Project Arcturus - Russia is developing a new fifth-generation "faceted" nuclear submarine

They will break through the Arctic ice and will be able to carry not only strategic weapons, but also underwater robots

The United Shipbuilding Corporation, which is actively building a nuclear submarine fleet for Russia, has shared a new development - Project Arcturus. The development of the Rubin Design Bureau is part of the fifth generation of nuclear submarines. According to USC, it reflects some of the changes that will be characteristic of this generation of SSBNs.

Arcturus differs from its predecessors in its smaller size: it will have fewer missiles on board, but they will be more advanced. The shape is also changing - the submarine is becoming not streamlined, but "faceted"
Arcturus differs from its predecessors in its smaller size: it will have fewer missiles on board, but they will be more advanced. The shape is also changing - the submarine is becoming not streamlined, but "faceted"
Image source JSC USC

Arcturus will have 20% less displacement than other Russian nuclear missile carriers. Its length will be 134 meters, its width will be 15.7 meters, and the crew size will be about 100 people. It will not be easy to detect the submarine: the unique shape and advanced active coating reduce the reflected sonar signal and reduce the enemy's detection range.

The use of a distributed shaftless power plant with full electric propulsion helps to reduce noise, and the presence of two propellers increases the maneuverability and reliability of the missile carrier. These solutions are also important from the point of view of the most promising area of application of Arcturus - the high-latitude Arctic. Interest in this region will only grow in the coming decades. The faceted shape of the contours simplifies breaking ice when surfacing and prevents it from lingering on the mine hatches, and better handling is important for taking a position in polynyas.
JSC USC

At the same time, Arcturus is capable of carrying not only strategic weapons, but also uninhabited vehicles of various classes - underwater robots and drones. They can be scouts and help to better evade attacks.

Small and medium-sized vehicles can be placed in the ship's silos, large ones - outside the ship
Small and medium-sized vehicles can be placed in the ship's silos, large ones - outside the ship
Image source JSC USC

As noted in USC, this multifunctionality of Arcturus makes it a relevant development "in the unknown conditions of the second half of the century". The purpose of the submarine will be able to change, and the appearance of new types of unmanned vehicles in the future will allow it to keep up with the times technically.

Sources:
AO «OSK»
2024-01-10 10:28:10 Military technology CKB «Rubin» JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation «Arktur»
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