DELTA SERIES SSBN PROGRAM USSR

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78T05162A000400010130-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 7
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 14, 2011
• Sequence Number: 130
• Publication Date: December 1, 1976
• Content Type: REPORT

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NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC
INTERPRETATION CENTER
PHOTOGRAPHIC
I NTERPRETATION
REPORT
DELTA SERIES SSBN PROGRAM
USSR
To33mst-
DECEMBER 1976
Copy 2 1
PIR-017/76
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Warning Notice
Sensitive Intelligence Sources and Methods Involved
NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION
Unauthorized Disclosure Subject to Criminal Sanctions
NOFORN- Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals
NOCONTRACT- Not Releasable to Contractors or
Contractor/Consultants
PROPIN- Caution-Proprietary Information Involved
IJSIBONLY- USIB Departments Only
ORCON- Dissemination and Extraction of Information
Controlled by Originator
REL. . .- This Information has been Authorized for
Release to . . .
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DELTA-SERIES SSBN PROGRAM, USSR
Summary
1. Three significant facts about the Delta- (D-) series nuclear-powered ballistic mis-
sile submarine (SSBN) production were derived from an analysis of photography of the
Severodvinsk Shipyard Complex, USSR. First, the configuration of the outer hull keel area
is probably deeper than that of the Yankee- (Y-) class SSBN, suggesting a capability to
carry a larger missile. Second, with the construction of the fifth unit and the follow-on units,
the missile bay was
higher than those of the previous D-class SSBN
25X1
hulls. Finally, the observation of large, , ballast cans with the
25X1
modified D-II SSBNs (units 5-8) and their movement from the storage area indicate that
the SS-NX-18 missile will be carried on these submarines.
2. Because of the difference in missile bay size and the probable weapon system
carried, unit 5 and similarly configured units should be designated as D-III SSBNs. It is
possible that if the height of the missile bay is increased, D-II SSBN units 1 through 4 and
even the D-I SSBNs could carry the SS-NX-18 missile.
Discussion
3. In October 1971 D-class SSBN flotation device supports (Figure 1) were first
observed in the launch basin along launch rail D at Severodvinsk Shipyard 402
25X1
. When first seen, they were adjacent to Y-class flotation device supports along launch
25X1
rail C. The supports along launch rail D were larger than those used in the Y-class launch
25X1
This observation of the new supports coincided with
25X1
the completion of deepening the launch basin.
. 4. When the flotation devices have been seen attached to both Y- and D-class sub-
marines, they appear to be attached at the same relative position below the missile bay. If
the submarines have a common hull configuration below the waterline, a larger device sup-
port would not be needed for the D-class SSBN. Therefore, this increase in the size of the
supports, especially in the height, suggests that the outer hull keel area of the D-series
SSBN is deeper than that of the Y-class SSBN. This change may have been necessary so
that the D-class SSBN could accommodate the SS-N-8 missile.
5. Extensive mensuration was conducted to determine whether there were any
differences among the D-II SSBN units
25X1
25X1
Both units were at Severodvinsk Shipyard 402. Measurements were made to determine mis-
sile bay height relative to the walking deck and the sail planes. The missile bay of D-II
SSBN unit 1 is similar to that of the D-I SSBNs, ::::]above 25X1
the walking deck. ?ryi
25X1
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Top Secret RUFF
6. Additional measurements were made of three of the first four D-II SSBNs ossibl
including unit 1) when they were observed at Olenya Guba Submarine Base 25X1
The missile bays were roughly 3 meters (9.8 feet above the walking 25X1
deck, approximately the same height as that of unit 1 four D-II 25X1
SSBNs (units 5-8) were at the main quay of Severodvinsk Shipyard 402. wo 25X1
D-II SSBNs were seen there, and another D-II SSBN was on the north ledge of the launch
basin at Severodvinsk Shipyard Yagry Island 25X1
25X1
7. In May 1975, 12 new ballast cans were identified at Severodvinsk Shipyard 402.
Eight of the new cans were near construction hall No 2, and four were in the storage area
near the calibration quay. The new ballast cans are
longer than the SS-N-8 ballast cans. By the end of April 1976, at least 25 of the
larger ballast cans were in the storage area (Figure 2). The only known submarine-launched
ballistic missile of comparable size under development is the SS-NX-18 missile. These
larger ballast cans are believed to be associated with this system and will be designated as
SS-NX-18 ballast cans.
8. The SS-NX-18 ballast cans were first associated with a specific class of submarine
a
25X1
25X1
n that date four of these ballast cans were on the main 25X1
quay near D-II unit 6, and only 11 or 12 remained in the storage area. 25X1
eight SS-NX-18 ballast cans were on the quay, and none were in the storage 25X1
area. Prior to 15 August, D-II SSBN unit 5 had been fitting-out along the main quay. No SS-
NX-18 ballast cans were seen being loaded into unit 5; however, because such a large
number of cans had been moved, it is likely that they had been loaded into D-II unit 5, as
well as unit 6.
Comments
9. The dimensional difference between the missile bays of units 1 through 4 and those
of units 5 through 8 indicates that there are two types of D-II SSBNs. The first type, D-II
SSBN units 1 through 4, apparently carries the SS-N-8 missile. The second type, units 5
through 8 (and probably all the follow-on units), has been associated with and apparently
carries the SS-NX-18 missile. Because of the difference in the size of the missile bay and in
the missile system carried, unit 5 and the follow-on units will be reported as D-III-class
SSBNs.
10. If the hull keel area of the D series is the same for all units, then it is possible that,
by increasing the height of the missile bay and changing the launch tubes, the D-I- and D-II-
class SSBNs could be modified to carry the SS-NX-18 missile. High-resolution photography
of all units leaving overhaul facilities would be required to determine whether this modifica-
tion were undertaken. Imagery of similar quality would also be necessary to distinguish un-
modified D-II SSBNs from D-III SSBNs at operating bases.
Top Secret
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Top Secret RUFF
MAPS OR CHARTS
SAC. US Air Target Chart, Series 200, Sheet 0092-22, scale 1:200,000
REQUIREMENT
Project 143470ND
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Top Secret
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