PROBABLE SLBM TEST PLATFORM SEVERODVINSK SHIPYARD 402, USSR

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B07179A000100270001-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 6
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 4, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: August 1, 1978
• Content Type: REPORT

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/03/04: CIA-RDP78BO7179A000100270001-9
Top Secret
NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC
INTERPRETATION CENTER
Summary
Report
PROBABLE SLBM TEST PLATFORM
SEVERODVINSK SHIPYARD 402,
USSR (TSR)
Top Secret
SR-062/78
AUGUST 1978
Copy 13 3
 PROBABLE SLBM TEST PLATFORM
SEVERODVINSK SHIPYARD 402, USSR (TSR)
meters in diameter and the door (opened to port) is long- On imagery ofE1
USSR, indicates that the G-I-class Soviet ballistic submarine (SSB) which was
converted at the shipyard is a probable submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM)
test platform. This submarine has been assigned the NPIC interim designator 4025. A
personnel hoist, similar to those used to perform missile tube maintenance on nuclear-
powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), was positioned over the o ening in, the
sail of the 4025 (Figure 1). The outer diameter of the hoist is the the inner
(TSH) From the 402S was being de ermed off the calibra-
tion pier. The 402S departed the Severodvinsk Complex between for sea
trials. On the submarine had returned to the fitting-out quay for post-sea-trial
maintenance and/or adjustments.
meters wide, long, and above the deck with a~opening on
top. The scaffold was added after t e complete removal of the sail and the missile tubes
of the G-1 SSB. ByOthe scaffold had been removed, revealing a cylindrical
tube in diameter, at least Dabove the deck level, and topped with an
unidentified irregularly shaped covering (Figure 3). By modifications to the sail
were nearly externally complete. The sail had been enclosed by scaffolding and the tube
had been covered by a0 temporary cover. On imagery of Fi ure 4), a
probable missile tube door (hinged to port) was observed; the door was long
and Owide. The top of the sail was irregular in shape and appeared to be offset
to starboard with the probable missile tube door approximately centered within the
irregular shape. A probable door hinge mechanism extends outboard of the sail to port.
(TSR) Imagery o revealed a rectangular scaffold in the approximate
(TSR) Unlike the conversions of the G-class submarine that were carried out at
Vladivostok Naval Base and Shipyard 202 0, the complete sail of the 402S
was removed and then reconstructed after the installation of the 0 tube. Al-
though the length of the tube is unknown, the similarities of the dimensions to those of
the SLBM popup barge doors, of the probable personnel hoist, of the probable missile
handling rings, and of other equipment at Balaklava Submarine Base and Ship Repair
Yard 0 suggest that this submarine is ti probable test platform for the new
SLBM under development which has a postulated diameter of The relation-
ship of the 0 outer doors on the Delta-class SSBN to the iame-
ter SS-N-8 and SS-N-18 missiles lends credence to the probability of a iame-
ter missile being test fired from this vessel.
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Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/03/04: CIA-RDP78BO7179A000100270001-9
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/03/04: CIA-RDP78BO7179AO00100270001-9
Top Secret RUFF
(TSR) Additional information supporting the rationale for the 402S conversion for
use as a probable SLBM test platform includes: 1) a history of test platform conversion
at Severodvinsk; 2) the absence of other identifiable test platforms-it is believed that
the SLBM under development will not be deployed until it has first been test fired from
a seagoing platform; 3) the longer than usual time under conversion-approximately 38
months as opposed to approximately 12 months for conversion to the G-class submarine
at Vladivostok; 4) the arrival of the G-I SSB at Severodvinsk for conversion betweenL
and the approximate time of the sighting of the large encased pressure hull
sections believed to be for a large SSBN under construction in the new construction hall;
and finally, 5) the involvement of Severodvinsk in priority construction and conversions
instead of routine conversions.
(TSR) While the dimensions of the new SLBM under development and the length of
the tube in the 402S submarine are unknown, it is believed that the available imagery-
derived evidence supports the assumption that the 402S will be used in at-sea testing of
a new SLBM.
NPIC. SR-007/78, Estimated Dimensions of New Soviet SLBM (TSR), Jan 78 (TOP SECRET
(S) Comments and queries regarding this report are welcome. They may be directed to
Soviet Strategic Forces Division, Imagery Exploitation Group, NPIC
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