According to information published by Tass on June 1, 2021, the Knyaz Oleg Borey-A-class SSBN of project 955A began its first test sortie on May 30, a defense industry source told.
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Borei-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine Knyaz Oleg (Picture source: Oleg Kuleshov)
“The Knyaz Oleg sailed to the White Sea late on May 30,” the source said. Sevmash Shipyard, which builds the SSBN, refused comment.
It was initially planned that the Knyaz Oleg would join the fleet on the Navy Day on July 25. However, the source said it is unlikely, as the submerged submarine has yet to test fire Bulava ICBM from the Barents Sea at Kura range in Kamchatka.
The Russian Navy operates four SSBN of projects 955 and 955A. Besides the Knyaz Oleg, Sevmash is building another three SSBN. Each submarine carries 16 Bulava ICBM. Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov earlier said the Knyaz Oleg would join the Navy by the end of 2021.
Knyaz Oleg is a Borei-class (Project 955A) nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine developed by the Rubin Design Bureau and constructed by the Sevmash for the Russian Navy. The submarine is named after Oleg of Novgorod.
It was officially launched from its shipyard on 16 July 2020 and she was reported on sea trials as of April 2021.
The Borei class, Russian designation Project 955 Borei and Project 955A Borei-A are series of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines being constructed by Sevmash for the Russian Navy. The Borei submarine is approximately 170 meters (560 ft) long, 13 meters (43 ft) in diameter, and have a maximum submerged speed of at least 46 kilometers per hour (25 kn; 29 mph).
Borei-A submarine is equipped with improved communication and detection systems, improved acoustic signature and has major structural changes such as addition of all moving rudders and vertical endplates to the hydroplanes for higher maneuverability, and a different sail geometry. This submarine is also equipped with hydraulic jets and improved screws that allows them to sail at nearly 30 knots while submerged with minimal noise. According to Russian report, the Borei-A is able to carry 20 Bulava SLBM and is armed with 16 SLBMs with 6-10 nuclear warheads atop each, just like the Borei submarines.
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