On Thursday, April 4, 2024, the Northern Fleet’s press service disclosed that Russia’s nuclear-powered submarine missile cruiser, Ok-561 Kazan, had efficiently test-fired the Kalibr cruise missile. This take a look at launch from the Barents Sea was geared toward a coastal goal on the Chizha take a look at website. The Russian TV channel “Zvezda” additional corroborated this information, supplementing the announcement with footage of the launch.
“Engaged in a spread of designated coaching and fight operations, the multifaceted nuclear submarine Kazan demonstrated its potential within the Northern Fleet’s tactical software of the Kalibr cruise missile. Objectively monitored knowledge confirmed the precision and accuracy of the missile deployment, in addition to validating the design parameters of its flight trajectory,” the publication reported.
Belonging to the broader Kalibr missile household, the 3M14K Kalibr-PL is a cutting-edge, submarine-launched cruise missile engineered by Russia. Famous for its precision in putting land targets, this missile stands out as a consequence of its spectacular long-range capabilities, additional supplemented by its dynamic land and ship-based variants.
Two distinct levels make up the propulsion system of the 3M14K Kalibr-PL. The preliminary part makes use of a solid-fuel rocket booster accountable for missile launch and velocity attainment. As soon as the rocket completes its cycle and disengages, the secondary turbojet engine ignites, offering steady impetus through the missile’s cruising length.
By way of construction, a trio of key components comprise the 3M14K Kalibr-PL. These embody the propulsion system, a sophisticated steering infrastructure, in addition to the warhead. Due to an environment friendly synergy of satellite tv for pc navigation, inertial navigation, and topographical contour matching, the advanced steering system ensures the missile navigates its means exactly to the prescribed goal.
Arguably, the standout characteristic of the 3M14K Kalibr-PL is its appreciable operational vary. It’s touted to have a most vary of at least 2,500 kilometers – which roughly equates to 1,550 miles. Such a considerable vary permits submarines to provoke missile launches from a major distance away, properly out of attain of potential enemy countermeasures.
Fitted with a high-explosive warhead, the 3M14K Kalibr-PL packs a severe punch with an estimated weight of round 450 kilograms, or roughly 990 kilos. The precise quantity of explosive content material within the warhead stays undisclosed – no shock given its delicate nature.
Permit me to introduce you to the Ok-561 Kazan, an plain gem amongst Russia’s Yasen-M class nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines. Named after town of Kazan, it showcases Russian technological prowess with its outstanding diploma of system automation and integration.
On the core of this sea titan is its nuclear propulsion system – a singular OK-650KPM pressurized water reactor. This potent power produces an astounding 190 MWt, powering a steam turbine that drives a single shaft. Nonetheless, it’s not left weak in case of emergencies – the Kazan additionally homes backup diesel turbines and batteries. Fairly a marvel, wouldn’t you agree?
With a significantly lengthy body, the Ok-561 Kazan measures a powerful approximate size of 139 meters and sports activities a beam width of round 13 meters with a draft clocking in at about 10 meters. Whereas gliding above the ocean waves, it displaces roughly 13,800 tons, a determine that will increase to nearly 14,700 tons when it dives beneath the floor.
What makes this submarine stand out are its cutting-edge tech options; it boasts a prime marine velocity of 20 knots, which accelerates to twenty-eight knots when navigating underwater. Its capabilities don’t finish there, as it could possibly enterprise as deep as 600 meters beneath sea degree, all whereas geared up with superior sonar and radar methods, coupled with the most recent digital warfare methods.
Working this nautical marvel requires a workforce of round 64 devoted crew members, a mixture of officers and enlisted sailors. Due to the excessive degree of automation onboard, this crew measurement is smaller than regular for a craft of its stature. The Kazan’s nuclear-powered propulsion permits it an primarily limitless operational vary, restricted solely by meals provides and upkeep requirements. Impressively, this subtle sea vessel can keep submerged for a most of as much as 100 days.
The Ok-561 Kazan comes full of a various and highly effective arsenal. Housing 8 vertical launch system [VLS] silos, it could possibly deal with a wide range of missile varieties. An extra 10 torpedo tubes improve its aggressive edge. Weapons in Kazan’s array embody the P-800 Oniks and Kalibr cruise missiles, paired with the dramatically quick 3M22 Zircon hypersonic cruise missile. Moreover, a prepossessing choice of torpedoes, such because the Kind 53 torpedo and the RPK-2 Viyuga anti-submarine missile, problem any menace.
Specialists from the West, notably from the US, maintain the Yasen-M class submarines in excessive regard. In accordance with Dr. Andrew Krepinevich from the Heart for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, “The Yasen-M class submarine is a testomony to a significant development in Russian undersea prowess. Its avant-garde stealth mechanisms mixed with an awe-inspiring assortment of weapons render it a troublesome contender.”
Thought leaders like Admiral James Stavridis, the previous Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, and Admiral Gary Roughead, the earlier Chief of Naval Operations, concur. To Stavridis, the Yasen-M stands as an unequivocal signal of Russia’s dedication to strengthen its affect throughout the seas of the globe. The design and capabilities of the submarine depict a complexity value noting.
Roughead introduced an equally considerate perspective: “The Yasen-M symbolizes Russia’s re-emergence on the worldwide maritime stage. Its skill to confront and surpass challenges makes it a formidable contender.” Dr. John Pike, director of GlobalSecurity.org, concurred stating that the Yasen-M class, with its cutting-edge sonar and missile methods, can considerably disrupt the US Navy’s stronghold in submarine warfare.
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