"Varshavyanka" - submarine. Varshavyanka class submarine. American aug came kayuk Project Varshavyanka underwater

The idea to massively build submarines with a conventional power plant for the needs of the Russian Navy did not appear by chance. Back in the Soviet Union, the naval strategy for fleet development envisaged, in addition to the creation of an ocean-going fleet as a counterweight to the US Navy and NATO ships, the creation of small ships for the defense of the economic zone and coastal waters. In this aspect, the diesel submarine fit very well into the framework of the defensive strategy. Small size, good stealth and powerful weapons allowed ships of this class to cope well with their assigned tasks.

The small and nimble submarine of Project 636.3 is a clear confirmation that small ships are also able to keep the enemy on their toes at sea. In addition, the cost and construction time of diesel-electric submarines cannot be compared with the construction of nuclear ships.

The place of diesel-electric submarines in the Russian Navy

Despite the fact that Russia’s nuclear submarine fleet is one of the deterrent factors in the modern world, one should not discount the possibility of solving tactical problems at sea. Missile-carrying submarines and multi-purpose attack submarines with nuclear power plants operate at great distances from their native shores, occupying combat positions in the world's oceans. A diesel submarine, on the contrary, occupies combat positions within the maritime economic zone and protects internal sea communications.

Nuclear-powered ships, as a rule, are large in size and have large displacement. Accordingly, enormous amounts of money are spent on the construction of such ships. Maintaining a submarine fleet consisting of submarines is much cheaper. Moreover, the new submarines are not much inferior in firepower to underwater leviathans. The Russian fleet, unlike the American Navy, includes both nuclear submarines and diesel submarines. Both of them solve their problems.

Since the end of the Second World War, more than one hundred ships have left Soviet shipyards. Soviet submarines have high combat characteristics and have a glorious history. These traditions have also been preserved by Russian submariners, who confidently carry out military service to protect the maritime borders of our country in the Baltic and Black Sea.

To date, domestic shipyards have already launched hundreds of ships, equipping not only their own Navy with combat vessels, but also ensuring the fulfillment of export orders. Project 636.3 submarines can be called the gold standard of domestic submarine shipbuilding. In all its characteristics and parameters, this ship is the most modern in the current fleets. Together with the submarines of previous projects 877 and 636, the new submarines confirmed their high reputation, becoming the most secretive submarines of this class.

The new ship was a continuation of one large, glorious series of Soviet diesel-electric submarines, which were mass-produced under two projects at once. In the Soviet Union, the ships were called “Varshavyanka”, as they were built mainly for the needs of the fleets of countries belonging to the Warsaw Pact Organization. In the West, these submarines were given the code “Kilo”. After some time, Western experts, having assessed the tactical and technical parameters of the new ships, gave the submarines an unspoken nickname - “black holes of the world’s oceans.” The Warsaw ships, designed back in the USSR, passed the baton to newer submarines of Project 636.3, which were already being built at Russian shipyards.

High combat characteristics, low noise and stealth of Russian submarines in the modified version attracted the attention of potential buyers. Ships were built at Soviet shipyards for the Indian and Chinese navies. Russian submarines were received by the navies of Vietnam, Algeria and Iran. A number of ships of this class are in service with the Polish and Romanian Navy.

The appearance of Project 636.3 submarines in the domestic fleet

The mass construction of Varshavyanka-class diesel-electric submarines was coming to an end in the early 90s. In total, it was planned to build 53 ships of this class, of which the lion's share fell on foreign contracts. An attempt to replace the existing and well-developed Project 636 with new Project 667 Lada-class submarines was unsuccessful. Two submarines laid down in St. Petersburg - one for the Russian fleet, and the other ship as an export option - remained on the stocks. The submarine “St. Petersburg”, which launched, is still in limited operation, so it was decided to equip the domestic fleet with the improved project 636 and begin building modernized boats of the “Varshavyanka” type.

