OVERVIEW: The PL-20120 [Sarov Class] is a Russian Navy experimental submarine, commissioned in 2009, designed for special operations and testing of advanced submarine technologies.

DETAILS: The Sarov class represents a significant departure from standard Russian submarine designs. Built at the Sevmash shipyard, its development was shrouded in secrecy, indicative of its role in supporting sensitive and experimental naval programs. Construction began in the late 1990s, leveraging elements from the Akula-class hull for its pressure hull and general configuration. The program's slow progress, culminating in its 2009 commissioning, suggests extensive modifications and technological integrations beyond a simple Akula derivative. It's believed the Sarov was specifically designed as a technology demonstrator for future submarine systems, including advanced propulsion, sensor suites, and potentially, new underwater weapons capabilities. The distinctive large insert in the hull implies a potential for hosting specialized equipment, research modules, or even unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).

The submarine's operational role is centered around special operations support, covert intelligence gathering, and technology evaluation. While its primary design is not focused on traditional combat roles such as Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), or Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), the vessel's sensor suite provides situational awareness for self-defense and tactical maneuvering. Its potential for deploying and recovering UUVs expands its operational envelope, enabling autonomous reconnaissance, seabed warfare, and the delivery of specialized payloads. The platform also likely serves as a testbed for silencing technologies, contributing to the next generation of quieter Russian submarines.

The Sarov's sensor array is tailored for detecting and classifying underwater contacts and conducting electronic warfare. The Shark Gill [MGK-400EM Rubikon] sonar suite provides a comprehensive acoustic picture, enabling detection and tracking of submarines and surface vessels. Supplementing this, the Mouse Roar [MG-519 Arfa] sonar system is utilized for identifying and classifying targets based on their acoustic signatures. The Quad Loop DF array allows for precise radio direction finding, while the Acoustic Intercept [MG-53] system provides electronic intelligence gathering capabilities by analyzing enemy sonar emissions. For surface operations, the Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad] radar is available for navigation and situational awareness. The installation of two periscopes, one optical and one LLTV equipped, enables visual surveillance and reconnaissance. The 600mm torpedo tube is likely configured for launching specialized payloads or UUVs, rather than standard torpedoes.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 98.5 m || Beam: 12.0 m || Draft: 7.0 m || Disp: 2400 t

SENSORS: Quad Loop DF || Squid Head [MRP-25] || Mouse Roar [MG-519 Arfa] || Shark Gill [MGK-400EM Rubikon] || Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad] || Acoustic Intercept [MG-53] || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

ARMAMENT: 600mm TT