Soviet Cold War Attack Submarines: Nuclear Classes from November to Akula(287 New Vanguard)

A fascinating illustrated history of the nuclear-powered attack submarines built and operated by the Soviet Union in the Cold War, including each class as they developed throughout the Cold War period. The November class, which were the Soviet Union's first nuclear submarines, had originally been designed to fire a single enormous nuclear-tipped torpedo but were eventually completed as boats firing standard torpedoes. The Alfa class were perhaps the most remarkable submarines of the Cold War: titanium-hulled (which was light and strong but extremely expensive and difficult to weld successfully), crewed with only thirty men due to considerable automation and 30% faster than any US submarines, they used a radical liquid lead-bismuth alloy in the reactor plant. The Victor class formed the backbone of the Soviet nuclear submarine fleet in the 1970s and 1980s, as hunter-killer submarines began to focus on tracking and potentially destroying NATO ballistic missile submarines. The Sierra classes were further titanium-hulled submarines and the single Mike-class submarine was an experimental type containing a number of innovations. Finally, the Akula class were being constructed as the Cold War ended, and these boats form the mainstay of the Russian nuclear attack submarine fleet today. This book explores the design, development, and deployment of each of these classes in detail, offering an unparalleled insight into the submarines which served the Soviet Union throughout the Cold War period. The text is supported by stunning illustrations, photographs and diagrams of the submarines.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Weapons Systems and Sensors November Class (Projects 627, 627A and 645) Victor Class (Projects 671, 671RT, 671RTM, 671RTMK) Alfa Class (Project 705) Mike Class (Project 685) Sierra I and II Classes (Projects 945/945A) Akula Class (Project 971) Operational Service Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Edward Hampshire is a historian at the Naval Historical Branch of the Ministry of Defence. He has lectured at the Joint Services Command and Staff College and the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst and worked for over ten years at the United Kingdom National Archives. His publications include From East of Suez to Eastern Atlantic, British Naval Policy 1964-70 and (co-authored) British Intelligence: Secrets, Spies and Sources. Adam Tooby is an internationally renowned digital artist and illustrator. He is based in Cheshire, UK. To buy artwork, or contact the artist, visit www.adamtooby.com.