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Meet The Russian Typhoon-Class Submarine,The Largest And Greatest Sub Ever Built
The Project 941 or Akula (Shark in Russia) are the biggest class of submarines ever designed and built.The massive subs has a length of 175m, beam of 23m and draught of 12m.
The nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines,known as the Typhoon by the NATO, was built by the Soviet Navy in the 1980s with the World War 3 in mind.
They are so big that the over 150 crews can stay underneath the water for up to 120 days in normal conditions.
The Typhoon Class submarines were known for its complete stealth and soundlessness while moving under water. It can sail at a speed of 22.22 knots( 25.57 mph) on the surface and 27 knots ( 31 mph) under water.
The submarine carries 20 RSM-52 SLBM (Submarine-Launched intercontinental Ballistic Missiles) each with a maximum of 10 MIRV (multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle) nuclear warheads (i.e each one is strong enough to destroy a city the size of New York.
It is also equipped with six 533mm (21in) torpedo tubes and type 53 torpedoes
They are powered by two nuclear water reactors, four 3,200KW turbogenerators and two 50,000hp steam turbines- that’s enough to power a small city.
The Russian Navy canceled the Typhoon submarines upgrade program because modernizing one would be as expensive as building two new Borei-class submarines,i.e. the second largest class of submarines .
Only the first of the 6 Typhoon class submarines ever built is still in active service with the Russian Navy.
The Typhoon Class submarines have been replaced by the shorter and powerful Borei class submarines since 2010-2011.