The Tula submarine (project 667BDRM) is a nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser, called Delta-IV in NATO terminology. It belongs to the Dolphin project and is a representative of the second generation of submarines. Despite the fact that the production of boats began back in 1975, they are in service and are ready to compete with more modern submarines to this day.
Project Dolphin
The Soviet Dolphin project, of which the Tula missile submarine is a part, was launched in 1975. In the future, the developments of the Dolphin were used to create the largest submarine in the world - the Shark project.
All boats of the Dolphin project have an increased, compared to their predecessors, missile silo fencing height and an elongated fore and aft hull. Submarine launch of missiles on boats of this type can be carried out at a depth of up to 55 meters.
Military purpose
The nuclear submarine "Tula", like other cruisers of its type, regularly participates intrips and exercises. As a rule, training rocket launches take place in the Barents Sea. The target is located at a special training ground in Kamchatka.
Peaceful use
The submarine "Tula" can serve for peaceful purposes. In 1998 and 2006, near-Earth satellites were launched from the 667BDRM boats. The first launch was the world's first launch of a satellite from a submerged position. At the moment, work is underway to create a marine launch vehicle with an increased permissible load mass.
Representatives
The Tula submarine, which received the tactical number K-114, is far from the only representative of the 667BDRM class. Together with her, the boats Verkhoturye, Ekaterinburg, Podmoskovye (converted into a carrier of small submarines), Bryansk, Karelia and Novomoskovsk were released.
Building a submarine
The Tula submarine was built in 1987. She became the fourth boat created under the project 667BDRM, which was implemented from 1984 to 1992.
The project was developed by the Rubin Design Bureau under the leadership of General Designer S. N. Kovalev. During the development of the project, the latest technologies in the field of control and detection systems and weapons were applied. Hydroacoustic noise reduction technologies have been widely used, new insulating and sound-absorbing materials and devices have been applied.
At the end of February 1984, the future "Tula" was laid, and a year later it was enrolled in the listships of the Russian Navy.
The launch of the ship and the test launch of rockets was carried out in 1987. At the same time, an act was signed on the acceptance of the ship, the first solemn raising of the flag took place.
The appearance of the name
The cruiser received its name only in August 1995, before that it had only a code designation. This happened after the signing of an agreement on the patronage of the Tula administration over the cruiser.
The crew and command of "Tula"
November 5, 1987 was declared the submarine's birthday - it was then that the flag of the Navy was raised in a solemn atmosphere. The first captain of the "Tula" was the captain of the 2nd rank (later - rear admiral) V. A. Khandobin. Vice Admiral O. A. Tregubov became the commander of the second crew.
This class of submarines was originally equipped with two crews. This was done so that the crews could replace each other during retraining and vacations. To date, the commander of the submarine is Captain 1st Rank A. A. Khramov.
First upgrade
In 2000, the Tula arrived in Severodvinsk, at the Zvyozdochka plant, to undergo repairs and re-equipment. The renovation was completed by 2006. The change in the Tula submarine in the photo is almost imperceptible: the first modernization mainly affected the internal technical equipment. Detection and nuclear safety systems have been changed. The submarine was also equipped with a ballistic missile launcher. Sineva missiles.
Second upgrade
In 2014, the boat returned to Zvyozdochka again to undergo scheduled repairs and extend its service life. This time it took only three years to repair. There was a scandal: in December 2017, a plant spokesman said that the repair of the boat would be delayed due to lack of funding and the supply of defective equipment, but the problems were resolved, and the cruiser was sent to its place of service on time.
The role of the submarine in the modern fleet
According to the information for 2018, Project 667BDRM boats represent Russia's main naval nuclear force. Despite the fact that they have been in service since the mid-70s, it is too early to write off boats for a museum or scrap. They are constantly re-equipped and modernized at the plant in Severodvinsk, regularly re-equipped and repaired. All boats of this class are part of the 31st division of the Northern Fleet and are deployed in Yagelnaya Bay.
In 2012, the director of the Zvyozdochka plant announced plans for the technical restoration of Tula-class submarines and extending their service life by another 10 years. Soon they were all equipped with the Sineva combat missile system. Thanks to this, the boat service was extended until 2025-2030.
Despite full combat readiness and modern technical equipment, these submarines are gradually being replaced by more modern Borey-class.
Awards
In November 2008President of the Russian Federation D. A. Medvedev awarded the Order of Courage to the commander of "Tula" Stepan Kelbas. The award was presented after successful firing practice at maximum range from a submerged position.
Captain Sergei Zabolotny, commander of the Tula missile warhead, became a Commander of the Order of Military Merit
Several commanders of the submarine cruiser "Tula" have Ushakov's medals for various achievements in service.
