OVERVIEW: The PLA-685 Mike [Plavnik] is a submarine, likely of Soviet origin given the sensor and armament designations, commissioned in 1987. This suggests a vessel potentially belonging to the Project 671RTM/RTMK (Victor III) class or a similar contemporary design.

DETAILS: The PLA-685 Mike [Plavnik], entering service in the late 1980s, reflects Soviet submarine development trends focused on enhancing acoustic stealth and improving anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. The 'Mike' likely represents a domestic designation, while 'Plavnik' (Fin) is the reporting name. This era saw the Soviet Navy fielding increasingly sophisticated submarines designed to counter advancements in Western submarine technology and surface ship ASW capabilities. The design philosophy centered on a combination of deep-diving capability, advanced sonar systems, and a potent torpedo armament to effectively engage enemy submarines and surface combatants. The placement of the vessel in service during the late Cold War indicates its likely deployment to strategic areas for surveillance and potential engagement of NATO naval forces.

The primary role of the PLA-685 Mike [Plavnik] would be anti-submarine warfare (ASW), tasked with hunting and neutralizing enemy submarines. Its secondary role would encompass anti-surface warfare (ASuW), posing a threat to enemy surface combatants, particularly aircraft carriers and their escorts. While unlikely designed for dedicated anti-air warfare (AAW), the submarine’s ability to engage surface targets could contribute to area denial. Deployed within Soviet naval formations, the submarine would likely have operated in conjunction with surface ships, maritime patrol aircraft, and satellite surveillance to establish a comprehensive ASW screen.

The suite of sensors and armament on board the PLA-685 Mike [Plavnik] supports its ASW and ASuW roles. The Shark Gill [MGK-500 Skat-Plavnik] sonar is the primary sensor, providing long-range detection and tracking of underwater targets. The Park Lamp and Brick Pulp [MRP-21 Zaliv-P] likely represent radar systems for surface search and electronic warfare support measures (ESM), respectively, enhancing situational awareness. Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad] likely contributes to the electronic intelligence (ELINT) gathering capabilities. Generic Acoustic Intercept, Mouse Roar [MG-519 Arfa-M], Generic Submarine Periscope (Optical and LLTV) provide supplementary sensor capabilities for target identification and attack assessment. The 533mm torpedo tubes are the primary offensive armament, capable of launching a variety of torpedoes against both submarine and surface targets. The Signal Ejector is likely used for communication and decoy deployment.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 117.5 m || Beam: 10.7 m || Draft: 9.0 m || Disp: 5750 t

SENSORS: Shark Gill [MGK-500 Skat-Plavnik] || 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: 533mm TT || 533mm TT || 533mm TT || Signal Ejector