OVERVIEW: The PLA-671RTMK Victor III [Shchuka] is a Soviet-era nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare.

DETAILS: The Project 671RTMK Shchuka (Pike), known in the West as the Victor III class, represented a significant evolution in Soviet submarine design. Developed in the late 1970s and early 1980s, it aimed to address the growing threat posed by quieter Western submarines, particularly the American Los Angeles class. The Victor III benefited from lessons learned from previous Soviet submarine designs, integrating improved acoustic damping measures to reduce its own noise signature. One of the most distinctive features of the class was the "shark gill," a pod located atop the rudder that housed the towed sonar array. The design emphasized speed, diving depth, and advanced sensor capabilities, making it a formidable adversary in the underwater environment. The Soviet Union commissioned these vessels extensively during the latter stages of the Cold War to counter the perceived threat from Western submarine forces.

The primary role of the Victor III was anti-submarine warfare (ASW), focusing on the detection and engagement of enemy submarines, particularly ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and hunter-killer submarines (SSNs). They were also capable of anti-surface warfare (ASuW), posing a threat to surface combatants. While not primarily designed for anti-aircraft warfare (AAW), the integration of the SA-N-8 Gremlin missile system offered a limited self-defense capability against aerial threats. Victor IIIs typically operated in the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, conducting patrols and participating in exercises designed to simulate wartime scenarios. The placement of the SA-N-8 implies a threat assessment that included potential air attacks on surfacing submarines.

The vessel's sensor suite provided comprehensive situational awareness. The Shark Gill [MGK-500 Skat-1] sonar system was critical for detecting and tracking submarines, while the Shark Tail [MG-541 Skat-1] towed array sonar further enhanced long-range detection capabilities. The Park Lamp electronic support measures (ESM) system allowed for the detection and identification of radar emissions from enemy ships and aircraft. Brick Pulp [MRP-21 Zaliv-P] provided updated radar capability. The installation of Generic Acoustic Intercept, Mouse Roar [MG-519 Arfa-M] and Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad] provided comprehensive signals intelligence capability, allowing the submarine to passively monitor communications and potentially intercept targeting data. The availability of both optical and LLTV (Low Light Television) periscopes improved situational awareness while surfaced or at periscope depth, supporting surveillance and targeting activities. The combination of 533mm and 650mm torpedo tubes provided a diverse armament capable of engaging a wide range of targets, while the signal ejector aided in communication and deception.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 107.2 m || Beam: 10.8 m || Draft: 7.2 m || Disp: 5000 t

SENSORS: Shark Tail [MG-541 Skat-1] || Shark Gill [MGK-500 Skat-1] || Park Lamp || Brick Pulp [MRP-21 Zaliv-P] || Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad] || Generic Acoustic Intercept || Mouse Roar [MG-519 Arfa-M] || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

ARMAMENT: SA-N-8 Gremlin [9K34 Strela-3] Mast Launcher || 533mm TT || 533mm TT || 650mm TT || Signal Ejector