After the Cold War, the US submarine fleet became the undisputed master of the deep sea. America's elite, all-nuclear submarine force watched the submarines of their once formidable Soviet adversary rust quietly at their piers as the new nation Russian Federation was unable to service and support them.
More than 20 years of American undersea dominance have passed, and now a new rival has risen from the depths. It's a little familiar, almost two decades in the making, and it's a highly unusual challenge to American naval supremacy, although this rival has a long and deadly pedigree. So how does this new-old upstart, the Russian Yasen-class submarine, look against the backdrop of the main support submarine forces America's Virginia-class submarines?
The concept of the Yasen project boat was developed in the early 1980s by the Malakhit central design bureau, one of the three main design bureaus for submarine design. Construction of the first submarine, called Severodvinsk, began in 1993 at the Sevmash enterprise, but due to lack of funding it was delayed for almost 10 years. “Severodvinsk” was launched in 2010, and the boat entered the fleet in 2013.
The Yasen project boat is 120 meters long and has a displacement of 13,800 tons. The submarine's crew is only 90 people, much less than its American counterparts, which indicates a high degree of automation. Outwardly, it resembles the submarines of the earlier Akula project, but its conning tower is much closer to the bow. This boat also has a hump where the vertical launch units are located. According to the authoritative publication Combat Fleets of the World, Severodvinsk is equipped with a 200 megawatt OK-650KPM nuclear reactor. It provides the boat with a speed of up to 16 knots on the surface and 31 knots underwater, and has long term services. , the submarine's speed is slightly higher, reaching 35 knots, and it can silently travel underwater at a speed of 20 knots.
“Severodvinsk” has the Irtysh-Amphora hydroacoustic complex with a large spherical antenna, hydroacoustic antenna arrays on the sides and a towed antenna array for searching in the rear hemisphere. The boat is equipped with an MRK-50 Albatross radar station for navigation and surface search. It also has an electronic support/countermeasures complex.
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Russian submarines have no equal
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Russian RFI Service 08/24/2016The submarine's armament consists of four standard 10533 mm torpedo tubes and four torpedo tubes with a diameter of 650 mm. They can accommodate homing torpedoes and 3M54 Caliber missiles in anti-ship, land-based and anti-submarine versions. To further enhance the firepower of the Yasen, they are equipped with vertical missile launch systems, which are located behind the wheelhouse. They use P-800 Onyx supersonic anti-ship missiles with a ramjet engine.
The Virginia-class submarine was developed as a low-cost replacement for the short-lived Seawolf submarine. This boat had excellent performance, but was incredibly expensive. In this sense, the Virginia turned out to be very successful and became the main ship of the US Navy's submarine forces.
Measuring 115 meters in length, Virginia is only five meters shorter than Ash. However, its displacement is half that. The boat has a crew of 113 people, and power plant used on it nuclear reactor type GE S9G, which drives not an ordinary propeller, but two turbines and
propeller in an annular fairing. The speed of the boat on the surface is 25 knots, and under water 35. At a speed of 25 knots, the Virginia is as silent as a boat of the Los Angeles type, but standing against the wall.
Like on the Russian submarine, the main sonar station on the Virginia is spherical, and it is located in the bow. But starting with the Block III series, the BQQ-10 sonar station was replaced with a wide-aperture one, which is also located in the nose. They are complemented by antenna arrays on the right and left sides, classified as lightweight wide-aperture ones. They consist of two sets of fiber optic acoustic sensors, three in each. Such antenna arrays detect diesel-electric submarines very well. From the stern, search and detection are provided by the TB-29(A) towed passive antenna array. Finally, a high-frequency sonar array allows the Virginia to detect and evade mines.
This boat has only four 533 mm torpedo tubes, which provide the launch of heavy Mk.48 homing torpedoes (ADCAP), which are used against surface ships and submarines. It is also armed with UGM-84 Sub-Harpoon anti-ship missiles. In early versions of the submarine, 12 Tomahawk missiles were used in vertical launchers, but in the Block III series they were replaced by 2 revolver-type launchers with the same number of Tomahawks. On the Block V Virginia boat, the number of launchers will be increased, and then each submarine will be able to carry up to 40 Tomahawks.
Who will win in the event of a direct collision between Virginia Block III and Severodvinsk? Both submarines have become the pinnacle of technical thought and technology development in their countries, and their strengths are approximately equal. "Severodvinsk" is a little slower, but it dives deeper. Virginia is faster, but according to Combat Ships of the World, her hull was tested to a maximum depth of 488 meters. It certainly has a number of advantages in sonar, which is explained by the installation of wide-aperture sonar.
In terms of weapons, the two boats are roughly equal, although Severodvinsk has an anti-ship version of the 3M54 Kalibr missile, which allows it to quickly strike with a light torpedo delivered to the target by this missile. In this way, it is somewhat reminiscent of a decommissioned American submarine-launched missile.
