Legendary Designer of Soviet Atomic Submarines Passes Away at 99

Written by Kathrine Frich

Sep.03 - 2024 1:46 PM CET

News
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Photo: Shutterstock.com
He played a pivotal role in Soviet naval engineering.

Trending Now

Igor Spassky, a prominent designer of atomic submarines, has passed away at the age of 99, according to reports from the Telegram channel “Smotri.”

Created 200 Submarines

Spassky played a pivotal role in Soviet naval engineering, with his designs leading to the creation of around 200 submarines throughout his career, according to Lenta.

Spassky began his tenure at the Rubin Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering (TsKB MT) in 1956, where he quickly rose to prominence. In 1983, he became the chief designer of the bureau, a position he held until 2007.

Under his leadership, the Rubin bureau developed several key submarine classes, including the Project 941 “Shark,” Project 667BDRM “Dolphin,” and Project 949A “Antey” nuclear missile cruisers. His contributions significantly advanced Soviet submarine technology during the Cold War era.

Advancements in Missile Systems

His work not only focused on the design of submarines but also encompassed advancements in missile systems and naval defense. Spassky's legacy is marked by his innovative approach and dedication to enhancing the capabilities of the Soviet fleet.

This news follows the recent death of Oleg Mamalyga, the chief designer of the Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system, highlighting a period of transition in Russian defense engineering as the nation reflects on the contributions of these notable figures.

Igor Spassky’s passing is a significant loss to the field of naval engineering, and he will be remembered for his profound impact on submarine design and technology.