SEVERODVINSK, Arkhangelsk Region. May 20 (Interfax-AVN) - A heavy strategic missile-carrying submarine of Project 941 Akula (NATO designation Typhoon) will be set afloat after repairs and modernization in June this year.
The submarine is being repaired at the local Sevmashpredpriyatiye shipyard, an official of the enterprise told Interfax-Military News Agency on conditions of anonymity on Monday.
Repairs and upgrade of the submarine took 10 years due to insufficient funding, the official said. "Despite all difficulties, the shipyard managed to complete repairs of the underwater cruiser, and it will be given a second birth in June," he stressed.
According to the officials, Akula is fitted with some new systems and components that will be installed in the latest four- generation submarines of Project 955 Borei in case their operation is successful.
The first heavy strategic missile-carrying submarine named TK-208 was commissioned on December 12, 1981. A total of six submarines of the class have been built; all of them are in the inventory of the Northern Fleet.
The Akula has a displacement of 23,200/48,000 tonnes and speed of 25 knots. Its maximum submergence depth is 400 meters, crew 160 people and endurance 120 days. The vessel is armed with 20 RSM-52 ballistic missiles and torpedoes with a caliber of 630mm and 533mm.
According to media reports, Russia's current plans of strategic nuclear forces development envisage modernization of Project 941 vessels and replacement of their missile systems. If the plans are implemented, the Akulas have the chances to stay in the inventory of the Russian Navy after 2010.