Project 971 Щука-Б (Shchuka-B, 'Shchuka' meaning pike, NATO reporting name "Akula"), is a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) first deployed by the Soviet Navy in 1986. The class is sometimes erroneously called the "Bars" class, after one of its members. Note that Akulashark") is the Soviet designation of the ballistic missile submarine class designated by NATO as the Typhoon class submarine. They are sometimes bitterly called "the Walker class," referring to John Anthony Walker, whose espionage data related to sonar detection was used to improve this submarine. ("
There are three sub-classes or flights of Shchuka, consisting of the original seven "Akula I" submarines built between 1982 and 1986, five "Improved Akula" submarines built between 1986 and 1991, and four "Akula II" submarines built from 1991. This information is disputed, however, as the distinction between the Improved Akula and the Akula II class is debated by authoritative sources.
Akula incorporates a double hull system that increases the strength reserve and is able to dive deeper than any other modern SSN. It is the quietest Russian nuclear attack submarine; the noise radiated by the Akula-II class is comparable to that of early versions of the American Los Angeles class.
The distinctive "bulb" or "can" seen on top of the Akula's rudder houses its towed sonar array, when retracted.
All Akulas are armed with four 533 mm torpedo tubes which can use Type 53 torpedoes or the SS-N-15 Starfish missile, and four 650 mm torpedo tubes which can use Type 65 torpedoes or the SS-N-16 Stallion missile. These torpedo tubes are arranged in two rows of four tubes each. Improved Akulas and Akula IIs have an additional six 533 mm torpedo tubes mounted externally, however it is unclear whether these are fully functional external tubes, or if they are only capable of launching Mines and decoys. The external tubes are mounted outside the pressure hull in one row, above the 'Normal' Torpedo tubes, and can only be reloaded in port or with the assistance of a submarine tender. The 650 mm tubes can be fitted with liners to use the 533 mm weaponry. The submarine is also able to use its torpedo tubes to deploy mines.
Akula-I submarines
Of the seven original Akula-I submarines, only three are known to still be in service. The lead boat of the class, K-284 'Akula' was decommissioned in 1995, apparently to help save money in the cash-strapped Russian Navy. Three others, K-322 'Kashalot', K-480 'Bars' [Currently Ak Bars], and K-317 'Pantera' are all thought to be in reserve. K-480 'Bars' will be completely overhauled in 2007-2008 by the Zvezdotshka shipyard.
Akula-I Improved submarines
The five Akulas of this class are all thought to be in service. There is some debate about the hull number of the 5th submarine. Some sources report it as K-267, while others say K-295. Most however agree on the name 'Drakon'. Sources also disagree as to whether construction of this class has been suspended, or if there are a further two units planned. Improved Akula-I Hulls: Volk, Tigr, Narval. There is a new class, a development of the Akula being slowly developed, the Graney class.
Akula-II submarines
The Akula-II 'Vepr' is the only Akula-II known to be in service at present. The 'Gepard' is in service and was launched a short time after the Kursk submarine disaster, along with the halted 'Kuguar' (Akula-I) and 'Rys'. The 1999-2000 edition of Jane's Fighting Ships listed the Akula-IIs then as Viper (Vepr actually means wild boar in Russian), commissioned July 1995, Gepard, launched 1999 and expected to commission in 2000, and Nerpa, launched in May 1994 and expected to commission in 1999. Another source has Nerpa listed as having been under construction for eleven years, and effectively having its building suspended. The 'Gepard' is known to have a slightly smaller and streamlined Towed Array Sonar Dispenser than the other submarines of the class. Gepard also appears to have a longer sail than other Akula class submarines. President Vladimir Putin was on board Gepard during his commission after the Kursk incident.
