New Sovietskiy Ossetyr class Ballistic Missile Submarine:

Before the Soviet breakup in the last decade of the Twentieth century, the Soviet navy had a large fleet of ballistic missile submarines. After the breakup, the Russian navy tried to preserve their inherited ballistic missile forces but had very limited budgets and their strategic forces faded bit by bit. Several attempts were made to build new ballistic missile submarine classes but were never completed.

By the time a Communist government took power and reformed the Soviet Union, there were no ballistic missile submarines that could really be called operational. None of the old Delta or Typhoon class submarines were in any condition to remain in service over any kind of extended service although several were patched back together to allow them serve a few more years. Likely, even though were technically listed as operation, they would have been unable to deploy.

At the same time, the new Communist leaders felt very threatened by the United States and Europe. In order to protect their restored government, they decided that they needed to renew their nuclear deterrents. With the threat the reformed Soviet Union felt with the Western powers, building a new class of ballistic missile submarines in order to replace inoperable submarines became a priority.

Just two years after the first of the new Drakon class fast attack submarine was laid down, the first of the new Soviet ballistic missile submarine was laid down. Initially, ballistic missile submarines were considered a higher priority than cruise missile submarines with two submarines were laid down every three years. Over the course of production, a total of about twenty ballistic missile submarines were constructed. These vessels served as strategic deterrent until the coming of the Great Cataclysm.

When tensions broke out just before the coming of the Great Cataclysm, virtually the entire class deployed in order to act as deterrent to threats against Soviet Union. The only exception were four ballistic submarines which had been under refit at the time. They had just returned from lengthy deterrent deployments themselves. Still, every effort was being made to complete their refit but time ran out before they could be deployed with the others.

As one might expect, the Soviet ballistic missile submarines at sea were considered a priority by American and British fast attack submarines. New Navy records show that virtually all were quickly sunk. Three vessels were never accounted for and might have survived although the New Navy leaders doubt it. However, if there were any survivors and their were abandoned, the construction of high strength composites will prevent them from corroding if sealed.

Standard tactics of the Soviet navy with the Ossetyr class ballistic missile submarines had been to deploy them under the polar ice and were designed to be able to push their way through thick polar ice. In order to protect these ballistic missile submarines, Soviet fast attack submarines would be deployed around the edges of the ballistic missile forces. This was hoped to be able to prevent enemy submarines, especially American and British, from being able to sink the ballistic missile submarines before they have a chance to fire their missiles.

Originally, this tactic was originally developed for the Typhoon class submarine and seemed to be the best tactic for the new ballistic missile submarines as well. In response, American submarine forces were able develop safe passages under the ice to enable them to find these deadly missile platforms. In turn, the Soviet navy found out how the American submarines planned to destroy the Soviet navy strategic forces. The Soviet navy’s response was to split their forces up with half of their ballistic missile submarines deploying to open oceans and the other half remaining under the ice pack. Even so, the American and British submarines were able to surprise the Soviet ballistic missile submarines wherever they deployed and most were destroyed before they could launch their deadly payload.

In its design, the Ossetyr class ballistic missile submarine was of a more conventional than the Typhoon class ballistic missile submarine class with the missiles positioned behind the main sail located inside of what is effectively a “hump back.” Even so, the sail is still a massive structure and is designed to be able to penetrate polar ice to be able to fire its missile payload. Some initial intelligence seemed to indicate that the Ossetyr class shared the same hull as the slightly later Vyper class cruise missile submarine but this was later proven false. The submarine’s diving planes were located on the hull. Like the Typhoon class, the Ossetyr class is a huge submarine and has multiple hulls and was able to withstand incredibly heavy damage. In addition, the hull is also constructed of new high strength composites and alloys. The submarine was designed to be able to dive to 2,000 meters without the hull being ruptured.

Unlike the Drakon class fast attack submarine, the Ossetyr class ballistic missile submarine was designed with a twin shaft propulsion system. In order to reduce development costs, the ballistic submarine’s propulsion systems were the same systems mounted in the later Vyper class cruise missile submarine. Due to the larger size of the ballistic missile submarine, it had a lower top speed with a maximum speed of around 32 knots underwater. As with other Soviet nuclear submarines, the first few Ossetyr class submarines were fitted with two nuclear fission type normal reactors with later vessels replacing these with four fusion reactors. During refits, the early vessels had their conventional fission reactors replaced by fusion reactors.