The new Project 636.3 diesel boats were supposed to be equipped with Caliber cruise missiles, significantly increasing the combat power of ships of this class.

The roots of Project 636.3 go back to 1974, when a technical specification appeared for the creation of a submarine with a conventional power plant, which should have low noise and powerful weapons. The solution to the technical problem was entrusted to the Rubin Central Design Bureau, which was the main supplier of projects for the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg.

The project received the index 636, and the boats received the code “Varshavyanka”. It was planned to build ships for the needs of the Soviet Navy and to equip the fleets of the allied countries of the Warsaw Pact.

For reference: we should make a digression and talk about project designations. For the Soviet Navy, all submarines were built according to two projects, with the index 636 and 877. The export version of the ships was built according to project 877E. Projects 636 and 636.3 relate to Varshavyanka-class submarines. Ships built under Project 877 carry the code "Halibut".

Project 636 submarines are the most modern modernization of Varshavyanka-type boats, the construction of which began in the 90s of the 20th century. If the boats of the first series were built at three factories, in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, in Nizhny Novgorod and at the shipyards of St. Petersburg, then the ships of Project 636.3 “Varshavyanka” are already among the creations of Neva shipbuilders.

Design features of Project 636.3 submarines

The decision to take Project 636.3 as the basis for the construction of Russian diesel-electric submarines arose because all the best developments under Project 636 were tested on export versions. In accordance with the State Defense Order, domestic ships were to become fourth-generation submarines with unique performance characteristics.

The first ship, the Novorossiysk submarine, was laid down in 2010. The capacities developed as a result of the construction of the early series of ships of the Varshavyanka and Halibut types made it possible to quickly build the ship and transfer it to the fleet. In 2013, ship number 261 entered service with the Black Sea Fleet.

The submarines of the new series were equipped with a new Kalibr missile system, the range of which was 1000-1500 km. To ensure fire control, the missile system on submarines was equipped with a new BIUS information system, which became a stumbling block for Lada-type submarines. Despite the obvious difficulties with the implementation of the project, military sailors still consider the Varshavyanka better than similar ships in service with foreign fleets. The second and third ships of the series were laid down one year apart. The diesel-electric submarine B-237 Rostov-on-Don entered service with the Black Sea Fleet in December 2014, and the diesel-electric submarine Stary Oskol began combat service in the summer of 2015. In total, it was planned to transfer all six ships of the new series to equip the Black Sea Fleet.

For comparison, we can cite the tactical and technical characteristics of the fourth ship of the B-265 Krasnodar submarine series, launched in 2014.

The ship has a displacement of just over 2 thousand tons and can continuously remain at sea for up to 45 days. Neither German, nor French, nor Korean submarines of a similar class can descend to a depth of 300 meters. In terms of weapons power, the Russian ship has no equal. Along with the torpedo armament, the submarine carries the Kalibr strike missile system. All subsequent new ships of Project 636.3 “Varshavyanka” should enter service with the Pacific Fleet formations.

According to the designers, Project 636.3 could become the starting point for a subsequent transition to the creation of fundamentally new non-nuclear submarines. The chief designer of the new submarine, I. Molchanov, said this at the ceremony of launching the Stary Oskol submarine. The last ship of the series transferred to the Black Sea Fleet, the diesel-electric submarine “Kolpino” became the pinnacle of perfection that Russian shipbuilders managed to achieve. The new submarine was built in record time. The streamlined assembly of ships and proven equipment installation schemes made it possible to bring the construction of submarines to completely new time parameters for domestic shipbuilding.

Boat design

The diesel-electric submarine "Kolpino" of Project 636.3 became one of the last warships launched and put into operation as part of the shipbuilding program for 2010-1018.

The boat is a combat ship in which improvements have been introduced in all components and systems. The vessel has dimensions similar to ships of projects 636 and 877, however, the bow of the hull has a better configuration and streamlined shape. The submarine turned out to be even more secretive. This was facilitated by the installation of insulation on the main components and mechanisms, and their placement in isolated compartments. The main hydroacoustic systems of the ship received more advanced equipment, allowing the boat to conduct active search and reconnaissance while underwater.

