40 years ago, on December 12, 1981, the TK-208 nuclear submarine was commissioned - the Project 941 submarine, better known as the first representative of the world's largest nuclear-powered Akula submarines.
The lead ship of the series was laid down in June 1976 at the shipyard of the Sevmash enterprise. The informal name of the series was born during construction, when an image of a shark was painted on board an underwater vessel. Interestingly, this marine predator was also displayed on the crew's armbands.
Initially, according to the 941 project, it was planned to build 12 submarines, then the task was reduced to 10 ships. In reality, 6 "Sharks" were launched before 1989, after which, due to the financial difficulties of the late USSR, the program was curtailed.
The construction of the "Sharks" was the Soviet response to the American half-submarines of the "Ohio" type. It was assumed that the Sharks were supposed to surpass the Ohio in terms of the power of the combat salvo, but the dimensions and weight of Soviet solid-fuel missiles noticeably exceeded their American counterparts, so the Shark was originally supposed to have more impressive dimensions. The Soviet submarine heavy cruiser was armed with twenty R-39 (RSM-52) missiles. In addition, it carried 22 torpedoes of various types and 8 Igla anti-aircraft missile systems.
The range of the R-39 missiles was 8,300 km. When approaching the target, the warhead of the missile was divided into 10 warheads with individual guidance. The starting weight of each missile was 90 tons, and the warhead power in TNT equivalent was 100 kilotons.
The submarine had a displacement of 48 thousand tons when fully submerged, a speed of about 46 km / h under water, a navigation autonomy of 6 months with a crew of 160 people. The length of the "Shark" was 172 meters, width - 23, and its height corresponded to a 9-storey building. Taking into account the huge size of the submarine, the world's largest indoor boathouse was erected on Sevmash for the construction of "Sharks".
The Sharks were also characterized by increased comfort for the crew. There were provided a lounge for relaxation, a gym, a swimming pool, a solarium, a sauna with a sauna, a "living corner", a mess for officers and sailors. The officers were accommodated in two- and four-person cabins equipped with washbasins, televisions and air conditioners.
In addition to the recommended surface launch, an underwater launch of missiles with volleys from a depth of up to 55 meters was also provided.
The fate of the "Sharks" after the collapse of the USSR did not turn out in the best way. Three submarines (TK-12, TK-13 and TK-202) were decommissioned and cut into metal under an agreement with the USA. TK-17 and TK-20 are still in reserve with subsequent preparation for disposal. TK-208 "Dmitry Donskoy" is still in service after modernization.
Oleg Galitsky
