"Lada" for the Navy: Russia will develop air-independent submarine forces. Diesel-electric submarine LADA TTX submarine

Project 677 submarines (code "Lada") are a series of Russian diesel-electric submarines developed at the end of the 20th century at the Rubin Central Design Bureau. They are intended to carry out reconnaissance and sabotage activities against enemy surface ships and submarines, protect coastal areas from enemy landings, as well as lay minefields and other similar tasks.

Project 677 Lada submarines - video

Thus, the Lada submarine is optimally suited specifically for the tasks of modern warfare, which requires maximum mobility and stealth. A special feature of the submarines of this series is their construction scheme, called “one-and-a-half”. The fact is that the body (made of AB-2 steel) has the same diameter along its entire length. Unlike large nuclear boats, the bow and stern have a well-defined spherical shape. Thanks to the bulkheads, the hull is divided into five independent compartments. There are three decks on the ship.

Impressive hydrodynamic characteristics are achieved thanks to a specially designed hull with a particularly well-streamlined shape. The retractable devices have exactly the same barrier that characterizes Project 877 ships, but the stern empennage is made cross-shaped, and the front rudders are mounted on the fence. This was done so that they create as little interference as possible during the operation of the sonar equipment equipped with the submarine. The Lada project is a real standard in this sense: it is extremely quiet, it is extremely difficult to detect by sonar and hydroacoustics.

Armament of the Project 677 Lada submarine

The main means of defense and attack are six devices for launching 533 mm torpedoes, with two shafts on the upper deck designed for firing guided ammunition. The standard ammunition includes 18 torpedoes. Most often, the Lada 677 submarine uses universal-type ammunition (SAET-60M, UGST) and special torpedoes to destroy enemy submarines. On board there may be cruise missiles, as well as 22 mines of the DM-1 model.

There is the possibility of combat use of anti-submarine missiles of the Shkval type. The firing system allows both single shots and salvo firing from six mines simultaneously. The Murena complex is responsible for reloading the torpedo tubes, which allows the entire operation to be carried out in a fully automatic mode. The entire process is fully controlled from the command and control post equipped with the submarine. The Lada project was the first development in the Soviet Union of a non-nuclear submarine that would use such a number of complex and highly efficient automation.

To ensure the protection of the boat from enemy combat aircraft, the crew can use six MANPADS of the Igla-1M model. Coordination of the work of all combat systems is ensured through the use of the Lithium system. Thus, the Lada submarine, the armament of which we have described, despite its small dimensions, can cause big problems to any enemy.

Hydrolocation complex

The Lyra complex, which includes powerful sensitive antennas, is responsible for sonar reconnaissance. The installation includes three antennas, one of which is located on the bow of the submarine, and two are mounted on its sides. Engineers maximized their diameter to accurately measure underwater noise. Thus, the front antenna occupies almost the entire space on the bow of the submarine. In case of damage to the on-board equipment, there is manufactured sonar equipment, which the Lada submarine (Project 677) can tow along with it on the march.

Navigation system

The navigation system is of inertial type. Responsible for providing data on the exact location of the ship, as well as for determining the optimal speed at which the weapons on board can be used with maximum efficiency.

The system includes periscope equipment of the Parus-98 type, which includes the following elements:

Non-penetrating commander's periscope, "Parus-98KP". It has daytime and low-level channels (optical and TV). The degree of magnification varies from 1.5 to 12X, it is possible to video record the observed data.
Optocoupler mast, non-penetrating type "Parus-98UP". In fact, it is a multifunctional universal periscope. The design includes two channels (day and low-level), the magnification level is the same as that of a command telescope, and there is a highly efficient laser rangefinder.

Thus, the Lada submarine, the performance characteristics of which we have briefly described, can be used with equal success in day and night conditions. She always remains invisible to the enemy.

Other elements of the navigation system

The most important element is the radar system of the KRM-66 Kodak radar model. Includes active and passive radio channels and can operate in combined mode. When actively used, a particularly protected, hidden communication channel can be activated. It gives a complete picture of the situation surrounding the submarine (including the surface), but does not in any way unmask the ship. In this sense, the Lada submarine (Project 677) is in many ways a unique object, which really has no analogues in the world, no matter how hackneyed this expression may sound.

Digital communication system of the “Distance” model. Allows you to exchange information via a bidirectional secure information transmission channel with coastal command posts, ships and aircraft (provided you are at periscope depth). If there is a need to send an urgent message from great depths, a towed release antenna is used. This equipment is housed in a particularly robust casing that can protect it even in the event of hostilities. Simply put, the Lada is a very durable boat.

Finally, the Appassionata navigation equipment complex. Contains an inertial navigation system, as well as a GPS/GLONASS satellite navigation module. The accuracy of location determination when using it is extremely high, but depends on the proximity of the base station for the correction for a particular “provider”.

Power point

The “heart” of the submarine is a diesel-electric power plant, made according to a scheme that provides for movement exclusively on electric power. This is what distinguishes the Lada submarine from its foreign analogues. TTS (transport and technical systems) of foreign ships of this class can only provide propulsion with a diesel engine.

The diesel engine is located in the fourth compartment. To generate electricity, two 28DG brand generators are used, coupled with rectifiers with a power of 1000 kW each. Energy is stored in two groups of batteries. Each of them contains 126 elements (they are located in the first and third compartments). The total aggregate power of the entire installation in peak condition is 10580 kW/h. The working motor is electric, excited by permanent magnets. Brand SED-1, power density is 4100 kW.

The chosen engine power and battery capacity are not random. The fact is that it is precisely with this ratio that accelerated battery loading becomes possible, which almost halves the submarine’s presence at periscope depth. Since the generator does not contain a brush current collector, the maintenance and operation of the entire installation is greatly simplified and becomes much safer. In this respect, the Lada is a boat that was in many ways ahead of its time.

Basic engine operation diagram

The all-mode electric propulsion system plays the role of the main propulsion device in all travel states of the ship. In principle, we have already said that movement on diesel power alone is not provided for in principle. The propeller has seven blades and is made using a special, low-noise technology. This state of affairs was largely achieved thanks to the saber-shaped blades, which produce a minimal noise level when moving. In addition, the submarine has two remote steering columns of the RDK-35 brand.

The maximum achievable surface speed is 21 knots. When submerged, the submarine does not accelerate beyond 10 knots. The cruising range is about 6,000 miles, but when driving economically, you can increase the resource by approximately another 650 miles.

On the living and working conditions of the ship's crew

The crew consists of 35 people. To save people in case of emergency, the KSU-600 rescue system is provided. It involves remote automatic release of life rafts of the PSNL-20 model. There are two of them in total, they are located in the add-on for retractable devices. The living area on the submarine is located in the third compartment. Unlike the surface ships of the USSR and the Russian Federation, very good living conditions have been created for the crew. Double cabins are provided for personnel. Each officer is assigned a separate room.

Meals take place in the wardroom, combined with a pantry room. Food supplies, depending on their characteristics and storage requirements, are located in refrigerated and non-refrigerated pantries. In recent years, submarines of this series have begun to be equipped with a new type of galley equipment: with a very compact size, it ensures the preparation of a complete and varied food allowance for the crew.

Fresh water supplies are stored in food grade stainless steel tanks. You can replenish your supply of fresh food water directly on the go. For this purpose, desalination plants are provided, which use heat from running diesel engines to operate. In general, during the normal course of the hike, the water reserves are quite sufficient to meet not only domestic, but also technical needs. Fully loaded with everything necessary, the submarine remains autonomous for 45 days.

What's new?

Many innovations will be introduced into the design of a well-proven ship. The developer is the famous enterprise TsKB MT "Rubin". In mid-2013, it was finally decided that the Lada submarine would continue to be in service with the Russian Navy. In a modernized version, of course. Domestic specialists paid much attention to the modernization of on-board electronic systems. The automation of the torpedo launcher was completely rethought, and the mechanics of the electric power plant were almost completely redesigned (taking into account the use of modern technologies). Navigation was not left out either: considering how many new solutions were incorporated into it, we can safely say that this system has been created anew. It is not surprising that such a Lada submarine inevitably attracts the attention of foreign customers.

Today, Project 677 Lada submarines have become one of the most advanced non-nuclear submarines in the world. We can say with confidence that, provided that the pace of work is maintained, not only the domestic Navy, but also many foreign customers will be happy to purchase them, supporting the country’s budget.

Modifications

"Amur-950" - an export modification of Project 677 "Lada" is equipped with four torpedo tubes and a launcher for ten missiles, capable of firing a salvo of ten missiles in two minutes. Crew - 18 (according to other sources 21) people. Autonomy - 30 days. Immersion depth - 250 meters.

"Amur-1650" is another export modification. It has a direction-finding antenna capable of detecting particularly low-noise targets and can fire a salvo of six missiles.