The boat has a double-hull design. The robust housing is divided into 6 compartments. The lightweight body is spindle-shaped. In the light hull of the boat there is not a single extra hole on the outside into which sea water could get in while moving. The designers managed to achieve the absence of hydrodynamic turbulence while the boat was moving in a submerged position. Horizontal rudders, which ensure the maneuverability of the ship under water, fold in the surface position. The hull configuration and sleek sides significantly affected the increase in underwater speed, which on a submarine of this class is 20 knots. However, the seaworthiness of the ship on the surface has deteriorated slightly.

The propulsion of the ship on the surface and in the submerged position is provided by electric motors. PEDL "Varshavyanka" are ships with a full electric propulsion system. The main power plant is represented by an electric motor with a power of 5500 kW and two diesel generators 4DL-42MX with a power of 1500 kW each.

For movement at periscope depth the boat is equipped with a RPD system. Underwater travel at greater depths is provided by two groups of high-capacity batteries.

The outside of the submarine's hull has a reflective protective coating that improves the ship's hydroacoustic parameters. The main ballast tanks are hidden in the space between the light and durable hull.

Ship's combat equipment

Torpedo tubes are installed in the upper part of the hull. The lower deck in the bow is where the sonar station and other sonar equipment are installed. The ship's torpedo weapons are represented by 6 torpedo tubes of 533 mm caliber. The ammunition load is 18 torpedoes.

Project 636.3 boats differ from previous versions of the Varshavyanka in the presence of strike weapons. The Kalibr missile system has made diesel-electric boats not just a weapon of close-range defense, but a modern strike weapon over long distances.

Real confirmation of the combat capabilities of the new ships were the launches of Caliber missiles from the diesel-electric submarine B-238 Rostov on Don against the positions of Islamic terrorists in Syria. All ships in the series are equipped with stationary Strela-3 MANPADS and portable Igla anti-aircraft systems. All systems of the submarine are fully automated, which caused a significant reduction in crew size. According to the combat schedule, the submarine's crew is 52 people.

Current status of project 636.3

The last boat of the diesel-electric submarine series "Kolpino" became part of the Black Sea Fleet. The strengthening of the southern sea flank is associated with the need to keep the territories of the Islamic State “ISIS” under constant attack. All six ships received registration at the Novorossiysk naval base. After the launch of the B-271 Kolpino, three ships for the Pacific Fleet were laid down at the Admiralty Shipyard. The ships are planned to be commissioned in 2019 or 2020. The construction of three more remaining ships to equip the Pacific Fleet is in doubt. At the moment, Russia has a group of submarines in the Black Sea, consisting of 6 vessels. In terms of firepower, Russian submarines have no equal in the Black Sea region.

The further fate of the submarines of this project is still unclear. The High Naval Command plans to bring Project 677 Lada type to operational status instead of implementing Project 636.3.

Until today, the main buyer of Project 636.3 submarines was the Navy of the People's Republic of China. The Chinese purchased 10 submarines of this class in the 90s. The Vietnamese Navy has received six submarines, which are trying to create a counterbalance to China's naval power in the South China Sea.

To strengthen its group of submarines in the Mediterranean Sea, Algeria bought two Project 636.3 Varshavyankas, starting the modernization of its own Navy. Venezuela, Nigeria, India and Iran are showing great interest in Russian submarines. The Islamic Republic of Iran is very interested in transferring a license to manufacture Kilo class boats at its own shipyards.

Assessing the demand for underwater combat ships of this class from foreign vessels, a decision was made to build submarines under foreign contracts using the freed up capacity. The senior naval leadership of Russia is currently not considering increasing the number of ships of this class in the Baltic and Northern fleets.

