SEVERODVINSK. April 24 (Interfax-AVN) - A sum of RUB2b (USD64.1m) is necessary for repairs and upgrade of the Tula strategic nuclear submarine of the Delfin 667BDRM project, NATO designation Delta-4, Director General of the local Zvyozdochka enterprise Nikolai Kalistratov told Interfax-Military News Agency on Wednesday.
Kalistratov said that the submarine had been fitted on the plant's building berth some two years ago. Repairs and upgrade of the submarine are impeded by inadequate financing of the project, Kalistratov said.
The director added that the Yekaterinburg strategic nuclear submarine had left the plant's dock on Sunday; the submarine had been based at the enterprise for a total of six years, no repairs made during the first two years of the term.
In accordance with the data supplied by open sources, the Russian Navy operates seven submarines of the type; some of them need repairs.
The Verkhoturye submarine has already undergone standard medium repairs at the plant, the Yekaterinburg is now being prepared for dock and sea trials. The Tula submarine has been put onto the plant's berth; repair operations are to begin once state financing of the project is launched.
The Tula strategic nuclear submarine was laid down at the Sevmashpredpriyatiye plant located in the town of Severodvinsk, Arkhanghelsk region, in November 1984. The submarine entered inventory of the Soviet Navy in January 1987.
Construction of submarines of this type was launched in 1981 at the Sevnmashpredrpiyatiye plant. A total of seven submarines entered service with the Russian Navy. They are operated as part of the 3rd nuclear submarines flotilla and are based at the Yagelnaya bay of the Kola peninsula.
Submarines of the project are 167 meter long; they have a beam of 11.7 meters and a mean draught of 8.8 meters. The maximum diving depth is 400 meters, service diving depth mounts up to 320 meters. Full underwater speed is 24 knots, speed of an emerged submarine is 14 knots. Sea endurance is 80 days, the crew consists of 135 servicemen.
The D-9RM system with 16 RSM-54 intercontinental liquid propellant missiles makes up the basis of the submarine's armament kit. The missile can be fitted with detachable warheads and be launched in one salvo. The submarine is fitted with the Skat-BRDM hydroacoustic system.