Image source: topwar.ru
In theory, there may be submarines that will prowl the water surface, launch drones and hit targets with artillery fire, anti-tank missiles and torpedoes. The Rubin Design Bureau implemented this idea in the concept of the BOSS submarine, designed for the border guard service.
As indicated in the publication Covert Shores, the first iteration of a ship of this type called Sentry was introduced in 2021. The BOSS project looks more modern, but in fact retains the functionality of its predecessor.
The length of the structure ranges from 60 to 70 meters, depending on the configuration chosen by the customer, and the load capacity is about 1000 tons. It can carry up to 42 people, including a special group. Two waterproof hangars at the stern allow you to place high-speed boats and UAVs. The launch of drones will be automated.
An automatic cannon can be installed in the sail, which can go deeper into the leading edge of the cabin to make it streamlined under water. Two retractable quadruple launchers for the Kornet ATGM are installed on the bow of the hull. They have a range of about 10 km and can be useful against merchant ships.
Image source: topwar.ru
- the author critically believes.
As he notes, the submarine is equipped with four torpedo tubes mounted externally under the hull. They are probably designed for a light MTT torpedo. According to the author, the placement of that may indicate the auxiliary role of the BOSS in wartime.
The foreign publication notes that BOSS is primarily aimed at the export market. The design of this submarine makes it relatively inexpensive and therefore accessible to countries with small navies.
