Haze Gray Photo Feature

Soviet & Russian Navy

Ballistic Missile Submarines


[THUMBNAIL] A 'GOLF I' (Project 628) class ballistic missile submarine at sea. The 'GOLF' class was the first purpose-built Soviet ballistic missile boats, although several 'ZULU' class attack subs were converted to an improvised ballistic missile configuration. The 'GOLF' design was itself adapted from the 'WHISKEY' class attack subs, using many of the same hull sections and components. The 'GOLF' class carried three SS-N-4 SLBMs an an extended sail structure. The SS-N-4 could only be fired by a surface submarine, and required a time-consuming pre-launch setup period.
[THUMBNAIL] A 'GOLF II" (Project 629M) class SSB. The 'GOLF II" class boats were converted from the 'GOLF I' class, receiving the new SS-N-5 missile in place of the SS-N-4. The SS-N-5 could be launched while submerged.
[THUMBNAIL] A closeup of a SS-N-5 tube aboard a 'GOLF II'.
[THUMBNAIL] A 'GOLF II' at sea.
[THUMBNAIL] A 'HOTEL I' (Project 658) class SSBN at sea. 'HOTEL I' was the nuclear-powered contemporary of the 'GOLF I', using the 'NOVEMBER' class SSN as a starting point. Like the 'GOLF I', they carried three surface-launched SS-N-4 in an extended sail.
[THUMBNAIL] A 'HOTEL II' (Project 658M) underway. These boats were converted from the 'HOTEL I' class, receiving the SS-N-5 SLBM and submerged-launch capability.
[THUMBNAIL] A 'YANKEE' class (Project 667A "Navaga/Nalim") ballistic missile submarine. The 'YANKEEs' were the first Soviet ballistic missile submarines designed for surface-launched missiles; they carried 16 SS-N-6 SLBMs abaft the sail, much like US SSBNs.
[THUMBNAIL] 'YANKEE' class submarine K-219 adrift in the Atlantic, 600 miles from Bermuda, following an accidental explosion in a missile tube. This was the second time K-219 suffered a missile accident, and she did not survive the experience, sinking on 6 October 1986.
[THUMBNAIL] A 'DELTA I' class (Project 667B "Murena") ballistic missile submarine. The 'DELTA I' was essentially a 'YANKEE' hull with 12 SS-N-8 SLBMs fitted in place of the previous 16 SS-N-6. The SS-N-8 allowed the submarines to launch at US targets from Soviet waters, where the boats could be better protected.
[THUMBNAIL] A 'DELTA I' showing the distinctive "hump" necessary to accommodate the SS-N-8 SLBM.
[THUMBNAIL] An overhead view of a 'DELTA I'.
[THUMBNAIL] A stern quarter view of a 'DELTA I'. The "double step" between the missile "hump" and the aft deck is a distinctive feature of the 'DELTA I'.
[THUMBNAIL] An overhead broadside view of a 'DELTA I'.
[THUMBNAIL] Another view of a 'DELTA I'.
[THUMBNAIL] A 'DELTA II' (Project 667BD "Murena-M" at sea. The 'DELTA II' was a lengthened version of the 'DELTA I', with four more SS-N-8; the profile of the "hump" was also somewhat altered.
[THUMBNAIL] An overhead view of a 'DELTA II'. This view shows the better fairing of the "hump" into the hull.
[THUMBNAIL] An overhead view of a 'DELTA II' with masts raised.
[THUMBNAIL] A final view of the 'DELTA II" class.
[THUMBNAIL] A 'DELTA III' (Project 667BDR "Kalmar"). The 'DELTA III' incorporates the new SS-N-18 SLBM, requiring a taller "hump".
[THUMBNAIL] A stern view of a 'DELTA III', emphasizing the massive bulk of the "hump".
[THUMBNAIL] An overhead view of a 'DELTA III'. The missile "hump" is free-flooding; note the numerous limber holes.
[THUMBNAIL] A closeup of a 'DELTA III' sail.
[THUMBNAIL] Another stern view of a 'DELTA III'.
[THUMBNAIL] A 'DELTA IV' (Project 667BDRM "Delfin"). 'DELTA IV' has a new missile (SS-N-23), a new sonar suite, and a redesigned stern. These boats are now Russia's primary SSBN force, and likely will remain so for the forseeable future. Construction of this class continued even after the gigantic 'TYPHOON' class was in service.
[THUMBNAIL] A bow closeup of a 'DELTA IV' on a cold day.
[Jumbo Image]
[THUMBNAIL] Stern quarter view of a 'DELTA IV'.
[THUMBNAIL] Overhead view of a 'DELTA IV', showing missile hatch arrangement.
[THUMBNAIL] Another stern quarter view of a 'DELTA IV' underway.
[THUMBNAIL] A 'DELTA IV' entering port.

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