Modern submarines are mostly coated with Anechoic tiles. Acoustic waves from surface ship sonars reflected to the Sonar source are reduced by absorption or scattering in directions other than the direction of the source.
The Russian nuclear-powered submarine Kazan — which Cuba said was not carrying nuclear weapons — docked in Havana on June 12. Washington said it did not see the visit as a threat, but the U.S. Southern Command said on June 13 that a U.S. fast-attack submarine arrived at the naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as part of a planned and routine port visit. A Canadian Navy patrol ship also docked in Havana. Ottawa said the ship arrived on June 14 to signal the “capable and deployable” nature of the Canadian military.
This is the mighty Kazan nuclear submarine, Russia’s latest and greatest weapon propagandist said that would intimidate the US Navy during a visit to Soviet ally Cuba.
The propaganda and reality of Russian defense industries are different. Amature images show that a Russian nuclear submarine is showing cracks on Anechoic tiles.
Its technology is so advanced that it can detach the soundproofing panels that insulate the hull while navigating, deafening the sonar operators of Western submarines.
The function of Anechoic tiles is twofold: They absorb the sound waves of active sonar, reducing and distorting the return signal, thereby reducing its effective range. They attenuate the sounds emitted from the vessel, typically its engines, to reduce the range at which they can be detected by passive sonar.
Submarine pressure hulls are usually made of steel, aluminium, titanium, acrylic plastic, and glass. However, the most widely used material is steel because of the high degree of knowledge available to designers and manufacturers and its outstanding performance in the ocean.
Antireflective acoustic coatings for hiding submarines and other watercraft could be much thinner than those used today. To avoid detection by sonar, submarines are often covered with sound-absorbing, perforated rubber tiles called anechoic coatings.
Russia lacks technology
The pressure hull, the inner shell of the submarine that contains the crew and equipment, is typically thicker than the outer hull to provide additional protection against the high pressures of the deep sea. The pressure hull can be several inches to a foot thick in critical areas.
It’s important to note that modern submarines may also use advanced materials such as titanium or composite materials in some areas to reduce weight while maintaining strength. Additionally, different parts of the submarine may have varying thicknesses of metal depending on the specific requirements for that section of the vessel.
Restricted by backwards-compatible technology, Russia depends on importing composites and high-strength steel. Russian manufacturers used domestic steels and tiles that were developed in the 1980s, causing the tiles to crack during Cuba’s voyage.
Russian quality is in question?
Kazan’s build and quality are in question by spotting the broken tiles that could expose the submarine to the adversary submarine’s sonar, which defeats the primary purpose of a nuclear submarine.
K-561 Kazan is a Yasen-class nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine of the Russian Navy. It is the second boat of the project, separated from the first by 16 years. Considerable changes were made to the initial design.
Built by the United Shipbuilding Corporation, Kazan is meant to compete with the US Navy’s Ohio-class nuclear submarine. However, the submarine is restricted to Soviet-era sonar, combat management suite, and pressure hull.
The modern Kazan and Gorshkov field various anti-ship and land attack weapons. According to a report in RUSI, Kazan could field up to 32 Soviet-era P-800s, 40 Kalibirs and an unknown number of Zircons.
The Russian nuclear-powered submarine Kazan — which Cuba said was not carrying nuclear weapons — docked in Havana on June 12. Washington said it did not see the visit as a threat, but the U.S. Southern Command said on June 13 that a U.S. fast-attack submarine arrived at the naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as part of a planned and routine port visit. A Canadian Navy patrol ship also docked in Havana. Ottawa said the ship arrived on June 14 to signal the “capable and deployable” nature of the Canadian military.
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