OVERVIEW: The PLA-945 Sierra I [Barrakuda] is a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) of Soviet origin.

DETAILS: The Project 945 Sierra I (NATO designation: Barrakuda) was developed in the 1970s and 1980s as a high-performance, deep-diving attack submarine intended to counter contemporary and projected Western submarines, particularly the U.S. Navy's Los Angeles and Seawolf classes. The design prioritized speed, maneuverability, and survivability. A key feature of the Sierra I was its double hull construction using titanium alloy, allowing for significantly greater operating depths and enhanced resistance to damage compared to steel-hulled submarines. This expensive construction method limited the number of Sierra I submarines built. The design was a product of the Malakhit Design Bureau.

The Sierra I’s primary role was anti-submarine warfare (ASW), with a secondary anti-surface warfare (ASuW) capability. Its sophisticated sensor suite and long-range torpedoes provided a potent threat to enemy surface combatants and submarines alike. The acoustic sensors, consisting of the Shark Gill [MGK-540 Skat-3] bow sonar and the Shark Tail [MG-541 Skat-3] towed array, offered long-range detection and tracking of underwater targets. The Mouse Roar [MG-519 Arfa-M] sonar intercept receiver provided the capability to detect and classify active sonar emissions from opposing vessels. The Snoop Pair [MRKP-58 Radian] radar allowed for surface search and navigation. The installation of the SA-N-8 Gremlin [9K34 Strela-3] missile launcher, mounted on a retractable mast, provided a limited self-defense capability against airborne threats.

The Sierra I class benefitted from a highly automated combat system, designated Rim Hat [Kremlin-2], which integrated sensor data, weapon control, and navigation functions. The suite of 533mm and 650mm torpedo tubes allowed for a variety of weapons configurations, including anti-submarine torpedoes, anti-ship torpedoes, and possibly even mines. The presence of a Signal Ejector suggests the capability for deploying decoys and other countermeasures to evade enemy detection or attacks. The combination of deep diving capability, advanced sensors, and powerful armament made the Sierra I a formidable undersea asset.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 107.0 m || Beam: 11.5 m || Draft: 9.0 m || Disp: 7200 t

SENSORS: 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 || 650mm TT || Signal Ejector