**OVERVIEW:** The PLA-671 Victor I [Yorsh] is a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) of Soviet origin, commissioned in 1973. It represents the initial variant of the Project 671 (Victor I) class.

**DETAILS:** The Project 671 design emerged from a Soviet Navy requirement for a quieter and more capable attack submarine to counter advanced Western submarines and surface combatants. Preceding designs, such as the Project 627 (November) class, were considered too noisy and lacked the necessary sensors and armament to effectively engage modern targets. The Victor I was intended to be a significant improvement, incorporating advanced noise reduction techniques, improved sonar, and a more versatile weapons suite. The design emphasized underwater speed and maneuverability while retaining the ability to operate at considerable depths. The "Yorsh" designation is the NATO reporting name for this class.

The primary role of the Victor I was anti-submarine warfare (ASW), with a secondary focus on anti-surface warfare (ASuW). The submarine's 533mm torpedo tubes enabled the deployment of a variety of weapons, including anti-submarine torpedoes and anti-ship cruise missiles, allowing it to engage a wide range of targets. The presence of the SA-N-8 Gremlin [9K34 Strela-3] mast launcher indicates a limited self-defense anti-air warfare (AAW) capability against low-flying aircraft and helicopters, although this was not a primary design consideration.

The Victor I’s sensor suite was critical to its operational effectiveness. The installation of the Shark Teeth [MGK-300 Rubin] sonar suite, with separate bow-mounted and sail-mounted arrays (Shark Sail), allowed for long-range detection and tracking of enemy submarines and surface vessels. The Park Lamp electronic support measures (ESM) suite facilitated the detection and identification of radar emissions from potential targets, while the Brick Pulp [MRP-21 Zaliv-P] radio direction finder provided navigation and communications intelligence gathering capabilities. The Mine Avoidance [MG-509 Radian-1] sonar was crucial for safe navigation in mined areas. The combination of optical and low-light television (LLTV) periscopes provided visual situational awareness in both daylight and low-light conditions. The Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad] system likely functioned as a data link for receiving targeting information from other platforms, enhancing the submarine’s ability to conduct coordinated attacks.

**SPECIFICATION:** Length: 92.5 m || Beam: 11.7 m || Draft: 7.4 m || Disp: 4100 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