Typhoon-class submarines feature multiple pressure hulls that simplify internal design while making the vessel much wider than a normal submarine. Technically, Typhoons were able to deploy their long-range nuclear missiles while moored at their docks. Their primary weapons system is composed of 20 R-39 (NATO: SS-N-20) ballistic missiles ( SLBM) with a maximum of 10 MIRV nuclear warheads each. A Typhoon-class submarine can stay submerged for periods up to 120 days in normal conditions, and potentially more if deemed necessary (e.g., in the case of a nuclear war). Besides their missile armament, the Typhoon class features six torpedo tubes all of which are designed to handle RPK-2 (SS-N-15) missiles or Type 53 torpedoes. Typhoon submarines are among the quietest Russian sea vessels in operation, being quieter and yet more maneuverable than their predecessors. With the announcement that Russia has eliminated the last SS-N-20 Sturgeon SLBMs in September 2012, the remaining Typhoons have reached the end of service. The Russian Navy canceled its Typhoon modernization program in March 2012, stating that modernizing one Typhoon would be as expensive as building two new Borei-class submarines. ![]() The source of the NATO reporting name remains unclear, although it is often claimed to be related to the use of the word "typhoon" ("тайфун") by Leonid Brezhnev in a 1974 speech while describing a new type of nuclear ballistic missile submarine. With a submerged displacement of 48,000 tons, the Typhoons are the largest class of submarine ever built, large enough to accommodate decent living facilities for the crew when submerged for months on end. ![]() ![]() The Project 941 or Akula, Russian "Акула" ("Shark") class submarine ( NATO reporting name: Typhoon) is a type of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine deployed by the Soviet Navy in the 1980s.
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