Oscar class submarine

In the top tier of Soviet most outstanding submarines, are probably the Alfa class SSNs, Typhoon class SSBNs and Oscar class SSGNs. The latter, known as the Project 949 Granit/949A Antey were the ultimate idea of what a SSGN could be, they were to the type, the equivalent to what the Typhoons were for SSBNs: Gargantuan submarines reaching in tonnage nearly 20,000 tonnes submerged, more than an Ohio class underwater (18,750t), armed not with ballistic missiles, but with equally large P-700 Granit (SS-N-19 Shipwreck), “carrier killers”, a type that NATO feared the most. More recently the ones still active adds to this arsenal of classic torpedoes, RPK-2 Vyuga (SS-N-15 Starfish) ASW missiles (with tactical nukes) and conventional RPK-6 Vodopad/RPK-7 Veter (SS-N-16) plus four 100 Mt Poseidon nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed drones. They are part of today’s Russian deterrence as much as the previous SSBNs.

Development

The Project 949 submarines remained the largest cruise missile submarines in service anywhere until some Ohio-class were converted as well in 2007. They are still the 3rd largest class of submarines in displacement and length, on par with the Typhoon-class and Russian Borei-class. To reach that size, it is good to see how the SSGN type developed in USSR, and where the design came from originally. The idea of SSGN is not new. Back in the late 1940s already, the USN seizes plans showing German ideas of converting existing Type IX U-Boats with missile ramps mounted on deck, in waterproof containers, in order to launch either V1 or V2 missiles on the shores of the US, notably strategic locations.

The idea was tested postwar by the USN with projects such as the Loon missile in 1949 notably with USS Carbonero (SS-337). Next, improved versions of these missiles were developed as the more ambitious Grayback class SSG, firing the Regulus I, and then the only SSGN USS Halibut and the Regulus II. Nuclear-tipped, the latter provided early US deterrence before the first proper ballistic submarines.

On the other side in USSR, these ideas were there too, and cruise missiles were ready before ballistic missiles. The first proper SSGNs were the ECHO class, and the first and only Soviet SSG the Juliet class. In the 1970s they were replaced by the Charlie class SSGN, improved in many ways. However, compared to the Echo II in particular, the Charlie launched smaller missiles. With the upcoming retirement of the ECHOs, a replacement was needed, leading to a new type designed around a new generation of antiship cruise missiles, the P-700 Granit.

Deep Roots: The Nimitz Carrier Battle Group

USS Nimitz (cropped)
On 23 june 1968, work started on the next new generation of nuclear-powered aircraft carrier at newport news, CVN 68 Nimitz class. It possessed greater combat survivability and increased strike power, with an aviation wing including 4th generation fighters as the grumman F-14a “tomcat” able to intercept targets up to 22 km altitude, simultaneously firing on four targets at onces with their long range AGM-54 “phoenix” missiles. They were intended to deal with Soviet bombers.

Coupled with new long range detecton and target classification aircraft, the Grumman E-2c “hawkeye” track dozens of bogeys or cruise missiles at various altitudes and azimuths, including low ones and 300 km range to guide fighters to them. The protective bubble around USN taks forces increased to 450-500 km. The ASW capabilities were also boosted by the latter version of the Grumman s-3a “viking” with automated on-board search-targeting systems. The carrier battle group was also enhanced by the arrival of new escorts, all very efficient for ASW work, the Spruance and destroyer and OH Perry class frigates, plus a new generation of asw helicopters, new ASROC guided missile systems, new sonars with expanded search capabilities. All these factors seen from Moskow put all traditional submarine tactics and doctrines against US carrier battle groups (CBG) on perile.

Conway’s take on the Oscar class

Class: all built at Severodvinsk:
Oscar P (Project 949 Antey): K-208, K-523 (was named Minskiy Komsomolets), Launchings: one spring 1980 (laid down 1978, trials late 1980), second 1982.
Oscar ID (Project 949A Antey-ID: K-148 (launched Aug 1986, comp. 1987), K-380 (launched 1986, comp. 1987), K-512 (was named 70 Let VLKSM, launched Dec 1987, comp. 1988), K-530 (comp. Dec 1989), K-119 (comp. 1991), Orel (comp. 28.1.93), Kasatka (comp. 12.9.93), one other (launched May 1993, comp. 1993/4). The codename ‘Granit’, suggested for this class, probably refers to their SS-N-19 missile.
These are, in effect, successors to ‘Echo’, capable of launching the nextgeneration SS-N-19 missile while submerged. They were originally to have worked on the basis of radar satellite data (transmitted through the Punch Bow] antenna in their sails), but the satellite systems are gradually collapsing. They can also obtain targeting information via a towed VLF buoy housed abaft the sail. The missiles are in tubes canted 40 degrees to the vertical, one door covering each pair. As in ‘Papa’ and ‘Charlie’, the missiles occupy the space between the inner and outer hulls; inner hull volume must be somewhat limited (standoff is about 11.5ft [3.5m]; reported pressure hull diameter is 27.9ft (8. 5m]}). The torpedo room forward may therefore not have much greater capacity than that of a ‘Victor III’. The sonar suite is probably that of a ‘Victor III’, including an array streamed through a pipe atop the vertical stabiliser. The technical project for this class was approved in 1969.

Artist’s impression of the Pacific fleet underground berthing pens for the Oscar class, protected from nuclear blasts

The reactors are reportedly the same Artika type as in ‘Typhoon’, with 190mW output. Note that in 1975 a high-level decision was made specifically to use the nuclear icebreakers (eg, ‘Arktika’ class) to develop new submarine reactors, and new cores for existing reactors. The new type of reactor was first used in this class and in “[‘yphoon’.
As of 1991, the reported planned programme called for twelve ‘Oscar’ class submarines (ze, ten ‘Oscar IT’). However, in January 1992 the Russian Ministry of Defence reported that six units were being broken up incomplete. For some years a companion short-range missile-launching submarine was expected, but it has never appeared; presumably conventional attack submarines armed with the torpedo-tube version of SS-N-22 (P-100) perform this role.

Replacing the Project 675 SSGNs

In light of this, the “carrier-killer” project 675 (ECHO II), even after modernization, looked already inadequate to deal with these.Tthe creation of a new, significantly more powerful and long-range submerged launch missile system was required, to support underwater strikes from a greater distance and with the capability for selective target destruction. So it was decided to develop both a new missile and a new submarine carrier (SSGN). The latter, at early stage in 1967, was to be capable capable of conducting salvoes while submerged, up to 20-24 missiles, enabling saturation and enhacing chances of penetrating US CBGs anti-missile defense. In addition, the new SSGN had to possess increased discretion, speed and depth, to provide better asw survivability and break away from tracking.

