Akula II-class

Named for hunting cats (Puma, Tiger, Pantara, etc.), these are purpose-built ASW boats. An improved version of the earlier Akula I, the -II is notable for its improved quieting. This probably includes the use of rafting for the machinery, as well as "air pillows" to cushion certain pieces of equipment. In fact, the Akula is credited with being quieter in a number of areas than even the 688i-series Los Angeles-class boats. They also have some of the finest sensors, including a towed array sonar in an external pod, ever present on a Soviet-designed submarine. In addition, they are extremely quick, maneuverable, and deep diving. There is a story from several years ago when one of these new boats came out into the Atlantic. Quite simply, the NATO forces tracking the new Akula lost it. While this might sound about as serious as losing your car keys, it caused repercussions all around the free world navies. Why? Because they lost it due to the stealth of the Akula, not any action on the part of the tracking forces. In short, given a capable crew, this is the most dangerous submarine in the Russian inventory, and a match for any other boat in the world.

Structural/Powerplant

Structurally, the Akula appears to be of double-hulled steel construction, and is credited with a operating depth of up to 2,950 ft./900 m. It is powered by a pair of pressurized water nuclear reactors feeding steam turbines. These provide 40,000 SHP to a single seven-bladed propeller.

Weapons

Two 25.6"/650 mm and six 21"/533 mm torpedo tubes with stowage for 18 weapons (torpedoes, SS-N-15 Starfish/P-82 and SS-N-16 Stallion/P-85 ASW missiles, SS-N-21 Sampson/RKV-5000 Granat cruise missiles, and mines, as well as six external (non-reloadable) 21"/533 mm torpedo tubes.

Countermeasures

Amber Light and Rim Hat radio/radar intercept relievers, Park Lamp radio direction finding reliever and decoy/countermeasures launchers.

Sensors

Shark Gill low frequency sonar system, towed low frequency sonar array, lateral sonar array, Snoop Pair search radar, non-acoustic wake detection sensors and two periscopes.