Ballistic missile submarine

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Type 094
Arihant class
Borei class
Ohio class
Triomphant class
Vanguard class

A ballistic missile submarine is a

first strike and a key element of the mutual assured destruction
policy of nuclear deterrence. The deployment of ballistic missile submarines is dominated by the United States and Russia (following the collapse of the Soviet Union). Smaller numbers are in service with France, the United Kingdom, China and India; North Korea is also suspected to have an experimental submarine that is diesel-electric powered.[1][2]

Ballistic missile submarines should be distinguished from so-called nuclear submarines, which does not refer to a submarine carrying nuclear weapons, but instead refers to submarines with a nuclear propulsion engine.

History

The first sea-based missile deterrent forces were a small number of conventionally powered

Regulus I missile and the Soviet P-5 Pyatyorka (also known by its NATO reporting name SS-N-3 Shaddock), both land attack cruise missiles that could be launched from surfaced submarines. Although these forces served until 1964 and (on the Soviet side) were augmented by the nuclear-powered Project 659 (Echo I class) cruise-missile submarines, they were rapidly eclipsed by SLBMs carried by nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines beginning in 1960.[3]

Ballistic missile submarine origins

strategic deterrence
asset fielded by any navy.

Imperial Japanese Navy I-400-class submarines are considered the strategic predecessors to today's ballistic submarines, especially to the Regulus missile program, which began about a decade after World War II.[4]

During World War II, German researchers developed the A4 (V2), the first ballistic missile. Toward the end of the war, a V2 version was developed at the Peenemünde Army Research Station to be towed in a launch container behind a submarine. Each submarine was to tow up to three of these 36-meter containers, manned by ten soldiers, through the North Sea. Off England, the container would have been brought to the surface and the missiles fired. Prototypes were already being tested on the Baltic coast before the project had to be abandoned in 1945 with the evacuation of Peenemünde. Three containers were already under construction at that time. The commander of the Army Experimental Station, Walter Dornberger, described the project as "not unpromising".[5]

The first nation to field ballistic missile submarines was the Soviet Union, whose first experimental vessel was a converted

Scud) on 16 September 1955.[6]

Five additional Project V611 and AV611 (Zulu V class) boats became the world's first operational ballistic submarines with two R-11FM missiles each, entering service in 1956–57.[7] They were followed by a series of 23 specifically designed Project 629 (Golf class) boats, completed 1958–1962, with three vertical launch tubes incorporated in the sail/fin of each submarine.[8] The initial R-13 (SS-N-4) ballistic missiles could only be launched with the submarine on the surface and the missile raised to the top of the launch tube, but were followed by R-21 (SS-N-5) missiles beginning in 1963, which were launched with the submarine submerged.

SSBN Deterrent Patrol insignia, in silver and gold, awarded by the US Navy to sailors who completed at least one SSBN patrol.

The world's first operational nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine was

Polaris A-1
missiles, which entered service in December 1959 and conducted the first SSBN deterrent patrol November 1960 – January 1961. [9] (The United States Navy's hull classification symbols for nuclear ballistic missile submarines are SSBN – the SS denotes submarine, the B denotes ballistic missile, and the N denotes that the submarine is nuclear powered.[10]) The Polaris missile and the first US SSBNs were developed by a Special Project office under Rear Admiral W. F. "Red" Raborn, appointed by Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Arleigh Burke. George Washington was redesigned and rebuilt early in construction from a Skipjack-class fast attack submarine, USS Scorpion, with a 130 ft (40 m) missile compartment welded into the middle. Nuclear power was a crucial advance, allowing a ballistic missile submarine to remain undetected at sea by remaining submerged or occasionally at periscope depth (50 to 55 ft (15 to 17 m)) for an entire patrol.

A significant difference between US and Soviet SLBMs was the fuel type; all US SLBMs have been solid fueled while all Soviet SLBMs before 1980 were liquid fueled. The USSR and subsequently Russia deployed three different SLBM types with solid fuel (R-31 in 1980, R-39 Rif in 1983, and RSM-56 Bulava in 2018). However, these did not replace liquid-fueled SLBMs in service, and new liquid-fueled SLBMs were developed and introduced (R-29RM introduced in 1986, R-29RMU introduced in 2007) after deployment of the R-31 and R-39.