The Virginia is quieter than the Russian submarine and has a better sonar system. During submarine warfare it's an unbeatable combination. The boat can move and track targets in such a way that it will give away the Severodvinsk. But what speaks in favor of Severodvinsk is that it, with its anti-submarine missiles, reacts faster to suddenly appearing targets. But in the near future, the efficiency of Virginia's state automated system will increase due to regular updates software. On the Severodvinsk, such an update may not be possible, and measures to reduce the noise of this boat will not be easy to implement. Overall, the advantage should be given to Virginia.
In the long term, rivalry between the two submarines could lead to the inclusion of submarines. uninhabited vehicles and other samples new technology. After the end of the Cold War and even after 9/11, the United States did not pay much attention to submarine warfare. But with the US now re-emphasizing major power warfare, and submarine warfare in particular, American submarines are likely to once again outperform their Russian competitors.
Kyle Mizokami lives and works in San Francisco and writes about defense and national security. His articles have appeared in publications such as Diplomat, Foreign Policy, War is Boring, and the Daily Beast. He is also one of the founders of Japan Security Watch, a blog dedicated to defense and security issues.
According to foreign media reports, the newest Russian nuclear submarine K-560 Severodvinsk has earned a special “honor”. Chapter American program for the development of submarines of the US Naval Command, Rear Admiral Dave Johnson placed a model of a domestic nuclear submarine in his office, explaining that he had to constantly see it and remember what a formidable adversary the Russian submarine, created according to Project 885 Yasen, is. Experts classify the submarines of this project as fourth generation, just like the American Virginia-class submarines. Both lines of nuclear submarines belong to the multi-purpose category. “If we say that the Virginia is multi-purpose, then our Yasen are super multi-purpose. The Russian boat carries a wide variety of weapons capable of hitting ground, surface and underwater targets, and laying mines. According to the range of weapons, there are no such boats in the world anymore,” said military expert Alexander Mozgovoy in an interview with the Zvezda TV channel. The birth of 4th generation multi-purpose nuclear submarines The creation of a fourth generation nuclear submarine began in the Soviet Union in the 80s. According to the developers, new nuclear submarine was supposed to attack enemy aircraft carriers and missile carriers, destroy coastal targets, and fight submarines. Then they wanted to create nuclear boat"station wagon" to get rid of other types of submarines and reduce the cost of their operation. The construction of the Yasen project boat has been delayed. The keel was laid at Sevmash in December 1993, and the launch took place 17 years later in June 2010. Three years later, the military received the submarine. This was all due to political cataclysms in the country and the collapse of the USSR. The Americans created the Virginia in the late 90s, and already in 2004 the first submarine of the project rolled off the slipways at the Electric Boat shipyards in Groton. According to experts, the cost of the boats speaks in favor of the Russian submarine. “If we take the situation of our long-term construction, when the price of Severodvinsk is $1.5 billion over 17 years, versus $3.1 billion over five years for the parent Virginia, then this is more than acceptable. Moreover, Russian manufacturers they report that with improved characteristics, the next Yasen will cost one third less, and all cooperation between enterprises in their construction will be exclusively Russian,” military expert Mikhail Timoshenko tells the Zvezda TV channel. General characteristics of nuclear submarines The Yasen project is a combination of the best that the domestic underwater shipbuilding industry has developed over the past few decades. It is known that the Project 885 boat has not a double (traditional) hull, but a so-called one-and-a-half hull, when only the bow of the ship is covered with an external additional shell to reduce its noise. The submarine's hull is made of low-magnetic, ultra-strong steel, allowing it to dive to a depth of 600 meters. An additional, special coating on the submarine's hull reduces its visibility in the radio frequency and infrared range. The maximum speed of the Yasen is 31 knots (just over 60 km per hour). “If we compare ours and the American boat Virginia, we have a greater working depth. They (the Americans) have a maximum of 500 meters, and our 600 is additional stealth and the ability to evade many types of modern anti-submarine weapons,” noted military expert Alexander Mozgovoy. For the first time in the practice of domestic shipbuilding, torpedo tubes are located not in the bow of the ship, but behind the compartment central post, which made it possible to place the antenna of the new hydroacoustic complex of the Irtysh-Amphora-Asen nuclear submarine at the bow end of the submarine. “Most of the time the station operates in passive mode and receives signals, in fact, these are the “ears” of the boat. There are conformal antennas on the sides of the submarine, the hull itself consists of blocks of hydroacoustic stations that listen to the sea on the sides,” explained military expert Alexander Mozgovoy. “The ships of projects 885 (Yasen) and 885M (Yasen-M) have a completely new for domestic submarine shipbuilding of a mixed architectural and structural type. As a result, the search potential of the powerful sonar system has been significantly increased, ensuring the ship’s superiority in a duel situation: it will “hear” enemy ships earlier,” RIA Novosti agency quotes the official representative of the St. Petersburg Marine Engineering Bureau “Malachite”, the developer of the submarine project. According to data from open sources, “Yasen” has “sensitive ears” that allow it to recognize enemy ships and submarines at a distance of about 250 km. In terms of noise levels, the “Yasen” and “Virginia” boats are approximately equal, the expert is sure, although domestic developers have used a special damper system, which