Recently, an operational meeting of the command of the Russian Navy took place in St. Petersburg. In addition to tasks, so to speak, of a routine nature, plans regarding new technology were discussed. Of all the statements regarding the rearmament of the fleet, it is worth noting the plans of the Black Sea Fleet, because the statement of its commander concerns not only the simple arrival of new material.

Commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, Rear Admiral A.N. Fedotenkov explained at the operational meeting why the fleet entrusted to him will receive six Project 636 Varshavyanka submarines in the coming years. According to him, everything is already ready to recreate a submarine brigade in the Black Sea Fleet. It is this unit that will include the first six Varshavyankas, and then the next boats of this and other projects. At the same time, attention should be paid to the fact that the fleet command chose to order diesel-electric submarines of Project 636 Varshavyanka rather than Project 677 Lada, which just a few years ago were considered the most promising: in the mid-2000s it was planned to build two dozen such ships.

Obviously, the choice of Varshavyanka as the main diesel-electric submarine of the near future was caused by the failures of Project 677 submarines. The fact is that the lead boat of this project - the B-585 St. Petersburg - began to have serious problems in a number of systems from the very beginning of testing. Due to all the shortcomings, the tests of “St. Petersburg” were very long and gave almost no hope of successful completion. In the fall of 2011, the General Staff of the Russian Navy came to the conclusion that the game was not worth the candle, and the B-585 would be developed exclusively as a prototype. This boat will not enter service, but will be used to test various systems. Two other Project 677 boats with the names “Kronstadt” and “Sevastopol” are currently in what is called a limbo. On the one hand, their fate will certainly be affected by the failures of the St. Petersburg, but on the other, the project will be updated, and the remaining boats will be completed. However, today there are some reasons to doubt the successful outcome of the epic with Project 677.

Against the backdrop of the difficult fate of the Saint Petersburg submarine, the diesel-electric submarines of the Varshavyanka project look quite successful. Like the Lada project, Varshavyanka is a logical continuation of the 877 Halibut diesel-electric submarine project. However, despite the common roots, Project 636 turned out to be more successful than 677. This is evidenced by the fact that there have been no particular complaints about the ten boats that are part of the Chinese Navy (the first entered service in 1997, the last in 2005). The Algerian sailors who have been serving on such submarines since 2009 did not complain either. Currently, two diesel-electric submarines of the new project 636.3 (the latest version of the project) - Novorossiysk and Rostov-on-Don - are being built at the St. Petersburg Admiralty Shipyards. They will have to go into operation in 2013-14.

There is a sense of urgency in the statements of the commander of the Black Sea Fleet: it seems that the development strategy for this unit requires not delaying rearmament. It may be just an impression, but any acceleration in the pace of renewal of the fleet, army or air force is worthy of praise. At the same time, plans for the Varshavyanka can be considered as a very transparent hint at the return of Russian Black Sea Fleet ships to the Mediterranean. Submarines, it must be said, are useful in almost any seas and oceans, and in the conditions of the Mediterranean or even the Black Sea they can be indispensable. For example, consider the issue of “closing” the Black Sea. If, due to some military-political reasons, our Black Sea Fleet is unable to go far beyond the borders of its “native” Black Sea, then the submarines will be the main striking force. For example, they will be able to successfully resist the Turkish naval forces or even block the path to the Black Sea for NATO ships. It is no secret that in waters like the Black Sea or the Sea of Marmara, the most effective will be relatively small, well-armed and quiet submarines. It is the last two characteristics that the Varshavyanka boat meets like no other project. In Western sources we sometimes see very commendable assessments of the characteristics of the domestic project 636, but there are not inclined to praise our technology. The lack of an anaerobic power plant can be regarded as a disadvantage of Varshavyanka. However, in the Black Sea water area it can be considered to some extent an excess, because the size of the sea allows you to work freely with the existing equipment.