Representatives

B-585 "St. Petersburg" - is in trial operation until 2016

B-586 “Kronstadt” - construction was frozen until mid-2012 and resumed only on 07/09/2013

Tactical and technical characteristics of submarines 677 "Lada"

Type of ship................multi-purpose diesel-electric submarine
Speed (surface).................10 knots
Speed (underwater).................21 knots
Working immersion depth.........................250 m
Maximum immersion depth...................00 m
Navigation autonomy.................45 (30 for Amur-950) days
Crew...................35 (21 for "Amur-950") people
Surface displacement...................1,765 (1,150) t
Displacement underwater...................n/a
Maximum length (according to the vertical line)...66.8 (58.8) m
Hull width max.............7.1 (5.65) m
Power plant GEM with full electric propulsion......DG with D49 engines; VNEU on fuel cell (in the future)
Torpedo and mine armament......6 TA 533 mm caliber, 18 (16) USET-80K torpedoes, up to 44 min
Missile weapons......UVP for 10 RK P-800 "Onyx" and/or "Caliber" missiles
Air defense.............PU MANPADS "Igla-1M", 6 missiles in TPK

Project 677 submarine "Lada" - photo from the parade in St. Petersburg

15.11.2014 ,

The news seems insignificant in appearance, but is actually very important.

If with regard to nuclear-powered submarines our continued presence at the forefront with the adoption of the Boreev and Yasen into service is no longer in doubt, then with non-nuclear submarines the situation is a little more complicated. I’ll try to clarify it using an excellent example, which is the Lada Project 677 non-nuclear submarine.

"St. Petersburg", project 677

Why don't we focus on nuclear powered ships?

...like the Americans? Because:

For many tasks, the nuclear-powered icebreaker is redundant.
Because of the reactor, nuclear-powered ships have to implement expensive and technically complex solutions to achieve an acceptable noise level. And for submarines, the one who makes the least noise wins. Modern diesel boats run underwater on electric motors and do not make any more noise than the environment, for which, for example, the “Varshavyanka” was nicknamed “a black hole.”
The price is radically lower for non-nuclear submarines (non-nuclear submarines).
A nuclear-powered ship requires appropriate maintenance infrastructure, which not every country can handle.
NATO countries that produce diesel boats allow Americans not to bother themselves, but to buy or rent them as needed. We don't have such an opportunity.
Non-nuclear submarines have an export potential incomparable to nuclear-powered ships.

Why not stay at Varshavyanka?

Varshavyanka is a very successful diesel-electric submarine project, the third modernization of which is currently being carried out for the Black Sea Fleet, and an export version is also being sold abroad. For example, the third of the six ordered boats should arrive before the beginning of 2015.

"Varshavyanka", project 636

But ordinary diesel boats, which include the Varshavyanka, have all their undoubted advantages (the main one of which is low noise) there are several fundamental disadvantages:

Time spent underwater- just a few days. And the underwater range is 400 miles. Then the batteries are discharged and you need to surface to charge them using diesel engines. That’s why classic diesel boats are called diving boats, not submarines.
Due to the need to save energy, the speed of movement under water is low, usually around 3 knots (~5.5 km/h). Critical during pursuit.
The lack of energy also causes restrictions on equipment and weapons.

Lada (project 677) - a long-awaited breakthrough?

The boats of this project should replace those that have proven themselves well and became a sales hit in the eighties and nineties, largely due to the supply of exports of which our maritime military-industrial complex survived the nineties.

Project 677 has been developed since the early 90s, but for known reasons, it is only now being brought to the point where it becomes a submarine capable of influencing the balance of power at sea.

Submarine "St. Petersburg", project 677

So let's look at what makes the Lada so good.

Armament

In addition to traditional mine-torpedo armament (6 533-mm torpedo tubes, 18 torpedoes or mines), it fires from all 6 torpedo tubes rockets(“Varshavyanka” only from the top two).

In addition, the 677th project is the world's first non-nuclear submarine equipped with specialized launchers for cruise missiles (10 vertical launchers in the middle part of the hull).

Export version of Project 677 - “Amur-1650”

These missiles can be:

operational-tactical,
anti-ship,
long-range cruise missiles designed to hit strategic targets deep in enemy territory (an entirely new use for non-nuclear submarines).

Moreover, all this variety can be released in one gulp, which increases the likelihood of hitting a target and which other non-nuclear submarines cannot.

Straightaway areas of application are significantly expanding.

Other innovations

To reduce the noise of the boat, vibration isolators and an all-mode rowing electric motor with permanent magnets are used.
Reducing displacement from 2350 (the figure for project 636.3) to 1765 tons, as well as the number of crew from 52 to 35 people. This made the boat more compact and less noticeable.
A significant, several-fold decrease in the level of the acoustic field (despite the fact that even the Varshavyanka continues to be one of the quietest submarines in its class.
Reduction of non-acoustic fields.
The service life of the equipment has been doubled on average.
"Lada" is equipped with new generation radio electronics. Control of the ship, its weapons and mechanisms is reduced to unified automated system and is carried out from consoles in the command post.
The boat's hull is covered with Molniya material, which absorbs sonar signals.
The Lada has a modern hydroacoustic complex"Lyra" with antenna systems that are equal in area to those used on nuclear submarines and superior to those on diesel-electric submarines of Project 636. This makes it possible to detect the enemy earlier, and this is equivalent to victory in a confrontation with him.
"St. Petersburg", the lead boat of Project 677, has been in service since 2010 and most of the innovations have been tested and debugged.
Lithium-ion batteries. They can be easily installed in place of the standard lead-acid one, and the boat will get a longer diving life. “Experimental work has been carried out, funding has been allocated and the manufacturer is working on the production of a standard installation. If it is ready on time, it will find a place on the serial hulls of fourth-generation submarines.”

As a result We have a boat that can dive to 300 meters, has a full submerged speed of up to 21 knots and an autonomy of 45 days and is an excellent successor to the Varshavyanka. But one innovation can make this boat the absolute leader in its class in the world. Namely, an air-independent power plant (VNEU).

Air-independent power plant (VNEU)

As the name suggests, this installation does not require air to generate electricity, like diesel engines. Therefore, the boat does not need to surface to charge the batteries. More precisely, it is necessary, but much less often.

Time spent underwater increases 10 times, up to 25 days.

In fact, the Swedes began to use such power plants, and all their boats are now produced with similar power plants.

And also the Germans with the 212/214 project. That is, here we are in line with new developments.

Just like the Germans, it is based on an electrochemical generator. Electricity will be generated by converting chemical energy into electrical energy without movement and burning. When oxygen and hydrogen combine, electricity is released silently, and the only byproduct of the process is distilled water. The efficiency of such an installation reaches 70 percent, and the noise level of an anaerobic submarine is lower than natural sea noise. But in addition to this, we use additional improvements.

In order not to carry high-purity hydrogen on board the submarine, the installation provides for obtaining hydrogen in volume of consumption through diesel fuel reforming. Therefore, the Russian VNEU will be significantly more economical than its German counterpart
Fuel cells are also used to enrich the diesel power plant with oxygen.

There are two ways to develop mechanisms for recharging batteries underwater. Electrochemical generator (ECG) or Stirling engine. The Stirling engine used by the Swedes is considered more promising. We apparently use ECG, like the Germans, but with the exception of the expensive structure for storing and charging fuel cells on board with hydrogen. The choice of technology clearly took into account a large number of factors, some of which are not obvious to outside observers.

In combination with the other above-mentioned advantages, Lada becomes unrivaled.

In addition, during its production it will be possible to vary the configuration depending on the wishes and capabilities of the customer.

Competitors

There are enough competitors:

Germany, project 212/214

Sweden, Gotland

France, Scorpene

Are non-nuclear boats really that effective?

Examples of the effectiveness of non-nuclear submarines:

On its first departure from the base in Kamchatka, the first Pacific Varshavyanka (Project 877 submarine), which had just been accepted by the fleet, discovered an American Los Angeles-class nuclear submarine.
In October 2006, a Chinese Song-class submarine surfaced in close proximity (five miles) to the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk (CV-63) while the strike group was maneuvering near the Okinawa Islands. The boat was visually detected by the pilot of one of the flying aircraft performing a training mission. This case was another evidence of the insufficient effectiveness of the anti-submarine defense of the aircraft carrier formation, even in relation to Song-class submarines, which ONI considers less dangerous adversaries in comparison with projects 636 and 677
During exercises in the Caribbean, the crew of a German Type 212A boat was able to overcome the defense system of the American aircraft carrier Enterprise undetected and simulated the launch of a torpedo fan. In another case, the reputation of an American underwater predator, a Los Angeles-class multi-purpose submarine, around which the Germans circled several times, suffered, but the Americans never noticed anything.
During exercises in the Mediterranean Sea, Israeli submarines of the Dolphin class (modification Type 212) conditionally “sank” half of the US Sixth Fleet.
in 2003, Gotland demonstrated unique capabilities in the fight against its most dangerous enemy - enemy submarines. A Swedish submarine tracked down and “sank” a French nuclear submarine and an American submarine SSN-713 Houston during exercises in the Mediterranean Sea.
During the naval exercise Joint Task Force Exercise 06-2, Gotland sank the entire seventh carrier strike group, led by the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan.

Asymmetrical response

The boat has been in development for a very long time. The first copy was put into service with a conventional diesel propulsion system. When designing the boat, many problems arose, both financial and technical. In addition, due to the lack of funds, the fate of the lead boats had to be tied up with the problems of trial operation, fine-tuning, and troubleshooting.

But the news indicated in the epigraph suggests that the Russian Navy will soon receive this boat with all its latest technologies (including VNEU).

