OVERVIEW: The PLA-671 Victor I [Yorsh] is a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) of the Victor I class, commissioned into the Russian Navy in 1992.

DETAILS: The Victor I class, designated Project 671 by the Soviet Union and known by the NATO reporting name "Victor I," represented a significant advancement in Soviet submarine design. Developed in the late 1960s and entering service in the early 1970s, the Victor I aimed to counter the growing threat posed by advanced Western submarines, particularly those of the United States Navy. The design emphasized speed, deep diving capability, and enhanced acoustic performance compared to earlier Soviet submarine classes. The class was a crucial step in the Soviet Union's pursuit of naval parity with the West during the Cold War, incorporating advanced sonar technology and a streamlined hull design intended to improve underwater maneuverability. The PLA-671, commissioned in 1992, represents one of the later units, potentially incorporating minor upgrades accumulated during the production run.

The primary role of the Victor I class was anti-submarine warfare (ASW), designed to hunt and eliminate enemy submarines, particularly ballistic missile submarines. Secondary roles included anti-surface warfare (ASuW) targeting enemy surface combatants and limited area denial operations. The vessel's sensor suite is optimized for ASW. The "Shark Teeth" [MGK-300 Rubin] sonar complex provides long-range detection and tracking of underwater targets, augmented by the "Shark Sail" variant located in the sail. "Mine Avoidance" [MG-509 Radian-1] assists in navigating minefields and other underwater obstacles. The "Park Lamp" system likely functions as a passive ranging and intercept system, increasing situational awareness. The “Brick Pulp [MRP-21 Zaliv-P]” EW suite would provide early warning and analysis of enemy radar emissions.

The PLA-671's combat capability is based on its torpedo armament. The two 533mm torpedo tubes can launch a variety of torpedoes and potentially anti-ship missiles. The installation of the SA-N-8 Gremlin [9K34 Strela-3] mast launcher provides a limited self-defense anti-air warfare (AAW) capability against maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters. The "Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad]" fire control radar system likely provides targeting data for surface launched anti-ship missiles if capable. The presence of a signal ejector indicates the capability to deploy communications buoys and countermeasures. The two generic submarine periscopes, one optical and the other incorporating low-light television (LLTV), provide visual and electronic situational awareness at periscope depth.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 92.5 m || Beam: 11.7 m || Draft: 7.4 m || Disp: 4100 t

SENSORS: Shark Teeth [MGK-300 Rubin] || Park Lamp || Brick Pulp [MRP-21 Zaliv-P] || Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad] || Shark Sail [MGK-300 Rubin] || Mine Avoidance [MG-509 Radian-1] || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

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