Unlike most submarines operated by the original Soviet Union, the various new submarine classes developed by the revitalized nation were extremely quiet and the Ossetyr class ballistic missile submarine was no exception. Improvements included far better isolation of the machinery with respect to the hull. In addition, instead of using conventional propeller, the ballistic missile submarine used a pump jet propulsion system as well as having a sound absorbing rubber coating.

In order to reduce development costs, sonar systems are shared with the Drakon class fast attack submarine and the slightly later Vyper class cruise missile submarine. While not generally considered quite as capable as contemporary American and British sonar systems, they are still quite effective and far beyond the systems available to the Coalition and most other post-Rifts powers. There are a few exceptions including the New German Republic and the Republic of Japan.

As might be expected, the ballistic missiles were the main weaponry of the Ossetyr class submarine. Instead of developing a whole new missile design, it was decided that they would update ballistic missiles already in their inventory. These missiles were basically an upgraded version of the RSM-52/SS-N-20 Sturgeon Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile which had been carried on the Typhoon class. The upgraded missile, known as the SS-N-50 Scythe, had far better electronics and was far more reliable. In addition, each missile carries two more reentry vehicles compared to the older missile. Compared to the twenty missiles carried on the old Soviet Typhoon class, the Ossetyr class submarine carried twenty-four missiles. Each submarine was able to carry a total of 288 independently targetable nuclear warheads.

During construction, there was a huge amount debate with respect to the torpedo armament. The original design showed six 533 mm torpedo tubes but this was replaced with four 650 mm torpedo tubes during construction. All of the other Soviet submarine designs developed at the same time mounted 650 mm torpedo tubes. Normal torpedo load out included thirty-six torpedoes as reloads. Unlike most Western submarine classes, these tubes were mounted in the bow of the submarine above the bow sonar array.

In general, the Soviet navy preferred far more active self defense measures against incoming threats than the United States navy. On either side of the hull was a “Killer Dart” interceptor system which was retractable into the outer hull. While useful against other submarines at close ranges, the main purpose of the system was to intercept incoming torpedoes before they hit. The ballistic missile submarine was also armed with a retractable sail mounted short range missile launcher to protect against missile and aircraft attacks.

Compared to the old Soviet Typhoon class ballistic missile submarine, the crew of the Ossetyr class submarine was greatly reduced with a total crew of only slightly greater than one hundred. In order to be operated by such a small crew, the submarine carried advanced automation especially in the power plant. Like other Soviet submarine classes, the crew of the Ossetyr class submarine is composed of far more officers than American and British submarines and the enlisted crew mostly does menial jobs. In general, their education was far below Western standards. As well, American and British ballistic missile submarines were designed to operate virtually constantly with two crews while the Soviet submarines spent most of their time in port. Still, quarters in the Soviet submarine were quite comfortable and each crew member has more space than each American submariner has.

Author Note: With respect to time line, these designs may or may not reflect our modern time line. The time line of these writeups diverged from our time line starting around 1999. Consider the universe that these designs are created for to be an alternate universe not bound by ours.

Model Type: Ossetyr class Ballistic Missile Submarine.

Class: Ocean, Strategic Ballistic Submarine.

Crew: 107; 59 officers, 48 petty officers and enlisted crew members (Has a high degree of automation).

Troop Capacity: None.

M.D.C. by Location:

	25.6 inches (650 mm) Super Heavy Torpedo Tubes (4, front of submarine):	150 each.
	Ballistic Missile Launchers (24, behind main sail of submarine):	200 each
	Short Range Missile Launcher (1, sail):	100.
	Killer Dart “Interceptor” Torpedo Launcher (2, sides):	80 each.
	Towed Array Sonar Housing (aft):	350.
	Main Sail:	1,400.
	[1] Bow Planes (2):	400 each.
	[2] Pump Jet Propulsors (2):	500 each.
	[3] Main Body:	4,000.

Notes:

[1] Destroying the submarine’s bow planes will reduce the submarine’s ability to change depths but will not eliminate it. It also makes it difficult for the submarine’s crew to control the submarine giving a penalty of -25% to all underwater piloting rolls.

[2] Destroying both of the submarine’s pump jet propulsors causes serious problems. The submarine will no longer be able to use forward momentum and the bow planes to keep the submarine level. It is recommended that ballast tanks are immediately blown so submarine comes to the surface. Destruction of one pump jet propulsor reduces the submarine’s top speed by one quarter.

