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Dobrynya Nikitich-class icebreaker

{{Infobox ship begin

|infobox caption=

|display title=

|sclass=

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{{Infobox ship image

|Ship image=File:Ivan Kruzenstern in Kronstadt Saint Petersburg 21 February 2018.jpg

|Ship image size=

|Ship caption=Ivan Kruzenstern showing the rounded tumblehome hull of the Dobrynya Nikitich-class icebreakers

}}

{{Infobox ship class overview

|Name=* Dobrynya Nikitich class (various Project 97 variants)

|Builders=Admiralty Shipyard (Leningrad, USSR)

|Operators=Various

|Class before=

|Class after=

|Subclasses=

  • 97 (icebreaker)
  • 97A (icebreaker)
  • 97K (icebreaker)
  • 97E (icebreaker)
  • 97AP (patrol icebreaker)
  • 97P (patrol ship)
  • 97D (hydrographic survey vessel)
  • 97B (hydrographic survey vessel)
  • 97N (research vessel)

|Cost=

|Built range=1960–1981

|In service range=1960–present

|Total ships completed=32

|Total ships active=7

|Total ships laid up=1

|Total ships preserved=1

|Total ships lost=1

|Total ships scrapped=22

}}

{{Infobox ship characteristics

|Hide header=

|Header caption={{sfn|Kuznetsov|2009}}

|Ship type=Icebreaker

|Ship displacement=* {{convert|2935|t|LT|abbr=on}}

  • {{convert|3350|t|LT|abbr=on}} (97AP){{cite web|url=https://iceberg.org.ru/portfolio/project-97AP/|title=Патрульные дизель-электрические ледоколы, проект 97АП|website=CDB Iceberg|accessdate=25 May 2023}}

|Ship length={{convert|67.7|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}

|Ship beam={{convert|18.1|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}

|Ship height=

|Ship draught=* {{convert|5.35|m}}

  • {{convert|6.3|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} (97AP)

|Ship depth=

|Ship ice class=

|Ship power=3 × 13D100 (3 × 1,800 hp)

|Ship propulsion=Diesel–electric; three shafts (2 × 2,400 hp + 1,600 hp)

|Ship speed={{convert|14|kn}} (maximum)

|Ship range=* {{convert|5500|nmi}}

  • {{convert|6700|nmi}} (97AP)

|Ship endurance=17 days

|Ship crew=42

|Ship armament=

  • 1 × twin 57 mm ZIF-31-B (97 and 97AP)
  • 1 × twin 25 mm {{ill|2M-3|lt=2M-3M|ru|2М-3М|v=sup}} (97 and 97AP)

|Ship notes=

}}

Dobrynya Nikitich class, also known by its Soviet designation Project 97, is a diverse series of diesel–electric icebreakers and other icebreaking vessels built in the Soviet Union. In total, 32 vessels were built in various configurations for both civilian and naval service in the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s, and several remain in service in Russia {{asof|2024|lc=y}}.

Western sources refer to the Project 97 vessels using two different names: Dobrynya Nikitich class for the various icebreaker variants and more heavily-modified derivative designs, and Ivan Susanin class specifically for Project 97P patrol ships.{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP78T05161A001300010048-3.pdf |title=Admiralty Shipyard 194 Leningrad, USSR |date=28 March 2003 |orig-date=August 1966 |website=CIA.gov |page=3 |access-date=26 January 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126124040/https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP78T05161A001300010048-3.pdf |archive-date=26 January 2024}}{{citation|author=Baker, Arthur J., III|title=Their Ship Types|work=Proceedings|volume=108|issue=10|publisher=U.S. Naval Institute|date=October 1982|url=https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/1982/october/their-ship-types}}{{cite web|url=https://odin.tradoc.army.mil/WEG/Asset/Ivan_Susanin_Class_(Project_97P_Class)_Russian_Icebreaker|title=Ivan Susanin Class (Project 97P Class) Russian Icebreaker|website=OE Data Integration Network|accessdate=27 January 2024}}{{sfn|Polmar|1986}}

Background and construction

In the mid-1950s, the Soviet Union began developing a new diesel–electric icebreaker design that could meet the needs of both civilian and naval operators. At the time, the merchant marine relied largely on ageing steam-powered icebreakers, many of which had been built during the Imperial Russia era and would reach the end of their operational life in the coming years. In addition, the Soviet Border Troops possessed just one ice-capable vessel for patrolling the country's northern border, Project 52K patrol ship Purga, which had been laid down already in 1938 but did not enter service until 1957.{{sfn|Kuznetsov|2009}}

Technical development of the new icebreakers was entrusted to Leningrad-based Central Design Bureau No. 15, today known as Central Design Bureau "Iceberg" and part of the state-owned United Shipbuilding Corporation, which based the hull lines on the Swedish-built steam-powered icebreaker Eisbär which Germany had handed over to the Soviet Union as war reparations in 1946. Discussions during technical meetings sometimes became heated as naval architects tried to include both civilian and naval requirements into the design. One of the sources of disagreement was the bow propeller which was considered essential for icebreaking operations in the Baltic Sea and other non-Arctic waters but susceptible to damage in heavier Arctic ice conditions.{{sfn|Kuznetsov|2009}}

