Hull of 5-gen sub to be unified for cruise and ballistic missiles

Fifth-generation submarine which development was mentioned in State Arms Program 2011-2020 will have the hull unified for both ballistic and cruise missiles, reported RIA Novosti referring to a top-ranking spokesman for the Navy. 

New arms procurement program provides creation of a 5-gen submarine, said deputy defense minister Vladimir Popovkin in February. Now Russian Navy operates only with 3rd-generation subs. Lead submarines of the 4th-generation projects – SSBN Yury Dolgoruky and SSGN Severodvinsk – are under pre-commission trials. 

New photos of SSBN Alexander Nevsky are published

Editors of the Central Navy Portal obtained new photos of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) Alexander Nevsky taken while the sub was launched at Sevmash shipyard. Photo of the submarine afloat is published for the first time. 

Recall that solemn ceremony of the sub's withdrawal from covered slipway scheduled on Nov 30, 2010 was canceled due to technical problems related to frosty weather. According to unaccredited sources, nonetheless the submarine left the slipway and was placed in floating dock Sukhona in the night of Dec 1, and in a few days was launched and moored at the shipyard's outfitting quay. 

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin inspected the submarine on Dec 13, 2010 during his visit to Arkhangelsk region. Later in the day in Severodvinsk he convened a meeting to discuss State Arms Program 2011-2020. 

SSBN Alexander Nevsky is commanded by Capt 1 rank Vasily Tankovid.