Preliminary work for the creation of the 3rd generation SSGN started with the “granit” program in 1967. In 1969, the VMF was given the official tactical-technical specs (TTZ) for what was called a “heavy underwater missile cruiser” designed to fire the new similarly named missile system. It received the index “949”, codename “granit” and was assigned to the rubin design bureau under the leadership of the designer p.p. pustyntsev. After hispassed out in 1977, i.l. baranov replaced him, with v.n. ivanov as chief observer from the Navy. When developing the new missile carrier, it was proposed to use all scientific instituted combined to spread up the R&D load in penny packets, with individual design solutions looked for by all these separate entities, under a central supervisor. The process was already used wih success to overcome gigantic technological issues, when creating project 661 submarine (Alfa class) at the time, the fastest, deepest, and most sophisticated, highly automated submarines in the world.

Some ground work: The Papa class SSGN

The Granit Missile Complex

Meanwhile, work progressed on the “granit” missile system, created by okb-52 (now NPO mashinostroyeniya or “machine-building scientific production association”. It had to meet extremely high requirements:
-Maximum range of no less than 500 km (310 miles)
-Maximum speed of no less than 2,500 kph (1,550 mph, 1,350 kts)
-Link between missiles and automated targeting discrimination and coordination
-Greater payload and better EW resistance

The “granit” differed from previous missiles by its flexible adaptable trajectories, launch universality, underwater and surface, as well from various carriers, either submarines and surface ships, by salvo fire and with a logical spatial missile arrangement, interference resistant with a selective control system that can adapt to the situation without human input at great range near the target.

Smolensk (K-410) shoots a P-700 Granit missile in 2016

This allowed to select targets autonomously, coordinating for the final run in order to pierce the defences and inflict maximum damage on the largest target, the carrier. In comparison to this challenges, all existing Soviet missiles looked very outdated. The Granit needed notably that all operations for daily launch and servicing to be fully automated. As a result the new missile could be deployed more quickly as the situation evolved, and then continue to adapt on the fly, to accomplish any mission, from a single carrier. The idea was still to combine several SSGNs from various azimuths on a US CBG to reach a maximum effect of saturation.

The need for Naval Space Reconnaissance

However, the effectiveness of the long-range anti-ship missile complex to a significant degree was determined by the capabilities of reconnaissance and targeting. the “uspekh” system, was at the time dependent from the tu-95 aircraft, now an easy target for F-14s.
So USSR started to ramp up its satellite recce capabilities, creating the world’s first military satellites in the 1960s for all-weather surface target observation in all world’s oceans, providing targeting through datalink via Satcom directly to weapons carriers or command ships and command posts.
This third task was given to the science and industry for space tech branch.

The first government resolution on launching experimental design work for the creation of a dedicated naval space reconnaissance and targeting system was issued in march 1961. The greatest scientific centers and design bureaus of the country were brought into this large-scale work, in particular the physical energy institute and i.v. kurchatov institute of atomic energy. Theoretical bases, orbit parameters, mutual global positioning were developed with direct participation of the academician m.v. keldysh.
The lead organization coordinator was okb-52 (later “mashinostroyeniya”) headed by general designer v.n. chelomey. It was responsible for the development of the unique nuclear on-board power for a new type of military satellite, in coordination with okb-670 (“krasnaya zvezda”), with the ministry of medium machine-building.

Mashinostroyeniya did not possess however the necessary production facilities to buiolt a series of satellites however so by may 1969, it was decided to give this task to the leningrad m.v. frunze design bureau and factory “arsenal” as production leaders for the “naval” satellite program. The “legenda” complex included two types of satellites in the end, one with an on-board radar station and nuclear power plant, and another satellite with a space radio-technical reconnaissance station, with instead solar panels as power unit.
In early 1970, the “arsenal” plant started the production of experimental models to be tested in space. Work focused on a new radar in 1973, the second satellite type in 1974. The first entered service in 1975, and the full complex in 1978. Both satellites completed each others for any goven mission.

In 1979-1988, several phases of modernization started, facilitating parameters in observation and identification, increase the range of simultaneous observation, notably and a service life increased by 5-10 times, procuding better, more reliable all-time recce service for the Navy.

Its effectiveness was tested in 1982, during the falkland war. It allowed for a complete tracking in real time of the tactical situation to the Kremlin. Specifically, it helped to predict precisely the moment and locations of the British landing. This reconnaissance supports the detection and position of objects emitting electromagnetic signals at large. It has a precision three-axis spatial orientation and stabilization system. The second satellit using solar energy combines this with with chemical buffer batteries. The latter uses multifunctional liquid rocket unit supports stabilization for altitude correction, pre-boost impulse to reach or change orbit.

They were launched by the Navy’s own “tsiklon-2” ballistic missile, created at the dnepropetrovsk “yuzhnoye” under m.k. yangel. These satellites weights 3,3t, with a working orbit of 420 km, and orbital inclination of 65o. The 17k114 space complex dedicated to naval space reconnaissance and targeting includes the 17f16 space apparatus (two-sided side-scan radar) powered by a nuclear unit for an active radar operation with higher “active illumination” orbit mode. It has a multifunctional liquid rocket unit for stabilization, correction and orbit placement, 4,300 kg, working orbit of 280 km, orbital inclination of 65o. The base (back on earth) satcome system for the processing and transmission of targeting data for missiles was developed at kiev “kvant” bureau by chief designer t.e. stafanovich.

Design of the class

Hull and general design

The Project 949 became the largest attack submarines (because SSGNs are) of all times. They completely dwarved a Los Angeles, or any Soviet SSN for that matter, at 12,500/14,700 tonnes surfaced and 16,500/19,400 tonnes submerged. Dimensions were impressive, less by lenght but by beam, 155 m (508 ft 6 in) overall, and a beam of 18.2 m (59 ft 9 in) and draught 9 m (29 ft 6 in). These were unusual dimensions: A standard submarine is a cylinder. Here it had a central pressure hull while three tubes placed in the space between it and the outer hull. Meaning that like the Typhoon class, there was a lot of buoyancy. The central tube housed the crew and all living systems. The two half-outer hulls housed the twin powerplant.
The double hull construction was completed by an open bridge on top of the sail and enclosed bridge forward and below, as well as a slight bulge at the top of the fin with a large door on either side of the fin, wider at the top than bottom, hinged then. Some sources also maintains the OSCAR had been equipped with an emergency crew escape capsule, beneath these doors. This VSK escape capsule is supposed to accommodate 110 people. If true, it remains unclear why not used on the Kursk (see later).

