Poster submarine los angeles 688i class

The 688i class ("i" for "improved") is an improvement of the Los Angeles class.

The first ship of this type was launched in 1988. They are quieter than the Los Angeles Flight I or two; extra care has been given to the insulation of noise-generating machines, such as steam turbines.

The combat system is also modernized and improved.

These ships, unlike their predecessors, are able to navigate under ice. To achieve this, they are equipped with a reinforced sail, and their diving bars are located just behind the bow.

These modifications allow it to pierce the ice at its thinnest places. Their dimensions are roughly similar, but their tonnage remains higher than the original Los Angeles (6300 tonnes).

A total of 23 ships of this type are currently in service alongside Virginia class submarines, and a few Los Angeles Flight IIs.