reduced the noise level of the new domestic boat tenfold. Armament Missiles are the main armament of Russian nuclear submarines. "Yasen" is an underwater ship that carries vertical launch cruise missiles. They are located in the central part of the boat's hull; each of the 8 shafts can accommodate up to 4 missiles. According to experts, "Yasen" can attack the enemy with supersonic missiles "and" Caliber, the range of destruction of ground targets and enemy ships is about 500 kilometers. In the future, experts suggest, the submarine may be equipped with X-101 strategic missiles with a range of up to 5,500 kilometers. The Russian boat is also armed with ten torpedo tubes, which fire homing and remote-controlled torpedoes, the ammunition capacity of which is 30 units. According to experts, the combat capabilities of the Yasen are many times greater than the potential of the American Virginia. “The American boat carries 12 Tomahawk missiles and 28 torpedoes for four torpedo launchers, while we only have 32 missiles,” explains military expert Alexander Cerebral. He noted that American submarines do not have missiles similar to Onyx and capable of attacking ships. "Virginia" with the help of "Tomahawks" can destroy only coastal targets. The Russian "Ash" has already received the nickname "aircraft carrier killer." According to experts, 4-5 missiles will be enough to send a large warship to the bottom. "Ash" as a deterrent Experts agree that in modern conditions Yasen-class multipurpose submarines will act as a non-nuclear strategic deterrent factor. “Why chase some ship across the ocean, you can shoot from a long distance at a gas tanker, the consequences will be no less than from a nuclear explosion. Yes, in terms of numbers we are still behind, the Americans have 11 boats of this type, we have one “Severodvinsk”, but they are really afraid that there will be much more of our “Ash”, it is not for nothing that the American military reports that the new Russian boat will create problems in ensuring protection USA from Russian cruise missiles,” notes Mozgovoy. The expert recalled that the Americans have launched a program to modernize Virginia-class boats; they are going to install a new combat module on the submarines to increase the number of cruise missiles to 40 units. Russia continues to build new multi-purpose boats based on the improved Yasen-M project. The ships were laid down and received the names “Kazan”, “Novosibirsk”, “Krasnoyarsk” and “Arkhangelsk”. It is planned that by 2020 Russia will have from 4 to 8 new boats of the Yasen project.
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The US Navy's Virginia-class nuclear attack submarines, also called "new attack submarines", were conceived as an improved "quiet" multi-mission type of boat for both open-ocean anti-submarine warfare and shallow-water operations for a full range of missions. use of weapons against the shore. The development of this type immediately following the Seawolf class, which was intended to replace the Los Angeles class boats, the introduction of the lead boat of which took place in July 1997, may seem a little strange. However, the Seawolf type turned out to be too expensive and not flexible enough in the period after the disintegration of the USSR and the creation of the CIS, the elimination of the strategic threat from Soviet forces and the formation of a new world order, which required less costly solutions to repel the entire range of threats at a lower, operational level.
Therefore, the US Navy needed a new generation of nuclear submarines smaller than the Seawolf. The US Department of Defense has identified the Electric Boat Division company of the General Dynamics Corporation as the lead developer, which is to build the first and third boats, named “Virginia” and “Hawaii”, laid down in 1999 and 2001. with delivery dates in 2006 and 200B. respectively. North Trop Grumman Newport News is building a second and fourth boat, the Texas and the Northern California. They should be laid down in 2000 and 2002. with delivery dates in 2007 and 2009. respectively. The construction program is being carried out in close collaboration, with Electric Boat producing the cylindrical center section of the hull.
"Newport News" - bow and stern sections, as well as three compartments built into the central part of the hull; each company completely assembles the reactor compartment.
The building contains structurally combined sections with equipment for two standard sizes width to facilitate installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of basic systems with more advanced devices. The design also includes functionally integrated separate decks: the command center, for example, is equipped with everything necessary for work and rest. Management is based on application computer technology with touch sensors, the vertical and horizontal rudders are controlled via a two-axis joystick with four buttons.
Technical requirements included acoustic characteristics no worse than those of the famously quiet Sea Wolf class boats, so the Virginia class boats used a new sound-absorbing coating, insulated deck structures and a new jet propulsion design.
Command and control.
The “three C” systems (Command. Control, Commun cation and Intelligence - command, control, communications and reconnaissance) are the responsibility of the leading company Lockheed Martin National Electronics and Sevalence Systems - Andy Systems, which, based on open-type complexes, completely combine them into unified systems control and use of a submarine (detection equipment, radio countermeasures, navigation and weapons control). The weapon is controlled using a variant of the Race-on combat complex CCS Mk 2. The weapons are launched from 12 vertical launch silos for the Tomahawk SLCM and four 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes. The latter are designed for the use of 26 wire-guided heavy Mk 48 ADCAP Mod 6 torpedoes and UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles with underwater launch. Torpedo tubes can also be used to lay Mk 60 Captor mines.
Each boat is equipped with the Northrop Grumman WLY-1 acoustic countermeasures system. which provides data on the range and bearing of the target to the fire control system, as well as the Lockheed Martin BLQ-10 RER equipment installed on the retractable device.