With more missiles on one US SSBN than on five Golf-class boats, the Soviets rapidly fell behind in sea-based deterrent capability. The Soviets were only a year behind the US with their first nuclear powered ballistic missile boat, the ill-fated K-19 of Project 658 (Hotel class), commissioned in November 1960. However, this class carried the same three-missile armament as the Golfs. The first Soviet nuclear submarine with 16 missiles was the Project 667A (Yankee class), the first of which entered service in 1967, by which time the US had already commissioned 41 SSBNs, nicknamed the "41 for Freedom".[11][12]

The United Kingdom's first nuclear ballistic missile submarine was the

Cape Kennedy
in February 1968. Resolution commenced her first operational patrol in June 1968.

Deployment and further development

The short range of the early SLBMs dictated basing and deployment locations. By the late 1960s the UGM-27 Polaris A-3 missile was deployed on all US and UK ballistic missile submarines. Its range of 4,600 kilometres (2,500 nmi) was a great improvement on the 1,900-kilometre (1,000 nmi) range of Polaris A-1. The A-3 also had three warheads that landed in a pattern around a single target.[13][14] The Yankee class was initially equipped with the R-27 Zyb (SS-N-6) missile with a range of 2,400 kilometres (1,300 nmi).

The US was much more fortunate in its basing arrangements than the Soviets. Thanks to

Continental United States
(CONUS) at risk.

That resulted in only a small percentage of the Soviet force occupying patrol areas at any time and was a great motivation for longer-range Soviet SLBMs, which would allow them to patrol close to their bases in areas sometimes referred to as "deep bastions". The missiles were the

MIRV), multiple warheads that could each hit a different target.[15]

The Delta I class had 12 missiles each; the others have 16 missiles each. All Deltas have a tall superstructure (aka casing) to accommodate their large liquid-fueled missiles.

Poseidon and Trident I

Although the US did not commission any new SSBNs from 1967 through 1981, they did introduce two new SLBMs. Thirty-one of the 41 original US SSBNs were built with larger diameter launch tubes with future missiles in mind. In the early 1970s the

Naval Submarine Base King's Bay in Georgia
was built for the Trident I-equipped force.

Trident and Typhoon submarines

USS Alabama, an Ohio-class (aka Trident) submarine.

Both the United States and the Soviet Union commissioned larger submarines designed for new missiles in 1981. The American large SSBN was the

cruise missile submarines (SSGN) in the 2000s to comply with START I
treaty requirements.

A Project 941 (Typhoon-class) nuclear ballistic missile submarine.

The Soviet large nuclear ballistic missile submarine was the Project 941 Akula, more famously known as the Typhoon class (and not to be confused with the Project 971 Shchuka attack submarine, called "Akula" by NATO). The Typhoons were the largest submarines ever built, at 48,000 tons submerged (more than 2½ times the displacement of the Ohio-class). They were armed with 20 of the new R-39 Rif (SS-N-20) missiles. Six Typhoons were commissioned 1981–1989.[26]

The United Kingdom commissioned the 15,600-ton Vanguard-class submarine in 1985, to carry up to 16 Trident II missiles.

Post-Cold War

With the

collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War in 1991, construction of new nuclear submarines by Russia was put on hold for over ten years and was slowed in the United States. Additionally the US rapidly decommissioned its 31 older remaining SSBNs, with a few converted to other roles, and the base at Holy Loch in Scotland was disestablished. Most of the former Soviet nuclear submarine force was gradually scrapped under the provisions of the Nunn–Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction agreement through 2012.[27]

The Russian ballistic missile submarine force then stood at six Delta IVs, three Delta IIIs, and a lone Typhoon used as a testbed for new missiles (the R-39s unique to the Typhoons were reportedly scrapped in 2012). Upgraded missiles such as the R-29RMU Sineva (SS-N-23 Sineva) were developed for the Deltas. In 2013 the Russians commissioned the first Borei-class submarine, also called the Dolgorukiy class after the lead vessel. By 2015 two others had entered service. This class is intended to replace the aging Deltas, and carries 16 solid-fuel RSM-56 Bulava missiles, with a reported range of 10,000 kilometres (5,400 nmi) and six MIRV warheads. The US Columbia-class submarine is set to replace the Ohio-class, with construction beginning in 2020.

