Project 949 and Project 949A are Soviet Navy/Russian Navy cruise missile
submarines. Project 949 submarines were the largest
cruise missile submarines in service, until the Ohio-class SSGN cruise missile
submarine converted from SSBN and returned to service on October 15, 2007.
They are the fourth largest class of submarines in terms of displacement and
length. Only the Typhoon-class Soviet/Russian submarines, the American
Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines and the Russian Borei-class submarines
are larger. History
The first submarine of Project 949 was laid down in the mid-1970s and was
commissioned in 1980. In 1982 an updated and larger version replaced the earlier
version. In total thirteen submarines were constructed. The Oscar class was
designed to attack NATO carrier battle groups using long-range SS-N-19
"Shipwreck" anti-ship missiles and targeting data provided by the EORSAT
satellite system. In the financial problems that followed the fall of the
Soviet Union the Oscar class was prioritized by the Russian navy and when
many older submarine classes were retired the Oscar class remained active
in both the Northern and Pacific fleets. In 2011, five submarines are currently
active with several more in reserve or waiting for repairs.
Project 949 Granit Two Project 949 Granit submarines were
built at Severodvinsk and assigned to the Soviet Northern Fleet. They were
K-525 laid down in 1975 and K-206 laid down in 1979. Both were decommissioned
in 1996 and scrapped in 2004. Project 949A Antey
Eleven Project 949A Antey submarines were completed at Severodvinsk, of which
five were assigned to the Soviet Northern Fleet.
At one stage it had been planned to develop a new fourth-generation
follow-on to the Project 949A, but this plan was later scrapped.
The external differences between the two classes were that the 949A class is
about 10 metres longer than its predecessor rather than 143 m),
providing space for improved electronics and possibly quieter propulsion. Some
sources speculate that the acoustic performance of the Oscar II class is
superior to early Akula-class submarine but inferior to the Akula II as well as
subsequent designs. It also has a larger fin, and a seven-bladed propeller
instead of a four-bladed one. Like all post-World War II Soviet
designs, they are of double hull construction. Similarly, like other
Soviet submarine designs, Project 949 not only has a bridge open to the
elements on top of the sail but, for use in inclement weather, there is an
enclosed bridge forward and slightly below this station in the fin/sail.
A distinguishing mark is a slight bulge at the top of the fin. A large door on
either side of the fin reaches this bulge. These are wider at the top than
on the bottom, and are hinged on the bottom. The Federation of American
Scientists reports that this submarine carries an emergency crew escape
capsule; it is possible that these doors cover it. The VSK escape capsule can
accommodate 110 people. The Oscar Class is commonly referred to
as Mongo by crews of US patrol aircraft in reference to their massive size.
In December 2012, construction began on a special purpose research and rescue
submarine, designated project 09852, and allegedly based on project 949A
submarines. The submarine is designed to carry smaller submarines. Some sources
speculated that the boat being built/modified is actually the
incomplete "Belgorod". However, another source gave a different account stating
that the boat is similar to AS-31 Losharik, a far smaller special purpose
submarine. In September 2015, during a visit to the
Zvezda shipyard at Bolshoy Kamen on Russia's Pacific coast, Russian defence
minister Sergei Shoigu announced that at least three Oscar-class submarines will
be modernized to a new Project 949AM standard. The modernization will include
updated electronic and communication equipment as well as new weaponry.
Ships in the class Three more Project 949A Antey submarines
were planned. Gallery
References The Encyclopedia Of Warships, From World
War Two To The Present Day, General Editor Robert Jackson.
External links "The Kursk Crisis". deepspace4.com. 23
August 2000. "Oscar-class subs and Soviet RORSATs".
Friends and Partners. 1 September 2000. Line drawing of Oscar-class submarine