We need boats like this. And we can be guaranteed to get them, as the epic with the Mistrals shows, only by doing it ourselves. Our military-industrial complex coped with this task, creating a non-nuclear submarine that was truly competitive at the world level. And what is equally important - by creating cooperation between enterprises for its production.

Project 677 – LADA

Now, according to project 677, in addition to St. Petersburg, Kronstadt is being built, and a state contract should be signed for Sevastopol. These boats are built without VNEU.
VNEU will most likely be starting from the fourth boat. According to the plan, in 2016 in the form of an additional compartment.

Despite the fact that the navies of different countries of the world have many submarines with a nuclear reactor on board, military sailors are in no hurry to abandon diesel-electric submarines. For many years, the leaders in the creation of such ships were the USSR and Germany. Russia, unfortunately, has largely lost its former positions, as evidenced, in particular, by the long and painful history of the development of Project 677 Lada submarines. Their design began back in the Soviet years, but only now has it reached mass production. In the near future, Ladas may strengthen the Navy, but they have never been endowed with the qualities that the designers once strived to achieve.

History of creation

A little over thirty years ago, in 1988, a submarine was introduced into the Swedish Navy, equipped, along with traditional diesel engines, with a special auxiliary engine. This was the so-called anaerobic power plant. Its main difference is the ability to work without the use of atmospheric air. This feature allows submarines that do not have a nuclear reactor on board to spend up to twenty days underwater, which radically increases stealth.

In the USSR, submarines with power plants of this type, “Stirling engines,” were created back in the 50s of the last century, but their practical use turned out to be extremely dangerous due to technical difficulties associated with the need to store liquid oxygen on board. However, after the appearance of new Swedish submarines, it became clear that the old idea needed to be thought through at a new level.

In subsequent years, the presence of an air-independent power plant (VNEU) became a key feature of fourth-generation non-nuclear submarines. Meanwhile, submarines with conventional diesel generators and electric motors continued to be in service with the Soviet and then Russian fleets.

In order to eliminate the emerging backlog, it was decided to create a domestic VNEU. It was planned to install it on large submarines of Project 677 (code “Lada”), the development of which began in 1987. At the same time, the Soviet anaerobic power plant was not supposed to become a Stirling engine - it was about creating a so-called electrochemical generator (ECG). Subsequently, German submarine designers followed this path, eventually creating quite successful Project 212A fourth-generation non-nuclear submarines at the end of the twentieth century.

Previously, the USSR had already produced ECGs for spacecraft, so there was every reason to expect success. The level of optimism was so high that the development of Project 677 non-nuclear submarines began even before the creation of VNEU. This turned out to be a wrong decision.

The first blow came in 1991, when the Soviet Union collapsed. A sharp reduction in all funding programs led to the real degradation of the 677 project and the almost complete curtailment of work on the creation of an anaerobic engine. True, the first ship of the new series, named “St. Petersburg,” was laid down in 1997, but its subsequent construction was significantly delayed.

The difficulties were largely due to the fact that the management of the Rubin design bureau, which designed the new submarine, decided to take the most ambitious path - to create a closed-cycle engine without any emissions into the external environment and at the same time not to store on board the necessary for the electrochemical reaction hydrogen, and produce it directly from diesel fuel. The corresponding process is called reforming.

The boat “St. Petersburg” was launched back in 2004. It was equipped with conventional diesel generators with the prospect of further re-equipment at VNEU. It was assumed that in the future, Project 677 submarines would gradually displace the Halibuts and Varshavyankas, the third generation submarines of Projects 877 and 636, from the fleet.

Factory tests of the St. Petersburg took place from 2009 to 2010, after which the ship was transferred for trial operation to the Russian Navy without being put into service. It immediately turned out that the practical use of this submarine was out of the question. In particular, the power plant could safely operate at only 50% of the power stated in the documentation. For a short time, the thrust could be increased to 70% of the nominal value, but this often caused breakdowns of a number of parts, which then required lengthy repairs. In addition, the characteristics of the submarine’s combat information and control system and its sonar system turned out to be unsatisfactory.

Commenting on the results obtained, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Vysotsky categorically stated that the fleet does not need such submarines. However, he then explained that the Lada project itself remains promising - only the St. Petersburg will remain a prototype for testing technologies.

Subsequently, after the change of command of the Navy, funding for the Project 677 submarine program was resumed. In 2013, in particular, construction of the second submarine of this series, called Kronstadt, was resumed.

Meanwhile, the developers of the anaerobic power plant continued to be plagued by failures. Representatives of the Rubin Central Design Bureau, over the years, gave rather contradictory comments about the progress of their project, either promising to demonstrate a finished engine of the required power in the very near future, or complaining about the complete cessation of funding.

The situation with VNEU remains uncertain today. Apparently, the 677 series submarines will never receive this fundamentally new power plant. In any case, the already launched Kronstadt does not have it, nor will it appear on the Velikiye Luki submarine under construction. In accordance with the stated plans of the Rubin Design Bureau, the submarines of the Kalina project will be equipped with air-independent engines, but if this happens, it will be in a rather distant future.

We have to admit that the program to create Project 677 submarines was clearly unsuccessful. In their current form, the St. Petersburg, the Kronstadt, and the Velikiye Luki are not fourth-generation, but third-generation submarines that have no tangible advantages over the old Varshavyanka.

The lag behind foreign designers was so obvious back in the 2000s that the question arose about purchasing German Project 212A submarines for the needs of the Navy.

Today there are no such plans, but the situation remains uncertain. If the development of VNEU is not completed in the near future, Russian creators of non-nuclear submarines risk falling behind their foreign competitors not for a few years, but forever.

The role of diesel-electric submarines in the Russian Navy

The appearance of nuclear submarines was once considered by many experts as the end of the era of previous diesel-electric boats. In the USA, their construction stopped in the late 50s. This is quite understandable - after all, the American fleet is mainly ocean-going, not sea-based. Nuclear submarines are ideally suited for long underwater passages - they do not need to “surface” and reveal themselves.

Meanwhile, for the Soviet and then for the Russian fleet, operations on short-range and coastal communications, especially in the Baltic and Black Seas, are of great importance. Russian diesel-electric multi-purpose submarines are more suitable for these conditions. They are less noisy than nuclear ones, much smaller in size and much cheaper.

In addition, the development of electronic equipment and missile weapons makes it possible to successfully use modern diesel-electric submarines to destroy ground targets. In particular, both the Project 677 submarines and the Varshavyanka, developed in the USSR, can launch long-range Kalibr cruise missiles, which significantly increases their strike potential.

New submarines with air-independent engines can significantly outperform their nuclear-powered rivals even in ocean communications, since they no longer require “surfacing.” The promise of this direction has been repeatedly proven in naval exercises, when diesel-electric submarines successfully “sank” larger and noisier boats with nuclear reactors on board.

Design Features

One of the main differences between Project 677 and the Halibut and Varshavyanka submarines was the one-and-a-half-hull design. At the same time, the lightweight body is so small that sometimes the Lada is called a single-hull Lada. This decision led to a reduction in the size of the submarine and its displacement. At the same time, it was possible to further reduce the noise level created when the submarine moves, and it became much more difficult to detect.

Housing and its layout

The durable hull of Project 677 submarines is made of special AB-2 steel. Its shape is close to cylindrical, and its diameter remains almost unchanged along its entire length. There are hemispherical ends at the bow and stern. The front depth rudders are installed on the wheelhouse, and the rear ones are installed on the stern, forming a kind of “cross” together with the steering wheel. In general, the control surfaces are placed in such a way as not to interfere with the operation of the hydroacoustic complex.

The building is divided into separate rooms by transverse bulkheads and longitudinal platforms.

The list of compartments is as follows:

Bow (torpedo compartment). It contains torpedo tubes, spare ammunition and a silent reloading system;
Second compartment. The main room is the central post from which the submarine is controlled. On the lower tiers there are some batteries and auxiliary mechanisms;
Third (living) compartment. There is a wardroom, a galley, a medical unit, as well as cabins for all crew members;
Fourth compartment. Designed to accommodate diesel generators;
Fifth compartment. There is an electric motor here that drives the submarine's propellers.

Thanks to a fairly large wardroom and the availability of sleeping places for each of the crew members, Project 677 Lada submarines became the most comfortable of all built for the Soviet and Russian navies.

An anti-hydroacoustic coating is installed on the submarine’s hull, the layer of which reaches forty millimeters in thickness. Thanks to this, its own noise is reduced and signals from enemy active hydroacoustic stations are absorbed.

Power point

The submarine is driven by the main electric propeller engine SED-1. Its power is 4100 horsepower. Rechargeable batteries (in a submerged position) or 28DG generators, generating direct current with a total power of 2000 kilowatts and connected to D-49 diesel engines (V-shaped engines with eight cylinders), can be used as a current source.

In addition, there are two PG-102M auxiliary electric motors on board. Each of them develops 140 horsepower. These motors are intended for screw remote columns, with the help of which steering is carried out.

Unfortunately, the air-independent power plant is not currently used on Project 677 submarines. Its parameters are unknown, although previously representatives of the Rubin Design Bureau claimed that the anaerobic engine they created would allow the submerged submarine to move at speeds of up to 10 knots.

