Project 949A submarines (code "Antey"), created by the Rubin Design Bureau and built at the Sevmash shipyard, remain one of the most unique combat units of the Russian Navy. Their nickname — "aircraft carrier killers" — is associated with powerful weapons: the SSN carries 24 Granit anti-ship missiles and the world's largest 650 mm caliber torpedoes. The "Military Acceptance" program showed the internal structure of the submarine, revealing details of its design.
The tour begins in the first compartment, which houses the torpedo armament. The main striking force of the boat is missiles, torpedoes are used "to develop success" in close combat.
In the second compartment, which reaches a height of four decks, is the central control post — the main command post. The third compartment is dedicated to communication, surveillance and reconnaissance systems, including retractable satellite communication antennas. The commander's cabin and radiation monitoring post are also located here.
The fourth compartment features an officer's wardroom and double cabins for combat unit commanders. Behind the lattice partitions hides the reinforcement of missile containers. The fifth compartment is responsible for electrical equipment.
The sixth and seventh compartments are occupied by two nuclear reactors with a total capacity of 380 MW — this is enough to provide energy to a city with a population of about 100 thousand people.
The seventh and eighth compartments are turbine compartments. Here are the mechanisms that drive the boat. The ninth compartment, the "extreme" in the terminology of submariners, contains an emergency escape hatch and a hydraulic rudder control system.
The most unexpected part of the submarine was the recreation area in the fourth compartment. The crew can use the sauna, gym, greenhouse and playroom even while moving at full speed.
Project 949A "Antey" demonstrates a combination of striking power and technological sophistication. Granit missiles are capable of attacking aircraft carrier groups in a "wolf pack". Powerful reactors provide autonomy, and a well-thought-out layout ensures the crew's survivability on long voyages.
Read more on the topic:
Aircraft Carrier Killers: Russian Antey-class nuclear submarines to receive new missiles