Overview:
Devlin Stone's coalition faced many nasty surprises from the Word of Blake as they liberated the worlds of the former Blake Protectorate and Terra. Most of these surprises were the result of technological achievements. However, the Akula class missile submarines were not particularly advanced but were quite unconventional. Submarines of this size had become quite rare after mankind took to the stars. In recent decades, the Draconis Combine had re-introduced such craft for protecting water-rich worlds, including the similar Triton class missile submarine. While the Triton was quite formidable in defending coastal areas, the Robes' Akula class submarines provided unprecedented flexibility.
Capabilities:
The Akulas were a danger to virtually every coalition force on the water worlds they were defending. Equipped with twelve of the sub-capital Pirahna missile launchers, the Akulas are capable of engaging all manner of targets. Ground units could be bombarded, atmospheric targets could be directly engaged and inbound dropships could even be targeted in low orbit. Also, in a few cases, surface naval vessels were, quite literally, blown out of the water. The key to this flexibility was the Akula's extensive communications suite. This allowed it to receive targeting data from any friendly units or satellite uplink. Further, it could deploy its own network of remote sensor buoys. So, even when completely isolated, hunting an Akula was a dangerous task.
Because the Pirahna missiles could launch from deep underwater, addressing the threat of an Akula meant either directly engaging it with other submersibles (which were rarely availible) or waiting until the Akula was forced to surface. The latter option was also difficult and tedious. With a fusion engine, a small crew, adequate kitchen facilities and a med bay, an Akula could remain submerged for months. Also, a Guardian ECM suite and a top speed of over 50 knots made an Akula's movements difficult to track and anticipate. Further, a compliment of 360 Pirahna missiles meant an Akula could remain a strategic threat for quite some time before needing to re-arm. Finally, if forced to engage other submersibles, an Akula had two torpedo turrets, each with 60 tubes. However, this defense was a last resort.
Type: Akula Missile Submarine
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Movement Type: Naval (Large, Template D)
Cruise Speed: 64.8 km/h
Flanking Speed: 97.2 km/h
Equipment Rating: E/X-X-F-X
BV: 45,614
Cost: 392,704,047 C-bills
Mass: 22,000 tons
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Equipment Type Mass
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Chassis/Controls: 8,583.5
Engine/Trans: Fusion 5,940.0
Cruise MP: 6
Flank MP: 9
Fuel: 0.0
Turret (Hex #2): 3.0
Turret (Hex #5): 3.0
Armor Factor (BAR 10): 1,189 75.0
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Front 41 170
Front R/L Side 41/41 160/160
Rear R/L Side 41/41 160/160
Rear 41 139
Turret 2 41 120
Turret 5 41 120
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Weapons & Equipment Location Mass
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12 Pirahna Missile Launchers Body 1,200.0
360 Piranha Missiles Body 3,600.0
4 LR Torpedo-15 Turret 2 28.0
Ammo (LRT-15) 96 Body 12.0
4 LR Torpedo-15 Turret 5 28.0
Ammo (LRT-15) 96 Body 12.0
Remote Sensor Dispensor Rear 0.5
Guardian ECM Suite Body 1.5
Advanced Fire Control Body 126.0
Crew: 10 officers, 26 enlisted, 34 gunners
Cargo:
1,802 tons standard 1 Door (Front)
Notes: Features Submersible, Armored Chassis and Control Modifications,
1 field kitchen (3 tons), 7 escape pods (49 tons), 60 crew quarters (420 tons),
10 officer quarters (100 tons), MASH unit (2 theaters, 3.5 tons),
communications equipment (10 tons)