OVERVIEW: The PLA-705K Alfa [Lira] is a Soviet-era nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) of the Project 705K (NATO reporting name: Alfa) class.

DETAILS: The Project 705 Alfa-class submarine was a radical departure from traditional Soviet submarine design. Driven by a need for high speed and deep diving capabilities to counter advanced Western submarines and carrier groups, the design focused on automation and a highly streamlined titanium hull. The 'K' designation indicates a modified variant of the original Project 705 design, incorporating improvements based on operational experience and technological advancements. The Alfa project represented a significant investment in cutting-edge technology, pushing the limits of Soviet materials science, nuclear propulsion, and automated control systems. The result was a uniquely fast and maneuverable submarine, though one that came with trade-offs in terms of noise and complexity. The program was curtailed relatively early due to these factors and rising costs, with only seven units ultimately built.

The Alfa-class submarines were primarily intended for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) roles. Their exceptional speed allowed them to rapidly intercept and engage enemy submarines and surface combatants. The high speed also made them difficult to target. The primary method of engagement was through torpedo attacks, delivered via the 533mm torpedo tubes. While not specifically designed for anti-aircraft warfare (AAW), the Alfa's speed and potential for carrying specialized torpedoes gave it a limited capability to engage airborne targets in self-defense. Given the Soviet operational doctrine of the period, these submarines were expected to operate aggressively in forward areas, challenging NATO naval superiority.

The PLA-705K's sensor suite reflects its primary ASW mission. The 'Mouse Roar' [MGK-1000 Okean] and 'Squid Arm' [MGK-1000 Okean] represent a powerful sonar suite for long-range detection and tracking of enemy submarines. 'Bald Head' [RKP] is likely a radio direction finding system used to locate and identify potential targets based on their radio transmissions. The 'Snoop Head' [Bukhta] electronic support measures (ESM) system would provide intelligence on enemy radar activity, further enhancing situational awareness. The 'Brick Pulp' [MRP-21 Zaliv-P] radar system allowed for surface navigation and target acquisition when surfaced. The presence of both optical and low-light television (LLTV) submarine periscopes allowed for visual observation of the surface environment, especially during periods of increased vulnerability. The generic acoustic intercept system would be used to analyze and identify the acoustic signatures of potential targets, aiding in their classification and tracking.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 81.4 m || Beam: 9.5 m || Draft: 7.6 m || Disp: 2800 t

SENSORS: Bald Head [RKP] || Mouse Roar [MGK-1000 Okean] || Squid Arm [MGK-1000 Okean] || Snoop Head [Bukhta] || Brick Pulp [MRP-21 Zaliv-P] || Generic Acoustic Intercept || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

ARMAMENT: Signal Ejector || 533mm TT || 533mm TT