The pressure hull was made from the same extra-thick hardened steel use for the Typhoons, and separated into 10 compartments:
I – Torpedo room
II – Control Room
III – Combat stations and radio room
IV – Living Quarters
V and V-bis – Reactors
VI – propulsion engineering
VII – main propulsion turbines
VIII – main propulsion turbines
IX – electric motors
Along the sides of the conning tower, on a relatively great length compared to the submarine’s proportions, there were the outer hull hull twenty-four paired on-board missile containers, so 48 total, all inclined at a 40 degree angle. Access hatches are located in the 4th and 9th compartments and like the Typhoon-class they are reported to have an emergency crew escape capsule located in the sail.

Powerplant

The Pr.949 power plant uses a block design including two OK-650b underwater type reactors plus two SGgtZa ok-9 steam turbines rated for 98,000 hp, driving two 7-bladed* hooked propeller shafts through reducers, decreasing their revolution frequency for extra discretion. The steam pipe unit is situated in two separate compartments. There are two DG-190 (2 x 3200 kwt) turbo-generators as backup, as well as a two 3200 kwt turbo-generators, DG-190s and two rudders. All this is quite similar to the Typhoon. The OSCAR I diverged by being shorter and having the older style four-bladed propeller, whereas the Oscar II had a substantially enlarged fin, to improve underwater manueverability and the quieter seven-blade propellers.

Technical Gallery

Protection

Armament

Granit Missiles

The main weaponry is a set of twenty four pairs of p-700 “granit” supersonic cruise missile systems (12 per side, 48 total), with each tube containing a 3M-45 missile, equipped with both nuclear (500 kt) as well as fragmentation warheads for a mass of 750 kg. Each Missiles possesses a kr-93 turbojet cruise engine with ringed solid-fuel rocket booster for the initial launch. Maximum range when released was 550 km, at Mach 2.5 at high altitudes, then Mach 1.5 at low altitude. Launch weight is 7 tons for a 19.5 m overall lenght, larger than most fighters, and its diameter is 0.88m for a wing span of 2.6m.

The missiles can be fired either individually or in a salvo, up to 24 in quick succession, half the payload. Target distribution is carried out in a salvo, making a dense group of missiles to overcome the enemy. The launch is initially coveried by radar sight initially, then the missiles takes an autonomous flight in the direction of the targets and engage their own passive radar for the greatest portion of the flight in radio silence. Meanwhile, optimal target distribution between ships starts, with algorithms developed by the armaments institute “granit”.
Between a complex flight trajectory, high level of interference protection and ECm against surface-to-air and aviation missiles ensured at the time in 1980, a relatively high probability of overcoming all protection of a carrier battle group. If 24 missiles in 1980 was already close to saturation each OSCAR could then fire another salvo. Later with better countermeasures in the 1990s and 2000s the doctrine retunred to the use of several Project 949 submarines for true saturation. If three submarines managed to get at 500 km from the CBG and all fired two salvoes in succession this means 144 cruise missiles in two waves of 72, enough to overcome all the escorts’s own defences.

Indeed, the “granit” complex by 2000 has started to be viewed as outdated. This was due to the maximum range and interference protection of the missile. This led to the development of a fundamentally new anti-ship missile which was postponed and cancelled in today’s Russia for economical reasons. However the present missile can be upgraded, and in that case it was estimated an increase of combat effectiveness by approximately three times in comparison to the standard system. Given these upgrades, this allows project 949a to stay relevant until the late 2020’s. The potential will be expanded with this upcoming variant of the granit missile system capable of conventional strikes on ground targets.

Torpedoes

The automated torpedo system is geared towards the use of classic torpedoes, as well as the “vodopad” and “veter” missiles, launched from all depths. Each OSCAR came out with four 533-mm and four 650-mm torpedo tubes forward, with arrangement for half the nose to be occupied by the sonar dome.
The Torpedo Uses could be the same as those used by the Sierra class submarines:
SET-65 torpedoes “Yenot-2” (1965): 533 mm Guided Electrical Torpedo with active acoustic guidance, homing range 880 yards (800 m). 3,836 lbs. (1,740 kg), 307 in (7.800 m), WH 452 lbs. (205 kg), RA 17,500 yards (16,000 m)/40 knots, Silver-zinc battery.
SET 53-61 “Alligator”: (1961) 533mm Acoustic wake following homing torpedo. WH 672 lbs. (305 kg) RA 16,400 yds (15,000 m)/55 kts or 24,000/35, Pw Kerosene-Hydrogen Peroxide Turbine. Replaced by the 53-61M early on (1970s) which had a homing system.
Potentially also:
MGT-1 400 mm Passive acoustic homing torpedo (1961): 1,124 lbs. (510 kg), 177 in (4,500 m) WH 176 lbs. (80 kg), RA 6,600 yards/28 kts, Silver-zinc battery.
First light-weight torpedo designed to provide submarines with a cheap self-defence weapons against other US subs. Service was short, however.
The torpedo armament also included four 650 mm (26 in) torpedo tubes, only on the Sierra I. They could be used to fire super-heavy torpedoes or three types of encapsulated missiles.

RPK-2 Vyuga (SS-N-15 Starfish)

ASW weapon Analogous to the SUBROC, with a thermonuclear 5-200 kt setup depth charge or torpedo.
Launched from the 533 mm torpedo tubes, boosted by a solid fuel rocket and flying op to 45 kilometres (28 mi) away with a payload ranging from the simple depth charge to a 200 kt nuclear depth bomb. In alternative to the Type 40 it carries now the 82R torpedo or 90R nuclear depth charge.
There is also a 650 mm version, like used also by the Sierra.
They are shared by the Akula, Oscar, Typhoon, Delta, Kilo, and Borei classes and Sierra I/II.
Warhead: 2445 kg, warhead or Type 40 torpedo (90 kg HE)
Propellant: solid fuel rocket, range 35–45 km (22–28 mi) at Mach 0.9
Inertial guidance.

RPK-6 Vodopad (SS-N-16 Stallion)

The RPK-6 Vodopad (“waterfall”) is a 533 mm launched anti-submarine missile deployed operationally since 1981.
The 533 mm variant was carried, URPK-6 Vodopad-PL SSM/ASuM (83R, 84R).
There is a 650 mm variant called the RPK-7 Veter (“wind”) operational from 1984. Bot under the same SSN-16 Stallion NATO name.
It seems the URPK-7 Veter SSM/ASuM (86R, 88R) was carried by this class. Up to twelve could be carried.
The range of approximately 100 kilometers. A clear improvement over the RPK-2 Vyuga.
It can carry a Nuclear depth charge or 400 mm torpedo.

VA-111 Shkval rocket torpedoes

Famously the cause of the Kursk’s explosion. The VA-111 Shkval (“Squall”) is a supercavitating rocket-propelled torpedo developed by the Soviet Union and currently used by the Russian Navy. It is unique in its extremely high speed underwater, achieved through an advanced propulsion method and hydrodynamic design. It creates a gas bubble around itself using a nose-mounted gas generator. This drastically reduces water resistance, allowing for extreme speeds. Instead of conventional propellers, it uses rocket propulsion for rapid acceleration and sustained velocity. This made it hard to Intercept for conventional anti-torpedo systems. It is only usable on a straight line path at first wehtn introduced into service. The modern Shkval-E may have terminal guidance. It was designed as a defensive weapon against adverse SSNs or torpedoes. The export version has limited range and capability with China and possibly Iran developed or reverse-engineered this tech.

