Russia will install an advanced sonar system on to the third Malakhit Marine Engineering Bureau-designed Yasen/Graney-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, SSGN Novosibirsk.
Construction began on the third project 885M Yasen-class submarine with a keel laying ceremony at the Sevmash shipyard near the White Sea last week, according to RIA Novosti.
Malakhit Marine Engineering Bureau said the new advanced sonar system will enable the submarine to detect enemy ships at an early stage.
The Russian Defence Ministry previously signed a contract with Sevmash shipyard for the construction of five Yasen-class submarines, to support Russian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, surveillance operations and special missions.
Featuring advanced design, the new Yasen-class submarine’s bow section will be fitted with sonar systems while the torpedo systems will be equipped in another part of the boat.
Additionally, a new power supply and acoustic defence systems have been designed and developed to enhance the submarine’s stealth capability, while reducing noise.
Armed with long-range cruise missiles and eight vertical launching system tubes for cruise missiles, the submarine has a full load displacement of around 13,000t, can cruise at a top speed of 35k and accommodate a crew of 50.
Powered by a KPM-type pressurised water reactor and steam turbine, the 111m-long and 12m-wide Yasen-class submarines can strike against submarines, surface warships and land-based targets.
The Russian Navy is scheduled to receive the first Yasen-class submarine, Severodvinsk (K-329), which is undergoing a second sea trial, by the end of 2013, while the second submarine, Kazan, is under construction at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, Russia.
Image: Russian Navy’s Graney-class submarine will be armed with P-800 Oniks missile. Photo: courtesy of Mike1979 Russia.
