New Sovietskiy Iskra class Fast Attack Submarine:

In the beginning of the rebuilding of the Soviet fleet, the new naval designs were fairly conventional in design and this included submarines. As the Navy expanded, the Soviet navy began experimenting with a bunch of unconventional designs. One of those items was a small and very fast submarine. The problem was that the design was very expensive for its capability and was cut at under a dozen submarines. Instead of simply producing more of the submarine class that had preceded the experimental, a new design was developed. The Soviet designs had been impressed by the fact that the British Upholder class carried a total of ten torpedo tubes and it was decided that the new design would have more torpedo tubes than the previous class. The Soviet leaders have always been famous for one upmanship and this is yet another example of this. In some cases, this is useful and makes for very effective designs, but in other cases, the designs are over complicated. Various military analysts had different opinions of the effectiveness of the submarine design. Of course, the soviet media promoted the submarine as the most advanced and effective submarine in the world but the Media was little more than the mouthpiece of the government.

The first of the Iskra class was laid down in 2076 and was commissioned in 2081. Production of the Iskra class replaced both the older Drakon class full size submarine and the smaller Pantera class submarine. Production was around one submarine per year. Because of the large number of older submarines, large scale production was not seen as a high priority. Just before the coming of the Rifts, production was drastically increased and a total of about three vessels a year were planned. The Rifts erupted and all of the shipyards which were building the vessels were destroyed along with the submarines which were under construction. It is believed that a total of twenty-four of the Iskra class fast attack submarines were in commission before the coming of the Rifts and they were the most advanced Soviet combat submarines with the exception of the secret submersible carrier. All had been deployed prior to the cataclysm to hunt United States submarines. Several submarines survived the Rifts storms and joined the submersible carrier in the Soviet secret base under Antarctica. As well, one submarine was unable to get in contact with the remaining Soviet submarine forces and surrendered to the New Navy.

These submarines were slightly larger than the previous Drakon class fast attack submarine classes but were not near as large as Soviet ballistic and guided missile submarine classes. They are constructed of advanced composites which can take both incredible damage and the ability to withstand incredible pressures. The submarine cannot dive quite as deeply as the Pantera class submarine but can still dive to 4000 meters. The submarine is fitted with two powerful fusion reactors and has a top speed of 45 knots underwater. This is equal to the American Swordfish class but is slightly slower than the small Pantera class. In spite of the great speed, the submarine is quite quiet at slower speeds and is fitted with acoustic rubber tiles to reduce sonar signature further. The submarine is outfitted with updated sonar systems but sonar system had to be moved to the sides due to the large number of torpedo tubes mounted in the bow.

The main weaponry of the submarine are twelve 650-mm torpedo tubes mounted in the bow of the submarine. Most United States submarines bow mounted torpedo tubes are more mounted along the sides and the immediate bow is the main sonar array. The Iskra class mounts its torpedo tubes directly in the bow. A total of almost a hundred torpedoes total are carried. Many captains preferred to carry eight regular torpedoes and four interceptor torpedoes ready to fire in the tubes. The submarine also has two "Killer Dart" torpedo interceptor systems mainly for self defense against torpedoes. The submarine carries almost a hundred long range missiles as well. The missiles could be stored more efficiently than cruise missiles and could be used against other missiles and aircraft as well. The vessel has six long range missile batteries on either side of the hull with a total of eight missiles each launcher. In addition, the vessel has a short range missile launcher in the superstructure for use against aircraft. Unlike previous Soviet submarine classes, the Iskra class mounts two retractable pulse laser mounts. These mounts are used as a last ditch defense against both missiles and torpedoes which leak through the other defense systems. The mount is modification on the S-500 Cyclone Pulse Laser carried on both surface vessels, armored vehicles, and aircraft. The mount is modified for greater range and for use underwater.

Crew is expanded compared to previous fast attack submarine classes to allow for longer operations but was all officers. The training of enlisted was still behind that of the Western navies and the Soviet Naval leaders felt that they could not afford having unproductive crew members on these vessels. These vessels have improved automation compared to the older classes so that the crew is not overwhelmed by the workload. Crew compartments are more comfortable on American submarines but are actually less comfortable than the older Drakon class.