For operations by special operations forces in coastal areas, the boats are equipped with an airlock for throwing out and receiving combat swimmers. This camera can also be used to support the activities of midget submarines, such as the Norton Grumman ASDS (Advanced SEAL Delivery System), for the transfer from side to side of groups of special operations forces
Multifunctional GAS.
The main means of detection in underwater warfare is the hydroacoustic complex, which includes the BQQ-10 acoustic data generation system and active-passive bow acoustic antennas, two extensive built-in onboard hydrophones, active high-frequency keel and wheelhouse acoustic antennas, TV-16 towed acoustic hydrophones and a thin TV-29A linear antenna. To provide navigation on the surface, it is planned to use the BPS-16 radar. Each boat is provided with two universal, modular, retractable "photon" devices that do not penetrate the boat like conventional optical periscopes. Detection means on retractable “photon” devices include cameras of a television night vision system and a thermal direction finder with an electron-optical converter, as well as a laser range finder. The universal modular retractable devices are created by Kollmorgen & Calzoni, subsidized by Italy.
Developed by Boeing, the LMRS (Long-term Mine Reconnaissance System) complex consists of two autonomous uninhabited underwater vehicles 6 m (19 ft. in.) long, automated lift
I have 1B m (59 ft) long booms and the necessary electronic equipment.
The basis power plant consists of a General Electric S9G pressurized water-cooled nuclear reactor with a core whose design life is the same as that of a submarine and therefore does not need to be rebooted. The steam produced by the reactor is supplied to two turbo-gear units, which rotate one shaft and a water-jet propulsion unit.
What happens when two of the best submarines in the world go to war? Project 885 Yasen multi-purpose nuclear submarines against American Virginia-class submarines, which are the backbone of the US submarine force.
Nuclear submarines of leading powers are constantly searching for each other or other targets, and are ready to use the weapons on board at any time. Fortunately for the entire planet, the submarines of the superpowers, even during the period Cold War never had to attack other people's submarines, which made it possible to avoid a major conflict and maintain a fragile peace. Nevertheless, the topic of comparing the characteristics and capabilities of submarine forces of different countries still attracts the attention of both the public and specialists or the press.
On June 14, the well-known American publication The National Interest published another article in The Buzz section authored by military expert Kyle Mizokami. The publication traditionally received a loud and catchy title, revealing its essence: “Russia vs. America Underwater: What if the World’s Two Best Submarines Went to War?” - "Russian and American submarine forces: what if the world's two best submarines went to war?" It is not difficult to guess that the topic of the article was a comparison of the best multi-purpose nuclear submarines of Russia and the United States.
K. Mizokami's article received a short preface, which is actually a set of quotes from the middle of the material. Before the “body” of the article, some theses were made about the difference in weapons and combat advantages of one of the submarines under consideration, about the higher performance and stealth of the other. In addition, the author’s reasoning about the modernization potential of technology was included in the preface. However, let's look at The National Interest article in order.
K. Mizokami begins his material with a bold, albeit obvious thesis: the submarine forces of the United States Navy emerged from the Cold War as the undisputed “masters of the underwater kingdom.” The world's elite submarine forces, equipped exclusively with nuclear-powered submarines, watched as the powerful and comparable Soviet submarine fleet gradually collapsed. The independent Russian Federation could not maintain and maintain the existing group of submarines.
For two decades, US submarines have dominated the world's oceans, but now a new rival has risen from the depths. The new challenge to American supremacy looked very familiar, although changed by two decades of development. However, despite this, he had a long and deadly “pedigree.” How, the author asks, will these upstarts – the Project 885 Yasen multi-purpose nuclear submarines – be able to compare with the American Virginia-class submarines, which are the backbone of the US submarine force?
The author recalls that the development of Project 885 began in the mid-eighties of the last century and was carried out by the Malakhit design bureau (now SPMBM Malakhit), one of the three main creators of Soviet submarines. Construction of the lead boat of the project, named Severodvinsk, started in 1993 at the Sevmash enterprise. Due to a lack of finances, construction was seriously delayed, and the boat was launched only in 2010. In 2013, it was included in the Russian Navy.
The Yasen boats have a total length of 390 feet (about 118 m) and a total displacement of 13,800 tons. The crew includes only 90 people, which is noticeably smaller than the crews of American submarines of similar purposes. K. Mizokami suggests that such a crew reduction may be due to the widespread use automated systems management. Externally, the Yasen submarines resemble earlier ships of Project 971 Shchuka-B (Akula-class), but differ in different hull proportions. Thus, behind the wheelhouse on the new boats there is a missile compartment with vertical launchers.
According to the authoritative reference book Combat Fleets of the World, the Severodvinsk submarine is equipped with an OK-650KPM nuclear reactor with a capacity of 200 MW. This power plant is well suited for a boat like this. In particular, it allows the submarine to reach speeds of up to 16 knots on the surface and up to 31 knots under water. At the same time, the author notes that some sources indicate higher characteristics. According to them, maximum speed“Yasenya” reaches 35 knots underwater, and at 20 knots the submarine can sail with minimal noise.
