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Nuclear submarine needs more testing

Vladimir Putin inspected the nuclear powered submarine "Aleksandr Nevsky" in Severodvinsk in November 2011. Photo: Prime Minister's Office

Russia’s newest fourth generation Borey-class submarine “Aleksandr Nevsky” needs extra repairs and will be delivered to the navy by the end of 2012 or early in 2013, nearly half a year later than planned.

Location

The submarine is currently in dock at the Sevmash shipyard to repairs flaws that were discovered during sea trials last autumn, web site Korabel.ru writes. 

After the sub’s first sea trials in October a source in the Russian Navy said that “Aleksand Nevsky” had so many flaws that the crew was afraid to sail it. The Borey-class subs are the first to be equipped with a digital operation control system.

When the repairs are done, the submarine will continue sea trials all through the summer and then get ready to launch its first Bulava ballistic missile. This will take place in October-November, if everything goes as planned. If the launches are successful, the submarine should be ready to be handed over to the Navy late 2012 or early 2013.

The Borey-class is the first strategic nuclear powered submarines to be commissioned to the Russian Navy since the early 90’ies. The first submarine of the class, “Yury Dolgoruky”, is planned to be handed over to the navy in June.