New Sovietskiy Ossetyr class Ballistic Missile Submarine:

Before its breakup in the last decade of the twentieth century, the Soviet Navy had a huge fleet of ballistic missile submarines. The Russian Navy tried to preserve their ballistic missile forces but had very limited budgets and their strategic forces faded bit by bit. By the time a Communist government took power, there were no ballistic missile submarines that could really be called operational. None of the old Delta or Typhoon class submarines were salvageable but several were patched back together to serve a few more years. Likely, even though were listed as operation, they would have been unable to deploy. The new Communist leaders felt very threatened by the United States and Europe and decided they needed nuclear deterrents to protect their restored government. As such, building ballistic missile submarines became a priority. The first new Soviet ballistic missile submarine was laid down just a year after the Drakon class fast attack submarine and the new ballistic missile submarine class was considered a priority. Ballistic missile submarines were actually a higher priority than cruise missile submarines and two submarines were laid down every three years. Over the course of production, a total of about twenty ballistic missile submarines were constructed. These vessels served as strategic deterrent until the coming of the rifts. When tensions broke out just before the coming of the rifts, the entire class, except for four ballistic submarines which were under refit, deployed to respond in defense of the Soviet nation. They were a priority by American and British fast attack submarines and virtually the entire class was destroyed. Three vessels were never accounted for and might have survived although the New Navy leaders doubt it. If a submarine survived intact, the construction of high strength composites will prevent them from corroding if sealed.

The tactics of the Soviet navy with the Ossetyr class ballistic missile submarines is to deploy them under the polar ice and were designed to be able to push their way through thick polar ice. The submarines are surrounded by fast attack submarines to prevent enemy submarines from being able to sink the ballistic missile submarines before they have a chance to fire their missiles. This tactic was originally developed for the Typhoon class submarine and seemed to be the best tactic for the new ballistic missile submarines as well. The American's response was to develop safe passages under the ice to be able to find these deadly missile platforms. The Soviets found out about how the Americans planned to destroy the Soviet strategic forces and decided to split their forces up with half of their ballistic missile submarines deploying to open oceans and the other half remaining under the ice pack. The American submarines were able to surprise the Soviet ballistic missile submarines wherever they deployed and most were destroyed before they could launch their deadly payload.

The submarine is more conventional than the Typhoon class ballistic missile submarine class with the missiles positioned behind the main sail. The sail is still a massive structure and is designed to be able to penetrate polar ice to be able to fire its missile payload. The Ossetyr class does not share the same hull as the later Vyper class cruise missile submarine. The submarines diving planes are located on the hull. Like the Typhoon class, the Ossetyr class is a huge submarine and has multiple hulls to be able to withstand incredibly heavy damage. The hull is also constructed of new high strength composites. The submarine is designed to be able to dive to 2000 meters without the hull being ruptured. The submarines were designed with two shafts unlike the fast attack submarine class. The ballistic submarine's engines were later adapted for the Vyper class cruise missile submarines but the ballistic missile submarines had a slower top speed due to their larger size and had a top speed of around 32 knots underwater. In the same fashion, the first few Ossetyr class submarines were fitted with two nuclear normal reactors and later vessels replaced these with four fusion reactors. The early vessels were refitted with fusion reactors when they were refitted. The ballistic missile submarines are designed for extremely quiet operation and have a pump jet propulsion system as well as having a sound absorbing rubber coating. Sonar systems are shared with the Drakon class fast attack submarine and while not quite as capable as American systems, they are still quite effective and far beyond the systems available to the Coalition and most other post-rifts powers.

As can be expected, the ballistic missiles are the main weaponry of the Ossetyr class. Instead of developing a whole new missile design, it was decided that they would update ballistic missiles already in their inventory. The missiles are basically an upgraded version of the RSM-52/SS-N-20 Sturgeon Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile which was carried on the Typhoon class. The upgraded missile, known as the SS-N-50 Scythe, had far better electronics and was far more reliable. The Ossetyr class submarine carries twenty-four missiles compared to twenty missiles carried on the Typhoon class. As well, each missile carries two more reentry vehicles compared to the older missile. Each submarine carries a total of 288 independently targetable nuclear warheads. There was a huge amount of debate during construction on the torpedo armament. The original design showed six 533 mm torpedo tubes but this was replaced with four 650 mm tubes during construction. The submarine carries a total of 26 torpedoes as reloads. On either side of the hull is a killer dart interceptor system which is retractable into the outer hull. While useful against submarines, the main purpose of the system is to intercept incoming missiles before they hit. The submarine is also armed with a retractable sail mounted short range missile launcher to protect against missile and aircraft attacks.

The crew is reduced greatly compared to the old Typhoon class and there is only slightly over a hundred in the crew. The ship carried advanced automation especially in the power plant. Like other Soviet submarine classes, the crew of the Ossetyr class submarine is composed of far more officers than American and British submarines and the enlisted crew mostly does menial jobs. As well, American and British ballistic missile submarines were designed to operate virtually constantly with two crews while the Soviet submarines spent most of their time in port. Still, quarters in the Soviet submarine were quite comfortable and each crew member has more space than each American submariner has.

