Russia: Submarine Voronezh Passes Modernization

Zvezdochka Ship Repair Center has completed overhaul, modernization and post-repair trials of Project 949A Antei nuclear-powered submarine K-119 Voronezh, reports ITAR-TASS referring to the shipyard’s press secretary Nadezhda Scherbinina. The Northern Fleet (NF) submarine has left the shipyard heading for the permanent basing site at the Kola Peninsula. It is expected to sign an acceptance certificate upon the sub’s arrival at the base.

SSN Voronezh arrived at Zvezdochka shipyard in 2006. It was planned to conduct emergency repairs of main turbine and replace nuclear reactor’s cores. Repair and modernization of K-119 started in March 2009. After technical recovery and interim overhaul, the sub was launched in May 2009, and then underwent modernization afloat. As a result, lifetime of the submarine built in 1988 was extended for 3.5 years.

After repairs of K-119, her place was taken by Project 949A nuclear-powered submarine K-410 Smolensk also serving at Northern Fleet and based in Zaozersk, Murmansk region. The sub is expected to return into service in 2014. Besides, Project 971 Schuka-B nuclear submarine K-328 Leopard also arrived in the shipyard to pass interim overhaul and modernization.

Having length of 154 meters, beam of 18.2 meters, and submerged displacement of 24 tons, Project 949A nuclear-powered attack submarines are capable to accelerate up to 32 knots. Their endurance is up to 120 days. The subs are armed with 24 launching tubes for Granit cruise missiles.

[mappress]
Naval Today Staff, November 25, 2011; Image: submarines