Rubin Project 636 (Kilo) stern view

[Guest]

Visiting the 'Rubin' web site, discovered these images which I share here. I have seen Kilo stern views with both 6 and 7 blade propellers. 7 blade props seem to be the norm presently.

Steve Reichmuth

http://www.ckb-rubin.com/project/submarine/noatompl/img/14.jpg

http://www.ckb-rubin.com/project/submarine/noatompl/img/15.jpg

http://www.ckb-rubin.com/project/submarine/noatompl/index.htm

[PaulC]

Steve,

I've often wondered]

[color=#000000]Steve,

I've often wondered]

[anonymous]

Hi Paul,

Nice to be contacted

Hi Paul,

Nice to be contacted by you. I have wondered the same thing at times. Why no upper rudder?

Asking owners about how the model 'Kilo's' (Dave Manley's beautiful kits) handle. The comments back have been a wider turn radius than other similar sized models like the Dave Manley 'Barbel'. The lower rudder on the real Kilo boats might be a rudder control surface of surface area equal to the surface area of slimmer upper and lower rudders on other designs. A larger lower rudder would give equal performance (in theory) either surfaced or submerged.

I suspect the Kilo lower rudder is finely positioned and balanced so the rudder when turned, the forward part of the rudder forward of the hinge point swings out into the stream on the opposite side, increasing turning forces. Where is the Dave Manley Kilo model rudder hinge point located? Would it copy in function the real boat's handling as such? I know Mike Dory's turning performance on his 1/32 scale German Type XXI benefits greatly by having Mike's rudder hinged part way back. Mike reports this change increases his boats turning performance better.

Also of note, the Rubin design 'Amur' class, a follow on to the 'Kilo' with AIP propulsion has both a upper and lower rudder, as well as sail planes too. This might be an admission from Kilo 'customers' (Russian and foreign Navies) that turning performance might be wanting?

Remember also that making hard turns in a tactical situation (approach) is not desirable, leaving 'knuckle' disturbances in the water, that might be indiscrete stealth wise. A built in design safety measure? Not likely, besides poor turning performance even if it might help your sub survive, there is still the problem avoiding crashing into the dock at the end of the patrol to be considered too!

Steve

[seawolf]

just wondering, this Kilo is

just wondering, this Kilo is Russian version ? or other country version such as China ?

[anonymous]

Good question!

There is nothing in

Good question!

There is nothing in the web site or in the image 'properties' to indicate this submarine's future nationality. The theme of most of the products in this particular Rubin Project submarine page emphasizes their (Rubin) products abilities to operate in the full range of operating environments (in this case the topics). My guess is these subs along with others seen on this page with known indicators (India's national ensign waving in some of the images) is these submarines might be products for the Indian Navy.

The interior of these and Russian subs in general with their mustard yellow color I am sure was carefully studied for it's psychological effects on crew habitability. To me this color looks so dreary! The light gray and plastic wood paneling in American subs looks a little better. The best from a cheerful habitability point of view to me is the British SSN/SSBN interior colors....white with real wood paneling. Cheerful, clean, and beautiful.

Just a guess about the sub's nationality, nothing pinned down. Any one else have an idea too?

Steve