Model Type: Ossetyr class Ballistic Missile Submarine
Class: Ocean, Strategic Ballistic Submarine
Crew: 107; 59 officers, 48 petty officers and enlisted crew members (Has a high degree of automation)
Troop Capacity: None

M.D.C. by Location:

	Super Heavy Torpedo Tubes (4 - front of submarine):	150 each
	Ballistic Missile Launchers (24, Behind Main Sail of Submarine):	200 each
	Short Range Missile Launcher (1, Sail):	100
	Killer Dart "Interceptor" Torpedo Launcher (2, Sides):	80 each
	Main Sail:	1400
	[1] Bow Planes (2):	400 each
	[2] Pump Jet Propulsor (2):	500 each
	[3] Main Body:	4,000

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 both of 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. Destruction of one Pump Jet Propulsor reduces the submarine's top speed by half.
[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: 27.6 mph (24 knots/ 44.5 kph)
Underwater: 36.8 mph (32 knots/59.3 kph).
Maximum Depth: 6,561.7 feet (2,000 meters)
Maximum Effective Range: Effectively Unlimited due to fusion engines (needs to refuel every 20 years and requires maintenance as well). Ship carries 4 months of supplies on board.

Statistical Data:
Height: 68.5 feet (20.9 meters) not including periscopes and antenna
Width: 78.2 feet (23.8 meters)
Length: 558.5 feet (170.2 meters)
Displacement: 24,700 tons standard and 35,600 tons submerged
Cargo: 20 tons of nonessential equipment and supplies (normally used for equipment for marines). Each enlisted crew member has a small locker for personal items and uniforms. Ships 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 Ossetyr class Submarine.

Weapon Systems:

1. Four (4) Super Heavy Torpedo Tubes: On the bow of the submarine are four 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 36 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, or 4. Reloading takes 1 full melee
   Payload: 4 Total (Has 36 torpedoes and missiles for reloads with 8 Interceptor torpedoes)
2. Twenty-Four (24) SS-N-50 Scythe Strategic Ballistic Missiles: Behind the submarines sail are two rows of twelve ballistic missiles. These missiles make the Ossetyr class one of the most dangerous ship classes on the Earth. Missiles can be launched at depths up to 400 feet (121.9 meters). The missiles are improved versions of the SS-N-20 Sturgeon ballistic missiles which were carried on the Typhoon class. Missiles have a range of 5,000 nautical miles but essentially enter a low orbit to do so they would probably either be destroyed by the debris rings or by defense satellites. Missiles can be launched at targets less than 1,000 nautical miles without entering a ballistic trajectory. Each missile has twelve warheads that are each the equivalent of a nuclear long range missile warhead. The missiles can hit targets up to 80 nautical miles (148.2 km) away from where the missile breaks into its multiple warheads and can target multiple targets. Each warhead has independent guidance and is considered a smart missiles.
   Maximum Effective Range: 5757.8 miles (5,000 nautical miles / 19266.2 km) but must be launched ballistically, 1,150.8 miles (1,000 nautical miles /1,852 km) with missiles being launched sub ballistically. Missile warheads can hit targets withing a 92.1 miles (80 nautical miles /148.2 km) of where the missile breaks into fourteen warheads.
   Mega Damage: Each missile have 12 warheads which each are equal to a nuclear long range missile warhead (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
   Rate of Fire: One at a time or in volley of 2, 4, 6, or 8 and can be fired at multiple target at the same time.
   Payload: 24 SS-N-50 Scythe Ballistic missiles total. Submarine carries no reloads.
3. 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.
4. 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.
   
5. 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:

• Advanced Hull Sonar System: Range of 50 miles (43.4 nautical miles / 80.5 km). This hull sonar system has both a passive and active system built in. Sonar system can track up to 24 targets at one time and has a +10% to read sensor and weapon system skill rolls. Sonar also has built in communication system and sound pulse system to detect obstacles, objects, vessels and fish (schools and large animals), as well as measure distances and depth.
• Advanced Towed Array Sonar: The system is basically a long and very sensitive sonar system carried behind the submarine on a long cable. Range of 150 miles (130.2 nautical miles / 241.4 km). This towed array sonar system has both a passive and active system built in. Sonar system can track up to 36 targets at one time.
• ESM: This system is mounted in mounted in the superstructure and is extended in a similar manner to a periscope. The antenna is very hard to detect both visually and by radar. Can detect another radar system at 125% of the range of the transmitting radar.
• Quieted propulsion and Anechoic Coating: The ship is designed with a very quiet pump jet propulsor design, the submarine's reactors make very little noise, and the boat is coated by a sonar defeating rubber coating. The submarine is -40% to detect when traveling at less that 10 knots and is at -20% to detect when traveling at greater than that speed.

[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.