Target equipment

The main tool for searching for targets on Project 677 submarines is the Lyra sonar system. It includes the following elements:

Noise direction finding antennas. The main one, L-01, is located on the bow of the submarine. The other two are also located in front of the boat, but on the sides;
Hydroacoustic station with towed antenna;
Active sonar for communication under water, measuring distances and searching for mines.

Data processing is carried out by the Lithium combat information and control system. When on the surface, the KRM-66 radar system can be used.

Armament of Project 677 submarines

In the bow compartment of the Lada diesel-electric submarine there are six 533 caliber torpedo tubes. With their help, the following weapons are used:

USET-80K torpedoes. Range – up to 18 km, speed – 45 knots;
Torpedoes (underwater missiles) "Shkval". Range – up to 13 km, speed – 300 km/h;
P-800 Onyx cruise missiles. Designed to destroy surface ships of all classes. Launch range – up to 600 km, speed – 2M when flying over the sea;
Cruise missiles "Caliber".

Initially, it was planned to arm the submarine with TE-2 torpedoes, but they were not ready for operation at the time of launching the lead Saint Petersburg. If you believe the latest reports, it is possible to use both anti-ship “Caliber” and another version of this missile, designed to destroy ground targets at a distance of one and a half thousand kilometers or more.

The submarine's ammunition load includes up to 18 torpedoes or missiles. Instead, you can also load 44 sea mines for covert deployment.

Some publications claimed that Lada submarines are equipped with special vertical silos for salvo launch of missiles. Such a project really exists. It was developed as a special export modification and received the special name “Amur-950”. One of its features, along with missile silos, was the reduction in the number of torpedo tubes to four.

The project has not yet progressed further, since foreign customers have shown virtually no interest in the Amur-950. This is most likely due to the same thing as the Lad, the lack of an air-independent power plant, without which the submarine is uncompetitive.

In addition, it has been reported several times that Project 677 submarines are expected to be equipped with Zircon hypersonic anti-ship missiles, however, according to the most recent information, this promising weapon will not be installed on the Lada.

Specifications

Displacement	1765 tons surface, 2650 tons underwater
Submarine length	66.8 m
Width	7.1 m
Draft	6.7 m
Surface speed	10 knots
Underwater speed	Up to 21 knots
Cruising range on the surface using economic speed	Up to 16,000 miles
Cruising range when driving with a snorkel (RDP)	Up to 6500 miles
Submerged range	650 miles
Working depth	240-260 m
Limit depth	300 m
Autonomy	45 days
Crew size	35 people

Air-independent engines, if they do appear on Ladas, will significantly improve the performance of these submarines.

Combat and training use

Until now, the fleet included only one Project 677 submarine, the St. Petersburg. Its use was exclusively experimental - various on-board systems and equipment were tested. At the same time, a huge number of various shortcomings were discovered. Suffice it to say that after the submarine was handed over to the customer, it turned out that there was no sonar system on board - only external antennas were installed.

The seaworthiness of the ship, due to a poorly functioning power plant, did not allow leaving the port in stormy conditions and significant waves. Many other components and assemblies also caused criticism. Over the following years, most of the detected defects were eliminated, but even today the reputation of St. Petersburg is not brilliant.

In April, this submarine test-launched a cruise missile - for some reason, directly from the base. Despite the successful defeat of the target, the condition of the submarine and the degree of its combat readiness are still in question.

The next ship in this series, Kronstadt, has been launched and is undergoing a test cycle. In July 2019, this submarine took part in the naval parade in St. Petersburg.

Advantages and disadvantages

Unfortunately, Project 677 submarines are still difficult to consider successful. Despite the fact that in publications they are called fourth-generation submarines, in fact they belong to the third. Their most significant advantages are:

Acoustic stealth. According to the designers, they managed to achieve a reduction in noise level by 50% compared to Varshavyanka;
Improved characteristics of the sonar system. The exact values are not stated here;
Ability to use the most advanced weapons systems;
Excellent conditions on board for the crew.

The main drawback of the boat is obvious - it did not receive the power plant planned in accordance with the project. Due to this, Project 677 submarines are the same “diving” ones as their predecessors; no development in this direction has occurred. In addition, there is still no detailed information about whether it was possible to achieve full operation of the hydroacoustic complex.

The salvo launch capability declared by the manufacturer has not yet been evaluated in any way. Most likely, the Amur-950 submarines should have had this characteristic, but they have not yet been built.

In general, it can be assumed that Project 677 submarines will not displace, but rather will complement the diesel submarines Halibut and Varshavyanka, already available in the Russian Navy. The reduced displacement will allow the new boats to be used primarily near the sea coast.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them

The development of the Russian submarine fleet is of interest to the foreign press, including Chinese publications. At the same time, new publications cover both successful and less successful projects. For example, the Chinese online publication Sina.com recently told readers about the construction of Russian diesel-electric submarines of Project 677 Lada. His article described the progress of the project, its results and difficulties. In addition, Chinese authors tried to assess the prospects of new boats and the plans of the Russian command in relation to them.

On October 15, a publication appeared on the Sina.com portal with the loud title “俄罗斯13年才研制出这型潜艇为何仅建造3艘就被放弃” - “Russia has been creating these submarines for 13 years. Why were they abandoned after the construction of the third?” The title of the article recalls the events of recent years and the well-known failures of the 677 project, due to which such boats lost the chance to become the main ones in their class.

At the beginning of the article, the authors remind that not long ago the Kronstadt submarine, built according to Project 677 Lada, was launched in St. Petersburg. This ship is important for the Russian fleet, but still has specific features. It is equipped with a traditional diesel-electric power plant and does not receive a more advanced air-independent system. The authors also point out that back in 2016, the Russian command announced plans for Project 677 diesel-electric submarines. Construction of such ships will be completed after the delivery of the third. As a result, the main non-nuclear submarines of the fleet will be representatives of Project 636.3 Varshavyanka.

The reasons for abandoning the Lada project are well known. Russia spent large sums on the development and construction of such submarines, but the finished lead ship turned out to be far from ideal. It had a lot of problems related to the lack of development of the necessary technologies. The lead boat of the Lada type was laid down back in 1997. The launch took place in 2004, and until 2010 she could not join the fleet. Thus, the new “sword” for the fleet was “forged” over the course of 13 years.

The authors point out that the Soviet Union in the past had a developed submarine construction industry, but its various organizations were distributed among the union republics. After the collapse of the USSR, a significant part of these enterprises left the military sphere. In addition, some important organizations went to Ukraine, and due to ongoing political contradictions, Russia does not have access to them.

In connection with these problems, Russia had to take action. For the construction of Project 677 diesel-electric submarines, it was necessary to reconstruct many production lines and train qualified personnel to work on them. As a result, a special situation arose. Russia was generally reluctant to abandon the Lada project, but technological and financial problems forced it to suspend work for some time.

The Chinese publication asks the question: what new technologies did Russian designers use in the promising project 677?

First of all, Sina.com points to outstanding Russian achievements in the field of double-hull submarine construction. In addition, the publication explains the features of the architecture of the buildings. It reminds us that the double-hull design involves the presence of an internal durable casing that absorbs water pressure, and an outer lightweight casing of less strength. Between the hulls there are ballast tanks and various equipment. A single-hull boat has only a durable hull with all the necessary components.

Both submarine architecture options have their advantages. Thus, a double-hulled submarine is stronger, develops a higher speed and floats up faster. At the same time, it has less interior space. The single-hull design, with the same dimensions of the submarine, provides 40% more internal volume, which can be used to install equipment or improve working conditions for the crew.

Diesel-electric submarines of Project 677 Lada, according to initial plans, should serve for three decades. At this time they are planned to be repaired and modernized. To create modernization potential, the project uses a special version of the boat's architecture. Most of the ship is made of a single hull, while the stern has a light hull. This idea itself was a departure from tradition. In addition, its implementation required overcoming some difficulties.

The second key element of the Lada project is the Lithium automated combat control system. New approaches and solutions were used in its development. ASBU has a modular architecture, and its individual components interact through a common bus. All submarine surveillance and detection equipment transmits data to the central computer, which is responsible for processing it. This creates high demands on system performance.

Project 677 diesel-electric submarines also differ from other Russian submarines in the increased number of detection equipment. For example, the antennas of the hydroacoustic complex are placed on the bow of the hull, along the sides and in the stern. Many samples used as part of the on-board equipment complex were developed specifically for the Lada.

At the same time, as Chinese authors note, the power plant of the new boats turned out to be “crude.” According to the original plans, the Ladas were to be equipped with an air-independent power plant that would improve the main driving characteristics. During its creation, Russian scientists and engineers focused their efforts on the study and development of fuel cells. In 2011, Russian industry created the so-called fuel cells. third generation. Such devices were tested on board the B-90 Sarov submarine. According to past plans, Lada-type boats were supposed to receive two sets of fuel cells and a diesel-electric installation. The result should have been a combined installation that combines the main qualities of the basic systems.

However, during lengthy tests, Russian experts found that existing fuel cells have a lot of problems, and this increases the risk of an accident. Soon after the start of testing of the lead submarine of the St. Petersburg project, shortcomings and shortcomings in its power plant began to appear. Russian officials have repeatedly argued that the fuel cells do not meet requirements. Their characteristics turned out to be insufficient, which is why the power plant could not produce the required power.

