''BS-64'' is a Project 667BDRM ''Delfin''-class ballistic missile submarine ( NATO reporting name Delta IV) of the Russian Navy. She was originally designated ''K-64''. ''K-64'' was removed from active service in 1999 and was ordered to be refitted. It was planned for her to be reactivated in 2002 to replace the Yankee 'Stretch'-class ''KS-411''. ''KS-411'' had been the

mothership A mother ship, mothership or mother-ship is a large vehicle that leads, serves, or carries other smaller vehicles. A mother ship may be a maritime ship, aircraft, or spacecraft. Examples include bombers converted to carry experimental airc ...

for the

mini submarine A midget submarine (also called a mini submarine) is any submarine under 150 tons, typically operated by a crew of one or two but sometimes up to six or nine, with little or no on-board living accommodation. They normally work with mother ships, ...

s, which are believed to be used for a combination of oceanographic research, search and rescue, and underwater intelligence-gathering. Due to lack of funds this plan was postponed. ''K-64'' was renamed ''BS-64'' in 2002, and her central section containing 16 silos for ballistic missiles was removed to create space for the installation of scientific-experimental equipment, cabins for scientists and a rest room for the regular crew. There were unofficial reports that in 2008 the ship had been named ''Vladimir'', before the official name ''Podmoskovye'' was announced later that year. After her conversion was completed at Zvezdochka shipyard the submarine was relaunched on 11 August 2015. Following the completion of repairs it is believed that the submarine was converted to serve as carrier of mini submarine(s), such as the deep-diving nuclear powered mini-submarine ''Losharik''.

Sea trial A sea trial is the testing phase of a watercraft (including boats, ships, and submarines). It is also referred to as a " shakedown cruise" by many naval personnel. It is usually the last phase of construction and takes place on open water, and ...

s started in the

White Sea The White Sea (russian: Белое море, ''Béloye móre''; Karelian and fi, Vienanmeri, lit. Dvina Sea; yrk, Сэрако ямʼ, ''Serako yam'') is a southern inlet of the Barents Sea located on the northwest coast of Russia. It is s ...

in October 2016 and the submarine was handed over to the Russian Navy in December the same year as a Pr. 09787 carrier of mini-submarines and possibly as a nuclear deep-water station.

References

External links

Photos of BS-64 from press-account of Zvezdochka enterprise
{{DEFAULTSORT:BS-64 Delta-class submarines Ships built in the Soviet Union 1986 ships Cold War submarines of the Soviet Union Submarines of Russia Ships of the Russian Northern Fleet Ships built by Sevmash