Specifications (approximate):
Dimensions: 8.2 meters (27 feet) x 533 mm (21 inches)
Weight: 2,700 kg (5,950 lbs)
Propulsion: Solid-fuel rocket and gas generator for supercavitation, c200 knots (370 km/h or 230 mph)
Range: est. 7–13 km (4–8 miles).
Warhead: 210 kg (can be nuclear or conventional)
Guidance: Unguided first, and more recently inertial + terminal.

Sensors

The OSCZR class is equipped with the mgk-540 “skat-3” hydroacoustic set, as well as a system for radio communications, combat control, space reconnaissance and targeting. The reception of reconnaissance data from space apparatus or aircraft is performed submerged via special antennas. After processing the received information, the data goes into the ship’s combat information control system. In addition the automated “simfoniya-u” navigation system has increased accuracy, increased radius of operation, large processed information capacity.

Old author’s illu.

⚙ specifications
Displacement	12,500/14,700 tonnes surfaced, 16,500/19,400 tonnes submerged
Dimensions	155 x 18.2 x 9 m (508 ft 6 in x 59 ft 9 in x 29 ft 6 in)
Propulsion	2 shafts PWR HEU ≤ 45%, 2 steam turbines: 73,070 kW (97,990 shp)
Speed	15 knots surfaced, 32 knots submerged
Range	Unlimited, 120 days autonomy
Diving Limits	Test depth 600 m (ft), Crush depth est. 1000m ( ft)
Armament	24 × P-700 Granit SSM, 4× 533 mm (20), 2× 650 mm(8) TT bow. RPK-2 Vyuga, RPK-6 Vodopad/RPK-7 Veter, mines
Sensors	See notes
Crew	94/107

Modernization: Project 949AM

The Project 949 was laid down in the mid-1970s commissioned in 1980. In 1982, an updated and larger version (Project 949A) replaced it for a total fourteen submarines constructed. It was desgned to attack NATO carrier battle groups with the long-range P-700 Granit (SS-N-19 “Shipwreck”) with data from the EORSAT satellite system via the its “Punch Bowl” antenna. Post-USSR collapse prioritized the OSCAR maintenance by the Russian Navy, so it remains active in Northern and Pacific Fleets.

The Rubin Design Bureau started working on the Project 949A modernization in 2011. Zvezdochka and Zvezda shipyards were tasked of carrying it out. By September 2015, Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu announced at least three Oscar-class concerned for a life extension of 20 years. It is known as “Project 949AM” at an estimated cost of RUB12 billion (US$182 million) per submarine. By September 2016, it was reported K-132 Irkutsk and K-442 Chelyabinsk are currently in that process (Yury Borisov) for the Pacific Fleet. It is planned to procure the latter four modernized Oscar II-class with Kalibr cruise missiles by 2021. However as of 2024, the plan is still in limbo due to the resources diverted to the war in Ukraine.

Variants

Project 949 Granit (Oscar I)

Two Project 949 Granit submarines were built at Severodvinsk between 1975 and 1982 and assigned to the Soviet Northern Fleet. K-525 was laid down in 1975 and K-206 was laid down in 1979. The production swapped on the improved project 949A Antey and both Project 949 were decommissioned in 1996, scrapped in 2004. The remainder are active.

Project 949A Antei (Oscar II)

In all, eleven Project 949A Antey (OSCAR II) submarines were completed at Severodvinsk: Five assigned to the Northern Fleet, the Remainder, Pacific. A new fourth-generation follow-on AM was envusioned by dropped due to the lack of funding. External differences were many: A new section making them 10 metres (33 ft) longer at 154 m (505 ft) versus 143 m (469 ft), notably for better electronics and quieter propulsion and indeed estimated superior acoustic performances. Some analysts even judge its in between the new Akula class SSN and Akula II or Russian 4th gen. designs. The 949A also had a larger fin and seven blades props. as seen above.

Project 949AM

A 3rd gen. evolution of the type, called the Project 949AM submarines was first announced by the Russian MoD back in 2011. This modernization consisted in the following:
-24 P-700 Granit anti-ship missiles replaced up to 72 newer, smaller 3M-54 Kalibr or P-800 Oniks anti-ship cruise missiles. The all fit into the existing launchers.
-Upgraded Omnibus-M combat information
-Simfoniya-3.2 navigation systems
-New fire-control system, updated communications
-New Sonars and radars
-New electronic intercept equipment.
The goal was to brought them to the Yasen-class last gen SSGNs. So far, the process had been ongoing on a part of remaining 949A (see below).

Belgorod, Project 09852

In December 2012, construction started on a “special purpose research and rescue submarine” Project 09852. The hull was converted from the the incomplete Project 949A Belgorod, laying in its drydock at the collapse of the USSR. This “spec ops” subs is rather now known by analysts as dedicated to deep underwater operations, notably tapping or severing cables. She is also a mothership, carrying either manned vehicles like Project 18511 midget submarine and unmanned like the Klavesin-1R underwater subs. More recently it is believed to carry multiple UUVs. It was theorized than carrying midget subs such as the Project 18511 Paltus or Project 10831 Losharik would require a major hull extension for a larger docking compartment on standard OSCAR II as well. BS-64 Podmoskovye was for example extended from 9 metres (30 ft) with its SLBM compartment removed for such tasks.
Belgorod is also supposed to be the primary carrier for the infamous Poseidon (NATO Kanyon) nuclear-powered, thermonuclear, unmanned underwater torpedo (100 Mt warhead). It is likely that four could be carried horizontally in place of all 24 P-700 Granit launchers. In the end, with 184 metres (604 ft) long, Belgorod is now the world’s longest submarine. On 23 April 2019 she was floated out in a ceremony at Sevmash shipyard attended by Vladimir Putin via TV-link. Trials started on 2020, sea trials in 2021 and commission on 8 July 2022.

Career of the Oscar class SSGNs

The Submarine Debuts

In november 1975, testing of the “granit” missile system started, and corrections were done until completed by august 1983. Eight years reflecting on the utter complexity of the whole system. However, even prior to their completion, in 1980, K-525, first of the Project 949 (now NATO classified OSCAR) entered service with the northern fleet under its first commander, captain 1st rank a. pauk, later rear admiral. She conducted mooring and performance testing with captain 1st rank a. ilyushkin from the Yard. Overall, it was proposed that twenty of these submarines were built.

