"Axon-2" - the first "Kazan"

The submarine KS-403 "Kazan" ("Axon-2") returns to Severodvinsk after a long hike.

In 1971, the strategic nuclear submarine K-403 of the 667 project was built on Sevmash. He made several exits to combat service. And in 1982-1983. at the Zvezdochka machine-building enterprise in Severodvinsk, it was re-equipped according to the 667AK Axon-1 project. The submarine, which received the tactical number of the COP-403, has become an experimental one. Electronic armament for third-generation submarines, including the Skat-3 hydroacoustic complex, was tested on it.

In 1991, the submarine KS-403 again came to the "Star" and began the next refit on the project 09780 "Axon-2". On it were established promising samples of electronic equipment intended for fourth-generation nuclear ships of the type “Borey” and “Ash”. Some new elements of the architecture of future nuclear powered ships were also tested. So, on the COP-403 mounted fence sliding devices, which later introduced on RKLSN type "Borey". The scope of work turned out to be large. That is why Sevmash took a significant part in the modernization of the ship. All hull structures for the new bow block were made on it.

In 1996, Axon-2 went to the test, and in 1997, at the request of the public of the capital of Tatarstan, it was given the name Kazan. Despite the enormous financial difficulties, the boat was actively developing new weapons systems. In 2000, under the command of captain 1 of the rank of Igor Kravtsov, she made a long trip to the White, Barents and Norwegian Seas, the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. It was not a cruise at all, but intense combat work. New detection tools have demonstrated their high efficiency. In principle, the boat could be used for covert hydroacoustic surveillance. Its equipment at long ranges easily recorded the discrete components of the noise of the American and NATO ships. The authoritative interdepartmental commission came to the conclusion that the Kazan-403 KS-XN, after minor repairs, could continue the service. However, in 2004, the boat was taken out of the Navy, and on December 9, 2005 was pulled down on the flag of St. Andrew.

Now KS-403 is being cut into scrap metal on the same “Star”, where she received a second birth twice. Her fence retractable devices neatly dismantled, transported to Kazan and installed in Victory Park. At the solemn ceremony of laying the new "Kazan" the crew members of the first "Kazan" presented to the representatives of the administration of the capital of Tatarstan a gift box for the submarine. In turn, the general director of the Zvezdochka Center for Ship Repair, Vladimir Nikitin, promised to donate an embedded submarine to the Kazan Museum.