The Project 661 class (also known as ‘Anchar’; ASCC/NATO codename Papa) was an SSGN of which only one was constructed: originally named K-162, it was laid down on 28 December 1963, completed on 31 December 1969 and renamed K-222 in 1978. Powered by two compact light-water reactors (177.4MW each), with a 106.9-metre-long hull entirely made of titanium, and displacing 5,280 tons on the surface and 7,100 tons submerged, this submarine broke the underwater speed record on trials by reaching 44.7 knots (a record which stands to this day). The weapons system was centred on 10 P-70 Amethyst anti-ship missiles, all of which could be launched in two salvos, with a three-minute interval between salvos. Secondary armament included four 533mm torpedo tubes for SET-53 anti-submarine torpedoes. The sole vessel of this class was an experimental yet fully combat-capable submarine, but it undertook only two combat patrols, both with the Northern Fleet, before suffering damage to one of its reactors while they were undergoing maintenance in the shipyard in September 1980. The K-222 Anchar was placed in reserve in 1988 and dismantled at Sevmash, starting in 2010. (Artwork by Ivan Zajac)