After the first two project 949 were built, work started on an improved version called the program 949A (code “antey”). This modernization constituted in the addtion of a new compartment to improve internal distribution of armaments resources, on-board instrumentation. Her displacement increased while at the same time she managed to decrease her sound signature and had improved systems across the board (see later). Based on “cost effectiveness” criteria, project 949 became the most preferable aircraft carrier asset. By the the mid 1980s, unitary cost was estimated 226 million rubles, that is on average only 10% of a Nimitz class (2.3 billion dollars without the aviation wing).

According to Soviet calculations the use of a dozen Project 949 boats could take the entire CBGs strenght on all oceans at once, crippling US naval capabilities in case of war at a conventional level. However, other authoritative specialists raised doubts and only agreed to relative effectiveness, raising the fact that the wide range if missions that can be performed by a CBG compared to a highly specialized SSGN was not on par, it was like comparing apples to oranges.

Anyway, k-119, k-141, k-148, k-206, k-266, k-410 and k-525 entered the service of the northern fleet. The rest were assigned to the pacific Fleet. Currently, project 949 have been placed on reserve. But the 949A (OSCAR II) soldiered on. With the Navy’s own Tu-22m-3 bombers, they were estimated in 2006 the sole resource to effectively counter an us strike aircraft carrier formation. In 2025 this is less certain and the now elderly Project 949A is in need of a long term replacement, but it’s not certain if curent Russian engagement in Ukraine would allow any budget for the R&D required alone, which implies a new generation of naval hypersonic missiles. Anyway, despite their age, the six OSCAR II still poses a real threat to US carrier battle groups if deployed effectivement in combination with other vessels.

K525 in 1988
K-525 was laid down on 25 July 1975, launched on 3 May 1980 and commissioned on 30 December 1980, assigned to the Northern Fleet. On January 24, 1981, she joined the 11th submarine division in Severodvinsk, with intensive operations to determine her capabilities. On May 19, she was visited by the Shipbuilding minister M. V. Egorov and CiC S. G. Gorshkov. In the summer, noise measurements were taken. On October 2, the flag was raised and later she fired four P-700 missiles, based afterwards at Zapadnaya Litsa. In 1982, she had further acoustic and weapons tests, and in November-December made her first patrol. In 1983, she received new propellers, of the new 7-bladed type. On April 13, 1983, K-525 under sr. commander SubDiv 11 E. D. Chernov, made a deep-sea dive to 600 meters. On July 28, 1983 state trials were compleed, and on September 30, intensive operation certificate signed.
In 1983 she made another patrol.
In 1985, she entered SubDiv 11’s newly created 1st strike group with K-206 and K-254. In 1983-1985 and 1988, she was awarded “best in formation” title, and from 1983 to 1989, the crew was yearly declared “excellent”. In 1987 and 1988, she won the CiC Prize for missile firing at a target. In 1991, she was placed in reserve before overhaul and after preparations, transferred in 1993, to Zvezdochka, Severodvinsk, and renamed Arkhangelsk. New missiles launchers were planned but this was cancelled due to the lack of funds. In 1996, she was instead decommissioned, and transferred to storage, pending disposal. In 2002, ther name was given to TK-17. Scrapping started in January 2004, funded by the British Government, under the Cooperative Threat Reduction program for 5.2 million pounds sterling. In 2006 The remainder was down a three-compartment unit out of ten watertight compartments.

K206 was at first named Minskiy Komsomolets. She was laid down on 22 April 1979, launched on 10 December 1982 and commissioned on 30 November 1983, assigned to the Northern Fleet.
On December 15, 1983 she entered SudDiv 11 and was moved to her permanent home base in Zapadnaya Litsa. State trials went on an by February 1984, she received new propellers. In May, she dived at her maximum operating depth and made a first cruise. In 1985, she joined the 1st strike group with K-525 and K-254. On May 30, state trials certificate was signed. On July 9, she fired two P-700 cruise missiles. In 1986, she won the Navy CiC Prize for missile firing and her crew declared “excellent”, best in the unit. On April 14, 1987, she received the honorary name “Minsky Komsomolets” and was awarded the “best in formation” title. On October 2, the General Secretary of the Central Committee M. S. Gorbachev visited her.
In 1989, she was awarded the title of “advanced units and ships” of the USSR MoD. On February 14, she was in Severomorsk for the “Kumzha” demonstration of modern military equipment to students of the Military Academy of the General Staff. She was rated “excellent” again and in 1990, won the CiC Prize for missile firing again, crew awarded an “excellent” and best in formation. On February 15, 1992, she was debaptised “Minsky Komsomolets” and on April 6, 1993, renamed “Murmansk”.
In 1993, K-206 was put into reserve awaiting an overhaul. In 1994, she was transferred to Zvezdochka, Severodvinsk laid up from 1996. Like her sister, after being placed in reserve in 1994 for a modernization that lacked funding, she was eventually decommissioned in 1996. Scrapping at Sevmash started in January 2004, funded by the British Government, under a program adopted at the 28th G8 summit in 2002. Only three-compartment remained in 2006.

K-148 was the first 849A Antey produced, laid down on 22 July 1982, launched on 3 March 1985 and commissioned on 30 September 1986, assigned to the Northern Fleet. On 5 November she entered the 11th submarine Division, 1st submarine squadron, Northern Fleet. She was deployed for many patrols inclusing four in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
On June 3, 1992, she was reclassified as a “nuclear submarine cruiser”. In 1992, she received the Navy CiC Prize “For Missile Firing.” In the spring of 1993, she was renamed “Krasnodar”. In 1996, she was decommissioned from the Northern Fleet and on July 28, 1998, decommissioned from the Navy. Funds for disposal were allocated by USA and Italy. She was the last of thes elegacy subs to be disposed of. However the process was not all smooth sailing: On March 17, 2014, a fire broke out at the Nerpa plant during disposal work, there was one injured but as declared, no nuclear fuel was on board at the time. The process has been complete. More

