Posted on 06/22/2014 9:31:25 PM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
‘Severodvinsk’ is too expensive for mass production
It’s official. K-560 Severodvinsk, Moscow’s newest and most advanced nuclear attack submarine, has joined the Russian navy.
That’s bad news for most countries that could conceivably face Russia in a conflict. The expensive, quiet, 13,800-ton Yasen-class submarine is arguably one of the most sophisticated in the world—and she’s just the first of her class.
But the one country that doesn’t have much reason to worry is the United States, which has a significantly larger and more modern submarine force.
The Yasen class is also an exception to the rule in Russia, where most warships are obsolete or severely compromised by poor maintenance and training.
Russia took its time on the Yasen program. The project dates to the Cold War, as the Soviet Union planned a submarine that could hunt U.S. Nimitz-class supercarriers and also escort the USSR’s larger, nuclear weapon-carrying submarines within range of American cities.
This necessitated a submarine that was faster, quieter and deadlier than existing Akula and Sierra-class attack subs.
Then-president Dmitry Medvedev next to Severodvinsk in 2010. Photo via Wikipedia
Russia begun building Severodvinsk way back in 1993. The post-Soviet economic collapse forced the Kremlin to delay the program. But despite being years late, she’s still one of the most advanced submarines in the world.
She’s nuclear powered, for one. She has a more powerful sonar system, including a big sonar array mounted in the bow. The vessel also packs an impressive arsenal of torpedoes and 24 anti-ship cruise missiles of the Oniks and Kalibr types.
But while Severodvinsk is individually dangerous, a single submarine—or only a few—isn’t enough to defeat the U.S. Navy. The entire Yasen class is also expensive. It’s unclear exactly how much each one costs. Estimates range from $1 billion to $3 billion.
Back in the 1990s, the Russians wanted to build 30 of the class. The number has fluctuated since then and now the goal is nine, including Severodvinsk. Two of the class, Kazan and Novosibirsk, are currently under construction. That’s still enough to pose a serious threat to most countries Russia could conceivably come into conflict with.
But then you see the problem. This means Russia is spending more money than it needs to, to defeat potential foes other than America—and not enough to stand up against the U.S. Navy.
lol. If destroying their politburo makes them a better country, let’s get to it.
Does it have a caterpillar drive?
Really? You think that if Eastern Siberia were the target of an invasion its coast and adjacent sea lanes would not be of critical and strategic importance importance? You think China would take what it wants, be secure in its conquest and leave Pacific Siberia in Russian control? That submarine and others like it would be critically important in controlling those sea lanes. Read Morrison and you’ll get at least a rudimentary understanding so you won’t embarrass yourself with absurd statements.
“This thread really concerns me that Free Republic is populated by idiots.”
Wow, that’s pretty harsh...Care to take a chance at an apology???
If not, and you wish to keep digging that hole yer in...By all means seek life and entertainment elsewhere with what you believe to be more a more “intelligent” population...
Remember, “all” in the “To:” box up there if you have the virtue to say anything to the FReepers in this discussion...
If not, may the yoke that is your burden be light upon your shoulders as you seek other realms in the time you have left on this earth...
“Wow, that’s pretty harsh...Care to take a chance at an apology???”
Nope. All the posters who think this sub was aimed at stopping a Chinese invasion of Siberia is an idiot.
It is like if Canada thought the USA wanted to invade that they would build a nuclear submarine to stop it.
First, China will likely buy the resources it needs rather than invading. China has a really good capitalist economy vs. a poor one in Russia. Buying is more likely.
Second, the USA is more likely to invade Canada than China invading Siberia. The russian military is an even match for china. The canadian military is no match for the USA. And China has many undeveloped resources of its own, not so much in the USA.
Third, China will invade mongolia for resources before it goes into Siberia.
Fourth, If Canada really did build a submarine to stop a USA invasion, it would be a short range and very cheap diesel/electric. Nuclear subs are made to go a very long time without fuel. They are power projecting ocean goers, NOT SHORT RANGE COASTAL DEFENSE.
Fifth, this sub was designed in the 80’s and started construction in the 90’s well before China’s ascent.
NO, I AM NOT APOLOGIZING. I AM DOUBLING DOWN, TRIPLING DOWN MAYBE EVEN QUADRUPLING DOWN ON IT.
“NO, I AM NOT APOLOGIZING. I AM DOUBLING DOWN, TRIPLING DOWN MAYBE EVEN QUADRUPLING DOWN ON IT.”
