Sarov class submarine

Career (Russia)
Name: Sarov
Launched: 17-12-2007
Commissioned: 07-08-2008
General characteristics
Class and type: Project 20120
Type: Submarine
Displacement: 3950
Length: 72.6 m
Draft: 7 m
Installed power: Nuc
Propulsion: Diesel-electric
Speed: 10/17 kts
Endurance: 45 days
Complement: 52

The Sarov class is a submarine class built by Russia. There is a single boat of the class, the Sarov itself. It serves as a training vessel and technology demonstrator, intended to test and develop new technologies and new weaponry for the Russian Navy. It was first revealed publicly when details of the boat were published by accident on the Sarov, Nizhny Novgorod region's local government website as part of an account of a meeting with its commander. The number of the submarine project was given as 20120 and some technical and tactical characteristics were revealed as well.[1]

Description

The hull of the Sarov is believed to be based on the Kilo class submarine. In common with that class, it has a diesel electric power system, although it is believed that a small nuclear reactor is also installed. This does drive the propellor itself, but may produce electricity to recharge the conventional battery system, greatly extending the underwater endurance of the submarine. It has been noted that since electric propulsion is inherently very quiet, but tends to lack range, possession of a long range electrical system would make the Sarov class an excellent intelligence gathering platform. The Russians have not revealed whether the boat is employed in this role.[2]

The submarine was designed by Federal State Unitary Enterprise Central Design Bureau for Maritime Technology (FSUE CDB MT) in 1989. Construction was started in the same year at Krasnoye Sormovo, and completed at FSUE Sevmash.

Specifications

External links