It was precisely due to the shortcomings of the power plant that the Saint Petersburg boat was unable to begin service on time. In addition, all this led to a revision of plans for the construction of the following ships. Construction of the second submarine was postponed indefinitely.

Sina.com notes that during the development of Project 677, Russian specialists abandoned many successful and proven design solutions. Instead, ideas that were new to Russian shipbuilding were used. Their use was directly related to the desire to obtain high performance and new capabilities. When creating completely new components and assemblies, engineers had to make difficult choices. In some cases, it was necessary to reduce the characteristics of the device or redesign it, which negatively affected reliability and safety.

Financial difficulties ultimately led to the fact that Russian industry was unable to complete the development of fuel cells with the required characteristics. In this regard, the command had to abandon further construction of Lada-class submarines.

It is this situation that Chinese authors call the reason that the Russian Navy ultimately decided to build ships of the 636.3 Varshavyanka type instead of Project 677 submarines. Project 636.3 was a modernized version of the older Project 636M. From the point of view of a number of technologies, the Varshavyanka was not inferior to the newer Lada. During the development of the new project 636.3, the designers had to transfer ready-made ideas, solutions and components from the existing project 677 into it. At the same time, Varshavyanka used ready-made components and technologies, which led to a reduction in costs.

However, as Sina.com reminds, the Russian fleet does not plan to completely abandon Project 677 Lada non-nuclear submarines. In fact, Russian industry is developing both submarine projects. The Varshavyanka serial project is being modernized, and the Lada is also being improved. In the foreseeable future, the third Project 677 submarine will be completed. Chinese authors suggest that its appearance could have interesting consequences. If during its construction the designers and shipbuilders manage to fulfill all the requirements, but Project 636.3 will cease to be the main support of Russia’s non-nuclear submarine fleet.

The specific design of the non-nuclear submarine 677 Lada is well known in our country and is no secret to the foreign press. Moreover, once again it becomes the topic of publication in a foreign publication. Now the Chinese media have shown interest in the protracted Russian project, and we are talking about a fairly large online publication.

Apparently, the reason for the appearance of a new publication from Sina.com was the recent launching ceremony of the first production Lada-class submarine. The Kronstadt submarine was laid down back in 2005, but later its construction was suspended for several years. After relaying, construction continued and the ship is now being prepared for future testing. In the near future, the third submarine of the project, Velikiye Luki, will be launched.

In their article, the Chinese authors briefly revealed the history of the Lada project, and also indicated its main problems, due to which the fleet and industry had to repeatedly revise their plans. In doing so, however, they made a serious mistake. Sina.com claims that the construction of Project 677 diesel-electric submarines will be limited to only three units. However, last year official statements were made according to which the number of such ships will increase, perhaps even significantly.

Last June, at the command level of the Russian Navy, statements were made about the imminent construction of two new Lada-class submarines. It was planned to sign a contract for them in the near future. However, almost a year and a half has passed, but the required agreement has still not appeared. The third and fourth submarines of Project 677 will be built before 2025, after which they will be replaced in the workshops by new ships of the same type. However, exact plans for the second half of the twenties and subsequent periods have not yet been announced.

According to current plans, in the early twenties, the basis of the non-nuclear part of the fleet’s submarine forces will be diesel-electric submarines of Project 636.3 “Varshavyanka” in the amount of 12 units. By this time, the fleet will receive the first three Ladas. A little later, two more boats of Project 677 will appear. This means that the Varshavyanka will retain its special status for a long time, and the duration of such a period still remains unknown. Such prospects for Project 636.3 boats directly depend on the success of Project 677.

The exact number of Project 677 diesel-electric submarines planned for construction in the near and distant future is probably not yet determined. At the same time, plans are known to build an alternative in the form of Varshavyanka. The Chinese publication Sina.com believes that under certain developments, the existing and under construction Varshavyankas will cease to be the main support of the non-nuclear submarine fleet. Depending on the success of further work, the new Ladas will be able to become both an addition and a replacement for existing ships.

Large diesel-electric submarine ("B"). Developed by Central Design Bureau MT "Rubin", chief designer - Yu.N. Kormilitsyn. R&D began in 1987 and initially it was planned to build a large series of submarines at the Leningrad Admiralty Association (Leningrad), Sevmash (Severodvinsk), Krasnoe Sormovo (Nizhny Novgorod) and Im. Lenin Komsomol" (Komsomolsk-on-Amur).

The technical design of the submarine pr.677 was approved in 1993, but was sent for processing. The second version of the technical design was approved in 1997. During the creation of the submarine, 180 design and development projects were worked out. The development of the SAC at the initial stage was entrusted to the Okeanpribor Research Institute, but the design of the SAC proposed by them in terms of weight and dimensions could not be placed on the submarine pr.677. The General Director of the Central Design Bureau for MT "Rubin" I.D. Spassky achieved a decision from the Ministry of Ship Industry to transfer the development of the SAC to the radio-electronic software "Volna" (Moscow). In the summer of 2005, FSUE NPO Elektropribor (St. Petersburg, agreement dated April 2006) joined the development of the SAC as the main contractor.

The lead boats of the series - Project 677 "Lada" - B-585 (sometimes the names B-100 and S-100 are found, serial number 01570) and the lead boat Project 677E "Amur" ("Amur-1650") were laid down at the FSUE plant " Admiralty Shipyards" (St. Petersburg) December 26, 1997. In 1997, the submarine B-585 received the name "St. Petersburg". During 1998-2001 (as of April 1, 2002) the Admiralty Shipyards spent 335.1 million rubles on the construction of the lead submarine pr.677, including 263.1 million rubles from the federal budget (including 175.5 million rubles in 2001). In the first quarter of 2002, there was no federal funding for the construction of the order ().

The lead boat was launched on October 28, 2004. The submarine was planned to be delivered to the Navy in 2006 (it did not take place on time). On December 14-21, 2005, the submarine "St. Petersburg" made its first trip to sea for testing, and its first dive was completed. According to media reports, in 2006 the boat was supposed to begin state tests, but until the first half of 2008 (at least) it underwent factory sea trials with fine-tuning of submarine components and complexes. As of 2009, the Navy boat's acceptance is planned for 2009-2010. In February 2010, it was announced that the lead boat "St. Petersburg" would be accepted into trial operation by the Navy before the summer, and on April 22, 2010, the Navy signed an acceptance certificate for the lead boat B-585 "St. Petersburg", the boat was accepted into trial operation. On May 8, 2010, the flag of the Russian Navy was raised on the submarine B-585 "St. Petersburg".

Submarine B-585 "St. Petersburg" pr.677 on the Neva in St. Petersburg on Navy Day, 07.25.2010 (photo - Dmitry Shipulya,).

The Project 677 submarine series is in production - in total, according to 2009 plans, it is planned to build 8 submarines of this type for the domestic Navy. According to the State Armaments Program for 2007-2015. It is planned to build 6 submarines pr.677. In early November 2011, information appeared that the construction of the submarine pr.677 had been frozen. On November 24, 2011, A. Dyachkov, General Director of the Central Design Bureau for MT "Rubin", stated that the boats of the project will be modernized according to a revised technical design (code name pr.677D). The new technical design will be ready in 2013, after which the second and third boats of Project 677 will be completed according to the new design.

On June 27, 2012, information appeared in the media that the Russian Navy had decided to resume construction of the submarine pr.677 according to an adjusted project. On 02/13/2012, General Director of Rosoboronexport OJSC Anatoly Isaikin told the media: “To date, the decision on the serial construction of these submarines has been made by the Russian Ministry of Defense. Funding for construction is planned in the state defense order, and trial operation of the submarines is taking place in accordance with the program, which is being successfully implemented." On May 18, 2013, the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy stated in the media that the Navy will receive the first three submarines of Project 677 with conventional power plants (). Construction contract "Krognstadt" and "Sevastopol" came into force on July 9, 2013 ().

Submarine "St. Petersburg" pr.677 undergoing testing. Baltic, no later than the summer of 2007 (photo from the Curious archive, http://forums.airbase.ru/).

Submarine B-585 "St. Petersburg" pr.677 in Kronstadt, November 2010 (photo from the archive of Vladimir Vladimirovich, http://military.tomsk.ru/forum).

One of the first images of the preliminary design model of the Amur family submarine (export version - Amur-1650) in the media (approximately 1997, http://milparade.ru)

Submarine design- one-and-a-half-hull, AB-2 steel developed by the Central Scientific Research Institute of KM "Prometheus" is used in the hull design. Due to the use of the most modern means of acoustic protection, it is assumed that the noise of the submarine will be several times lower than the noise of the submarine pr.877. The submarines of this project are equipped with horizontal deckhouse rudders. The anti-hydroacoustic coating of the boat was developed by the Academician Krylov Central Research Institute and is made of 7-8 layers and a thickness of 40 mm.

1 compartment - antennas GAK and TA
2nd compartment - command post
3 compartment - residential
4 and 5 compartments - power plant

The bow block module of the hull of the submarine "Kronstadt" before transportation from workshop No. 9 to workshop No. 12 of the FSUE "Admiralty Shipyards", December 2014 ("Admiralteets", No. 23 / 2014).

