Sierra class submarine

The Sierra class (NATO reporting name) or Project 945 ("Барракуда/Barrakuda") nuclear submarine was the Soviet Union's successor class to the partly successful Project 705 "Lira" (Alfa) class submarine. The Sierra class has two light and strong titanium hulls which enables the class to dive to greater depths, reduce the level of radiated noise levels and increase resistance to torpedo attacks.

ierra I

The first of the group 1 type, "Karp", was laid down in May 1982 at the Gorky shipyard and was launched in August 1983 before being transferred to Severodvinsk for fitting out. It was laid up in 1997. The next group 1 to be built was the "Krab", which was launched in July 1986 and was commissioned in September 1987. "Krab" was renamed "Kostroma" and is still in service with the Russian Northern fleet. The Sierra I type was also fitted with a releasable escape pod for the crew. The pod is covered by a V shaped casing on the port side of the sail.

ierra II

The Sierra II (Project 945.A - "Кондор/Kondor") type has a considerably larger sail which is convert|16.5|ft|m|1|abbr=on longer than the Sierra I type. The sail also has a curious flat, square leading edge which must impact hydrodynamic quieteningFact|date=September 2008. The masts are offset on the starboard side to make way for two escape pods in the sail. The starboard side also has a 10-point environment sensor fitted at right angles to the front end of the sail. Also, the Sierra II type has a much larger pod on its after fin. The pod houses the Skat 3 passive very low frequency towed array. The two boats of the Sierra II class, "Pskov" and "Nizny-Novgorod" are both operational in the Russian Northern fleet.

ierra III

The sole Sierra III/Project 945.B ("Mars"), was scrapped before completion in July 1992, with the second and third cancelled before the keel was laid. [ [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/945-list.htm Sierra Class - Project 945 ] ]

The Soviet titanium technology was far in advance of the West's requiring fewer passes to achieve weld at the disadvantage of the cost of each hull which limits numbers built despite the advantages of greater depths and underwater speed.Fact|date=June 2008 This was clearly shown in the Sierra class.

While only one is considered to be completely operational, the first hull of the series is due to be brought for repair at the Zvezdotshka shipyard in 2007.

References

*Robert Hutchinson, "Submarines, War Beneath The Waves, From 1776 To The Present Day"
* [http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/row/rus/945.htm - Article from FAS]
* [http://ship.bsu.by/main.asp?id=101045 Article ] ri icon