[3] Depleting the M.D.C. of the main body destroys the submarine’s structural integrity, causing it to sink. If the submarine is underwater, the entire crew will die unless protected by environmental armors that can withstand the pressure that the submarine is under. If on the surface, there are enough flotation devices and inflatable life rafts to accommodate everyone aboard.

Speed:

Surface: 27.6 mph (24 knots/ 44.5 kph).

Underwater: 36.8 mph (32 knots/59.3 kph).

Maximum Depth: 6,561.7 feet (2,000 meters).

Range: Effectively unlimited due to fusion engines (needs to refuel every 20 years and requires maintenance as well). Boat carries 4 months of supplies on board.

Statistical Data:

Height: 68.5 feet (20.9 meters) not including periscopes and antenna.

Width: 78.2 feet (23.8 meters).

Length: 558.5 feet (170.2 meters).

Displacement: 24,700 tons standard and 35,600 tons submerged.

Cargo: Submarine is very cramped, 20 tons (18.1 metric tons) of nonessential equipment and supplies. Each enlisted crew member has a small locker for personal items and uniforms. Boat’s junior officers have slightly more space for personal items and senior officers have even greater space for personal items. Most of the boat’s spaces are taken up by extra torpedoes, weapons, and engines.

Power System: Nuclear fusion; average energy life of 20 years. Normally refuels every 10 years.

Black Market Price: Not for sale; many nations and organizations would pay hundreds of millions of credits for a new and undamaged Ossetyr class ballistic missile submarine.

Weapon Systems:

Four (4) 650 mm Super Heavy Torpedo Tubes: On the bow of the submarine are four torpedo tubes. Located above the bow sonar array, these tubes are 25.6 inches (650 mm) wide and torpedoes can be used against both surface ships and submarines. Along with standard torpedoes, torpedo tubes can also fire missiles (long range or cruise missiles) in special canisters, rocket boosted anti-submarine (ASW) torpedoes, and mines. These are modern, variable option torpedoes that are about 25% faster than the latest US torpedo designs of the time period. Submarine carries thirty-six reloads for torpedoes. Soviet submarines normally carry a number of interceptor torpedoes which the standard Soviet tactic is to fire an interceptor torpedo down the path of a torpedo fired at the submarine.

Maximum Effective Range: 40 miles (34.8 nautical miles / 64 km) to 60 miles (52.1 nautical miles / 96.6 km), depending on torpedo type (See revised Rifts torpedoes for details.)

Mega-Damage: By heavy torpedo or super heavy torpedo warhead type (See revised Rifts torpedoes for details), can theoretically fire missiles (long range or cruise missiles) in special canisters as well (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)

Rate of Fire: Can fire torpedoes one at a time or in volleys of two (2), three (3), or four (4) torpedoes. Reloading takes one full melee round.

Payload: Four (4) torpedoes total [Has thirty-six (36) additional torpedoes and missiles for reloads with eight (8) “Interceptor” torpedoes normally carried.]
Twenty-Four (24) SS-N-50 Scythe Strategic Ballistic Missiles: Behind the submarines sail are two rows of twelve ballistic missiles in a raised “hump back.” These missiles make the Ossetyr class one of the most dangerous vessel classes on the Earth. Missiles can be launched at depths up to around 150 feet (45.7 meters.) The missiles are improved versions of the SS-N-20 Sturgeon ballistic missiles which were carried on the Typhoon class. Missiles have a range of 5,000 nautical miles but essentially enter a low orbit to do so they would probably either be destroyed by the debris rings or by defense satellites. Missiles can be launched at targets less than 1,000 nautical miles without entering a ballistic trajectory. Each missile has twelve warheads that are each the equivalent of a nuclear long range missile warhead. The missiles can hit targets up to 80 nautical miles (148.2 km) away from where the missile breaks into its multiple warheads and can target multiple targets. Each warhead has independent guidance and is considered a smart missiles.

Maximum Effective Range: 5,757.8 miles (5,000 nautical miles / 9,266.2 km) but must be launched ballistically, 1,150.8 miles (1,000 nautical miles /1,852 km) with missiles being launched sub ballistically. Missile warheads can hit targets within a 92.1 miles (80 nautical miles /148.2 km) of where the missile breaks into twelve warheads.

Mega Damage: Each ballistic missile have twelve (12) warheads which each are equal to a nuclear long range missile warhead (See revised bomb and missile tables for details - nuclear warheads for details.)

