Dmitry Donskoy submarine of the Project 941 class will remain in service until 2020, according to an industry source quoted in the Russian press. The submarine, which was used to as a test bed for Bulava missile, is expected to take part in tests of a Bulava follow-on.
The last time Dmitry Donskoy launched Bulava was in October 2010. After that, all Bulava launches were conducted from Project 955 submarines. In the most recent one, in November 2015, two missiles were launched from Vladimir Monomakh.
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Pavel, I assume she would continue to serve in the test-bed role, but with 3 Borei's operational would that really be necessary? Perhaps a different role?
Pavel, is it true that the other two boats are going to be scrapped now?
Found the answer to my question... http://tass.ru/en/defense/883679
Looks like it will be used for testing an upgraded Bulava- the Bulava-M; first I have heard of this program.
She went to the White Sea on June 21st
Meanwhile, Pskov returned on the same day sporting the Sonar calibration equipment, having gone out the week earlier. No idea what Sonar is being tested as yet.
With regards to the other two Typhoons, they are still being kept in their current state for a few more years apparently. Whether this is true or not remains to be seen
Hi Topol_M!
Here is a sat pic showing Pskov prepared with the device on the bow and just before heading to Severodvisnk
http://up.picr.de/26157769tn.jpg
Here is an update of LC 167 Plesetsk for Pavel. Some minor reconstructions. Together with LC 168 this is the only surface launch pad which remains. All other military surface launch pads (e.g. LC 157/158) have been turned back to nature. So Nudol could hae been only tested at LC 167/168.
http://up.picr.de/26157770mc.jpg
Thanks Bernd