The project 667 Tula, Delta-IV (factory no.382) began its third trials this year on August 29 in the White Sea after repair works at the Zvezdochka shipyard.

According to Interfax news agency, the main task of the trials was testing acoustic systems and the submarine’s systems. The shipyard’s trials were combined with the acceptance trials therefore the Northern Fleet’s representatives were onboard Tula during the trials. The shipyard’s specialists should correct the faults revealed by the Northern Fleet representatives and then after the trials no.4 it should be decided whether the sub is ready to return to active service.

Earlier in July, Tula went to sea trials twice. There it performed a test dive, the accuracy of the magnet compass and speed measurements was checked, and various electric and magnet parameters were examined. The submarine is scheduled to return to active service in 2005. The Zvezdochka shipyard’s specialists said to Interfax they had carried out works to prolong the lifetime of the submarine in the way it ”will not reflect negative on the crew and environment safety”. Before Tula the shipyard has successfully repaired Verhoturye and Ekaterinburg, the subs of the same class.

K-114 was built at the Sevmash plant in 1987. Tuka is one of the last Soviet built subs and it got its name in 1995 together with the sponsorship from the city of Tula. Submarines of the Project 667BDRM (Delta IV) class entered service in 1985-1991. The total of 7 ships of this class was built. Submarines of this class carry the D-16RM missile system with 16 R-29RM (SS-N-23) missiles.