Model Type: Iskra class Fast Attack Submarine
Class: Ocean, Fast Attack Submarine
Crew: 62; All Officers (Has a high degree of automation)
Troop Capacity: None

M.D.C. by Location:
Super Heavy Torpedo Tubes (12 - front of submarine):150 each
Octuple Long Range Missile Launchers (12, sides)150 each
Short Range Missile Launcher (1, Sail):100
Killer Dart "Interceptor" Torpedo Launcher (2, Sides):80 each
Retractable Pulse Laser CIWS Turrets (2, Forward and Aft):100 each
Main Sail:950
[1] Bow Planes (2):300 each
[2] Pump Jet Propulsor (1):500
[3] Main Body:3,500

Notes:
[1] Destroying the submarines bow planes will reduce the submarine's ability to change depths but will not eliminate it. It also makes it difficult for the submarine's crew to control the submarine giving a penalty of -25% to all piloting rolls.
[2] Destroying the submarine's Pump Jet Propulsor causes serious problem. The submarine will no longer be able to use forward momentum and the bow planes to keep the submarine level. It is recommended that ballast takes are immediately blown so submarine comes to surface.
[3] Depleting the M.D.C. of the main body destroys the submarine's structural integrity, causing it to sink. If the submarine is underwater, the entire crew will die unless protected by environmental armors that can withstand the pressure that the submarine is under. If on the surface, there are enough flotation devices and inflatable life rafts to accommodate everyone aboard.

Speed:
Surface: 25 knots (28.8 mph/ 46.3 kph)
Underwater: 45 knots (51.8 mph/ 83.3 kph)
Maximum Depth: 2.5 miles (4 km)
Maximum Effective Range: Effectively Unlimited due to fusion engines (needs to refuel every 20 years and requires maintenance as well). Ship carries 6 months of supplies on board.

Statistical Data:
Height: 55.4 feet (16.9 meters) not including periscopes and antenna
Width: 46.5 feet (14.2 meters)
Length: 380.3 feet (115.9 meters)
Displacement: 9,500 tons standard and 15,800 tons submerged
Cargo: Submarine is very cramped, 12 tons of nonessential equipment and supplies. Each enlisted crew member has a small locker for personal items and uniforms. Senior ship's officers have more space for personal items. Most of the ship's spaces are taken up by extra torpedoes, weapons, and engines.
Power System: Nuclear; average energy life of 20 years. Normally refuels every 10 years
Black Market Price: Not for sale; many nations and organizations would pay hundreds of millions of credits for a new and undamaged Iskra class Submarine.

Weapon Systems:

  1. Retractable Pulse Laser CIWS Turrets (2): One mount is forward of the main sail and the other is aft of the main sail. The mounts are fully retractable to reduce drag. These Close-In Weapon Systems fire four rapid-pulse lasers against missiles or low-flying aircraft if not picked off by other defense systems. The weapon is also useful against attacking underwater troops and torpedoes. The weapons are automated and track missiles with radar sensors (+4 to strike missiles and aircraft.) Laser is similar to the S-500 Cyclone Pulse Laser Rifle with extended range.
    Maximum Effective Range: In Atmosphere: 4,000 feet (1,220 meters) Under Water: 2,000 feet (609.6 meters)
    Mega-Damage: 1D6x10 MD for four shot burst.
    Rate of Fire: Each turret has 6 attacks per melee round.
    Payload: Effectively unlimited.
    Bonuses: +4 to strike flying targets with radar guidance.
  2. Twelve (12) Super Heavy Torpedo Tubes: On the immediate bow of the submarine are twelve torpedo tubes. Tubes are 25.6 inches (650 mm) wide and torpedoes can be used against both surface ships and submarines. Along with standard torpedoes, launcher can also fire missiles (Long or Cruise) in special canisters, rocket boosted ASW torpedoes, and mines. These are modern, variable option torpedoes that are about 25% faster than the latest US designs of the time period. Submarine carries 96 reloads for torpedoes. Soviet submarines normally carry a number of interceptor torpedoes which the standard Soviet tactic is to fire an interceptor torpedo down the path of a torpedo fired at the submarine.
    Maximum Effective Range: 40 miles (64 km) to 60 miles (96.6 km) depending on type (See Revised Rifts Torpedoes).
    Mega Damage: By Heavy torpedo or Super Heavy warhead type (See Revised Rifts Torpedoes), can fire missiles (Long Range or Cruise) in special canisters as well (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
    Rate of Fire: One at a time or in volleys of 2, 3, 4, 8, or 12. Reloading takes 1 full melee
    Payload: 12 Total (Has 96 torpedoes and missiles for reloads with 16 Interceptor torpedoes)
  3. Twelve (12) Octuple Vertical Launch Long Range Missile Launchers: On either side of the submarine's hull, the Iskra has eight octuple Vertical Launch Missile System for launching long range missiles. Missiles are launched in special canisters that enable the missiles to be used in depths down to 300 feet. Most missiles normally carried are fusion (Also smart missiles). Launcher can fire at multiple targets simultaneously and are designed to be used against ships and against land targets.
    Maximum Effective Range: As per long range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
    Mega Damage: As per long range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
    Rate of Fire: One at a time or in volleys of 2, 4, 8, or 16 and can be fired at multiple target at the same time.
    Payload: 96 long range missiles total. Submarine carries no reloads.
  4. Sail Mounted Short Range Missile Launcher (1): The submarine has a retractable short range missile launcher on the sail for defense against aircraft although is effective against missiles as well. Launcher can be used while the submarine is up to 80 feet (24 meters) deep and is useful against aircraft hunting the submarine while the submarine is underwater. Short Range Missiles are usually a mixture of 50% Armor Piercing and 50% Plasma. Launchers can lock onto multiple targets at the same. The systems missile launchers can target up four targets and can fire a volley up to twice per melee.
    Maximum Effective Range: As per short range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
    Mega Damage: As per short range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
    Rate of Fire: One at a time or in volleys of two or four and can be fired up to four times per melee.
    Payload: 64 missiles.
  5. Killer Dart "Interceptor" Short Range Torpedo Launchers (2): The launcher is mounted on the sides of the submarine. These so called "Killer Darts" are a Russian interceptor torpedo, designed primarily for intercepting and hitting incoming torpedoes, with a secondary function against small submersibles and submersible power armors. They are mounted outside of the submarines pressure hull in retractable mounts. The launchers can only be reloaded in port. American and European designed prefer to fire interceptor torpedoes from their standard torpedo tubes. Launcher is primarily designed to intercept incoming torpedoes but can be used against other vessels, against large submarines, and against underwater troops. Other torpedoes can be used but are very rarely used.
    Maximum Effective Range: 2000 feet (609.6 meters) using interceptor torpedoes, other torpedoes use standard rules (See Revised Rifts Torpedoes).
    Mega-Damage: By Short Range Torpedo Type (See Revised Rifts Torpedoes).
    Rate of Fire: Each launcher can fire salvos of up to eight short range interceptor torpedoes per melee.
    Payload: 48 Interceptor Torpedoes each for 96 interceptor torpedoes.
  6. Noisemakers: The submarine carries noisemakers to decoy torpedoes. These noisemakers are similar to those used by Coalition submarines. The noisemakers are launched from the middle of the submarine.
    Effect: 50% of decoying normal torpedoes and 20% of decoying smart torpedoes.
    Rate of Fire: 2 at a time (Can be reloaded in one melee)
    Payload: 20 Noisemakers.

Special Systems:
The submarine has all systems standard on a robot vehicle plus the following special features:

[New Navy, New Sovietskiy, and TRIAX are trademarks owned by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc. ]
[ Rifts® is a registered trademark owned by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc.]

Initial Concepts by Marina O'Leary (LusankyaN@aol.com ).

By Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).

Copyright © 2002 & 2003, Kitsune. All rights reserved.

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