In March 1958 the development of a new missile launch system D-4 with R-21 missiles was approved. It was planned to replace the D-2 launch system and allowed underwater missile firings. The R-21 missiles could be fired from a depth of 40-50 m at a speed of up to 4 knots at intervals of 5 minutes. The time for prelaunch preparation was approximately 45 minutes. After the launch system reached its IOC in May 1963 the re-equipment of the 629 submarines began. The submarines equipped with the new D-4 launching system were designated as 629A (Golf II). In early 1967 the upgrading of the first submarines under the project 629A was completed. In total 8 submarines from the Northern and Pacific fleet were outfitted with the D-4 launch system.
The improved twenty third submarine of the Golf class (629A) incorporated two improved R-21 missiles.
Specifications |
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Soviet Designation |
629 |
629A |
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US-Designation |
Golf I |
Golf II |
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Development began |
January 1956 |
March 1958 |
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Design Bureau |
UKB-16 |
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Chief designer |
N.N. Isanin |
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Builders |
Nr. 402 Severodvinsk |
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Construction and Outfit |
1958-1962 |
1966-1972 |
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Service time |
Since 1959 |
1967-1990 |
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Number of ships |
22 |
14 (converted from Golf I) |
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Armament |
D-1 launch system with |
D-4 launch system with |
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6-533mm torpedo tubes |
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Power Plant |
Diesel and electrical engines |
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Length |
98.4 meters |
98.9 meters |
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Beam |
8.2 meters |
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Draft |
7.85 meters |
8.5 meters |
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Displacement |
2,794 tons Surfaced |
2,300-2,820 tons Surfaced |
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3,553 tons Submerged |
2,700-3,553 tons Submerged |
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Operating depth |
260 meters (design) |
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Speed |
15 knots Surface |
15-17 knots Surface |
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12.5 knots Submerged |
12-14 knots Submerged |
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Crew |
80 men |
83 men |
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Endurance |
70 days |
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