K-173 was ordered on January 19, laid down on 4 August 1983 in workshop No. 55 at Severodvinsk under the factory number 618 and supervised by the 339th separate brigade. She was launched on 27 March 1986 and commissioned on 31 December 1986. She was later assigned to the Pacific Fleet. But at first she underwent sea trials and state trials, with acceptance certificate signed, she was instead deployed with the first Northern Fleet.
From January 6 to January 10, 1987, severe frost, difficult ice conditions and a storm slowed sown her transfer to her permanent base at Bolshaya Lopatkina Bay. On February 24 she was accepted by SubDiv 11, Zapadnaya Litsa. From June to December 1987, she wa smoved to Severodvinsk and performed additional tests to improved aspects of subsequent boats in class, with all detected faults eliminated by Sevmash workers, in cooperation with the crew, gaining additional experience in operating the type, including the main power plant tested in unusual modes with the participation of experienced specialists.
In 1988-1991, K-173 took part in exercises, with live firing of missile and torpedoes and by April 1991, before transfer to the Pacific Fleet, her crew was transferred to the new K-410, and swapped with the latter. From mid-August to mid-September, K-173, under command of Captain 1st Rank A.P. Efanov, with K-442, was transferred to the Pacific Fleet base in Avacha Bay.
At the end of September 1991, K-173 was assigned to the 10th Division, 2nd Submarine Flotilla, based on Krasheninnikov Bay, Vilyuchinsk. In 1991-1995, she made two patrols. From April 13, 1993, she received the honorary name “Krasnoyarsk”, and the city took patronage. In 1993, she conducted missile launches at a target, winning the CiC Prize.
In November 1995, K-173 “Krasnoyarsk” entered the reserve, laid up in Krasheninnikov Bay for an overhaul. But instead in 1999 she was decommissioned, sent to the long-term storage division and mothballed. Her nuclear reactors were shut down, weapons unloaded, crew housed in coastal barracks, with energy provided from the shore via electric cables to maintain her systems. As of the early 2000s, her condition was assessed as “satisfactory” with some operational equipments cannibalized to other in class.
Until 2002, K-173 crew sent letters to the Governor of Krasnoyarsk, Krai Alexander Lebed asking for assistance in helping funding the return of the submarine into service, but this was vetoed by the MoD. In 2001, 250,000,0000 rubles were allocated from the city budget, repairing the barracks of crew. But the submarine would be dismantled. From November 21 to December 28, 2009, competitive bids were reviewed for unloading spent nuclear fuel, to be done within the framework of a new disposal program estimated at 62.3 million rubles. In 2010, the nuclear fuel was unloaded. In October 2013, a contract was awarded for 748 million rubles and by 2014, OJSC North-East Repair Center started to broke her up. The name was transferred a Pr. 08851 “Yasen-M” K-571 under construction. Completion of BU was scheduled for October 5, 2016 but by April 29, while cutting the hull, a fire started in the rubber lining covering the outer hull, diificukt to stop. It consumed however only arounds 30 m2, and this spread, as it was decided to sink her, all pumps opened up. Thisck black smoke was visible from many miles. The scrapping was completed by 2017.

K-132 was laid down on 8 May 1985, launched on 27 December 1987 and commissioned in 30 December 1988, assigned at first to the Northern Fleet. On 21 July 1990, K-132 made her official deep dive near Bear Island under 460 metres (1,510 ft) meters. From 30 August to 27 September she made an ice crossing through the Arctic, from Zaozersk to Vilyuchinsk. On 29 October she entered the Pacific Fleet. In 1992, she fired two P-700 Granit missiles. On 23 May 1996 with K-456 she fired group cruise missiles on target. In 1997, she was placed in resevre, awaiting mid-life overhaul but this dragged on due to the lack of funds. Eventually by November 2001, she was brought to Bolshoi Kamen, Zvezda shipyard.
In 2008, the overhaul started, but finds still lacked and Andrei Rassomakhin in an interview from 29 August 2008 declared 6 billion rubles were lacking to complete the process.
On 7 December 2013, the Zvezda shipyard announced the start of her modernization (949AM), prepared by the Rubin of St. Petersburg Bureau. In November 2013, the project was approved and 12 billion rubles to be allocated. 27 Rubin’s contractors took part, and JSC Concern Morinformsistema-Agat, JSC Concern NPO Avrora, FSUE Central Research Institute of Structural Materials Prometey and JSC Central Design Bureau Lazurit.
She returned to the Pacific Fleet in 2019 according to Interfax-AVN, but two years later than planned. By 30 July 2019 she underwent further work to troubleshoot her issues, notably correcting defaults with her steering drives. Deadline for delivery set for 2022. She was visited by Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko, annpoouncing she was modified to fire the Zircon hypersonic missile and have a life extension of ten years, to be returned to the Pacific Fleet in 2023. By 23 June 2022, she was reported in post-refit sea trials and carry 48 missiles. More updates to come.

K-119 was laid down 25 February 1986, launched on 16 December 1988 and commissioned 29 December 1989. She was assigned to the Northern Fleet.
From 1990 to 1991, she was in overhaul at Severodvinsk. On 3 June 1992, she was reclassified and by 6 April 1993, was renamed “Voronezh” and received the City patronage. During her first combat mission in the Mediterranean, she supported actions of a task force led by the carrier Kuznetsov. From 22 June to 26 June 1999, she too, part in the Zapad-99 strategic command and staff exercises and multiplied live missile firing.
In 2006, she was sent in Zvyozdochka shipyard for emergency repair of her main turbine and replacement of her nuclear cores, drydocked from December 2008, the process started from March 2009, and on May 26, it was completed. In November 2011, she returned into service, extended by 3.5 years. She was back at her permanent deployment base in March 2012.
On 8 June 2014, Voronezh rescued the crew of the Barents-1100 small boat in the White Sea, which ran out of fuel in rough weather. In September, she took part in tactical exercises and made a single firing from a submerged position. In October 2017, she fired another Granit at a conditional target in the Novaya Zemlya archipelago. She was placed in reserve before decommissioning, and in July 2020 the name was given to a newly laid down Yasen-M for the Northern Fleet. As of now, she is still in reserve.

K-410 was laid down on 9 December 1986, launched on 20 January 1990, commissioned on 22 December 1990, assigned to the Northern Fleet.
In 1995, Smolensk made a cruise to the shores of Cuba but in Sargasso Sea there was an accident on her main power plant, but the crew answered well. The 8th compartment specialists O. Kondratyev, R. Salimov, V. Rybalov, under command of Lieutenant Commander V. N. Pavlyuk were later praised for their actions. In 1996, she made a first true combat patrol.
She won the CiC Prize for successful missile firing in 1993, 1994, 1998. In 2008, K-410 Smolensk was was part of the Northern Fleet, based at Zaozersk, Zapadnaya Litsa.
In 2011, she started an overhaul at Zvezdochka Shipbuilding Center. In August 2012, this was completed and on August 5, 2012, final outfitting commenced afloat.
On 2 September 2013, there was an incident while at Zvezdochka shipyard when testing the main ballast tanks. The pressure tore off the Kingston pressure cap. There were no casualties or injuries. On 23 December 2013, she started post-overhaul sea trials. Her service life was extended by 3.5 years, after which it was planned her modernization to 949AM standards. She was sent however at her permanent base on the Kola Peninsula. By September 2014, she took part in tactical exercises of the Northern Fleet.
On 16 October 2016, she launched submerged a Granit in the Barents Sea on a target located in the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, Arctic. On 5 July 2017, she made anotehr such launch, said successful on target at sea from 400 kilometres (250 mi). In July 2019, she took part in the celebration of the Navy Day, on the roadstead of Kronstadt.
In June 2022, she took part in exercises, launching both Kalibr and Granit missiles. Current status: Active, updates to come.

