Game:

SubmarineS (2002)

Duration: 53:19

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The Soviet Sierra-class submarines are an incredible feat of engineering. Like most other Soviet submarines, they have double hull (two of the Sierra-class submarines are still in service). The thing is, they are made of titanium including the screws (propeller). This gives them a very deep maximum operating depth. So deep, the U.S. had to come out with a new deep-diving capable torpedo to be able to target them (today's Mk.48 heavyweight torpedoes of all variants). The idea behind the Sierra-class of submarines was to make a class of nuclear-powered attack submarines that were as fast and as deep-diving capable as the revolutionary Alfa class but with more endurance at sea as the Alfa class couldn't stay at sea more than weeks due to its small complement of all-officer crew that was enabled by high automation. Fatigue set in quickly when you have a small complement of crew. Thus, the Sierra-class submarines with a bigger crew, the same titanium-made hull, similar top speed, and deep maximum operating depth. This class and the Typhoon and Oscar classes of ballistic nuclear submarines comprise the pinnacle of Soviet nautical engineering. The double-hulled design and the titanium material made this class of submarines almost unsinkable. It would take MANY HITS from typical torpedoes fitted on warships and helicopters to sink these submarines (no less than six direct hits).

I don't know the acoustic performance of the class but two are still in service with modernization programs past and coming. Double-hulled submarines tend to be quieter than single-hulled submarines like the 688i Los Angeles class. The Seawolf has a double-hulled design which was a departure from typical American submarine building. The Virginia then returned to single-hulled design. The newest British nuclear-powered attack submarines, the Astute class also features double-hulled design. The Russian Kilo class of diesel-electric submarines which is world's largest nonnuclear-powered submarine class also incorporates double-hulled design which is unconventional for diesel-electric submarines. The Kilo is dubbed the "Black Hole" for its excellent acoustic performance. It was said to be nearly impossible to detect when running on its battery banks.

I took three hits from lightweight torpedoes and the Sierra incurred just light damage to its propulsion. The hull was still capable of deep diving.

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