Page 436 - (DK) Smithsinian - Military History: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Objects of Warfare

434 POST-WAR SUBMARINES Bridge

GE 1945–PRESENT Nuclear-powered submarines and their armament of submarine- ▲ USS NAUTILUS (SSN-571) A ground-breaking vessel, the Nautilus

launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) are arguably the most potent
weapon system ever developed. Hidden beneath the waves, they are
able to launch their deadly missiles without warning and are virtually
immune from retaliatory action by the enemy. Their high level of
concealment also provides them with an invaluable second-strike
capability. More conventional attack submarines, powered either
was the world’s first operational nuclear-
Displacement 3,535 tons
first to complete an underwater transit
surface vessels or hunt down other submarines.
(4,090 tons submerged)
of the North Pole.
Length 324ft (98.8m)
A by nuclear reactors or diesel-electric motors, operate against Commissioned 1954 Origin US powered submarine and, in 1958, the
THE NUCLEAR Displacement 16,000 tons nuclear deterrent. Its 24 Trident missiles Missile hatch
Top speed 22 knots (25 knots submerged)
▼ USS MARYLAND (SSBN-738)
An Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine,
Maryland is at the forefront of America’s
Commissioned 1992 Origin US
are capable of delivering up to 12
(18,700 tons submerged)
warheads per missile to a range
Length 561ft (171m)
of 7,021 miles (11,300km).
Top speed 20 knots (25 knots submerged)

Bow fitted with
▶ NOVOSIBIRSK (B-401) A diesel-electric attack six torpedo tubes
Commissioned 1984 submarine of the Kilo class,
Novosibirsk was armed with
Origin Soviet Union
minelaying equipment and
Displacement 2,325 tons conventional torpedoes,
(3,075 tons submerged) as well as anti-ship and
Length 220ft (67m) anti-aircraft missiles.
Top speed 15 knots (24 knots submerged)
◀ LE REDOUTABLE (S611)
Radar mast
Commissioned 1971 Origin France
Displacement 8,045 tons
Ballistic missile deck
Single propeller (8,940 tons submerged)
Length 420ft (128m)
Top speed 18 knots (25 knots submerged)
Le Redoutable was the lead vessel in its
class and France’s first ballistic missile
submarine. Its original M1 missiles had
a range of 1,243 miles (2,000km) while
carrying a 450 kilotonne warhead.

Forward hydroplane Ballistic missile deck
Rudder

▲ AKULA CLASS Codenamed Typhoon by
Commissioned 1981 NATO, the Russian Akula
(“shark”) class of submarines Shrouded propeller
Origin Soviet Union were the largest undersea to minimize sound
Displacement 18,500 tons vessels ever built. They were
(25,000 tons submerged) designed to fire SLBMs while
Length 574ft (175m) hidden under the Arctic ice.
Top speed 22 knots (27 knots submerged)