Launching of the submarine "St. Petersburg" pr.677 (October 28, 2004, http://www.ckb-rubin.ru/)

The quality and condition of the anti-hydroacoustic coating of the submarine B-585 "St. Petersburg" as of 2005 (above) and 2011 (below). Photos from the IMDS salons, St. Petersburg. (photo - adv1971, 2005 and Cheslav, 2011, http://forums.airbase.ru and http://fotki.yandex.ru).

Hull details of the submarine B-585 "St. Petersburg" pr.677 on the Neva in St. Petersburg. Removal from the launching dock, apparently after repairs, 06/01/2012 (photo - pfc-joker, ).

Engines: full electric propulsion with a single all-mode electric motor

2 x 28DG direct current diesel generators of the Kolomna Plant and JSC "Elektrosila" with a power of 1000 kW each, the generator uses an 8-cylinder V-shaped diesel engine D-49 with a piston diameter of 260 mm, a piston stroke of 260 mm and a rotation speed of up to 1000 rpm min. Diesel generators are controlled remotely from a central control room using a digital control system. During the repair, which until March 27, 2012 was carried out on the lead boat "St. Petersburg" at the Admiralty Shipyards, the generators () were replaced.

1 x main propulsion electric motor SED-1 (brushless low-speed all-mode electric motor with permanent magnet excitation) with a power of 4100 hp. (4100 kW according to other data), developed by the Rubin Central Design Bureau for Mechanical Engineering together with the Federal State Unitary Enterprise NIIEFA named after. D.V. Efremova. Manufactured by JSC "New Era" (assembly), JSC "Elektrosila", Federal State Unitary Enterprise Central Research Institute "Electropribor". Control - digital control system developed by the Central Research Institute "Electropribor". A small-sized prototype of the engine was successfully tested, the first full-size prototype was installed on the head submarine pr.677. Based on the results of tests in 2006, significant modification of the system was required at a rotation speed of 125 rpm or more, which was carried out in 2007. The power developed by the engine during tests according to Lukin (see sources) did not exceed 50%. As of May 2010, the B-585 submarine was accepted for trial operation by the Navy with the main propulsion unit operating at 60% power. As of November 2011, according to unofficial data and according to the media, problems with the lack of development of the electric motor remain.

2 x remote screw columns RDK-35 with electric motors PG-102M (?) with a power of 140 hp each. developments of NPP "Marine Technology".

Diesel generator 28DG (photo from the DenisKA archive, http://forums.airbase.ru/).

Electric motor SED-1 on a test bench at the Rubin Central Design Bureau for MT (photo at the Rubin Central Design Bureau for MT)

On boats pr.667D the electric propulsion system will be modernized ().

Mechanics- 1 shaft and 1 fixed-pitch 7-blade propeller with saber-shaped blades and two remote propeller columns RDK-35.

Submarine "St. Petersburg" pr.677 LADA (October 28, 2004, http://www.elforo.de/)

Launching the submarine "St. Petersburg" pr.677 into the water (October 28, 2004, http://www.ckb-rubin.ru)

Photomontage based on photographs taken during the launching of the submarine "St. Petersburg" pr.677 LADA (October 28, 2004, http://www.elforo.de)

Remote screw column RDK-35, submarine B-585 "St. Petersburg", 2009 (photo from the archive of Testers_10, http://forums.airbase.ru).

Energy- batteries, 2 groups of 126 pcs - item 476, total power - 10580 kW/h. PL power supply system - for retractable devices - direct current with a voltage of no less than 175 and no more than 320 volts.

According to an interview with the director of the Admiralty Shipyards, Alexander Buzakov, the completion of boats according to the modernized project will begin in 2013 if they are included in the State Defense Order for a year. Also, when standard lithium batteries are ready, they will be installed on the Kronstadt submarine. As of September 2012, funding has been allocated for work on lithium batteries, and pilot work has been carried out.

Rescue system- a universal rescue complex of the KSU-600 type for the remote automatic release of PSNL-20 life rafts (2 pieces, in the superstructure in front of the retractable devices fence, the system was developed by the Lazurit Central Design Bureau, also used on the K-335 Gepard submarine).

Submarine performance characteristics:
Crew - 35 people

Length - 66.8 m
Width - 7.1 m
Draft - 6.7 m

Surface displacement - 1765 tons (1950 tons according to other data)
Underwater displacement - 2650 tons

Surface speed - 10 knots
Maximum underwater speed - 21 knots
Maximum underwater cruising range with alternating RPD mode (speed 7 knots) and quiet running (3.5 knots) - 16,000 miles (including fuel consumption for charging batteries)
Underwater range in RDP mode (speed 7 knots):
- 6500 miles (excluding fuel consumption for charging batteries)
- 6000 miles ()
Underwater range (speed 3 knots) - 650 miles
Working depth of immersion - 240-250 m (according to various sources)
Maximum immersion depth - 300 m

Autonomy - 45 days
Guaranteed service life - 25 years
Guaranteed service life before first repair - 10 years

Noise of the submarine - according to statements in the media, the noise level of Project 677 should be 50% of the noise of the submarine Project 877, which means in calm conditions the noise level is about 30 dB.

Armament:
6 x bow 533-mm torpedo tubes with an air firing system and an automatic rapid silent reloading device "Murena" (2 upper tier torpedo tubes are adapted for firing remote-controlled torpedoes). According to the specifications for the creation of the submarine, it was planned to install 4 torpedoes with an ammunition load of 12 torpedoes.

Ammunition - mines, 18 torpedoes (SAET-60M, UGST and USET-80K types), Shkval torpedo missiles and Turquoise anti-ship missiles (Club-S), launched from torpedo tubes or 22 DM-1 type mines. According to 2009 data, in the 1990s, the TE-2 “Igrushka” torpedo was developed for the submarine pr.677 - its fate is unknown.
6 x MANPADS "Igla-1M"

The submarine torpedo tube system pr.677 (drawing by Tomasz Grotnik, from Grotnik Tomasz, Pierwsza Lada przed wejsciem do sluzby. // Nova Technika Wojskowa. No. 3 / 2007 Poland).

View of the covers of the bow torpedo tubes of the submarine "St. Petersburg" pr.677 LADA (October 28, 2004, http://www.elforo.de)

View of the bow of the submarine "St. Petersburg" pr.677 in the floating dock. St. Petersburg, April 2008 (photo from the Amoralex archive, http://forums.airbase.ru).

The bow of the submarine "St. Petersburg" pr.677 - the hatch for loading torpedoes is clearly visible in the center (http://forums.airbase.ru).

Equipment:

	Project 677	Project 677D
BIUS (combat information and control system)	An integrated system for automated control of the ship "Lithium" developed by NPO Aurora with the participation of the Central Design Bureau for MT "Rubin" and several research institutes of the Navy (the prototype of the Lithium system is the Bulat system developed in the 1980s). Automated traffic control system "Liana". As of November 2011, according to some media, there are still problems with the lack of development of the Lithium BIUS (not confirmed).	BIUS "Lithium"
Management of general ship systems		Modernized control system for ship equipment ()
GAK	SJSC "Lira" (according to the results of tests in 2006, significant modification of the system was required - probably in terms of interfacing the SJSC with the Lithium BIUS and in terms of software) - R&D of SJSC since the early 1980s. The main developer is Volna PO (Moscow), the main developer is the Elektropribor Central Research Institute (officially since April 2005, actually since the summer of 2005). The production of GAK is the Taganrog plant "Priboy". As of 2008, design tests of the GAK and software tests were being carried out at the stand. Composition of GAK: - Device No. 1 SJSC "Lira" - bow quasi-conformal noise direction finding antenna of large area L-01 - Onboard quasi-conformal direction-finding antennas of the sonar in the bow of the hull - GAS active mine detection, distance measurement and underwater communication - GAS with a towed acoustic antenna (Project 677 - exactly, Project 677E - ?) - Navigation safety equipment "GAS-BP" (third final stage of testing since January 2007)	SJSC "Lira"
Radar complex	Radar KRM-66 "Kodak", export version of KRM-66E - developed and produced by the Granit-Electron concern (St. Petersburg). Includes active and passive radar channels, a combined channel antenna post, and a set of spare parts and accessories. Power supply - from DC 175-320 volts Power consumption - 3.5 kW
Radio technical equipment
Radio communication	Digital radio communications complex "Distance" (including the K-697 towed output antenna for underwater communications - from the upper aft end of the wheelhouse fence, antenna length 20 m, used at depths of up to 100 m according to unverified Western data)
Navigation complex	Navigation complex "Apassionata" (tested in 2007) with an inertial navigation system and a GPS / GLONASS satellite navigation system - for the first time on nuclear submarines in the USSR and Russian Navy, small-sized, with reduced energy consumption. By 2008, it passed state tests and was developed by the Elektropribor Central Research Institute. Navigation accuracy - deviation of location coordinates for 2 days - 5 km when changing courses up to 6 degrees / min. The completion of the development of the complex by the Central Research Institute "Electropribor" was announced on December 3, 2003 (http://www.rbc.ru/spb/), the cost of the complex is reported to be 8 million USD. Both periscopes have gyroscopic line of sight stabilization. The operation of periscopes is ensured at submarine speeds of up to 10 knots. In 2004, the Parus-98 UPC was shipped to the Admiralty Shipyards Federal State Unitary Enterprise for installation on the head submarine pr.677 St. Petersburg.	Upgraded navigation complex ()
Periscopes	Unified periscope complex UPK "Parus-98" ("Parus-98E" - export version). The developer is the Central Design Bureau for MT "Rubin", the main contractor and co-developer is the Central Research Institute "Electropribor". Composition of the complex: Commander's periscope of non-penetrating type "Parus-98KP" (commander's periscope) with optical and TV channels with variable magnification from 1.5 to 12X - daytime and low-level, with video recording - developed by FSUE Central Design Bureau "Foton"; Optocoupler mast of the non-penetrating type "Parus-98UP" (universal periscope) with TV channels with variable magnification from 1.5 to 12X - daytime and low-level, thermal imaging channel, laser rangefinder channel - developed by FSUE Central Design Bureau "Foton";	UPK "Parus-98"
Other

At the stage of the first sea trials (December 2005), a non-standard navigation radar "Gals" produced by NPO "Gorizont" was installed on the submarine "St. Petersburg".