It seems that the rearmament program has reached the Black Sea Fleet. Good. The main thing is that everything goes in accordance with the plans of the command and that unexpected problems do not arise during the operation of the new equipment.

The Russian Navy has expanded, and the latest diesel-electric submarine of Project 636.3 “Varshavyanka” has appeared on the Black Sea. Four submarines are already serving in the Black Sea Fleet, two more are being prepared for delivery to the fleet in November 2016 and are currently being tested in the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic.
These submarines are considered one of the quietest in their class, and it is very difficult to detect the Varshavyanka in the depths of the sea. For this, the NATO military unofficially nicknamed Project 636.6 submarines a “black hole” in the ocean.

Why are they named like that?
The name "Varshavyanka" came from the 1970s, when Project 877EKM submarines (an export version of the Project 877 Halibut submarines) were supposed to be exported in large quantities to the Warsaw Pact countries. Such submarines are still successfully serving in India, China, Vietnam, Algeria, and other countries.

Project 636.6 submarines belong to the third generation of diesel submarines and were created on the basis of the Halibut at the Rubin Central Design Bureau. They received updated electronics and improved combat effectiveness, as well as the latest radio electronics and hydroacoustics systems.
Compared to the nuclear-powered Borei, these submarines are very small: Project 955 strategists exceed the Varshavyanka in displacement by six times; one nuclear-powered submarine can accommodate two and a half diesel submarines in length. The length of the 636s is about 74 meters, width - 10 meters, maximum displacement does not exceed 4 thousand tons. The durable hull provides the submarine with a working diving depth of 240 meters and a maximum diving depth of 300 meters.
The submarines are equipped with two diesel generators with a capacity of 1,500 hp each. pp., one main electric propulsion motor and one economic propulsion electric motor. In addition, the submarine has two backup diesel engines and two groups of batteries. There is one propeller, seven blades. The surface speed of submarines reaches 17 knots (more than 30 km/h), and the underwater speed is up to 20.

Main "Caliber"
The main weapon of Project 636.6 is the Caliber missile. In the nose of each Varshavyanka there are six 533-mm torpedo tubes, the ammunition load includes 18 torpedoes or 24 mines, and cruise missiles of the Caliber-PL complex. The range of use of sea-based cruise missiles is about 2 thousand km.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, missiles of this type have low radar signature and, due to their bending around the terrain at ultra-low altitudes, are difficult to detect by any air defense means. The accuracy of hitting a target, despite the range of application, is several meters. The mass of the Caliber warhead is 500 kg.
The complex includes five different missiles developed on the basis of the 3M54E Granat anti-ship cruise missile. The export version of the complex (Club) can use various types of ammunition with a firing range of up to 300 km.
The ratio of target detection range and acoustic stealth in the 636 is optimal: the Varshavyanka can “see” the enemy at a maximum distance, get close to him without being detected, observe him, and, if necessary, use his formidable weapon.
"Varshavyankas" are designed to protect military bases, sea communications, to combat enemy submarines and ships; they can also conduct reconnaissance and patrol activities in the seas and launch cruise missile attacks on coastal targets.
Continuation of the series
The Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg built a series of six submarines for the Black Sea Fleet, named after cities of military glory.

The first four submarines received southern names - Novorossiysk, Rostov-on-Don, Stary Oskol and Krasnodar. The fifth ("Veliky Novgorod") and sixth ("Kolpino") are named after the ancient city in the north-west of the country and one of the suburbs of St. Petersburg.
At the Army-2016 forum in early September, a contract was signed for the construction of another series of six submarines for the Pacific Fleet. It is planned to be built from 2019 to 2021.
The Pacific Warsaw ships will strengthen the strike group of the Russian Navy in this region. They will be able to enter the South China and Sea of Japan, “silently observing” the events taking place in this region.
Baptism of fire
The first combat use of the Varshavyanka took place in December 2015 during the Russian military operation in Syria. The submarine B-237 "Rostov-on-Don" from the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea launched missiles of the "Caliber-PL" complex at the targets of the "Islamic State" terrorists (a terrorist organization banned in the Russian Federation) in the Syrian province of Raqqa.
This was the first time in the history of the Russian Navy's submarine fleet that a missile strike was launched against a real enemy.