According to K. Mizokami, the basis of the Severodvinsk detection means is the Irtysh-Amphora hydroacoustic complex. Its main element is a large nose spherical antenna. The main complex is complemented by several hydroacoustic devices distributed throughout the hull, as well as a towed aft antenna. To navigate and search for various objects on the surface, Project 885 proposes to use radar station MRK-50 "Albatross". There are also electronic warfare equipment on board.
Yasen-class submarines are equipped with eight torpedo tubes: four have a caliber of 533 mm, the other four have a caliber of 650 mm. Torpedo tubes can be used to launch weapons of different classes. First of all, these are homing torpedoes. In addition, they are compatible with 3M54 Klub (Caliber) missiles. It is possible to use missiles designed to destroy enemy ground targets, ships or submarines.
To obtain even higher firepower, the Severodvinsk submarine is equipped with vertical missile launchers. 24 such devices are located in the central compartment of the hull behind the wheelhouse. Each of the installations is intended for transportation and launch anti-ship missile P-800 "Onyx". The latter is equipped with a ramjet engine providing supersonic flight speed.
Next, the author of The National Interest moves on to consider the American “competitor” Russian submarines Project 885 – multi-purpose nuclear submarines of the Virginia class. He recalls that the Virginia project was developed as a more profitable alternative to multi-purpose Nuclear submarine type Seawolf. Seawolf submarines were different good characteristics and high potential, but turned out to be too expensive. Because of this, only three boats were built, after which a decision was made on the mass construction of Virginia project ships, which now have every chance of becoming the basis of the United States submarine force.
The Virginia submarines are 377 feet (115 m) long and only a few meters shorter than the Ashes. At the same time, however, their displacement is almost half that. American submarines have a larger crew - 113 people. The main element of the power plant is a nuclear reactor of the type General Electric SG9 with a capacity of 20 MW. The main task of the reactor is to generate energy for a propulsion electric motor connected to a water-jet propulsion unit.
According to available data available to the American expert, Virginia submarines on the surface are capable of speeds of up to 25 knots. Underwater, the maximum speed reaches 35 knots. K. Mizokami also notes that in a submerged position at a speed of 25 knots, the Virginia submarine produces as much noise as an older Los Angeles-class boat at the pier.
As in the case of the Russian “competitor” in the person of Yasen, the main means of surveillance of the American submarine is the powerful BBQ-10 sonar system with a large spherical antenna located in the bow of the hull. However, as the project progressed, new devices were introduced. Starting with the Block III series, Virginias are equipped with a new sonar system that uses a horseshoe-shaped antenna with enlarged tracking sectors.
The main GAK is complemented by additional devices such as Light Weight Wide Aperture Arrays (LWWAA), located on the sides of the hull. The LWWAA system is said to have increased potential in the search for diesel-electric submarines. The rear hemisphere is tracked using a towed antenna TB-29(A). The last element of sonar systems is a high-frequency station, necessary to search for sea mines in the immediate vicinity of the ship.
To use a torpedo or missile weapons Virginia boats are equipped with only four torpedo tubes of 533 mm caliber. The main ammunition for these systems is the Mk.48 Advanced Capability (ADCAP) heavy homing torpedoes. This weapon can be used both to attack surface ships and to destroy submarines. It is proposed to destroy enemy ships with the help of UGM-84 Sub-Harpoon guided missiles, also launched through torpedo tubes.
Early versions of the Virginia project included the installation of 12 vertical launchers for cruise missiles for various purposes of the BGM-109 Tomahawk family. In the modernized version of the Block III project, such means of storing and launching missiles were replaced by drum launchers with similar ammunition. The Block IV project retains the same weapons, and during the next modernization it is planned to significantly increase the stock of cruise missiles. Each Virginia Block V nuclear submarine will be able to carry 40 Tomahawks.
K. Mizokami notes that at the time the Severodvinsk submarine was transferred to the fleet, American submarines of the Virginia Block III type were in serial construction. It is with them that he proposes to compare the newest Russian boat. And then the author asks the question: who will win in the dizzying confrontation between “Ash” and “Virginia”? Both ships in question are on at the moment are the pinnacle of development of the submarine fleets of their countries, and therefore can be compared without any additional reservations.
First of all, the author of The National Interest considers ride quality submarines He notes that Severodvinsk is a little slower, but can dive deeper than Virginia. So, in turn, develops more high speeds, but can only dive to 488 m. K. Mizokami suggests that the use of the new Big Aperture Bow sonar system will give the American boat certain advantages in detecting a competitor.
As for weapon systems, according to an American expert, both submarines are approximately equal, although they have noticeable differences in this regard. For example, Severodvinsk is armed with an anti-submarine missile of the Caliber complex. With its help, a submarine can quickly deliver a light homing torpedo to an enemy submarine. From the point of view of methods of combat operation, such a weapon, as K. Mizokami points out, resembles the American UUM-44 SUBROC anti-submarine system, which was withdrawn from service in the late eighties.