K-442 was laid down on 21 May 1987, launched on 18 June 1990 and commissioned on 28 December 1990. She was assigned to the Pacific Fleet.
On August 18, 1991, K-442 and K-173, left Zapadnaya Litsa Bay fr a underwater cruise to the North Pole for their transfer from the Northern Fleet to the Pacific Fleet, arriving on September 12, 1991 at Krasheninnikov Bay, Vilyuchinsk, assigned to the Pacific Fleet on September 24. She was named ‘Chelyabinsk’ from April 13, 1993. In 1994, she took part in an operational tour in the Pacific, notably tracking USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) Battlegroup while the US conducted ASW operations on her by July 7–8, 1994. She also tracked USS Independence (CV-62), based in Yokosuka, Japan. By May 1999,e K-442 was laid up due to wear and tear ad back in service in 2002. In 2008, she was laid up again for maintenance and overhaul, and was located at the Rybachiy Nuclear Submarine Base, in Vilyuchinsk, near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Status: Modernization to 949AM at Zvezda shipyard since 2016.

K-456 was the ex-Kasatka, Vilyuchinsk, laid down on 9 February 1988, launched on 28 June 1991 and commissioned on 18 August 1992. She was assigned to the Pacific Fleet.
She was initially part of the Russian Northern Fleet and was transferred to the Russian Pacific Fleet in September 1993. She is currently based at the Rybachiy Nuclear Submarine Base, in Vilyuchinsk, near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Until 28 January 2011 it was called Vilyuchinsk, when the name was changed to Tver. As of 2022, it is unclear if the submarine was at sea after its last exit in 2016. Presumed status: Active as of 2016.

K-266 was at first named Severodvinsk. She was laid down on 19 January 1989, launched on 22 May 1992 and commissioned on 30 December 1992, assigned to the Northern Navy.
From 1991 to 1993 she was named Severodvinsk, but renamed Orel on 20 March 1993 or 6 April 1993. She only entered service that same year. Between May 2004 and September 2007 her commander was Valery Varfolomeyev, senior assistant to the commander from April 2000. Izvestia reported she was due for overhaul in 2013: Shaft-line changed to correct construction issues, leaving her noisy. Her P-700 Granit were due for replacement for P-800 Oniks (NATO SS-N-26) and the process completed by 2017.
Whilst in dock at the Zvezdochka son 7 April 2015, a fire broke out in the 9th section close to the stern, caused by insulation materials catching fire during welding. She had no weapons nor fuel on board at the time. She became the first modernized unit under Project 949AM. In July 2021, while returning to Northern Fleet for commemorations in St. Petersburg, she was reported to have “lost power” while surfacing through the Danish straits. She was reported assisted by other ships, towed through the straits and later to have restored power, completed her transit north submerged. Status: Active, after overhaul completed in April 2017.

K-186 was laid down on 13 July 1989, launched on 10 May 1993 and commissioned on 15 December 1993, assigned to the Pacific Fleet. On 20 February 1993, she was renamed Omsk. By late 1994 under command of Captain 1st Rank A.S. Astapov she left the Zapadnaya Litsa Bay, rounded the northern tip of Novaya Zemlya, and started an under ice Arctic cruiser by the trench of St. Anna. He arrived in the Pacific and entered the 10th division, 2nd flotilla based in Kamchatka. In 15 days, she covered 4,000 miles (6,400 km) under ice, carrying Rear Admiral I. N. Kozlov. Both officers were later awarded the title of Hero of Russia in 1996. No logs afterwards. In 2013, Omsk under Captain Roman Velichenko won a competition between subs with overall performance and torpedoes. From 2015 to 2019 was under modernization at Zvezda. She was under trials in May-June and by June 2019 she was transferred to the Pacific. She made a shakedown in the Sea of Japan, including deep-sea diving and launch of cruise missiles Oniks and 3M-54 Kalibr. Sge also had her reactor core reloaded. On 9 August she was homeported in Kamchatka.
In tests she successfully “destroyed” SSBN Alexander Nevsky. Later that year she was awarded 2 challenge prizes from the CiC and Captain 2nd Rank Oleg Aleksandrovich Grishayev took command.
On 27 August 2020, at Ocean Shield 2020 exercise, Varyag and Omsk jointly fired in the Bering Sea. Omsk hit her target with a P-700 Granit at 320 kilometers. On 28 August 2020, she surfaced in international territorial waters off the Pacific coast of Alaska, as reported by frightened local fishermen. On 4 August 2021, she was back from deployment and returned on 29 September 2021, firing a Granit with Varyag. On 15 July 2022 with Tomsk and Kuzbass ended their three month deployment. On 19 September 2022, Omsk and Novosibirsk launched Granit and Onyx missiles against a seaborne target in the Chukchi Sea. Updates to come.

K-150 was laid down on 27 August 1991, launched on 20 July 1996 and commissioned on 30 December 1996. She was assigned to the Pacific Fleet.
On 9 October 1998, she entered the 10th Submarine Division, Pacific Fleet, Vilyuchinsk (Rybachy, Krasheninnikov Bay) in Kamchatka Oblast. In Summer-autumn 1999, she was in joint performance with K-141 Kursk in the Mediterranean. K-150 Tomsk under Captain 1st Rank VV Dmitriev, and Division Commander, Rear Admiral NG Kovalevsky performed a shadowing on US Navy’s 3rd Fleet, reporting “not detected”. General A.V. Kvashnin distrubted awarded upon return. In 2001, Tomsk won two prizes by the Civil Code of the Russian Navy. From September to December 2003, same, award doe exceptional combat duty, 2003, prize of the Civil Code again, 2004, best results of the year, two Civil Code prizes, and civil code again in 2006 and 2007.
In November 2008, Tomsk was in Bolshoy Kamen entering Zvezda shipyard for maintenance. In 2010, she needed repairs after a faulty cooling unit at one of the reactors. On the morning of 16 September 2013, a fire broke out during the installation of the main ballast tank. All the sound insulation material between both hulls burnt and needed replacement and 15 servicemen were injured, ended in a naval hospital. On 12 June 2014, repairs were complete and she was tested until December and returned in Kamchatka.
On 26 October 2015, a delegation from Tomsk visited their sponsored submarine in Vilyuchinsk. By late December 2015, after a patrol, K-150 under command of Captain 1st Rank Roman Velichenko returned to Kamchatka. Rear Admiral Sergei Rekish presented the crew with the Challenge Cup of the CiC, first place. In 2016 she won the Challenge Cup of the Pacific Fleet Commander. On 12 July 2017 while in the Sea of Okhotsk she launched a Granit at a training coastal target at the Kura training ground. On 9 October 2017, in a joint command and staff training with Varyag she launched another Granit submerged in the Sea of Okhotsk at maximum range and won the championship for the CiC challenge prize. On 15 July 2022 with Omsk and Kuzbass she went back from a three month deployment. On 15 December, she entered Dalzavod for maintenance and on 19 April 2023, fired a full salvo of 22 P-700 anti-ship cruise missiles. Status: Active, after overhaul completed in 2019.

