N700020 SOVIET SUBMARINE PROJECT 670 SKAT (NATO NAME CHARLIE I)

Charlie I-class units (or Project 670) were Soviet nuclear-powered submarines - cruise missile carriers (SSGNs) that began entering service in 1968. In total, 12 ships of this class were built. A single unit of this type was 96 m long and 10 m wide, with an underwater displacement of up to approx. 4,800 tons. The maximum underwater speed was 23-24 knots. The armament consisted of 8 SS-N-7 Siren cruise missiles and 6 bow 533 mm torpedo tubes, probably with a reserve of 12. Charlie I-class ships (or Project 670) were designed to complement the Echo II-class ships. Compared to their predecessors, they had a completely changed hull, very similar to the Victor I units, and probably were also better soundproofed. Above all, however, they received a completely new main armament (SS-N-7 Siren maneuvering missiles), which could be launched from an underwater position, and moreover, had active radar guidance. This represented a significant progress and significantly increased the expected interruptibility of Charlie I ships on the battlefield. Of course, the primary objective of the Charlie I units was to attack large, surface ships of the US Navy - especially aircraft carriers. Ships of this class were gradually withdrawn from service at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s.