By TASS Russian news agency
It was inked by the chair of the acceptance commission of the Navy, Captain 1st rank Alexey Poteshkin, Sevmash Shipyard CEO Mikhail Budnichenko, Rubin Chief Designer Sergey Sukhanov and SSBN Commander Captain 1st rank Vladislav Druzhin.
The acceptance act confirms the readiness of the submarine for operation in the Russian Navy.
“The construction of the Knyaz Vladimir confirmed our best shipbuilding traditions based on the excellent work and high responsibility of scientists, designers and shipbuilders. The submarine is a new event in the line of strategic submarines and has improved characteristics,”
Sevmash Shipyard CEO Mikhail Budnichenko
Druzhin said the crew have fully studied the submarine and are ready to operate it.
The SSBN will officially join the Navy on the day when St. Andrew’s flag is hoisted on it.
The Knyaz Vladimir made a controlling sortie on May 12-21. In December 2019, it successfully completed acceptance trials. The submarine was laid on July 30, 2012. It is the lead SSBN of upgraded project 955A.
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About Project 955A Borey-A
Fourth-generation SSBN of projects 955 and 955A will be the backbone of Russian strategic nuclear naval forces for decades. They carry 16 Bulava R-30 intercontinental solid-fuel ballistic missiles. Their range exceeds 9 thousand km. A salvo from SSBN can destroy dozens of targets. It is impossible to intercept the missiles, as they carry multiple independently-guided reentry vehicles.
According to Covert Shores, the Russian Navy launched its 4th Borei Class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) in November 2017. K-549 Knyaz Vladimir (Князь Владимир) is the first of the improved Pr.0955A (aka 09552) Borei-II or Borei-A (Borey-A) variant which will form the backbone of Russia’s future at-sea nuclear deterrent. The design incorporates many Western design influences with new tail configuration and sail which resemble US Navy submarines. The first three Pr.955 BOREI Class boats were constructed from unfinished hull sections from AKULA Class attack submarines and OSCAR Class cruise missile submarines. The Borei-A is however completely new-build. Overall dimensions are not significantly altered and internal layout is probably very similar, although the new construction may have allowed some internal redesigns.The most visible difference from the baseline Pr.0955 is the western-style all-moving vertical rudders.
The Navy command said upgraded SSBN of project 955A will be more maneuverable underwater. They will get upgraded arms controls. The new hull lines will better keep the sub at a depth.
Already three Project 955 submarines are currently in service. The five others expected are 955A. Among them four are currently under construction. The Pacific fleet will receive upgraded submarines of project 955A.
