OVERVIEW: The PLA-671RT Victor II [Syomga] is a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) of the Soviet Navy, representing a significant advancement in Soviet submarine technology during the Cold War.

DETAILS: The Project 671RT "Syomga" (NATO reporting name Victor II) was conceived as a direct follow-on to the Project 671 "Victor I" class, addressing perceived shortcomings in acoustic performance and providing enhanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. Development was initiated in the late 1960s, with the lead unit commissioned in 1974. The design incorporated significant noise reduction measures compared to its predecessor, including improved hull streamlining, vibration isolation of machinery, and a redesigned propeller. The Victor II retained the teardrop hull form characteristic of Soviet nuclear submarines of the era, optimized for high submerged speed and maneuverability. The program was driven by the need to counter increasingly sophisticated Western submarines, particularly the US Navy's improved Los Angeles-class SSNs. The Victor II was built at the Admiralty Shipyard in Leningrad. The Syomga's emergence represented a qualitative improvement in Soviet submarine technology, closing the gap with Western designs and posing a significant threat to NATO naval forces.

The primary role of the Victor II was ASW, with a secondary capability for anti-surface warfare (ASuW). Its enhanced acoustic signature reduction allowed it to operate more effectively in contested environments, hunting NATO submarines and surface combatants. The SA-N-8 Gremlin mast launcher provided a limited self-defense capability against aircraft. The submarine's operational doctrine focused on forward deployment to the North Atlantic, where it could intercept and engage enemy submarines transiting to and from their patrol areas. They also served as escorts for Soviet ballistic missile submarines.

The PLA-671RT's sensor suite was comprehensive for its time. The Shark Teeth [MGK-300 Rubin] sonar suite, with both hull-mounted and Shark Sail variants, provided a broad range of acoustic detection capabilities. The Park Lamp electronic warfare support measures (ESM) system offered early warning of radar emissions from enemy ships and aircraft. Brick Pulp [MRP-21 Zaliv-P] provided further electronic intelligence gathering. The Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad] system was a radio direction finding (RDF) array for locating enemy communications. The Mine Avoidance [MG-509 Radian-1] sonar was critical for safe navigation in mined areas. Armament consisted of a mix of 533mm and 650mm torpedo tubes, allowing for the employment of a variety of anti-submarine and anti-ship torpedoes. The availability of multiple tube sizes increased tactical flexibility, enabling the use of both standard-diameter and larger, more powerful torpedoes. The inclusion of a Signal Ejector allowed for underwater communication without revealing the submarine's position.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 101.8 m || Beam: 10.8 m || Draft: 7.3 m || Disp: 4700 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: Signal Ejector || SA-N-8 Gremlin [9K34 Strela-3] Mast Launcher || 533mm TT || 533mm TT || 650mm TT