Commissioned by the Russian Navy until 1994, the Foxtrot-class
submarine is in near operational condition and available for viewing. The intent is for its displays to promote friendly relations
with Russia and give Americans an opportunity to experience a slice of
Russia's maritime history.
The Povodnaya Lodka 641 Design Pacific Fleet sub offers
a look into the Cold War years in which the United States and Russia
remained on constant alert of each other. Built in 1972, Foxtrot was the
largest diesel-electric Soviet sub traversing the Pacific waters. Its handpicked
crew of 78 was not only responsible for operations of the vehicle but also
kept careful watch over state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and 22 nuclear-tipped
torpedoes.
Built in Sudomekh Shipyard, Leningrad, the 299'6" long
vessel can travel 16 knots (15 submerged), with a range of 20,000 miles
and a 3 to 5 day submersion. There were 79 Foxtrots built
between 1958 and 1984 with some sold to India, Libya, Cuba and Poland.
Three diesel engines in Scorpion generate power for electric
motors driving three propellers. To dive, ballast tanks are flooded
with water, creating negative buoyancy. Diving horizontally, more than
30 degrees shift can cause it to lose control. In an emergency, crew survival
is believed possible from as far as 820 feet below surface with crew escaping
in survival suits via torpedo tubes, the conning tower or aft escape hatch.
Crews served up to 3 months at sea and were kept at a sanatorium 10 of
their 30 days shore leave to convalesce.
