Project 955 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) Yury Dolgoruky is ready to take the sea in order to continue SLBM Bulava test program, told an informed source in defense industry to Central Navy Portal.
Two missiles have been loaded in the submarine; one is prepared for launch against Kamchatka range, another is a dummy missile designed for test underwater salvo launch effects on the submarine. According to foreign sources, SSBN Yury Dolgoruky was supposed to conduct missile tests in Oct 20-22, although launches were postponed due to bad weather.
First serial Borei -class submarine SSBN Alexander Nevsky has been prepared for the first sortie as well, and only severe weather in the White Sea delays the beginning of her sea trials.
Lead Yasen -class sub SSGN Severodvinsk also expects fair weather conditions to continue shipyard’s sea trials. Sevmash shipbuilders are facing strained time, since they have to prepare three submarines for trials at one time.
Recall that two of them – SSBN Yury Dolgoruky and SSGN Severodvinsk – are to be delivered to the Navy in the current year.
[mappress] Source: rusnavy, October 23, 2011