Project 667BDRM nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) Verkhoturye will leave covered slipway of Zvezdochka Ship Repair Center on March 24, 2012.
Works on the sub’s technical recovery and service life extension started in the fall of 2010. Since that time, the shipyard has carried out repair of the hull, outboard fittings, ballast tanks, mechanisms of rudder/propeller unit, and other onboard systems. The submarine is going to be launched in mid Apr 2012 and then will be outfitted afloat.
Zvezdochka will conduct mooring and sea trials in the summer and the fall. As is expected, SSBN Verkhoturye would be recommissioned into the Navy late Nov 2012.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , March 20, 2012; Image: tsushima