Name Amur class Preceded by Lada class Cost $450,000,000 | Operators Russian Navy Subclasses Amur-950, Amur-1650 | |
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Builders Rubin Design Bureau, Admiralty Shipyard, Saint Petersburg. | ||
The Amur-class submarine (named for the Amur River), is one of the latest Russian submarine designs. It is advertised as an export version of the Lada-class, a modernised version of the Kilo-class submarine with improved acoustic stealth, new combat systems, and an option for air-independent propulsion (AIP).
Contents
The new vessels are the fourth generation of the Kilo submarine family, with two models developed.
As advertised, the Amur-1650 is larger and intended for longer missions. The Amur-950 is armed with a VLS missile system capable of salvo-fire at multiple predesignated targets. Sonar signatures of these submarines are several times lower than the older Kilo-class submarines. Both designs are equipped with electronic warfare armament of the newer generation created on the basis of the latest science and technology. They can be outfitted with AIP fuel cells, considerably improving submerged endurance and range. AIP capability can be added in a hull extension plug either during new build construction, or as a refit to existing boats.
The builder claims these vessels can operate in all areas of the world except areas with solid ice cover, in all weather conditions, and in shallow and deep water.
Construction
Rubin Central Design Bureau's chief designer for the Amur-1650 and -950 is Yuri Kormilitsyn. As the further development of ideas already implemented in Kilo-class submarines, Amur-class boats are single-hulled, with minimal displacement, allowing for reduced noise signature and improved propulsion quality. A totally new main electric engine using permanent magnets is in development/construction and projected to give high energy conversion efficiency even at low cruise speeds.
Current operators
No boats of this class have been built yet. Russia has offered the sub for sale to India, but in 2005, India ordered Scorpène-class submarines instead. On 4 July 2013, Rosoboronexport announced they will offer the Amur 1650 to the Moroccan Navy if they announce a tender for new submarines. Russia also allegedly has an arms contract to supply the Syrian Arab Navy with 2 boats of this class.