OVERVIEW: The PLARK-667AT Yankee Notch [Grusha] is a submarine operated by the Soviet Union, commissioned in 1987. It is likely a variant of the Project 667AT Grusha (Yankee Notch) class, an attack submarine derived from the earlier Project 667A (Yankee) SSBNs.

DETAILS:
The Project 667AT Grusha (NATO reporting name Yankee Notch) was conceived as a dedicated anti-submarine warfare (ASW) platform, addressing the growing threat posed by increasingly sophisticated Western nuclear submarines. Development leveraged the existing Yankee-class hull design, significantly modified to improve acoustic signature and optimize performance in the ASW role. The removal of the ballistic missile compartment freed up considerable internal volume, which was reconfigured to house advanced sonar systems, improved silencing measures, and a larger complement of torpedoes. The Yankee Notch was intended to operate in close proximity to Soviet strategic submarine bases, providing a protective screen against enemy hunter-killer submarines attempting to penetrate these crucial areas. The design emphasized stealth and long-range detection capabilities to effectively fulfill its primary mission.

The primary role of the PLARK-667AT is anti-submarine warfare (ASW), with a secondary capability in anti-surface warfare (ASuW). Given its sensor suite, the submarine would have been tasked with locating and tracking NATO submarines, particularly ballistic missile submarines, in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions. Its armament of 533mm torpedoes allows engagement of both submarine and surface targets. The presence of a Signal Ejector indicates the ability to deploy countermeasures or communication buoys. The Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad] radar would provide surface search capabilities and navigation support, while the Brick Pulp [MRP-21 Zaliv-P] radar warning receiver would alert the crew to potential radar emissions from enemy ships and aircraft. The inclusion of a Generic Acoustic Intercept system allows the submarine to passively detect and analyze enemy sonar transmissions, aiding in target identification and localization.

Technologically, the PLARK-667AT Yankee Notch benefits from a suite of sensors designed for effective ASW operations. The Shark Teeth [MKG-100 Kerch] and Shark Fin [MKG-100 Kerch] sonar systems are likely hull-mounted active/passive sonar arrays used for long-range detection and tracking of underwater contacts. These, combined with passive listening capabilities, would provide a comprehensive underwater picture. The Park Lamp system likely refers to a navigation radar. Furthermore, the Generic Mine & Obstacle Avoidance sonar would enable safe navigation in heavily mined or congested waters. The Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical, provides visual confirmation of targets and situational awareness at periscope depth. The utilization of multiple 533mm torpedo tubes allows for a variety of weapons configurations, including wire-guided torpedoes for precise targeting and unguided torpedoes for area saturation.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 141.5 m || Beam: 11.7 m || Draft: 7.9 m || Disp: 9000 t

SENSORS: Shark Teeth [MKG-100 Kerch] || Shark Fin [MKG-100 Kerch] || Park Lamp || Brick Pulp [MRP-21 Zaliv-P] || Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad] || Generic Acoustic Intercept || Generic Mine & Obstacle Avoidance || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical

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