The author states that Virginia-class submarines differ from the Ashes in being less noisy and having a more advanced hydroacoustic system. In conditions of submarine warfare, this combination of characteristics is decisive. Thanks to its advantages in this area, the American boat is able to move covertly and find the Russian enemy before he can detect it. At the same time, K. Mizokami notes that Severodvinsk still has the advantage of greater reaction speed. If a target is suddenly detected, it will be able to attack it faster using supersonic anti-submarine missiles.
It is also claimed that the sonar systems of the Virginia submarines can be improved through regular software updates. The American author believes that the Russian project 885 and the Irtysh-Amphora complex do not have such a capability. In addition, he believes that reducing the noise of the Yasen is a very difficult task for Russian military shipbuilding. As a result, K. Mizokami gives the victory in this “round” to the American submarine.
Author of the article “Russia vs. America Underwater: What if the World’s Two Best Submarines Went to War?” rightly notes that in reality, competition between two submarines of leading countries will most likely be conducted using unmanned vehicles different classes and types, as well as other systems for various purposes and a variety of new technologies. In addition, he recalls that even after the end of the Cold War, the US Navy continued to develop submarine fleet. Special attention this branch of the military, like all others, began to be given after the tragic events of September 2001.
The United States is again beginning to consider the possibility of starting a full-scale armed conflict, including the use of submarine forces of the military fleet. In this case, most likely, American submarines will again have to face a potential enemy in the form of submarines navy Russia.
An empirical comparison of various types of weapons or equipment, carried out solely with the help of published data, is a very specific matter, which, moreover, often ends in dubious conclusions. The results of such an undertaking can be even worse if the comparer uses erroneous information. It should be noted that in the article “Russia vs. America Underwater: What if the World’s Two Best Submarines Went to War?” The National Interest publication contains quite serious errors that can seriously affect the final conclusions.
Thus, Kyle Mizokami writes that the Severodvinsk nuclear submarine is equipped with eight torpedo tubes of 533 and 650 mm caliber. At the same time, it has long been known that Yasen boats are equipped with 10 devices with a caliber of 533 mm. These devices are located on the sides of the hull and are suitable for use with USET-80 torpedoes or Caliber missiles. The missile launchers are also not fully described correctly. The fact is that the Ashes carry not 24, but only 8 vertical launchers. However, each of them accepts several missiles. Because of this, in particular, the ammunition load may consist of 24 Onyx missiles.
Other estimates and assumptions published in The National Interest may also be a reason for criticism, accusations of bias or bias, etc. However, we should not forget that such an article format, which implies exclusively speculative comparisons and ambiguous conclusions based on certain fragmentary information, by definition does not allow us to obtain the desired objectivity, and the final “verdict” in any case is not capable of claiming the truth in any case. last resort.
Nevertheless, another attempt to compare Russian and American submarines is of some interest and is worth attention. At the same time, despite all the problems, we can admit that the American author was right about one thing: the projects of multi-purpose nuclear submarines 885 “Ash” and Virginia Block III are currently truly the pinnacle of development of the submarine fleet of the two leading countries of the world.
Article “Russia vs. America Underwater: What if the World’s Two Best Submarines Went to War?”
A few days ago, the US Navy received a new multi-purpose nuclear submarine. In the near future, the submarine USS Illinois (SSN-786) must undergo a number of necessary procedures, after which it will officially be introduced into the fleet and begin full-fledged operation. It is expected that the commissioning of the new submarine will further increase the potential of the US Navy's submarine forces, which already includes large number sister submarines "Illinois". In addition, according to various estimates, the start of service of the next multi-purpose nuclear submarine may have some consequences for the international situation.
The new submarine USS Illinois (SSN-786) was built according to the Virginia Block III project and is a representative of the newest and most advanced family of American multi-purpose submarines at the moment. She became the third Block III submarine and the 13th ship of the Virginia class. The task of "Illinois" in the future will be to patrol the indicated waters with the search for various underwater and surface targets and, upon receipt of the appropriate order, their destruction. It is also possible to attack enemy coastal targets. One of the main goals of such a submarine’s combat work will be to search for strategic missile-carrying submarines of a potential enemy.
The decision to build the submarine USS Illinois (SSN-786) and several other submarines was made in the middle of the last decade. On December 22, 2008, the decision to build led to the emergence of an agreement between the military department and shipbuilding industry enterprises. The contract for the construction of boats of the new series was awarded to Huntington Ingalls Industries and General Dynamics Electric Boat Shipyard. They were ordered four and three submarines, respectively. Construction of the Illinois submarine was to take place at the General Dynamics Electric Boat facility in Groton (Connecticut).
The multibillion-dollar contract for Block III submarines implied the construction of several submarines of the same cost. According to recent reports, the United States military spent $2.7 billion on the construction of USS Illinois (SSN-786).
The keel-laying ceremony for the nuclear submarine USS Illinois (SSN-786) took place on June 2, 2014. The trustee of the new ship was US First Lady Michelle Obama, a native of Illinois, in whose honor the submarine is named. Thanks to well-established production, the construction of the submarine took only 14 months. Already on August 8, 2015, the boat was taken out of the workshop and launched into the water. After this, the crew and industry specialists began testing and other necessary work prior to handing over the submarine to the customer.
