The Kilo class (NATO code) is a class of Soviet and then Russian submarines with diesel-electric propulsion. This class is often considered the quietest of existing diesel-electric submarines:“black holes in the ocean”. The first Kilo entered service in 1982.
There are two main types of Kilo class submarines, the project 877, the first model initially intended for the Soviet Navy but which was also exported (type 877EKM sub-version), and the project 636 Paltus. These can also carry 3M-54 Club cruise missiles, in their 636M version.
Thirty Kilo were built for the Soviet and then Russian Navy, 16 were in service in 2006 and 8 in reserve.
The Lada class (project 677) had been created to replace the Kilo, but the 3 boats laid down in 1997, 2005 and 2006 respectively and the first of which was launched in 2004 are still not in active service in 2012. has been decided not to extend this series.
According to 2012 forecasts, the Russian Navy is to receive another 6 Kilo (sub-project 636.3); 2 deliverables in 2013 and 2014 and 4 others planned for the Black Sea Fleet.
The Russian type 677 Lada project (and its export version type 1650 Amour) may in future be equipped with anaerobic propulsion from the Rubin design office, which also offers to modernize the Kilos with such propulsion.
User countries
The Kilo class enjoyed some export success, a total of 31 were built for several countries between 1986 and 2006 (plus 6 optional or under construction).
Besides Russia:India, Vietnam, Algeria, China, Iran, Romania, Poland..
Kilo class (877 EKM)
Sponsor Naval Ensign of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Navy
Launch 09/1980 for the 1st copy
Armed September 12, 1982 for the 1st copy
Status In service with several navies
Technical characteristics
Type Conventional Attack Submarine (SSK)
Length 73.8 m
Maître-bau 9.9 m
Draft 6.6 m
Displacement 2,325 t on the surface,
3,076 t underwater
Propulsion Diesel-electric, 240 electric batteries with a total mass of 800 kg a 5-blade propeller
Power 5,900 hp (4,335 kW)
Speed 20 knots (37 km/h) while diving,
12 knots (22 km/h) on the surface
Depth 300m
Military features
Range of action 6,000 miles at 7 knots on the surface; 400 miles at 3 knots diving; 45 days of battery life
Weapons system
Torpedo tubes 6 x 533 mm
Torpedoes 18
Other features
Electronics Snoop Tray radar, Shark Teeth and Mouse Roar sonars, a Brick Groop emissions detector
Crew 12 naval officers and 41 crew members
Shipyard Rubin Design Office