In 2009, India launched the first of its indigenously built Arihant-class submarines.[28] North Korea test-fired ballistic missiles from submarines in 2021[29] and 2022.[2]

Purpose

Further information:
Cruise missile submarine

Ballistic missile submarines differ in purpose from attack submarines and cruise missile submarines. Attack submarines specialize in combat with other vessels (including enemy submarines and merchant shipping), and cruise missile submarines are designed to attack large warships and tactical targets on land. However, the primary mission of the ballistic missile boat is nuclear deterrence. They serve as the third leg of the nuclear triad in countries that also operate nuclear-armed land based missiles and aircraft. Accordingly, the mission profile of a ballistic missile submarine concentrates on remaining undetected, rather than aggressively pursuing other vessels.[citation needed]

Ballistic missile submarines are designed for

first strike capability.[citation needed
]

Armament

Main article: Submarine-launched ballistic missile
USS Sam Rayburn showing the hatches for the UGM-27 Polaris missiles

In most cases, nuclear ballistic missile submarines generally resemble attack subs of the same generation, with extra length to accommodate SLBMs, such as the Russian

Trident-II missiles. Some early models had to surface to launch their missiles, but modern vessels typically launch while submerged at keel depths of usually less than 50 metres (160 ft). Missiles are launched upwards with an initial velocity sufficient for them to pop above the surface, at which point their rocket motors fire, beginning the characteristic parabolic climb-from-launch of a ballistic missile. Compressed air ejection, later replaced by gas-steam ejection, was developed by Captain Harry Jackson of Rear Admiral Raborn's Special Project Office when a proposed missile elevator proved too complex.[30] Jackson also derived the armament of 16 missiles used in many SSBNs for the George Washington class in 1957, based on a compromise between firepower and hull integrity.[31]

Terminology

United States and United Kingdom

In the US Navy, SSBNs are sometimes called Fleet Ballistic Missile submarines, or FBMs. In US naval slang, ballistic missile submarines are called boomers. In the UK, they are known as bombers.[32] In both cases, SSBN submarines operate on a two-crew concept, with two complete crews – including two captains – called Gold and Blue in the United States, Starboard and Port in the United Kingdom. The designation SSBN is also used throughout NATO under STANAG 1166.[33]

France

The French Navy commissioned its first ballistic missile submarines as SNLE, for Sous-marin Nucléaire Lanceur d'Engins (lit. "nuclear-powered device-launching submarines"). The term applies both to ballistic missile submarines in general (for instance "British SNLE" occurs [34]) and, more technically, as a specific classification of the Redoutable class. Its successor, the Triomphant class, is referred to as SNLE-NG (Nouvelle Génération, "New Generation"). The two crews used to maximise the availability time of the boats are called "bleu", (blue) and "rouge", (red) crews.

Soviet Union and Russian Federation

The Soviets called this type of ship RPKSN[35] (lit. "Strategic Purpose Underwater Missile Cruiser"). This designation was applied to the Typhoon class. Another designation used was PLARB(«ПЛАРБ» – подводная лодка атомная с баллистическими ракетами, which translates as "Nuclear Submarine with Ballistic Missiles"). This designation was applied to smaller submarines such as the Delta class. After a peak in 1984 (following Able Archer 83), Russian PLARB deterrence patrols have declined to the point where there is less than one patrol per sub each year and at best one sub on patrol at any time. Hence the Russians do not use multiple crews per boat.[36]

India

India classifies this type of a submarine as a Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarine.[37]

Active classes

Map showing submarine operators (green) and ballistic missile submarine operators (orange).

Classes under development

Retired classes

France France
Soviet Union/Russia Soviet Union / Russia
United Kingdom United Kingdom
United States United States
These five classes are collectively referred to as "41 for Freedom".

Accidents

Main article: HMS Vanguard and Le Triomphant submarine collision

On 4 February 2009, the British

Faslane in Scotland, under her own power,[56] and Triomphant to Île Longue
in Brittany.