Testing and fine-tuning of the newest multi-purpose nuclear submarine took about a year, after which representatives of the military department signed an acceptance certificate. The next Virginia Block III submarine was delivered to the customer on August 27. In the near future, the navy plans to carry out some necessary work, after which the submarine will officially be included in the fleet. The commissioning ceremony of the boat is scheduled for October 29. On this day, the US Navy's submarine forces will officially be replenished with a new combat unit.
The submarine USS Illinois (SSN-786) during construction. Photo: Ussillinois.org
The USS Illinois (SSN-786) was built according to the newest existing version of the Virginia design and is a fourth generation submarine. The project used is based on the basic developments of previous projects, but has a number of characteristic differences associated with the need to increase certain parameters. First of all, Block III submarines differ from their predecessors in their sonar system and starting devices for missile weapons. Otherwise, the project is an improved version of previous developments. Design work on the Virginia Block III project began in 2009, after the signing of a contract for the construction of a series of new submarines.
In accordance with the project, the Illinois submarine has a length of 114.9 m, a width of 10.3 m and a normal draft of 9.8 m. The total displacement reaches 7900 tons. The boat has a characteristic appearance with a streamlined cylindrical body of large elongation, in the bow of which there are horizontal rudders. A relatively small deckhouse fence is provided on the upper surface of the hull. The tapered aft section houses a set of rudders and a propeller housed inside an annular channel.
In the central compartment of the boat's durable hull there is a pressurized water nuclear reactor of the S9G type, which provides electricity generation for all systems. The project provides for an electric motor with a capacity of 30 thousand hp as a power plant for movement. A single-shaft design with a single propeller is used.
As part of the Block III project, the bow compartment of the light hull, which accommodates weapons and a sonar station, has undergone significant changes. The main objectives in redesigning the compartment were to increase the performance of the boat, as well as reduce the cost of its production and operation. By abandoning some previously used solutions, as well as by using standardized units borrowed from existing projects, it was possible to solve both problems.
Submarine in dry dock, July 29, 2016. Photo Ussillinois.org
It was decided to change the design of the main antenna of the hydroacoustic complex. Instead of the previously used system, which consisted of a large number of individual elements attached to common basis in the form of a compartment with air, it was decided to use a spherical device completely surrounded by water. This version of the complex was designated LAB (Large Aperture Bow). Eliminating the need to create a sealed base filled with air has significantly reduced the cost of producing the bow of the boat. Redesigning the design made it possible to further reduce the cost of the hull by $11 million.
The LAB system has two main components. The first is a passive high-performance station, and the second is an active system operating in the mid-frequency range. The LAB complex uses hydroacoustic sensors previously used on Seawolf-class submarines. The maximum possible resource of the complex is ensured, equal to the resource of the entire submarine.
The first versions of the Virginia design proposed the use of 12 vertical launchers placed in front of a pressure hull in the bow of the boat. The Block III modernization project proposed a different option for transporting and launching missile weapons. In order to simplify the design and reduce the cost of production, new multi-purpose nuclear submarines should be equipped with launchers borrowed from the Ohio-class strategic submarine modernization project. With this solution, it was possible to improve the economic parameters of the project without any other problems.
The launcher, borrowed from Ohio, is a cylindrical unit that fits into the silo of a Trident II ballistic missile. The installation accommodates six silos of relatively small diameter, each of which can transport one cruise missile. Also in the installation body there is various special equipment necessary for the use of missile weapons.
Scheme of innovations of the Block III project. Figure Defenseindustrydaily.com
In the case of the Virginia Block III project, the old separate launchers are being removed, instead of which some kind of Ohio strategic submarine silos are being installed. The body houses two hinged launcher covers, under which there are two vertical launchers. Thus, the modernized submarines, like the boats of previous versions, are capable of transporting and launching up to 12 cruise missiles.
Despite the replacement of launchers, the updated Virginias retain the same range of weapons. The main strike weapons of these ships remain the BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missiles, capable of hitting targets, depending on the modification, at distances of up to 2,500 km.
Otherwise, the Illinois is almost no different from the boats of its design in the previous series. With the exception of the weapons complex and sonar systems, all existing changes are insignificant and are aimed at correcting previously identified deficiencies, simplifying the operation of equipment, etc. This made it possible to improve the required parameters, as well as avoid unacceptable increases in construction costs and significantly save on the operation of standardized equipment.
In particular, the additional armament of the submarines in the form of torpedoes remained without significant changes. USS Illinois (SSN-786) has four 533mm torpedo tubes. The torpedo compartment can carry up to 27 torpedoes of several types. Such weapons are primarily intended for protection against enemy submarines.
USS North Dakota (SSN-784) is the lead submarine of the Block III series. US Navy Photo
The previously used approach to collecting information about the environment has been retained. In particular, Block III still does not use a traditional periscope, instead the boat receives a mast with optical-electronic equipment connected to screens at the central station. It is also envisaged to use other means of surveillance based on modern technologies and element base.
