OVERVIEW: The PLARK-670 Charlie I [Skat] is a submarine of Soviet design, operated by the Russian Navy. Commissioned in 1992, the vessel represents a late iteration of a design focused on anti-surface warfare.

DETAILS:
The Charlie I designation, along with the NATO reporting name "Skat," indicates a lineage stemming from the Soviet Union's Cold War-era submarine programs. These submarines were conceived as dedicated hunter-killer platforms, specifically designed to target enemy surface combatants and carrier groups. The design philosophy prioritized submerged speed and offensive firepower, enabling them to covertly approach and engage high-value targets. While exact details of the "PLARK-670" modification are scarce, it likely represents a localized refit or upgrade package applied to the Charlie I class, enhancing specific sensor capabilities or weapon systems. Given its commission date of 1992, it likely incorporates incremental improvements to noise reduction and electronics compared to earlier examples of the class, although the core hull and propulsion system would remain fundamentally unchanged.

The primary role of the PLARK-670 Charlie I remains focused on anti-surface warfare (ASuW). While possessing limited anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, the submarine is primarily designed for offensive operations against enemy surface ships. The installation of the Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad] radar suite provides long-range surface detection and targeting, enabling the submarine to locate and track potential targets at significant distances. The Brick Pulp [MRP-21 Zaliv-P] sonar system further enhances its ability to detect and classify surface contacts. The vessel would also likely be utilized for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering in support of fleet operations, leveraging its inherent stealth and endurance.

The PLARK-670 Charlie I's operational effectiveness is heavily reliant on its sensor suite. The Shark Teeth [MKG-100 Kerch] and Shark Fin [MKG-100 Kerch] sonar systems provide comprehensive acoustic awareness, facilitating target detection and tracking in both active and passive modes. The addition of Mine Avoidance [MG-14 Arfa-G] sonar improves the vessel's safety when operating in constricted waters or areas with a high risk of mine warfare. The presence of a Generic Acoustic Intercept system enhances its electronic warfare capabilities, allowing it to monitor enemy communications and potentially identify their positions. The combination of 533mm torpedo tubes and SS-N-7 Starbright anti-ship missiles provides a potent offensive punch, enabling the submarine to engage targets at varying ranges. The Signal Ejector adds a means to communicate with other assets, or deploy countermeasures.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 95.0 m || Beam: 10.0 m || Draft: 8.0 m || Disp: 4000 t

SENSORS: Shark Teeth [MKG-100 Kerch] || Shark Fin [MKG-100 Kerch] || Park Lamp || Brick Pulp [MRP-21 Zaliv-P] || Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad] || Generic Acoustic Intercept || Mine Avoidance [MG-14 Arfa-G] || Generic Submarine Periscope || Optical

ARMAMENT: 533mm TT || 533mm TT || Signal Ejector || SS-N-7 Starbright