Soviet Project 705 Lira (NATO Alfa) SSN

[mirth]

Fantastic gallery of the Alfa, with informative captions:

http://imgur.com/a/WyJ20

[mirth]

And something to listen to while you browse the gallery

[GDS_Starfury]

just looking at this photo can make you sterile!

[Airborne Rifles]

Here's a story for you.

When I was living in Russia as a kid (my parents were missionaries) our ministry hosted a staff conference in St. Petersburg. One of the Russian staff for the ministry was a former Soviet missile submarine skipper. He took all of us middle school aged kids (probably about 15 or so) to the naval base there, got us through the gate, and took us on a tour of an active Russian submarine. This was 1995 or so. I have no idea what class of sub it was or even if it was nuclear or diesel electric. We got to see the sail, the periscopes, control room, crew quarters, and torpedo room if I remember correctly. I also remember walking past a wardroom or whatever and a Russian officer looked up from a chart and gave me a nasty look. It was winter and the sub was one of several at the dock and all were iced in. Probably one of the more unique experiences I have had in my life and I knew it even back then. I doubt that would fly today.

[GDS_Starfury]

in Soviet Russia submarine tours YOU!

[endfire79]

Here's a story for you.

When I was living in Russia as a kid (my parents were missionaries) our ministry hosted a staff conference in St. Petersburg. One of the Russian staff for the ministry was a former Soviet missile submarine skipper. He took all of us middle school aged kids (probably about 15 or so) to the naval base there, got us through the gate, and took us on a tour of an active Russian submarine. This was 1995 or so. I have no idea what class of sub it was or even if it was nuclear or diesel electric. We got to see the sail, the periscopes, control room, crew quarters, and torpedo room if I remember correctly. I also remember walking past a wardroom or whatever and a Russian officer looked up from a chart and gave me a nasty look. It was winter and the sub was one of several at the dock and all were iced in. Probably one of the more unique experiences I have had in my life and I knew it even back then. I doubt that would fly today.

Wow, nice!

This may seem like a silly question but in that photo - does anyone know what those rectangular shaped objects are between the subs?  (batteries??)

[GDS_Starfury]

Im going to guess shoring supports for ships in drydock.

[Staggerwing]

^They do look similar to the ones under the righthand sub, turned 90 deg..