Project 971 Щука-Б (Shchuka-B, 'Shchuka' meaning "pike", NATO reporting name "Akula"), is a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) first deployed by the Soviet Navy in 1986. The class is also known under the name Bars (meaning "snow leopard"). There are four sub-classes or flights of Shchuka, consisting of the original seven "Akula I" submarines which were commissioned between 1984 and 1990, six "Improved Akula" submarines commissioned between 1991 and 2009, one "Akula II" submarine commissioned in 1995 and one "Akula III" commissioned in 2001. The Russians call all of the submarines Shchuka-B, regardless of modifications. Some potential for confusion may exist, as the name Akula (Акула meaning "shark" in Russian) was used by the Soviets for a different submarine, the Projekt 941 which is known in the West as the Typhoon-class. By contrast, the Projekt 971 (the subject of this article) was named Shchuka-B by the Soviets but designated as the "Akula-class" by the West after the name of the lead ship, K-284.
| # | Project | Name | NATO | Shipyard | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned | Status |
| K-152 | 971I/09719 | Nerpa/ INS Chakra | Akula II[28][29] | Amur Shipyard | 1993 | 4-Jul-06 | 28-Dec-09 | Pacific Fleet. Has been leased out to India from the end 2012 to 2022. |
| |
| K-154 | 971 | Tigr | Akula I Improved | Sevmash | 10-Sep-89 | 26-Jun-93 | 29-Dec-93 | Northern Fleet Overhaul underway since September 2011 |
| K-157 | 971 | Vepr | Akula II | Sevmash | 13-Jul-90 | 10-Dec-94 | 25-Nov-95 | Northern Fleet |
| K-263 | 971 | Delfin | Akula I | Amur Shipyard | 9-May-85 | 28-May-86 | 30-Dec-87 | Pacific Fleet, removed from active service, status unclear |
| K-284 | 971 | Akula | Akula I | Amur Shipyard | 6-Nov-83 | 16-Jun-84 | 30-Dec-84 | Pacific Fleet. 2001 removed from service |
| K-295 | 971 | Samara | Akula II | Amur Shipyard | 7-Nov-93 | 5-Aug-94 | 28-Jul-95 | Pacific Fleet[ To undergo overhaul and modernization[ |
| K-317 | 971 | Pantera | Akula II | Sevmash | 6-Nov-86 | 21-May-90 | 30-Dec-90 | Northern Fleet |
| K-322 | 971 | Kashalot | Akula II | Amur Shipyard | 5-Sep-86 | 18-Jul-87 | 30-Dec-88 | Pacific Fleet, removed from active service, undergo overhaul and modernization.Under Negotiation for lease to India |
| K-328 | 971 | Leopard | Akula I Improved | Sevmash | 26-Oct-88 | 28-Jun-92 | 15-Dec-92 | Northern Fleet Overhaul underway since November 2011 |
| K-331 | 971 | Magadan | Akula II | Amur Shipyard | 28-Dec-89 | 23-Jun-90 | 31-Dec-90 | Pacific Fleet Undergoing overhaul |
| (ex Narval) |
| K-333 | 971U | Rys | Akula II | Sevmash | 31-Aug-93 | x | x | Not completed. Hull used for Alexander Nevsky SSBN (project 955 Borei) |
| K-335 | 971 M | Gepard | Akula III | Sevmash | 23-Sep-91 | 17-Sep-99 | 5-Dec-01 | Northern Fleet |
| K-337 | 971U | Kuguar | Akula II | Sevmash | 18-Aug-92 | x | x | Not completed. Hull used for Yuri Dolgorukiy SSBN (project 955 Borei) |
| K-391 | 971 | Bratsk | Akula II | Amur Shipyard | 23-Feb-88 | 14-Apr-89 | 29-Dec-89 | Pacific Fleet, removed from active service, to undergo overhaul and modernization |
| K-419 | 971 | Kuzbass | Akula II | Amur Shipyard | 28-Jul-91 | 18-May-92 | 31-Dec-92 | Pacific Fleet, in repairs since 2010 Overhaul still underway |
| K-461 | 971 | Volk | Akula I Improved | Sevmash | 14-Nov-87 | 11-Jun-91 | 29-Dec-91 | Northern Fleet |
| K-480 | 971 | Ak Bars | Akula I | Sevmash | 22-Feb-85 | 16-Mar-88 | 31-Dec-88 | Northern Fleet. Removed from service 1998.[18] Scrapping since February 2010. |
| K-xxx | 971M | not named | Akula II | Sevmash | 1992 | x | x | Not Completed. Hull used for Vladimir Monomakh SSBN[18] (project 955 Borei) |
| K-xxx | 971I/09719 | Iribis | Akula I Improved | Amur Shipyard | 1994 | Nov-16 | Jul-17 | Construction halted at 60% completion. May be completed and leased to India and may be Join Indian Navy 1st Qt 2018. |
Any service era or vessel configuration - We can build a model of them all - your pick.
We offer our Akula Class Submarine Models in several popular size/scale offerings for easy ordering and selection. However, if you would like your model made in a size other than those sizes listed, please contact us with your request. Custom orders are our specialty!
Our submarine models are made-to-order, meaning that we do not stock any pre-made models. Only when a customer tells us the size and/or scale desired do we build the model. Each model is exquisitely crafted by our master model builders and comes fully assembled with a solid hull - hand carved from kiln-dried mahogany. Other parts are made from a variety of woods, putty, resin and metals. Every model includes pedestals, mounted on a polished mahogany base board. Options include keel block mounting, waterline models, nameplates, ships seals and ribbons, and weathering paint schemes.
The model build time is generally 16 weeks from receipt of the order and deposit. The normal procedure is a 50% deposit with the commissioning, with the balance due prior to shipping. Note that prior to shipping, we take a series of photos of the model and send them to you for final review and approval – so you know exactly what your model will look like and allow for any necessary modifications. Once you have approved your model, we’ll collect the final balance and she will be shipped in a robust shipping crate and insured for your protection.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee: In the unlikely event you are not completely satisfied with your model and wish to return it, notify us within 7 days of the model delivery and we will issue a refund or exchange.
FREE SHIPPING in the USA - Note that our model prices include shipping and insurance within the USA.
Shipping costs outside the USA will depend on the model size ordered and shipping destination. You will be responsible for any applicable taxes or duties, based on the commercial invoice value for the model.
Add a museum-like touch to your model display - Consider our protective display case option. Keep fingers and dust away - forever! Please visit our Display Case page to see our selection.
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