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The BELUGA Class Soviet SS and the Walker Spy Ring Impact

By Bruce Rule - August 26, 2013

Go to http://redfleet.borg-core.com/index.php/en/p1710-original-en#Schema for information on the BELUGA Class SS experimental Soviet submarine. Click on the schematic for a view of the reduction gear.

The paragraphs below are quoted from that site. Note especially the cancellation of the BELUGA project because of "the influence of a new doctrine that increased the priority of quietness relative to speed," an obvious reference to Soviet concerns raised by the Walker input on the acoustic vulnerability of the Soviet submarine force.

The technical design of Project 1710 was developed in 1975. Although Project 1710 is an experimental submarine, the form and main dimensional ratios were those used for the development of the submarines of Project 696 and also Project 705, which produced the “Alfa”, one of our highest-speed submarines.

Project 696 was designed as a combatant ship. Its contract design had been completed by 1975, but then was canceled under the influence of a new doctrine that increased the priority of quietness relative to speed. The displacement of the ship was expected to be 6000 tons and propulsion was provided by an open (not shrouded) propeller.