The Yankee class is the NATO code for a type of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine that was originally commissioned by the Soviet Union around 1968. 34 units were produced under the Soviet designation Project 667A "Navaga" (named after the eponymous fish) and Project 667AU “Nalim” (barbot). 24 were built at Severodvinsk for the Northern Fleet and the remaining 10 at Komsomolsk-on-Amur for the Pacific Fleet. The lead ship of this class is the K-137 Leninets. This class is the first class of Soviet nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines to boast thermonuclear firepower comparable to the Polaris submarines of the United States Navy and Royal Navy.
Compared to the Hotel class, the Yankee class submarines turn out to be more stealthy in the ocean. They carry 16 R-27 Zyb ballistic missiles with a range of 1,500 nautical miles (2,778 km) to 2,500 nautical miles (4,630 km). In immersion, their maximum speed is 27 knots and 13 knots on the surface. They were withdrawn from Soviet Navy service at the end of the Cold War, due to their growing obsolescence and following negotiations on the limitation of strategic arms and the strategic arms reduction treaty. During their years of service, only K-219 was lost in 1986 in the North Atlantic due to an explosion and fire on board.
The different types
There are eight different versions of Yankee-class submarines (all retired from service):
Yankee I (Project 667A):this is the initial configuration, these nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines entered service for the first time in 1968; 34 will be built. These submarines carried 16 R-27 Zyb missiles (NATO code:SS-N-6), had 6 torpedo tubes and carried 18 Type 53 torpedoes. Soviets to take its ballistic missiles in its hull (not in its kiosk as was the case on buildings of previous classes).
Yankee II (Project 667AM "Navaga M"):this modified version of the Yankee I submarines will have only one building:the K-140 which will be converted to be able to carry 12 R-31 missiles (SS-N-17) , the Soviet Navy's first solid-propellant ballistic missiles. The existence of this single prototype will lead to the development of several theories as to the place and the unique role of the Yankee II in the Soviet arsenal which would have justified the maintenance of this single building as the sole weapon. One of these theories suggests that it was designed in order to be able to launch satellites into orbit in an emergency. Subsequently, it will be proposed that the SS-N-17 missiles have a retargeting capability allowing them to strike carrier battle groups.
Yankee Notch (Project 667AT “Groucha”):four Yankee I submarines will be transformed according to this configuration into nuclear attack submarines and put into service from 1983. This configuration is characterized by a “curved notch” (in English:notch waisted) in the middle of the hull, in place of the ballistic missile compartment, which can accommodate up to 40 RK-55 missiles (or additional torpedoes) and includes 8 x 533 mm torpedo tubes. The forward torpedo tubes are retained, with some reports suggesting these vessels were capable of firing Type 65 650mm torpedoes. The emphasis on the ability to carry additional SS-N-21 missiles suggests that these submarines had a tactical role, or that they were designed as part of the "second strike capability". This configuration takes into account the limitations imposed by the SALT agreements (which concerned ballistic missiles but not cruise missiles) and is typical of the Soviet unwillingness to completely discard any military equipment that might still have some use.
The modification includes a lengthening of the hull from 12 m to 141.5 m, with the underwater displacement increasing to 11,500 tons. While they were classified as SSN (attack submarines), these vessels could also be considered SSGNs by virtue of their large missile endowment.
Yankee Sidecar (Project 667M “ Andromeda”):this is again a modification that will only concern one submarine, the K-420, converted into a nuclear cruise missile launcher. This modification took place in 1983, the submarine was modified to carry 12 Kh-90 Meteorit (SS-NX-24) cruise missiles with nuclear warheads instead of ballistic missiles. The SS-NX-24 missiles were experimental cruise missiles, with a supersonic flight regime and two nuclear warheads. Designed as a tri-service strategic weapon, this submarine would have fulfilled a different role than the Oscar-class nuclear-powered tactical cruise missile submarines of the same era. In the end, the missile will not be adopted, and the K-420 becomes an unarmed weapon system. The displacement of the submarine was 13,650 tons underwater and its hull had been lengthened, even more than the Yankee Notch, at 153 m long, to accommodate the cruise missiles.
Yankee SSN:16 Yankee I class submarines will be converted to nuclear attack submarines (SSN). Some were not completely transformed, and although they could not carry ballistic missiles, they were called Yankee SSNX. These submarines retained only the forward torpedo tubes, the central missile compartment having been removed.
Yankee Pod (Project 09774 "Akson"):The Yankee Pod (also known as Yankee SSAN) is an adaptation of the K-403 Kazan submarine, which was used to test sonar equipment, with a structure in the shape of a lug mounted at the top of the rudder (as on the Victor-III class attack submarines). Other sensor systems had been integrated, especially on the sides of the kiosk.
Yankee Stretch (Project 09774):The conversion of K-411, to Yankee Stretch, to become a mothership for the Paltus-class midget submarines. The submarine measured 160 m after modification, which made it the longest of the Yankee class. Like the Yankee Pod, it lacked missiles. Its missions included, in all likelihood, a mix of oceanographic research, search and rescue missions, and underwater intelligence gathering.
Yankee Big Nose (project 09780 "Akson-2"):K-403 Kazan is again modified to test the stealth of 4th generation Russian submarines. An “Irtysh” sonar system with an “Amfora” spherical antenna is installed at the front of the submarine. The modification of the K-415 according to this configuration was started in 1987 but it was never completed due to the end of the Cold War and the lack of financial means.
Yankee Class
Project 667
Technical characteristics
Type Ballistic missile nuclear submarine
Length 132 m
Maître-bau 11.6 m
Draft 8 m
Displacement 7,700 t on the surface, 9,300 t underwater
Speed 13 knots (24 km/h) on the surface, 27 knots (50 km/h) submerged
Other characteristics
Crew 120 men
Served in Soviet Navy Russian Navy
Ships built 34
Lost Ships 1
Demolished ships 33