Hotel class - Definition and Overview

The Hotel class is the general NATO classification for a type of nuclear-powered submarine that was originally put into service by the Soviet Union around 1959. In the USSR, they were produced under Project 658. These vessels were the first Soviet subs to carry ballistic missiles, and were based off the November-class submarine design. In order to fit the missiles on-board, the hump of the conning tower was extended toward the rear of the vessel.

The K-19 “Widowmaker” was a Hotel-class sub. A story loosely based around an incident that took place on that vessel was made into a movie starring Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson.

There were four subtypes of Hotel-class submarines:

• Hotel I subs were ballistic missile submarines that first entered service in 1959; 8 or 9 were built. They carried 3 SS-N-4 missiles and had 6 torpedo tubes for Type 53 torpedoes. One (the possible ninth vessel) may have been lost.
• Hotel II subs were ballistic missile submarines that first entered service in 1963; the 8 known Hotel I subs were converted to this type. These carried 3 SS-N-5 missiles, but had the same torpedo armament. Four subs were eventually converted to attack submarine, three were given other duties.
• One Hotel III was a converted Hotel II and entered service in 1968. It carried 6 SS-N-8 missiles, but had the same torpedo armament. This vessel was named Krasnogvardets.

General characteristics

• Length: 114 to 127 meters (374 to 417 feet)
• Beam: 9 m (30 ft)
• Draft: 7 m (24 ft)
• Displacement: 5520 to 6340 tonnes (6085 to 6990 tons)
• Propulsion:
  • 2 pressurized-water nuclear reactors
  • 2 propellers
• Crew: About 104
• Armament:
  • 6 (8?) torpedo tubes
  • 3 to 6 missile tubes
• Speed: 41 km/h (26 knots/25 mph)
• Commissioned: November 20, 1960

References

• National Geographic: Hotel class (http://www.nationalgeographic.com/k19/sub_detail_sov2.html) accessed March 14, 2004.
• NATO Code Names for Submarines and Ships (http://www.ais.org/~schnars/aero/nato-shp.htm) accessed March 14, 2004.