OVERVIEW: The PLA-685 Mike [Plavnik] is a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) of Soviet origin, commissioned in 1986. While only a single unit of its type was ever built, the PLA-685 represented a significant technological leap forward in Soviet submarine design and construction.

DETAILS:
The PLA-685, unofficially designated the "Mike" class by NATO, was conceived in the late 1970s as a deep-diving research submarine incorporating advanced technologies. Its primary design goal was to explore the limits of submarine construction and operational depth capabilities. The single vessel of the class, *K-278 Komsomolets*, was constructed using titanium alloy for its pressure hull, enabling it to achieve operational depths significantly greater than contemporary Soviet and Western submarines. This deep-diving capability was intended to provide a tactical advantage in anti-submarine warfare, allowing the *K-278* to operate in areas inaccessible to other platforms. The project was also intended to trial automation and advanced control systems for future generations of Soviet submarines. The submarine's unfortunate loss in 1989 curtailed further development of the class, but the PLA-685 provided invaluable data and experience that influenced subsequent Soviet submarine designs.

The PLA-685 was primarily designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) but also possessed capabilities for anti-surface warfare (ASuW) and, to a lesser extent, area denial. Its deep-diving capabilities allowed it to evade detection and engage enemy submarines in challenging underwater environments. While not specifically designed for anti-aircraft warfare (AAW), the submarine’s self-defense capabilities could potentially be used in a limited capacity against airborne threats. The PLA-685 was intended to operate independently or as part of a larger naval task force, providing a forward-deployed, deep-penetration ASW asset. Its advanced sensors and powerful torpedo armament made it a formidable threat to enemy surface and subsurface combatants.

The submarine's sensor suite was comprehensive for its time. The Shark Gill [MGK-500 Skat-Plavnik] sonar system provided long-range detection and tracking of underwater targets. The Park Lamp radar, complemented by the Brick Pulp [MRP-21 Zaliv-P] radar intercept system, enabled surface search and electronic intelligence gathering. The Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad] represented a fire control system, while the Generic Acoustic Intercept system would have provided passive detection and identification of other vessels through their acoustic signatures. The Mouse Roar [MG-519 Arfa-M] further enhanced sonar performance. Optical and Low Light TV (LLTV) submarine periscopes would have offered visual situational awareness and targeting capabilities. The PLA-685 was armed with two 533mm torpedo tubes, giving it a significant offensive capability, and also fitted with a signal ejector, presumably for communications and decoy deployment.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 117.5 m || Beam: 10.7 m || Draft: 9.0 m || Disp: 5750 t

SENSORS: Shark Gill [MGK-500 Skat-Plavnik] || Park Lamp || Brick Pulp [MRP-21 Zaliv-P] || Snoop Tray 2 [MRK-50 Kaskad] || Generic Acoustic Intercept || Mouse Roar [MG-519 Arfa-M] || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

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