Well, that drivel is certainly your opinion, you are certainly free to express that, far be it from me, or anyone else, to say you cannot do so...
Considering how old your account is on this website, I would think you to be a little more diplomatic in your tone when you loose forth such a blanket statement that this thread, or even the website, is full of idiots...
Remember, the shovel is still in your hand(s)...I want to see how far down you dig...I’ll toss you a flashlight if it gets too dark down there...
I would suggest instead of posting some additional personal opinion in response to my inquiry, you instead, pull the rip cord and save your account...
I believe that is a reasonable thing to do, on your part...Then we can all let this go like water under a bridge...
Whatya say???
Manchuria and Mongolia have more promising resources than siberia and are more easily accessed.
My beef is, China is not invading Siberia, this sub is not for coastal defense, if china were to invade, it would not be an amphibious assault, the sub is a cold war relic clearly aimed at attacking US subs.
I dunno...We were all over a Victor III about 400 miles off of San Francisco back in 1987, IIRC...
The captain of that boat was pretty good at utilizing thermal layers, and creeping slow and low along the bottom trying to evade us...It was a good match for about 18-20 hours while we played...
We’d lose him every now and then, but re-acquire after someone farted, or dropped something (transients) in that boat...
At the end of the time we had, the guy actually surfaced, gave us a nice “Good game” signal, and they motored off west for about 4 hours...The crew was even coming out on deck for a little sun as we parted ways...
The detection gear between us and the Kuril’s kept him generally going home till the intel let them drop off the boards...
I really think it is the skill of the crews “first”, and a little of the boat second...
A sub can probably get off a few shots, might even get lucky, but once those pants have dropped, there IS a whole lot of attention going to be put on you in very short order...And we do not let go until it goes away...
The biggest threat I know about is the diesel-electric boats out there...In sufficient number and in waters that degregate our equipment, that is the most threatening environment to play in...But that is common knowledge...
Just my experience and opinion...
I’ll kick in the point that most container ships China uses to ship goods are registered in other countries. Russia sinking a 3rd party ship is an act of war against that country.
“Then we can all let this go like water under a bridge...
Whatya say???”
There used to be a game show “who wants to be a millionaire” where the punch line was “Final answer”
Final answer is “think this sub is to stop a chinese invasion is stupid”
And with that this is my final post on FR for a while.
Manchuria and Mongolia have more promising resources than siberia and are more easily accessed.
Ok, ding-a-ling...You wanna tell me what I already know about “resources” that are in the Manch and Mongol area??? I’ll even give you a hint...Maybe you’ll even put it together...
Precious...And...wait for it...Metals/minerals???
Why do you have a beef???
And so the Russians are replacing their beat up sub fleet with some newer stuff for blue water ops...
Do you not believe that our submariners can handle this nuke boat???
Oh they of little faith...
I have a recommendation for you...Instead of the Monster energy drinks and sugary bars and candy...You unplug, go git yerself a good breakfast today, not McDonalds!!! But something hearty, put hair on yer chest, drink some chamomile tea and take a good nap...It’ll do wonders for you...
Why get your bowels in an uproar trying to correct peoples focus on global diplomacy and failed foreign policy from this government, when people like us (idiots, remember?) cannot effect that failure, or correct it...
You take care now, ya hear...Bye...
No prob bob...
Have a nice day...
Yes, spent time in all. San Jose voted 70% for Omugabe, Boston 77%, Manhattan 86%. The city lifestyle is heavy on sharing community property and trashing it accordingly, very low on personal ownership, low on personal freedoms due to 1 million next door neighbors, low on caring about or even knowing the names of neighbors. This is communism, not America. Cities are great as work hubs up to a point, but make for a noisy/dirty place to live. America is slowly dying because of the city cancer.
The cities are actually draining out but the Democrats solve that problem by importing millions of third worlders, who are naturally inclined to loot America. If we need to destroy a country, nuking the cities would be the last way to go about it.
"There was much rejoicing"
/johnny
In the graph it shows the maximum depth as only 600 m? Why can’t this sub go even deeper? Or is this depth the standard depth for most all submarines?
May I pose the same question to you that I posed to myeline - that I bring up in my post #35? Perhaps you and/or Thank you.
* mylife
That is all classified.
Opps me; thank you for your reply to an old article. :)
Prop does look small for that much boat.
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