Throughout the history of human existence on Earth, thousands of wars have taken place using lethal weapons, which are being improved every day. Moreover, this applies not only to ground, but also air, as well as underwater weapons.

The latter will be discussed in this work. Here the most important and interesting information about the submarines of project 636 and 877 “Halibut”, or, more common, “Varshavyanka” will be collected.

A little history

In January 1954, a significant event occurred in the field of military development. The world's first nuclear submarine (NPS), Nautilus, was launched in the United States. This fact expanded the capabilities of submarines of that time, increasing not only autonomy, but also immersion depth, not to mention armament.

Related to this is the idea of the Soviet Union to create a submarine that would be superior to all enemy ships of this type. In the 60s of the last century, the country began to think seriously about protection against such threats.

Thus, the beginning of Project 636 and 877 Varshavyanka submarines was laid, modifications of which are in service with modern Russia.

The designers were faced with the task of equipping the submarine with a quiet engine, advanced target detection technology and powerful weapons. engineers worked diligently on these designs for seven years, starting in 1972 when the drawings were completed.

And already in 1982, the first Project 877 submarine was launched. It was planned to equip all countries participating in the Warsaw Pact with them, hence the second name.

Appearance and structure of the submarine "Varshavyanka"

The ideally streamlined shape of this diesel-electric submarine “Varshavyanka” was designed based on the results of numerous tests. Experiments with the shape lasted until the appearance of a submarine of the same type in the United States, called Alcabor, whose cetacean hull was repeated in the Soviet submarine.

This shape allows you to reduce hydraulic resistance and swim faster. In addition, this type of housing further reduces noise, because friction is minimal. In addition to all this, this submarine minimally reflects echolocation signals due to its special coating.

As you know, the design of the boat is two-part, based on a light and durable hull. The space between them is filled with main ballast tanks. On the hull itself there is a massive lightweight cabin to protect retractable devices and antennas. It is located directly above the second compartment of the boat.

The Varshavyanka-class submarine has folding horizontal control rudders at the front.

On the bow of the boat, which is divided into two decks, there are torpedo tube shafts on top and a sonar antenna on the bottom, which is used to detect targets. Moving towards the stern, you can count six compartments.

After the bow there are the first three compartments on three decks.

The first contains torpedo tubes on the upper deck, the middle one houses part of the crew, because one of the living decks is there. At the very bottom are the batteries.

The second compartment can be regarded as a command post; on its three levels there is a central post, a navigation room and a radio room, respectively.

The third compartment, with two living decks and a battery room, is the last three-deck compartment.

The diesel submarine of the Varshavyanka project is equipped with two types of engines located in the last three compartments. So, in the fourth compartment there is a diesel engine. An electrical unit is installed in the adjacent compartment, and at the very end there are power plants of the same type, but less powerful. Their main task is to ensure economical running.

Technical characteristics of "Varshavyanka"

Let's start with dimensions and continue with maneuverability. With a width of about 10 meters, the length of the Varshavyanka submarine is 73.4 m. With such dimensions, the surface displacement is more than 2300 tons with a draft of approximately 6 meters.

When moving above water, the submarine can reach a maximum speed of 17 knots.

All of the above increases when the submarine is immersed in water. So about 1600 tons are added to the displacement, and another 3 knots to the speed. The maximum diving depth is 300 meters, but 240 m is considered optimal. Underwater, “Varshavyanka” is a little faster.

Good maneuverability is ensured by a hybrid engine consisting of a pair of 1500 hp diesel generators. each and an electric motor with a power of 5500 hp. Additional electric motors are used to improve maneuverability. In addition to all this, there is a special 190 hp electric unit on board, designed for economical running.

