The sub was laid down in February 1987 in Severodvinsk; launched in 1988; commissioned in 1989.

MILESTONES

The submarine performed over 14 missile firings; covered over 140,000 miles. In April 2000 Vladimir Putin was sailing the sea on board the sub.

PERFORMANCE

Surface speed: 14 knots
Submerged speed: 24 knots
Operating depth: 320-400 meters
Test depth: 550-650 meters
Endurance: 90 days
Crew: 135 - 140 men

DIMENSIONS

Surface displacement: 11,740 tonnes
Submerged displacement: 18,200 tonnes
Extreme length (at design waterline): 167.4 meters
Extreme beam: 11.7 meters
Mean draft (at design waterline): 8.8 meters

ARMAMENT

The submarine is armed with 4 torpedo tubes (533-mm), load is 12 torpedoes. Installation of 24 mines instead of torpedoes is possible. Missile armament: RSM-54 Sineva, TVR-671RTM rocket torpedo system, 9K310 Igla-1 / 9K38 Igla MANPADS launcher.

Source: RusNavy.com, photo: SSBN K-18 Karelia (for-ua.com)