Since 2007, the following equipment has been tested on the submarine "St. Petersburg": PMU (retractable deckhouse fencing devices) "Zhikler", PMU "Kodak", PMU "Pineapple", RDP, UPC "Parus-98" (with outboard cables) , BDA blocks of the "Blade" complex, SEV "Gnome-2M". R&D "Lira" (GAK) did not pass the test due to the unavailability of the software (revision plan - 2008). The submarine uses the COSPAS-SARSAT B-603 emergency transmitter.

As of the summer of 2009, the SAC is still being finalized on the submarine "St. Petersburg" pr.677. The submarine pr.677E, as of 2007, does not yet have a sonar system (it is not ready, the amount of expenses for the development of the sonar system is already 1 billion 300 million rubles).

As of November 2011, according to unofficial data, the problems with the lack of knowledge of the SAC have been resolved.

Quasi-conforal noise direction finding antennas GAS (side and nose) SJSC "Lira" (photo from SKB MT "Rubin", Grotnik Tomasz, Pierwsza Lada przed wejsciem do sluzby. // Nova Technika Wojskowa. No. 3 / 2007 Poland).

General view and fragment of the quasi-conformal direction-finding antennas of the GAS (bow and side) of the Lyra SJSC (photo probably of the Kronstadt submarine, 2009, from the Deep Blue Sea archive, http://paralay.iboards.ru).

Optocoupler mast "Parus-98UP" of the unified periscope complex "Parus-98E", exhibition IMDS-2009, St. Petersburg (photo abl22, 2009)

Laser rangefinder and TV channel module (left) and thermal imaging device module (right) for an optocoupler mast (FSUE Central Design Bureau "Foton", http://www.ckb-photon.ru, 2009)

Antenna post of the radar KRM-66E of the periscope complex "Parus-98E", exhibition IMDS-2009, St. Petersburg (photo abl22, 2009)

Main command post of submarine pr.677 (drawing by TsKB "Rubin", http://milparade.com)

Devices in the fencing of the submarine cabin pr.677 (drawing by Tomasz Grotnik, from Grotnik Tomasz, Pierwsza Lada przed wejsciem do sluzby. // Nova Technika Wojskowa. No. 3 / 2007 Poland).

Unified periscope complex "Parus-98" and fencing for the cabin of the submarine "St. Petersburg" pr.677 LADA with retractable devices, December 2005 (based on photo by Oleg Karpenko, http://photofile.ru/users/carpenco)

Submarine B-585 "St. Petersburg" pr.677 on the Neva in St. Petersburg, 07/26/2012 (photo - pfc-joker, http://pfc-joker.livejournal.com).

Modifications:
pr.677 / 06770 "Lada" - LADA- series of submarines for the Russian Navy. production is carried out at the plant of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise "Admiralty Shipyards" (St. Petersburg).

1) B-585 "St. Petersburg", serial No. 01570 (the lead pilot submarine of the project) - laid down on December 26, 1997, the hull production cycle was completed in January 2002 - submarine building blocks were transferred to workshop No. 12 of the FSUE "Admiralty Shipyards" "for installation of equipment and assembly, launched - October 28, 2004, delivery to the fleet - 2010 (plan 2009), previously - before the end of 2009 (plan early 2009). It was originally planned to deliver the submarine to the fleet in 2005, 2008 (2005 plan) and 2009-2010. (announced 2008); The acceptance certificate was signed by the Navy on April 22, 2010, the raising of the Navy flag is expected in early May 2010.

Projections of submarine pr.677 LADA (Diletant2010, http://forums.airbase.ru).

2) B-586 "Kronstadt", serial No. 01571 (first production submarine) - laid down on July 28, 2005, launched - 2009, no, delivery to the fleet - 2013 (plan for the beginning of 2009), previously - 2010. (plan of the beginning of 2009), previously - 2008 (plan of 2005);

Mortgage board for the submarine B-586 "Kronstadt" pr.677 LADA (photo from the Snake archive, http://forums.airbase.ru/).

3) B-... "Petrozavodsk", serial number no data - laid down - summer 2006 (according to media reports, there is no confirmation of the event). The submarine was never laid down or was laid down, but later renamed "Sevastopol" (see below). There is a possibility that the name "Petrozavodsk" was canceled due to the events in Kondopoga.

4) B-587 "Sevastopol", serial number 01572 (third serial submarine pr.677) - laid down on November 10, 2006, launching - no data, delivery to the Navy - 2015 (planned early 2009);

pr.677E "Amur" / "Amur-1650" LADA- export modification of the submarine pr.677, the lead boat was laid down at the FSUE "Admiralty Shipyards" plant (St. Petersburg) on December 26, 1997.

Model PL pr.677, 2004 (http://4ekist.photofile.ru)

Layout diagram of the submarine "Amur-1650" pr.677E (http://www.ckb-rubin.ru).

Hull structures of the submarine "Amur-1650" pr.677E on the LAO embankment, St. Petersburg, November 3, 2011 (photo by reflex-yu, http://forums.airbase.ru).

Project 677D- On November 24, 2011, the General Director of the Central Design Bureau for MT "Rubin" A. Dyachkov stated that the boats of the project will be modernized according to a revised technical design - code name pr.677D. The new technical design will be ready in 2013, after which the second and third boats of Project 677 will be completed according to the new design. On February 9, 2012, this information was essentially confirmed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, Vladimir Vysotsky, stating that the Project 677 boats under construction would be modernized. The commander-in-chief also announced the development of a project for an air-independent propulsion system, which can begin to be tested on boats pr.677 in 2014. According to an interview with the director of the Admiralty Shipyards, Alexander Buzakov, completion of the boats will begin in 2013 if they are included in the State Defense Order for a year . If standard lithium batteries are ready, they will be installed on the Kronstadt submarine. As of September 2012, funding has been allocated for work on lithium batteries, and pilot work has been carried out. On July 9, 2013, the contract for the construction of submarines pr.677D (Kronstadt and Sevastopol) came into force. The boats of the updated project will feature slightly modernized equipment and an updated electric propulsion system ().

2010 May 21-22 - in the waters of the Northern Shipyard of St. Petersburg, inclining of the submarine B-585 "St. Petersburg" and demagnetization operations were carried out at the test site in the area of the Crooked Dam.

July 25, 2010 - The submarine B-585 "St. Petersburg" took part in the naval parade on the Neva in St. Petersburg on Navy Day.

Submarine B-585 "St. Petersburg" pr.677 on the Neva in St. Petersburg on Navy Day, July 25-26, 2010 (photos kindly provided by the author, Dmitry Shipulya, http://military.tomsk.ru/forum) .

December 21, 2010 - General Director of the Rubin State Design Bureau A.A. Dyachkov said in an interview that the Black Sea water area is too small for submarines pr.677 LADA and therefore submarines of this type will not be part of the Black Sea Fleet. It was also stated that the submarine B-585 "St. Petersburg" will be in trial operation as part of the Russian Navy at least until the end of 2011. During trial operation, submarine systems are brought to the desired performance.

May 2011 - according to unofficially unconfirmed data for a year of trial operation on the B-585 "St. Petersburg" submarine, problems with the operation of the main accelerator were eliminated, and in the process of eliminating the problem with the main electric motor, the "Caliber" cruise missile was fired.

November 3, 2011 - the unfinished hull of the submarine "Amur-1650" was discovered on the embankment of the LAO, rumors are being circulated about the freezing of the construction of boats of the project. it was also suggested that these are hull structures of either “Kronstadt” or “Sevastopol”, but their hulls are completely assembled.

November 24, 2011 - General Director of the Central Design Bureau for MT "Rubin" A. Dyachkov stated that the boats of the project will be modernized according to a revised technical design (code name pr.677D). The new technical design will be ready in 2013, after which the second and third boats of Project 677 will be completed according to the new design.

February 6, 2012 - in an interview with the media, the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, Alexander Fedotenkov, said that after successful tests of the St. Petersburg submarine in the Northern Fleet, where there are great depths, and if the advanced technical capabilities included in the project are confirmed ideas, and the operating experience of the lead ship is also taken into account, a final decision will be made on the completion of the two laid down hulls." Based on this statement, we can conclude that tests of the B-585 St. Petersburg submarine have begun or are planned in the Northern Fleet.