A curious feature of the Virginia-class submarines was the ability to transport combat swimmers. The current project retains a special airlock compartment, allowing the submarine to transport and disembark up to nine soldiers with weapons and special equipment in a given area. The submarine can also carry relatively large devices needed by divers.
The boat's own crew consists of 134 people, including 14 officers. If necessary, depending on the type of combat mission assigned, the crew composition may change in one way or another. During autonomous navigation, the maximum possible comfort of work and life is ensured.
Virginia-class submarines, regardless of the series and specific equipment, are capable of diving to a maximum depth of 488 m and reaching a speed of at least 26 knots. According to some reports, the maximum underwater speed of such submarines exceeds 30-32 knots. The cruising range is limited only by the supply of food and ammunition. Reactors of the latest models, used on boats of new series, make it possible not to change nuclear fuel throughout the entire service life.
The second submarine of the series, USS John Warner (SSN-785), during the delivery ceremony to the customer, August 1, 2015. The open cover of one of the launchers is visible. US Navy Photo
To date, the US Navy has received and commissioned 12 Virginia-class nuclear attack submarines. In accordance with the first order from 1998, four submarines of the first series were built. Their service began in 2004-2008. In 2003, the Pentagon ordered the construction of ships of the second series (Block II), as a result of which it received six more submarines in 2008-13. Construction of Block III submarines has been underway since 2012. The year before and last year, the nuclear submarines USS North Dakota (SSN-784) and USS John Warner (SSN-785) entered service, respectively. In October, the US submarine force will be replenished with another submarine, USS Illinois (SSN-786).
After receiving the 13th boat of the series, the US Navy intends to purchase another dozen and a half similar submarines. Over the next few years, Huntington Ingalls Industries and General Dynamics Electric Boat Shipyard will complete and deliver the next five Virginia Block III boats. Ten more submarines will be built later. They will have to relate to the new version of the project designated Block IV. The contract for their construction was signed in April 2014. The delivery dates for equipment under these contracts should be clarified later.
Virginia-class multi-purpose nuclear submarines of all series are considered as a replacement for remaining in service submarines of a similar purpose, created and built over the past several decades. In addition to the Virginias, the tasks of searching for underwater and surface targets are solved by boats of the Los Angeles and Seawolf types. At the moment, 39 submarines of the first type and 3 of the second remain in service. It is noteworthy that it was originally planned to build a series of three dozen Seawolves, but due to the high cost, the project was significantly reduced. Over time, all existing submarines will have to give way to newer Virginia-class ships of the three existing and one planned series.
Like other multi-purpose nuclear submarines various types, operated by several countries around the world, the newest USS Illinois (SSN-786) will have to solve a fairly wide range of combat missions related to the search and destruction of various targets. The possibility of covert tracking of surface, underwater and coastal targets with their subsequent destruction using the most effective weapon in the existing situation is provided. The main weapons of the Illinois and its sisterships are BGM-109 cruise missiles. If necessary, several types of torpedoes can be used.
USS Illinois (SSN-786) on trials, July 29, 2016. Photo: Ussillinois.org
In the context of tracking underwater targets, Virginia-class submarines are primarily “hunters” of strategic missile submarines. In this role, American submarines pose a certain danger to Russian submarines on duty in the interests of strategic nuclear forces. The quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the US submarine force, namely its component based on multi-purpose nuclear submarines, may be a serious cause for concern. Having more than fifty such submarines in its fleet, the United States can deploy a relatively powerful group that monitors various areas of the World Ocean. As a result, there is a certain probability of exposure of areas and patrol routes.
To combat such a threat, appropriate measures are required. The protection of naval formations and submarine missile carriers can be carried out by a variety of means. This task can be assigned to both anti-submarine ships and aviation. In addition, existing and promising multi-purpose nuclear submarines, especially new projects, should become a very effective means of tracking down submarines that threaten our ships.
In the background total number multi-purpose nuclear submarines in the United States submarine force, the transfer of the new submarine USS Illinois (SSN-786) does not look too threatening. However, even one boat equipped with the latest equipment and weapons can significantly increase the potential of the entire submarine force as a whole. In addition, it must be remembered that the Pentagon’s plans include the construction of another dozen Virginia-class boats, most which will relate to the new version of the project with the symbol Block IV.
The latest achievements and plans of American military shipbuilding are of some interest from a technical point of view, and for the United States they are also a real reason for pride. For other countries, in turn, they may be a cause for concern and material for analysis and forecasting. The current and planned development of the United States submarine force may make it difficult for other countries to modernize their navies, or even pose a serious threat to them. Therefore, those who are happy for foreign military personnel should receive the required assessment, and also be taken into account by other countries, including ours, when planning their actions in the foreseeable future.
Based on materials from sites:
http://flot.com/
http://sudostroenie.info/
http://janes.com/
http://defenseindustrydaily.com/
http://ussillinois.org/
http://public.navy.mil/
http://history.navy.mil/
http://military.com/
http://military-today.com/
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