941 Typhoon class

Statistics: total active:3 Competitors: SSBN-726 Ohio Class (14)  Compare [crossreferences:] State of the Russian Navy Active SSBN In reserve/decommissioned SSBN

NOR  3 * where available SSBN Typhoon 3 SSBN Delta IV 5 SSBN Delta III 3 SSBN Ohio 14

D. (tons): 23,200-24,500 tons Surfaced
33,800-48,000 tons Submerged
Speed (kts): 12-16 knots Surface
25-27 knots Submerged
Max depth (m): 500
Dimensions (m): Length 170-172 meters
Beam 23-23.3 meters
Draft 11-11.5 meters
M./Engine: 2x200 mwt pres.-water nuclear reactors, 2x50'000 hp turbogear assm. steam turbines, 4x3'200 kW turbogenerators,gearbox; 2x800 kW diesel generators;
2/7 bladed fixed pirch shrouded props.,
the built-in thrusters-2 telescopic turning screw rudders (750 kW eng.)
Man./Crew: 150 (50 officers)
Endurance (days): 120
Armament:
20 ballistic RSM-52 (SS-N-20) (R: 8'300 km; CEP: 500 m; W: nuclear; 10 x 100 ktons)
2005-2009: to be refitted with newest 20 ballistic SS-NX-30 Bulava missiles

22/81R (SS-N-15) or Vodopad (SS-N-16)
4/533 mm VA-111 (w: c/nucl) 2 /650 mm (d: 400 m; s: 200 kts) Total: 12
Electronics: sonar: active/passive search
radar: I/J band surface target detection
countermeas.: ESM, radar warning sys., direct.-finding systems
communications: radio+satellite for radio signals, target data and sat navigation at depth and under ice cover.
combat control information system
surface target aquisition system

The design of the Typhoon submarine is multi-hulled and bears resemblance to a catamaran. The submarine has two separate pressure hulls with a diameter of 7.2 m each, five inner habitable hulls and 19 compartments. The pressure hulls are arranged parallel to each other and symmetrical to a centerplane. The missile compartment is arranged in the upper part of the bow between the pressure hulls. Both hulls and all compartments are connected by transitions. The pressure hulls, the centerplane and the torpedo compartment are made of titanium and the outer light hull is made of steel. A protected module, comprising the main control room and electronic equipment compartment, is arranged behind the missile silos above the main hulls in a centerplane under the guard of retractable devices.
The submarine's design includes features to enable it to both travel under ice and for ice-breaking. It has an advanced stern fin with horizontal hydroplane fitted after the screws. The nose horizontal hydroplanes are in the bow section and are retractable into the hull. The retractable systems include two periscopes (one for the commander and one for general use), radio sextant, radar, radio communications, navigation and direction-finder masts. They are housed within the sail guard. The sail and sail guard have a reinforced rounded cover for ice-breaking.


The submarine is equipped with the D-19 launch system with 20 solid-fuel propellant R-39 missiles which have a range of up to 10,000 km. They are arranged in silos in two rows in front of the sail between the main hulls.
Remaining Typhoons will be refitted with newest SS-NX-30 Bulava missile system in 2005-2009.
The Typhoon has an automated torpedo and missile loading system including 6 torpedo tubes with calibres of 650 and 533 mm.
The main machinery consists of two reactors each and two steam turbines of 190 MW that provide a maximum speed of 25-27 knots. Compared to the first and second generation of SSBNs the Typhoon enjoys far greater maneuverability Despite of its larger displacement the Typhoons are less noisy than their predecessors. To reduce the acoustic signature a two-spool system of rubber-cord pneumatic shock-absorption is employed as well as a block layout of gears and equipment, a new sound isolation and andrihydroacoustic coating.


The Typhoons are equipped with the "Slope" hydroacoustic system that consists of four hydroacoustic stations. The "Slope" system allows to track 10-12 vessels simultaneously. It also employs two floating antenna buoys to receive radio messages, target designation data and satellite navigation signals at great depth and under an ice cover.

The Typhoon class of ballistic missile nuclear-powered (SSBN) submarines are the largest submarines ever to be built.



They were constructed at the Severodvinsk Shipyard, on the White Sea near Archangel. The first of the six members of the class to be commissioned was TK 208 in 1981, followed by TK 202 in 1983, TK 12 in 1984, TK 13 in 1985, TK 17 in 1987 and TK 20 in 1989. TK 12 and TK 13 are no longer operational. The submarines are stationed with the Russian Northern Fleet at Litsa Guba. CONSTRUCTION The Typhoon class submarine is of multi-hulled design - five inner hulls are situated inside a superstructure of the two parallel main hulls. The superstructure is coated with sound-absorbent tiles. There are 19 compartments including a strengthened module which houses the main control room and electronic equipment compartment which is above the main hulls behind the missile launch tubes, under the guard for the periscopes etc. The submarine's design includes features to enable it to both travel under ice and for ice-breaking. It has an advanced stern fin with horizontal hydroplane fitted after the screws. The nose horizontal hydroplanes are in the bow section and are retractable into the hull. The retractable systems include two periscopes (one for the commander and one for general use), radio sextant, radar, radio communications, navigation and direction-finder masts. They are housed within the sail guard. The sail and sail guard have a reinforced rounded cover for ice-breaking. Maximum diving depth is 400 m. Speed is 12 knots when surfaced and 25 knots when submerged. Typhoon is capable of spending 120 days at sea. Two releasable escape chambers are located on each side of the sail.
MISSILES The submarine carries 20 RSM-52 intercontinental, three stage solid propellant ballistic missiles. The two rows of missile launch tubes are situated in front of the sail between the main hulls. Each missile consists of 10 independently targetable multiple re-entry vehicles (MIRV's), each with a 100 kiloton nuclear warhead. Guidance is inertial with stellar reference updating. Range is 8,300 km with accuracy (CEP) of 500 m. The missile weighs 84,000 kg at launch. The missile was designed by the Makayev Design Bureau and has the NATO designation of SS-N-20 Sturgeon.
2005: all remaining Typhoons to be refitted with newest Bulava missile system. TK-208 is already refitted and successfully launched new SLBM in Oct 2005.

TORPEDOES Typhoon has four 630 mm torpedo tubes and two 533 mm torpedo tubes with a total of 22 antisubmarine missiles and torpedoes of varying types. The torpedo room is in the upper part of the bow between the hulls. The torpedo tubes can also be used to deploy mines. SONAR The sonar is an active/passive search and attack type with the sonar mounted on the hull under the torpedo room. RADAR The submarine is fitted with I/J band surface target detection radar.
COUNTERMEASURES Countermeaures include ESM (electronic support measures), radar warning system and direction-finding system.
COMMUNICATIONS The submarine has both radio and satellite communications systems. It is fitted with two floating antenna buoys to receive radio signals, target designation data and satellite navigation signals, at depth and under ice cover.
MACHINERY The submarine main machinery consists of two nuclear water reactors and two turbogear assemblies comprising steam turbine and gearbox. One reactor and one turbogear assembly are fitted in each main hull. Each nuclear water reactor produces 190 megawatts. These drive two 50,000 hp steam turbines and four 3,200 kW turbogenerators. Two 800 kW diesel generators serve as standby propulsion units and are coupled to the shaft line. The two propellers are 7-blade, fixed pitch shrouded. The built-in thrusters on the bow and stern are two telescopic turning screw rudders and are powered by a 750 kW motor.