Russia’s second Lada-class submarine wraps up 1st phase of sea trials

Admiralty Shipyards, a subsidiary of Russia’s United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), has completed the first phase of sea trials of the second Project 677 Lada-class submarine Kronstadt (B-586).

Within the first phase, which took place in the Gulf of Finland, high-speed and maneuverable tests of the submarine were successfully carried out, according to the company.

A team of engineers and the Russian Navy’s crew carried out the submarine’s ballasting and stability trials, tested the sonar, navigation and communication systems, and checked its lifting and mast devices. The sea trials started on 17 December.

The shipbuilder also pointed out that it is now preparing the submarine for the second phase of the trials.

The keel for the second submarine Kronstadt was laid in July 2005 and the launching ceremony was held in September 2018, 13 years after the construction started.

Delays in the Project 677 were caused by deficiencies in the performance of the lead boat. However, the defense ministry decided to resume the program, allocating funds for the construction of the second and third vessel in 2017.

Project 677 or Lada-class submarines are the fourth generation of the Russian Navy’s diesel-electric submarines, measuring 66.8 meters in length. They can dive to a maximum depth of 300 meters and can operate for 45 days with a crew of 35. They displace 1,765 tons while surfaced and have six torpedo tubes.

The Lada-class submarines were designed at the Robin Naval Design Bureau using the latest technologies, including radar stealth technologies. Thanks to this, the submarines are almost completely silent, the company noted.

The Russian Navy plans to buy a total of eight Lada-class submarines.