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Russia Started Sea Trials of Klavesin-2 UUV in Crimea

Trials of the latest Klavesin-2 unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) began at a sea range in Crimea. The craft got the official military 2R52 index which means high readiness for acceptance into service. The range in Feodosiya will be used for trials of marine robots. Experts believe the resumption of range operations will accelerate trials and introduction of naval hardware, the Izvestia daily writes.

Rubin's Klavesin-2R-PM UUV

The main Navy command told the newspaper the 2R52 vehicle also known as Klavesin-2 is undergoing trials at the naval range in Feodosiya. The special test vessel Viktor Cherokov of project 20360OS of the Black Sea fleet is engaged in the work.

Klavesin-2 is the second generation of domestic unmanned underwater vehicles. It is bigger and heavier than Kalvesin-1 which resembles a torpedo by the appearance and size.

UVV 2R52 looks like a miniature 7-meter long submarine with a diameter of close to one meter. It has a small superstructure. The vehicle weighs close to 4 tons. The submergence depth is up to 6000 meters. The bigger size increased its autonomy. Klavesin-2 carries modern and upgraded equipment compared to the previous model.

2R52 will be delivered to the area of operations by special nuclear submarines. It will be carried by the Belgorod submarine of project 09852 and the re-equipped Podmoskovye special nuclear submarine of project 09787 BS-64.

The vehicle will separate from the submarine and operate as programmed. The range is up to 50 km. The operator can issue new assignments to the vehicle. Klavesin-2 can carry various equipment - hydro sonars, electromagnetic sensors, video cameras.

Russian MoD video showing Rubin's Klavesin-2R-PM UUV (first) and the nuclear-armed Kanyon/Status-6 long range torpedo/drone

Klavesin-2 is a multirole vehicle capable of numerous missions for the Navy, expert Alexander Mozgovoy said. "It can monitor the seabed at major depths, search and collect various objects, e.g. weapon debris. It can also reconnoiter underwater situation and collect seabed relief data for warships and robotic complexes," he said.

The new Klavesin is tested at Crimean coast with unique hydrological characteristics near Feodosiya. The dead underwater volcano created major depths there. The range is also used by the Black Sea fleet for drills and live fire.

Mozgovoy believes Crimea will be the main test ground for Russian robots and other naval hardware. "The climate and weather in the area allow operating round-the-year which accelerates trials. Specialized vessels and equipment are already deployed there," he said.

The Soviet Union used Feodosiya range as the main test site for naval arms. New torpedoes, depth bombs, etc. were tested there. Prospective submarines underwent running trials at the range. At present work is ongoing to develop Feodosiya range into the main test ground of naval weapons. Specialized vessels the Seliger and the Viktor Cherokov are deployed there. The latter is equipped with a remotely controlled underwater craft and instruments to surface the debris of exploded torpedoes and destroyed targets from the seabed. The latest Periskop meteorological station monitors the weather along the navigation route and produces short-term forecasts, the Izvestia writes.