See also

References

Citations

  1. ^ James Kraska, Raul A. Pedrozo (2022). Disruptive Technology and the Law of Naval Warfare. Oxford University Press. p. 139.
  2. ^ a b "North Korea fires likely submarine-launched ballistic missile, South Korea says". Reuters. 7 May 2022.
  3. ^ Gardiner & Chumbley 1995, pp. 352–353, 549, 553–554.
  4. ^ Zimmer, Phil (5 January 2017), "Japan's Underwater Aircraft Carriers", warfarehistorynetwork.com, archived from the original on 4 September 2019, retrieved 2 March 2018
  5. ^ Polmar, 2003, S. 103 f.
  6. ^ Wade, Mark. "R-11". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Archived from the original on 9 March 2002. Retrieved 23 April 2011.
  7. ^ "Large submarines – Project 611". Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  8. ^ "Ballistic missile submarines – Project 629". Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  9. YouTube
  10. ^ "SECNAVINST 5030.8" (PDF). United States Navy. 21 November 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 July 2014. Retrieved 10 September 2008.
  11. ^ Gardiner & Chumbley 1995, p. 403.
  12. ^ "Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines – Project 667A". Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  13. ^ Friedman 1994, pp. 199–200.
  14. ^ Polmar 1981, pp. 131–133.
  15. ^ a b Gardiner & Chumbley 1995, pp. 355–357.
  16. ^ "Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines – Project 667B". Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  17. ^ "Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines – Project 667BD". Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  18. ^ "Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines – Project 667BDR". Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  19. ^ "Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines – Project 667BDRM". Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  20. ^ Friedman, p. 201
  21. ^ Gardiner & Chumbley 1995, p. 553.
  22. ^ Friedman 1994, p. 206.
  23. ^ Friedman 1994, pp. 206–207.
  24. ^ Gardiner & Chumbley 1995, p. 554.
  25. ^ Gardiner & Chumbley 1995, p. 613.
  26. ^ "Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines – Project 941". Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  27. ^ "Verifying". Archived from the original on 5 September 2015. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  28. ^ "India's nuclear submarine dream, still miles to go". Reuters. 31 July 2009. Archived from the original on 1 August 2009. Retrieved 24 January 2011.
  29. ^ "N.Korea confirms submarine launch of new ballistic missile".
  30. ^ Friedman 1994, p. 194.
  31. ^ Friedman 1994, pp. 195–196.
  32. ^ "Submarine Service – Royal Navy". Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  33. ^ "NATO glossary of abbreviations used in NATO documents and publications (AAP-11)" (PDF). NATO. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
  34. ^ "SNLE-NG Le Triomphant". netmarine.net. Archived from the original on 21 May 2014. Retrieved 19 October 2014.
  35. ^ РПКСН Ракетный подводный крейсер стратегического назначения (Raketny Podvodnyy Kreiser Strategicheskogo Naznacheniya)
  36. ^ "Russian SSBN Fleet: Modernizing But Not Sailing Much". Federation of American Scientists. 3 May 2013. Archived from the original on 17 December 2013. Retrieved 19 October 2014.
  37. ^ "INS Arihant completes India's nuclear triad, PM Modi felicitates crew". The Economic Times. 6 November 2018. Retrieved 15 September 2019.
  38. ^ "Does China have an effective sea-based nuclear deterrent?". ChinaPowerCSIS. 28 December 2015.
  39. ^ "Janes | Latest defence and security news".
  40. ^ "China Now Has Six Type 094A Jin-Class Nuclear Powered Missile Submarines". 6 May 2020.
  41. ^ "India's Undersea Deterrent". The Diplomat. Retrieved 13 May 2016.
  42. ^ "The nuclear submarines "Alexander III" and "Krasnoyarsk" were handed over to the Navy". 30 November 2023.
  43. ^ "Économie de la mer. SNLE 3G : la mise en chantier prévue pour 2023". ouest-france.fr. 26 October 2018. Retrieved 23 June 2019.
  44. ^ Rajagopalan, Rajeswari Pillai. "India Launches 3rd Arihant Submarine | ORF". ORF. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
  45. ^ "From India Today magazine: A peek into India's top secret and costliest defence project, nuclear submarines". India Today. Archived from the original on 15 April 2021. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
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  47. ^ Roblin, Sebastien (27 January 2019). "India is Building a Deadly Force of Nuclear-Missile Submarines". The National Interest. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
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  55. ^ Williams, Rachel (16 February 2009). "Nuclear submarines collide in Atlantic". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 16 February 2009.
  56. ^ "Nuclear subs collide in Atlantic". BBC News. 16 February 2009. Retrieved 4 May 2010.

Sources

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