All of the above is relevant for the model 877 project and its modifications. And for the 636 the same figures are true, but with minor improvements, for example, a slightly higher speed under water, by about 3 knots. Strictly speaking, these are the submarines that are considered the most effective and are used in the Russian Navy. In addition to the main series submarine, the Russian fleet has various modifications.

The operation of this equipment is impossible without a crew of 52 people. With this composition on board, the boat can operate autonomously for 45 days.

The maximum cruising range is 400 miles, but when equipped with RDP technology, a Varshavyanka-type boat can increase this figure to 6,000 miles.

The RDP allows you to replenish liquefied air supplies for the crew without rising to the surface. Also, this system is involved in the ventilation of the engine compartment of diesel generators, removing exhaust through retractable pipes. Air flows through the same pipes.

Armament of the submarine "Varshavyanka"

As mentioned above, this diesel-electric submarine was designed to have an advantage in a duel. To do this, she was equipped with 6 torpedo tubes, launching 533 mm torpedo missiles.

There are 18 torpedoes in ammunition, with six already loaded in the TA.

You can also take on board 24 underwater mines.

The creators also took into account air defense systems. Therefore, it has a retractable Strela-3 MANPADS with eight missiles and four Kalibr anti-ship missiles.

All this makes Project 877 and 636 submarines especially dangerous in battle.

Advantages and disadvantages over nuclear submarines

Knowing the description of the characteristics of the Varshavyanka, you can compare it with the same nuclear submarines.

Diesel-electric engines are not a random choice, because... These units have a number of advantages that are superior to nuclear submarines. Namely:

Quiet running;
There is no such strong need for cooling;
Easy to maintain.

Stealth is everything for a submarine, so it is very important to maintain it at the proper level. However, such a task is almost impossible given the noise from the operation of a nuclear reactor on a nuclear submarine, not to mention the high speed of propagation of sound waves in water. So diesel-electric submarines with their low-noise power plants look preferable.

Atomic reactions occurring in a nuclear submarine reactor are accompanied by strong emissions of heat.

If cooling is ineffective or insufficient, it can be damaged, which poses a threat not only to the crew, but also to the environment.

Therefore, for such submarines it is vitally important to maintain the recommended temperature regime of the power plant. For this, water is used, which creates a characteristic sound background. The same cannot be said about its competitors, because they only need good ventilation and radiators to work.

Maintenance of a nuclear reactor requires knowledge of nuclear physics and much more. This complicates, for example, the repair of non-critical damage. Diesel internal combustion engines are much lighter, so servicing them is not difficult.

The main disadvantage of diesel-electric submarines is the poor living conditions of the crew compared to nuclear-powered ships. This is not about the convenience of location or food for people on board, but about entertainment that distracts them from the psychological pressure of a long voyage.

This result was a consequence of reducing the size for less visibility.

Buying countries of Project 636 and 877 submarines

The main share of produced boats of this type is used by Russia, which is logical. The Black Sea Fleet has 6 Varshavyankas of the latest modification 636.3 in service, and the Russian Pacific Navy is preparing to receive the same number.

Among foreign buyers, China should be noted, which purchased a dozen submarines of projects 636 and 636M.

The Vietnamese fleet also uses 6 units of 6363.1.

Among African countries, Algeria is showing particular interest in submarines of this model, having two 636Ms and having signed an agreement to purchase a pair of 636.1s.

Interestingly, the seven-blade propeller shaft on the tail rotates through wooden bushings. They were made from backaut wood, which released a resin with a consistency and action similar to a lubricant.

This solution allows you to use the same spare parts for about 20 years.

The NATO submarine "Varshavyanka" received the nickname "Black Hole" because of its tactical and technical characteristics, which allow it to silently sneak up on a target and hit it with certainty.

Video

TASS-DOSSIER /Valery Korneev/. On November 24, 2016, in St. Petersburg, at the Admiralty Shipyards shipbuilding enterprise, the diesel-electric submarine B-271 “Kolpino” of project 06363 was transferred to the Russian Navy.

