"The
upgraded Project 949A submarines will be designated as Project 949AM
(M stands for upgraded, Modernizirovannaya). The number of cruise missiles
is planned to be increased from 24 to 72 and 3M45 Granit (SS-N-19 Shipwreck)
cruise anti-ship missiles (ASM) are to be replaced by a mix of 3M55
Onyx (SS-N-26 Strobile) ASM and 3M54 Kalibr (SS-N-27 Sizzler) ASM/land-attack
missiles. The upgrade of Project 949A SSGNs does not require drastic
design changes to the submarines` hulls. Russian defense industry is
developing new standard launching tube suitable for both 3M55 and 3M54
missiles. The Project 949AM SSGNs will also receive new fire control
system (FCS), navigation and communication suites, sonar, radar and
electronic warfare (EW) equipment, as well as updated Omnibus-M combat
information system and Simfoniya navigation suite," the source
said. He did not mention the total cost of the program. According to
open sources, the cost of one boat`s upgrade is estimated at RUB12 billion
(about USD180 million). Most of Project 949A submarines are planned
to be turned into Project 949AM boats by 2020.
At present, Russian Navy has deployed eight Project 949A SSGNs.
The Project 949A nuclear-powered submarine has a length of 155 meters,
a displacement of 24,000 tons, a depth of submersion of 600 meters and
an underwater speed of 32 knots. Its crew totals 107. The Project 949A
nuclear-powered submarine is armed with six torpedo tubes and 24 launchers
to fire Granit cruise missiles with a range of about 500 kilometers
(311 miles).
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