Rate of Fire: Can fire SS-N-50 Scythe missiles one at a time or in volley of two (2), four (4), or six (6)missiles per melee round and can be fired at multiple targets at the same time.

Payload: 24 SS-N-50 Scythe Ballistic missiles total. Submarine carries no reloads.
One (1) Sail Mounted Short Range Missile Launcher: The submarine has a retractable short range missile launcher on the sail for defense against aircraft although is effective against incoming missiles as well. Launcher can be used while the submarine is up to 80 feet (24 meters) deep and is useful against aircraft hunting the submarine while the submarine is underwater. Short Range Missiles are usually a mixture of 50% Armor Piercing and 50% Plasma. Launchers can lock onto multiple targets at the same. The systems missile launchers can target up four targets simultaneously and can fire a volley up to twice per melee.

Maximum Effective Range: As per short range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)

Mega-Damage: As per short range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)

Rate of Fire: Can fire short range missiles one at a time or in volleys of two (2) or four (4) short range missiles and can be fired up to two (2) times per melee round.

Payload: Sixty-four (64) short range missiles.
Two (2) Killer Dart “Interceptor” Short Range Torpedo Launchers: These launchers are mounted on the sides of the submarine. These so called “Killer Darts” are a Russian interceptor torpedo, designed primarily for intercepting and hitting incoming torpedoes, with a secondary function against small submersibles and submersible power armors. They are mounted outside of the submarines pressure hull in retractable mounts. The launchers can only be reloaded in port. American and European designed prefer to fire interceptor torpedoes exclusively from their standard torpedo tubes. Launcher is primarily designed to intercept incoming torpedoes but can be used against other vessels, against large submarines, and against underwater troops. Other torpedoes can be used but are very rarely used.

Maximum Effective Range: 2,000 feet (609.6 meters) using interceptor torpedoes, other torpedoes use standard rules (See revised Rifts torpedoes for details.)

Mega-Damage: By light torpedo warhead type (See revised Rifts torpedoes for details.)

Rate of Fire: Each launcher can fire salvos of up to eight (8) light interceptor torpedoes per melee round.

Payload: Forty-eight (48) interceptor torpedoes each for ninety-six (96) interceptor torpedoes total.
Noisemakers: The submarine carries noisemakers in order to decoy torpedoes. They are most effective against normal torpedoes and less effective against “smart” torpedoes. Considered in many ways to be the last line of defense against incoming torpedoes and similar systems are carried on most submarines. The noisemakers are launched from the middle of the submarine.

Effects: 50% of decoying normal torpedoes and 20% of decoying smart torpedoes.

Rate of Fire: Two (2) noisemakers at a time (Can be reloaded in one melee round).

Payload: Twenty (20) noisemakers.

Special Systems:

The submarine has all systems standard on a robot vehicle plus the following special features:

MGK-845 “Skate Fin” Advanced Hull Sonar System: This hull sonar system has both a passive and active system built in and can track up to 24 targets at one time. Sonar also has built in communication system and sound pulse system to detect obstacles, objects, vessels and fish (schools and large animals), as well as measure distances and depth. Range: 45 miles (39.1 nautical miles / 72.4 km). Bonuses: Sonar gives +10% bonus to Read Sensory Instruments and Weapon Systems skill rolls.
MGK-848 “Skate Tail” Advanced Towed Array Sonar: The system is basically a long and very sensitive sonar system carried behind the submarine on a long cable and has both a passive and active system built in. Sonar system can track up to 36 targets at one time. Range: 150 miles (130.2 nautical miles / 241.4 km).
RP-585 “Brick Pell” Advanced E.S.M. Suite: Radar and radio detection suite. This includes the ability to detect radar guided weapons. Can be used for limited targeting. The system uses an antenna mounted in the sail which is extended in a similar manner to a periscope. The antenna is both very hard to detect visually and is designed with a reduced radar signature. The system can detect another radar system at around 125% of the range of the transmitting radar and is usually subject to radar horizon.
Quieted Propulsion and Anechoic Coating: The boat is designed with a very quiet pump jet propulsor design, the submarine’s reactors make very little noise, and the boat is coated by a sonar defeating rubber coating. The submarine is -40% to detect when traveling at less than 11.5 mph (10 knots / 18.5 kph) and is at -20% to detect when traveling at greater than that speed.

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Vessel drawing is created and copyrighted by Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).

Initial Concepts by Marina O'Leary (LusankyaN@aol.com ).

Writeup by Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).

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