YANKEE class

The project 667A / AU, or Yankee (according to NATO designation) class nuclear ballistic missile submarines  (SSBN) were the first Soviet submarines able to launch their missiles being submerged. Although this capacity had been achieved by the US Navy and the Royal Navy ten years ago, it was a great step forward and a cause for concern in the West. The range of the SS-N-6 mod.1 “Sawfly” ballistic missiles, forced them to get close to the American coast, but as they were able to launch the missiles from the bottom of the sea, their invulnerability to defenses increased enormously. Thirty four vessels were built and entered service between 1967 and 1974, although in 1972 there were 30 of them active. Its main mission was to attack vital command centers, aircraft carriers and SSBNs in port. In 1980, with the signing of the SALT I treaty, 21 ships were converted to launch cruise and long-range anti-ship missiles. The last Yankee was removed from service in 1995.

YANKEE class gallery and more info