Submarine of an Entirely New Type to Be Developed in Russia

Russia is planning to develop a submarine with an anaerobic /air-independent/ engine, Vladimir Alexandrov, director-general of the Admiralteiskiye Verfi shipyard that builds surface ships and submarines, said on Friday.

The yard contemplates to allocate 55 million dollars for the creation of such a submarine until 2007. He described the plans as "a 21st century project".

Similar work was done at Verfi in the late 40s and early 50s of last century. Results were a submarine of Design 615, and a unique submarine of Design 617, which was fitted out with a turbine giving it a submerged speed of 20 knots.

But the plans were shelved, since priority was given to the development of a nuclear-powered navy, Alexandrov noted. Meanwhile, according to him, everyone in the world has now come to the conclusion that nuclear installations are not always up to ecological and radiation safety requirements.

Anaerobic engines are currently being developed in Germany and some other countries, Alexandrov said.