Russia releases video first trial of new Russian submarine Improved Kilo-class Petropavlovsk-Kamtchatski.

Russia has released a video, on August 16, 2019, showing the first trial test with the Project 636.3 “Improved Kilo-class aka "Petropavlovsk-Kamtchatski” submarine. This submarine is considered to be the most noiseless among Russian diesel-electric submarines.

Project 636.3 "Improved Kilo-class" diesel-electric submarine (Picture source: Video Footage by RT Ruply )

These trials are supposed to test the submersible systems, including those of communication and hydroacoustics.

The contract for the construction of six Project 636.3 submarines for the Pacific Fleet was signed on September 7, 2016. Under the terms of the contract, the first ship is set to be handed over to the Russian Navy by November 25, 2019, the construction of the entire series is scheduled for completion in 2022.

The Project 636.3 is referred to the third generation of diesel-electric submarines. They develop a speed of up to 20 knots, have sea endurance of 45 days and a crew of 50 men. The submarines of this class displace over 2,000 tonnes in their surface position and about 4,000 tonnes under the water. They can also reach a depth of 300 meters.

These submarines are based on the Project 877 and 636 designs and were developed by Rubin Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering in St Petersburg. They are considered to be the most noiseless among Russian conventional subs. They have been dubbed the ‘Black Hole’ for their unique quietness. "Improved Kilo-class" subs are armed with Kalibr cruise missiles and furnished with modern radar and communications systems, sonars and 533mm torpedoes.