OVERVIEW: The PLA-945A Sierra II [Kondor] is a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) of Soviet origin, representing a significant evolution in Soviet submarine design and technology.

DETAILS: The Project 945A "Kondor" (Sierra II) class submarines were developed in the 1980s as a successor to the Project 945 "Barrakuda" (Sierra I). The primary design driver was to improve upon the acoustic signature of earlier Soviet submarine designs and enhance overall combat effectiveness against increasingly sophisticated Western naval forces. Constructed from a titanium alloy hull, the Sierra II was designed for deep-diving capability and enhanced resistance to underwater explosions. The use of titanium, while expensive and difficult to work with, significantly reduced the submarine’s magnetic signature, making it more difficult to detect by magnetic anomaly detectors (MAD). The design also incorporated extensive internal noise reduction measures to achieve a quieter operating profile than previous generations of Soviet SSNs.

The Sierra II's primary roles are anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and intelligence gathering. Its advanced sensor suite enables the detection and tracking of enemy submarines and surface ships at long ranges. The Shark Rib [MGK-540 Skat-3] sonar suite, supplemented by the Shark Tail [MG-541 Skat-3] towed array and Shark Gill [MGK-540 Skat-3] flank arrays, provides a comprehensive picture of the underwater environment. The Mouse Roar [MG-519 Arfa-M] sonar intercepts enemy sonar transmissions, aiding in identifying and locating potential threats. The Snoop Pair [MRKP-58 Radian] radar is used for surface search and navigation. Optical and LLTV periscopes allow for visual observation of the surface, even in low-light conditions, while the SOKS (System of Observation of the Wake) monitors disturbances in the water to detect surface vessels.

The Sierra II’s offensive capabilities are centered around its torpedo armament. The 533mm torpedo tubes can launch a variety of torpedoes, including anti-submarine and anti-surface variants, as well as submarine-launched cruise missiles (SLCMs), allowing the Sierra II to engage a wide range of targets. The installation of the SA-N-8 Gremlin [9K34 Strela-3] mast launcher provides a limited self-defense anti-air capability against enemy aircraft and helicopters. The Signal Ejector likely serves as a countermeasure to sonar threats. The advanced combination of sensors and weapons systems makes the Sierra II a formidable adversary in the underwater domain.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 111.0 m || Beam: 14.2 m || Draft: 9.4 m || Disp: 7600 t

SENSORS: Shark Rib [MGK-540 Skat-3] || Rim Hat [Kremlin-2] || Shark Tail [MG-541 Skat-3] || Shark Gill [MGK-540 Skat-3] || Park Lamp || Snoop Pair [MRKP-58 Radian] || Generic Acoustic Intercept || Mouse Roar [MG-519 Arfa-M] || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV || SOKS

ARMAMENT: SA-N-8 Gremlin [9K34 Strela-3] Mast Launcher || 533mm TT || 533mm TT || 533mm TT || Signal Ejector