(Franco Iacch)
31/03/16

Moscow would have diverted capital and resources to complete the design of the new submarines of Husky class. According to the United Shipbuilding Corporation, the construction of the first new generation boat will start by 2019.

The specifications of the Husky class are still covered by military secret, although it emerged a few details. Will support the class of attack submarines "Yasen", although they will be built in more numbers than the Project 885m. The Husky will be made in two versions, both based on the same hull. The main difference will be determined by the principal weapon system transported. Husky-A will replace the Akula class (photo), Sierra and Victor III. Husky-B, SSGN variation, will replace the Antey class (949A project). The SSGN variant could be the first in the world equipped, as standard, with hypersonic Zircon cruise missiles. The Husky class will be much smaller, it is about a displacement of 6000 tons, and less expensive than the Yasen class.

According to rumors, the Huskies could implement some degree of automation, some of witch systems were already tested in the project 705 Lira class. Moscow might be able to optimize the liquid metal reactor technology (the class Lira used lead-bismuth technology to cool the reactors). If so, the designers would be able to overcome the typical problems that burdens such a system. Specifically, a liquid-metal reactor generates more energy and is much more compact than the pressurized water one. However, the liquid metal imposes a constant optimal temperature and external support structures for the removal of the oxides.

The Huskies could introduce the massive use of composite materials, already tested in the Yasen class in an attempt to drastically reduce their acoustic signatures. Even in this case, we have only rumors. We know that Moscow continues to invest huge resources to test new multi-layer composite materials, that can reduce the acoustic signature, isolate vibrations and/or absorb them. The Russians are convinced of being able to use the new composite materials to make every part of Husky, including hulls.

The first sea trials with the new composite material will take place by 2018.

(Photo MoD Fed. Russian)

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IZAKOVIC