2012 March 27 - after the completion of repairs, the submarine B-585 "St. Petersburg" pr.677 was removed from the V span of workshop No. 12 of the Admiralty Shipyard Shipyard to the launching dock and launched. During the repairs on the boat, the generators were replaced. Later, mooring tests of the boat (,) began.

Submarine B-585 "St. Petersburg" pr.677 after the withdrawal from the V span of workshop No. 12 of the Shipyard of the Admiralty Shipyards after the completion of the repair of the boat (Admiralteets. No. 6 / 2012).

2012 June 01 - after the completion of repairs, the submarine B-585 "St. Petersburg" was removed from the launching dock into the Neva.

Submarine B-585 "St. Petersburg" pr.677 on the Neva in St. Petersburg. Removal from the launching dock, apparently after repairs, 06/01/2012 (photo - pfc-joker, http://pfc-joker.livejournal.com).

Submarine B-585 "St. Petersburg" pr.677 on the Neva in St. Petersburg after being removed from the launching dock, apparently after repair, 06/01/2012 (photo - pfc-joker, http://pfc-joker.livejournal.com ).

Structures of the unfinished submarine pr.677E on the Neva in St. Petersburg, 06/01/2012 (photo - pfc-joker, http://pfc-joker.livejournal.com).

2012 June 6 - service maintenance of the submarine B-585 "St. Petersburg" was completed at the Admiralty Shipyards shipyard. The boat arrived at the plant for maintenance and repairs in August 2011. On March 27, 2012, the boat was launched. Later, mooring tests were carried out and on June 6, 2012 the boat returned to normal service in the Russian Navy ( ist. - Vasilyeva S.).

Submarine B-585 "St. Petersburg" pr. 677 after repairs leaves for the place of permanent deployment, St. Petersburg, June 6, 2012 ("Admiralteets", No. 11 / 2012).

2012 June 27 - information appeared in the media that the Russian Navy decided to resume construction of the submarine pr.677 according to an adjusted project.

2012 September 21 - information appeared in the media that the construction of boats will be resumed in 2013 if the boats are included in the State Defense Order-2013. It is also reported that the lead boat B-585 "St. Petersburg" pr.677 at the end of September 2012 will begin the transition to the Northern Fleet, where it will dive to the maximum depth and will continue to carry out combat service. On September 25, 2012, the boat was still in the Baltic.

2012 October 26 - unofficial information that the submarine B-585 "St. Petersburg" pr.677 will not transfer to the Northern Fleet in 2012 due to the unpreparedness of the submarine systems for the transition - incl. radio-electronic weapons.

February 13, 2013 - General Director of Rosoboronexport OJSC Anatoly Isaikin told the media: “To date, the decision on the serial construction of these submarines has been made by the Russian Ministry of Defense. Funding for construction is planned in the state defense order, and trial operation of the submarines is taking place in accordance with the program, which is being successfully implemented." Currently, the lead submarine B-585 "St. Petersburg" is in Kronstadt and is preparing for the transition to the Northern Fleet "to complete trial operation" (). The boat is planned to be transferred to the Northern Fleet in the summer of 2013 ().

2013 March 19 - in 2013, the completion of the second boat of Project 677 will begin, the durable hull of the boat is already ready. Delivery of the second boat to the Navy is planned for 2016 ().

July 9, 2013 - the contract for the construction of the first serial submarine of the project - Kronstadt - came into force. Delivery of the ship to the Navy is scheduled for 2017 ().

July 15, 2013 - General Director of the Rubin Central Design Bureau Igor Vilnit told RIA Novosti that construction work on the second serial submarine Project 677 Sevastopol is already underway at the Admiralty Shipyards. Central Design Bureau "Rubin" has issued the relevant documentation for "Sevastopol", and now the contract between the Ministry of Defense and the plant for the completion of the boat is at the conclusion stage. As for the VNEU, the first production submarine (Kronstadt) will not be equipped with a VNEU, and the Navy has not yet made a decision on the second production submarine (Sevastopol). Central Design Bureau "Rubin" plans to present a prototype of the VNEU to the Navy before 2016. After which a decision will be made on equipping this or that boat with the VNEU.

Laying ceremony and laying board for submarine B-587 "Velikie Luki", 03/19/2015 (http://admship.ru/).

Chronology of submarine pr.677:

Registry PL pr.677 / 677E:

№ pp	Name	Project/NATO	Factory. №	Factory	Bookmark date	Launch date	Date entered. into operation	Note
1	B-585 "Saint Petersburg"	677 - LADA	01570	"Admiralty Shipyards", chief builder - V.P. Baykov	12/26/1997	October 28, 2004	04/22/2010	Baltic Fleet, the boat was accepted into trial operation by the Navy. - September 2012 - the boat is transferred to serve in the Northern Fleet
2	"Cupid" (	July 28, 2005	2010 (2009 plan) September 20, 2018	plan - 2013 (2008-2009) plan - end of 2016 (03/19/2013) plan - 2017 (according to the state contract dated June-July 2013) plan - 2018 (2015-2016) In January 2009, construction of the boat was suspended by decision. Russian Ministry of Defense. As of June 2011, not renewed. judging by the information from 2013, the durable hull of the boat is ready. In the spring of 20112, the resumption of construction is planned in 2013 according to a new technical project. On March 19, 2013, it was announced that the completion of construction would be financed and that work on the boat would begin by the end of 2013.
4	B-587 "Velikie Luki" (formerly "Sevastopol")	677 / 677D - LADA	01572	"Admiralty Shipyards"	November 10, 2006 03/19/2015 (rebooking with the name "Velikie Luki")	-	plan - 2015 (2008 - early 2009) plan - end of 2018 (according to the 2013 contract) plan - 2020 or later depending on funding (03/21/2017, )	The boat is planned to enter the Baltic Fleet with a conventional power plant. 10/04/2016 it was announced that the submarine will become part of the Northern Fleet () In January 2009, construction was suspended. As of June 2011, not renewed. In the spring of 2012, the resumption of construction is planned in 2013 according to a new technical project. On July 27, 2012, a decision was made to resume construction according to the adjusted project. As of September 2012, construction has not resumed. It is planned to begin completion of the boat if it is included in the State Defense Order in 2013. December 2014 - the contract for the completion of the boat according to the modified design came into force.
5	B-	677D - LADA	01573 ?	"Admiralty Shipyards"	2015?		plan - 2019 (01/21/2015)	It is planned to build the fourth boat of the project for the Russian Navy (). In 2018, it was planned to sign a contract for the construction of a boat () As of March 21, 2017, there is no construction contract ()

Export:
India:
- 2011 December 19 - the Amur-1650 submarine project with VNEU was proposed for the Indian Navy tender for the supply of 6 non-nuclear submarines.

China:
- 2013 March 25 - The media, citing China Central Television (CCTV), report that during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Russia, a framework agreement was signed for the supply of 4 Lada-class submarines (). Perhaps we are talking about the supply of submarines pr.677E and, perhaps, also that we are talking about the supply of submarines.

2014 August 12 - information appeared in the media that the technical appearance of the Amur-1650 submarine is being agreed upon with China, which it plans to deliver to China in the future ().

Sources:
Administration of the seaport Big Port of St. Petersburg. Website http://www.pasp.ru, 2010
Vasilyeva S. "St. Petersburg" continues trial operation! // "Admiralty" No. 11 / 2012
Head of the Admiralty Shipyards: there is a lot of work and we do it on time. 2012 ().
The final stage of testing of the 4th generation NSBN "St. Petersburg" of Project 677 "Lada" should be completed in 2009 // Website "Arms of Russia", http://www.arms-expo.ru, 2009.
ITAR-TASS. Website http://www.itar-tass.com, 2010
Kormilitsyn Yu.N., “Lada” cannot become obsolete! // Arsenal. No. 4 / 2008
Lenta.ru, 2009-2011
Lukin M., Failed victories of the Russian defense industry. // "Ogonyok", No. 26 / 2009
Peshekhonov V.G., “Lada” is capable of becoming a political factor. // Arsenal. No. 4 / 2008
Submarine "St. Petersburg". A year of worries and trials. // Main direction of activity. Booklet of the Central Clinical Hospital "Rubin", 2008
Russian submarines. Issue 1. Diesel-electric submarine of Project 677 "Lada". 2007
A fundamentally new submarine for the Russian Navy can be built in 2014. Website http://flotprom.ru, 2012
RIA News. Website http://www.rian.ru, 2010
Taganrog plant "Priboy". Annual report for 2008. Website http://www.priboy.ru, 2010
FSUE Central Design Bureau "Photon", http://www.ckb-photon.ru, 2009
“No need to frown, Lada!” // Arsenal. No. 1 / 2008
The Black Sea is not enough for Lada - General Director of the Rubin Central Design Bureau. Website http://www.flot.com, 2010
Assault on the depths. Website http://www.deepstorm.ru/, 2009
CDB MT "Rubin", official website. http://www.ckb-rubin.ru, 2009
Balancer.ru - forum materials http://forums.airbase.ru/, 2009, 2010
Grotnik Tomasz, Pierwsza Lada przed wejsciem do sluzby. // Nova Technika Wojskowa. No. 3 / 2007 (Poland).