K-141 was laid down on 22 March 1992, launched on 16 May 1994, and commissioned on 30 December 1994. She was assigned to the Northern Fleet. Famously lost on 12 August 2000.
During her five years of service, Kursk made a single six-month deployment to the Mediterranean, summer 1999, successfoll shadowing the 6th Fleet during the Kosovo crisis. He crew was thus somewhat inexperienced when the tragedy later happened, when she joined the “Summer-X” exercise, first large-scale naval event of the Russian Navy in more than a decade, starting on 10 August 2000 in the Barents Sea, with 30 ships including the flagship Pyotr Velikiy and four attack submarines. The crew recently won a citation for excellent performance, Kursk was recognized as the best submarine crew in the Northern Fleet. While on an exercise she loaded a full complement of weapons, including infamous Shkval Torpedoes. She was one of the few vessels authorized to carry a combat load at all times.
On August 12, with 118 sailors on board, at approximately 11:28 AM, a catastrophic explosion occurred onboard. The subject had been abundantly covered. Today it is assumed that a leak of high-test peroxide (HTP) in a Shkval torpedo caused a fire and explosion during a training exercise. A second explosion was detected (by another sub shadowing the exercize) about 2 minutes later, much larger explosion (equivalent to 3-7 tons TNT) occurred, likely as more torpedoes detonated. It ripped open the entire forward section causing instant flooding and sinking to the seafloor, c108 meters or 354 feet. All 118 crew members died but it is believed that 23 crew members survived in the rear compartment and died due to asphyxiation and rising water before rescuers could reach them. Criticism is due to the Russian Navy delayed requesting international help for about 5 days, under President Vladimir Putin. This caused outrage at the time, both at home and abroad showing that the old Soviet habits were still there, ingrained at the head of state.

K-329 was laid down on 20 December 2012, launched on 23 April 2019, and commissioned on 8 July 2022 ater a complete redesign and reconstruction. Assigned to the Northern Fleet.
In April 1993, K661 was named Belgorod and reassigned the pennant K-139. In 1995, crew training started at Obninsk, 510th Naval Training Center. In 1997, construction was put on hold due to the severe economic crisis, she was three-quarters completed when it happened. In January 1998, the crew was disbanded, the incomplete hull mothballed. The loss of Kursk in 2000 led to the decision to resume construction to replace Kursk, but upgraded to Project 949AM. By December 31, 2004 her hull was mostly complete, but missed the powerplant, equipment and missile silos. 100 million rubles provided only, soon deemed insufficient. Sevmash was forced to use its own financial resources to make up for it, complete the sub and being paid. Sevmash resumed construction at a slow pace. In the 2006 MoD investment plan, and Minister of Defence Sergei Ivanov on July 20 decided not to commission her, when she was 80% complete. He considered other options, including selling her to the Indian Navy, to finance completion. In 2009, she was re-designed to carry the missiles of Project 885 (Yasen-class) but by early 2012, CiC Admiral Vladimir Sergeyevich Vysotsky instead wanted her converted as a “special projects” vessel.
In December 2012, the specification was approved as Project 09842. The refit started in 2012. The idea was to create a motheship to support the Losharik for seabed operations with the 29th submarine division (unit 13090) based at Olenya Bay. The missile tubes were removed, a new bay, 18 meters long to accommodate special operations submarines (Losharik or Paltus), she had an lengthened bow by 38 meters for the new Poseidon torpedoes as well. Analysts believes the new section is a revolving launcher accommodating six Poseidons.
Planned for commissioning in the Navy in 2018 she was floated out in April 2019, and started tests under Captain 1st rank Anton Adyokhin. After fitting out, nuclear testing, sea worthiness trials started and in June 2020, she was reported “in service” but she was still on trials and fixes by January 2021 as started by Sevmash director Mikhail Budnichenko.
The commission was planned for 2020 with the Poseidon system installed and tested in 2021 but it never happened. By April 2021, military analyst H. I. Sutton reported she was back in the construction hall. On June 25, 2021, Belgorod left Severodvinsk for another builder’s trial and was delivered to the Navy on 8 July 2022 at last, joining the 29th Submarine Division (special formation) under the Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research reporting directly to the MoD. More updates to come.

K-135 was laid down on 2 September 1993. Unfinished, parts used in the construction of newer submarines. Construction may be restarted.

K-160 was laid down on April 1994. Unfinished, parts used in the construction of newer submarines. Construction may be restarted.

Books

The Encyclopedia Of Warships, From World War Two To The Present Day, General Editor Robert Jackson.
Hampshire, Edward (2018). Soviet Cruise Missile Submarines of the Cold War. London: Osprey Publishing.
Pavlov, A. S. (1997). Warships of the USSR and Russia 1945–1995. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press.
Polmar, Norman & Moore, Kenneth J. (2004). Cold War Submarines: The Design and Construction of U.S. and Soviet Submarines. Washington, D. C.: Potomac Books.
Polmar, Norman & Noot, Jurrien (1991). Submarines of the Russian and Soviet Navies, 1718–1990. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press.
Vilches Alarcón, Alejandro A. (2022). From Juliettes to Yasens: Development and Operational History of Soviet Cruise-Missile Submarines. Europe @ War (22). Warwick, UK: Helion & Co.

Links

friends-partners.org September/000237.html
deepspace4.com/ kursk.htm
naval-technology.com/ oscar-submarine/
russian-ships.info/ project_949.htm
deepstorm.ru/ K-525.htm
deepstorm.ru/ K-132/K-132.htm
globalsecurity.org/ 949.htm
harpoondatabases.com/
lynceans.org/ Russia_submarines.pdf
archive.ph/ military-today.com/ oscar_1_class
hisutton.com OSCAR-II_SSGN.html
nuke.fas.org
ria.ru/
en.wikipedia.org/ Oscar-class_submarine
commons.wikimedia.org/ Category:Oscar_class_submarines
sakhalianet.x10.mx oscar_class.htm
navygeneralboard.com/
nationalinterest.org/
bellona.org/
theaviationist.com

Videos

Model Kits

Tons were made after the loss of Kursk. One example. Full list on scalemates.

3D

on renderhub.com
https://www.turbosquid.com/3d-model/oscar-class
https://free3d.com/3d-model/russian-submarine-belgorod-k-329-oscar-ii-7960.html