Project history

The diesel-electric submarine (DPL) of Project 636.3 (06363) (according to NATO classification - Improved Kilo) is a development of Project 877 Halibut (or Varshavyanka). Designed for the destruction of surface ships and vessels, enemy submarines, patrolling, patrol, reconnaissance, security of communications in the “near” sea zone.

Back in Soviet times, a modified project 877EKM was developed specifically for export, according to which in 1983-2000. built 18 submarines. Based on this modification, the Project 636 submarine was created in the mid-1990s. Submarines of this type have been built since 1996 for China (10), Algeria (2) and Vietnam (4; 2 more are under construction).

The Russian Navy initially planned to replace its Project 877 submarines built in the 1980s with Project 677 Lada submarines. However, due to numerous problems with their design, construction and testing, a decision was made to build a series of submarines for the Russian fleet based on Project 636, the production of which, thanks to export contracts, had already been completed by Russian shipyards.

The modernized project 06363 was developed at the Rubin Central Marine Engineering Design Bureau (St. Petersburg) by a team led by chief designer Igor Molchanov. The submarines are being built at the St. Petersburg shipbuilding enterprise Admiralty Shipyards.

The contract for the construction of the lead submarine of Project 06363 was concluded by the Russian Ministry of Defense with JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation in August 2010.

In September 2011, a contract was signed for the construction of the remaining five submarines. All six ships are intended for the Black Sea Fleet.

On January 16, 2016, the head of the shipbuilding department of the Russian Navy, Captain 1st Rank Vladimir Tryapichnikov, announced on the Russian News Service that six more Project 06363 submarines will be built for the Pacific Fleet. The corresponding contract was signed on September 7, 2016 as part of the Army 2016 forum. The keel of the first ship is planned for the fall of 2017. Completion of construction of this batch is expected in 2021.

Performance characteristics, weapons

DPL project 06363 - double-hull, single-shaft and single-rotor.

Designed for the destruction of surface ships and vessels, enemy submarines, patrolling, patrol, reconnaissance, security of communications in the “near” sea zone.

the length of the submarine is 73.8 m; width - 9.9 m, draft - 6.2 m;
surface displacement - 2 thousand 350 tons, underwater - 3 thousand 100 tons;
maximum diving depth - up to 300 m;
surface speed - 17 knots, underwater speed - up to 20 knots;
the main power plant is diesel-electric (main propeller electric motor with a power of about 5 thousand 500 hp and two 30DG diesel generators with a power of 1 thousand 500 kilowatts each);
navigation autonomy - 45 days;
crew - 52 people.

The boats of this type being built for the Russian Navy have been modernized compared to the 636/636M: they have received modern missile and torpedo weapon systems, radio electronics and hydroacoustics. The boats are armed with six 533 mm torpedo tubes, the ammunition load includes 18 torpedoes or 24 mines, and cruise missiles of the Caliber-PL complex. The use of noise-absorbing elements ensures high stealth of the boat.

Ships series

The lead submarine of the series, B-261 "Novorossiysk" (serial number 01670), was laid down on August 20, 2010, launched on June 26, 2014, transferred to the Russian Navy on August 22, 2014 and at the end of October sent for deep-sea testing in the North navy. On September 21, 2015, she arrived at her permanent location in Novorossiysk.
The second submarine of the project, B-237 "Rostov-on-Don" (factory 01671), was laid down on November 21, 2011, launched on June 26, 2014, and handed over to the fleet on December 30, 2014.
The third - B-262 "Stary Oskol" (factory 01672) - was laid down on August 17, 2012, launched on August 28, 2014 and transferred to the fleet on July 3, 2015 as part of the International Naval Show in St. Petersburg.
The fourth submarine - B-265 "Krasnodar" (factory 01673) - laid down in February 2014, launched on April 25, 2015,