SSBN Karelia recommissioned into Northern Fleet

22.01.2010
Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine K-18 Karelia was recommissioned into Northern Fleet after overhaul and modernization at Zvezdochka Ship Repair Center (Severodvinsk), informs ITAR-TASS.

Karelia's official acceptance certificate was signed on Jan 22. It was previously reported the sub hailed from Severodvinsk to its permanent basing site in Polar region.

In Dec 2009 SSBN Karelia completed builder's sea trials at Zvezdochka where it had been repaired and upgraded since Oct 2004. Over 100 innovations were applied. The sub is armed with new TVR-671RTM rocket torpedo system; SLBM Sineva became the sub's basic armament; noisiness of the submarine was reduced; its detection capability of enemy subs has been significantly increased; casualty control and nuclear safety were also improved.

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

K-18 Karelia is a Project 667BDRM Delfin 2nd 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 Karelia (from foto.mail.ru)