ABSTRACT
In 1953 two events, Stalin's death and the completion of the plans for the first Soviet naval nuclear reactors, changed the direction of Soviet submarine development. The year 1967 was noteworthy for the Soviet Navy. At Severodvinsk, the first Yankee nuclear-powered ballistic missile-equipped submarine was completed, the first Charlie nuclear-powered cruise missile-equipped submarine was completed at Gorky, and the first Victor nuclear-powered attack submarine was commissioned at the Admiralty Yard. It was not until 1970 that it became apparent that a fourth submarine class, Alfa, was designed while the three 1967 classes were still being built. The single Papa cruise missile submarine appeared in 1971. Its length allowed for ten launch tubes, two more than in Charlie. To reiterate, the Soviets are very adept at applying the results of their considerable research and development program to their submarine construction program. Soviet nuclear submarines in all categories have overcome past deficiencies and are now effective and potent units of the fleet.
