S-99 (Project 617 / Whale-class)

History

After World War II, both the Soviets and Americans gained valuable insights from captured German submarines, which played a significant role in the development of advanced nuclear-powered submarines. German engineers worked on the Type XXVI, a long-range deep-water submarine featuring the innovative Walter Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. However, the project remained incomplete after Germany's surrender in 1945. The Soviets also pursued a similar project, the Type 617 or "Whale class," which could reach underwater speeds of about 19 knots. In 1951, the Type 617 construction began, and it emerged as the fastest Soviet submarine in history, reaching an impressive underwater speed of 22 knots during sea trials. However, an explosion during a 1959 test led to the submarine's decommissioning and eventual scrapping.

The Type XXVI and Type 617 submarines had a traditional design, featuring sails/fins amidships, rounded bows, and rudder controls behind the rotating propeller shaft. They were equipped with six torpedo tubes and various compartments, including crew quarters, battery and motor rooms, and a command room. Powered by a diesel-electric arrangement with the AIP-Walter turbine system, these submarines maintained a cruising speed of nearly 11 knots on the surface and exceeded 20 knots underwater. Their battery life allowed them to dive to depths of over 550 feet.

The Type XXVI and Type 617 projects represented important steps in submarine development during the post-World War II era. However, due to the challenges and an explosion during testing, the Type 617 project faced an early end, serving as a brief chapter in the history of Soviet naval innovation.

Specification

Basics

Years of Service: 1956

Origins: Soviet Union

Status: Destroyed.

Operator: USSR

Roles

Underwater Attack

Travel below the surface to find, track and/or attack or explore areas.

Sea Patrol

Active patrolling of critical waterways and sea areas; also serves as a local deterrent against air and maritime threats.

Fleet Support

Provide support (fire or materiel) to major surface fleets in blue water environments.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 204 feet (62.18m)

Ray: 20 feet (6.10m)

Draft: 16.8 feet (5.12m)

No. submerged: 1,215 t

Power and Performance

Installed Power: Schematic diagram of diesel-electric propulsion of the AIP Walter turbine set on the stern drive shaft arrangement.

Surface Velocity: 11. 0 nodes (12.7 km/h)

Underwater speed: 20.0 nodes (23. 0 km/h)

Range: 261 nm (300 mi | 483 km)

ARMAMENT

6 x 533mm torpedo tubes (all bow-facing) with 12 x Torpedo reloads.