The Russian Navy Report

Kilo Class (Type 636)

        

        This class of submarine has gained a reputation as being the quietest in the world.  The first ship of the class was commissioned at the end of 1980, and after initial success the ship entered serial production.  With technological improvements the later boats of this class are called improved Kilos.  These ships are designed for littoral operations against enemy shipping and submarines. 

 

17 of these vessels are in active service with the Russian Navy, serving in all fleet operations areas except the Caspian Flotilla.

 

The Kilos are powered by two diesel generators and a bank of batteries for underwater operations.  In snorkeling mode the submarine has an operation radius of 6000-7000 miles. Operating on battery the submarine has a range of 400 miles at 3-4 knots.



Internal layout of the Kilo



Crew size is 52, and it is believed that these ships can stay at sea for 45 days.



Machinery spaces on a Kilo class submarine.



This ship was so successful that it has been sold to a number of other countries.



A Kilo in transport.



Algeria – 2 Original Kilo, 2 Improved Kilo

People's Republic of China – 2 Original Kilo, 10 Improved Kilo

 India – designated as the Sindhughosh class; 10 active

 Poland –1 Kilo

 Romania – 1 Kilo

 Vietnam – 6 Improved Kilo (Kilo-636 KMV) on order, contract signed in 2010.

In addition to the list above, Egypt and Venezuela have expressed interest in acquiring Kilo’s.

Kilo commisioning in China

The Kilo class was supposed to be replaced by the Lada class submarine, but earlier this year the Russian Navy stated that they would not be continuing the procurement of that class.


The kilo class submarine was ever portrayed in a book by best-selling writer Patrick Robinson.