Once the final design had been developed, the construction was awarded to the Leningrad-based Admiralty Shipyard. The first series, which consisted of largely similar triple-screw icebreakers, was built at a rapid rate: the hulls were assembled side by side on the slipway and launched at a technical readiness of 60–80%. In 1960–1971, the shipyard delivered up to three vessels annually, often in different configurations, while simultaneously implementing various technical improvements devised during the operation of the first vessels of the series. The second series with eight twin-screw Project 97P patrol ships and one research vessel was built in 1973–1981.{{sfn|Kuznetsov|2009}}

With a total of 32 vessels built in various configurations over more than two decades, Project 97 and its subclasses are the largest and longest-running series of icebreakers and icebreaking vessels built in the world. With the exception of nuclear-powered icebreakers, they were also the only domestically-built post-war icebreakers in the Soviet Union and later Russia until the construction of Project 21900 icebreakers in the late 2000s.{{cite web|url=http://en.portnews.ru/news/14106/|title=RosMorPort takes delivery of diesel-electric icebreaker Moskva built by Baltiysky Zavod|publisher=PortNews|date=11 December 2008|accessdate=2 August 2020}}

General characteristics

With the exception of few heavily-modified variants, all Dobrynya Nikitich-class icebreakers had a length overall of {{convert|67.7|m|ft}} and a beam of {{convert|18.1|m|ft}}. Fully laden, the vessels drew between {{convert|5.35|and|6.3|m|ft}} of water corresponding to a full load displacement ranging from {{convert|2935|to|3350|t|LT}}. The later patrol ship and research vessel variants were somewhat larger than the early icebreakers. The hull form, derived from an older Swedish-built icebreaker, featured a round midship with pronounced tumblehome and practically no flat bottom or sides. While the curved hull lines resulted in low resistance and high maneuverability in ice, the vessels were very uncomfortable in open water due to excessive rolling.{{sfn|Kuznetsov|2009}}

All ships shared the same diesel–electric power plant with three direct current (DC) main diesel generators. The {{convert|1800|hp|kW|adj=on}} 10-cylinder 13D100 ({{langx|ru|13Д100}}) two-stroke opposed-piston main diesel engines were in fact reverse-engineered Fairbanks Morse 38 8-1/8 diesel engines manufactured by the Malyshev Factory in the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. The engines were coupled to double-armature DC generators (2 × 625 {{abbr|kWe|kilowatts electricity}}) that provided power to {{convert|1760|kW|hp|abbr=on|-2}} PG-147 ({{langx|ru|ПГ-147}}) DC propulsion motors driving two {{convert|3.5|m|ft|0|adj=on}} fixed pitch propellers in the stern and a {{convert|1175|kW|hp|abbr=on|-2}} PG-146 ({{langx|ru|ПГ-146}}) DC motor driving a {{convert|2.7|m|ft|0|adj=on}} propeller in the bow.{{citation|url=https://www.dvfu.ru/upload/medialibrary/8aa/Burkov.pdf|title=Проектирование и расчет элементов пропульсивных комплексов с гребными электрическими установками|lang=ru|first1=A.F.|last1=Burkov|first2=V.F.|last2=Verevkin|pages=17–18|publisher=Far Eastern Federal University|year=2018}} During initial icebreaking trials, the icebreakers were able to break {{convert|70|to|75|cm|in}} thick level ice with a {{convert|25|cm|in|adj=on}} snow layer on top at very slow but continuous speed.{{sfn|Kuznetsov|2009}}

Variants

= Project 97 =

Three Project 97 icebreakers were built for the Soviet Navy: Dobrynya Nikitich for the Northern Fleet, Purga for the Baltic Fleet, and Vyuga for the Pacific Fleet. While initially armed with 57 mm and 25 mm deck guns, the vessels were later disarmed.{{sfn|Kuznetsov|2009}}

class="wikitable"
Name(s)

! Namesake(s)

! Yard number

! Laid down

! Launched

! Completed

! In service

! Status or fate

! Image

! Ref

style="background:#FFFFFF;"

| align="left" | Dobrynya Nikitich ({{langx|ru|Добрыня Никитич}})

| align="center" | Dobrynya Nikitich

| align="center" | 760

| align="center" | 20 December 1959

| align="center" | 10 May 1960

| align="center" | 31 December 1960

| align="center" | 1960–1998

| align="center" | Broken up

| align="center" |

| align="center" | {{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/16154/|title=Добрыня Никитич|website=FleetPhoto|accessdate=14 March 2020}}

style="background:#FFFFFF;"

| align="left" | Purga ({{langx|ru|Пурга}})

| align="center" | Russian for "blizzard"

| align="center" | 761

| align="center" | 31 May 1960

| align="center" | 10 December 1960

| align="center" | 23 October 1961

| align="center" | 1961–2012

| align="center" | Broken up

| align="center" | File:Päästetööd merel 70. Jäämurdja «Пурга».jpg

| align="center" | {{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/16155/|title=Пурга|website=FleetPhoto|accessdate=14 March 2020}}

style="background:#FFFFFF;"

| align="left" | Vyuga ({{langx|ru|Вьюга}})

| align="center" | Russian for "blizzard"

| align="center" | 763

| align="center" | 5 May 1961

| align="center" | 20 January 1962

| align="center" | 16 July 1962

| align="center" | 1962–1991

| align="center" | Broken up

| align="center" |

| align="center" | {{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/16157/|title=Вьюга|website=FleetPhoto|accessdate=14 March 2020}}

= Project 97A =

The series of unarmed icebreakers built for the Ministry of the Maritime Fleet of the Soviet Union, Project 97A, is the most numerous variant of the Project 97 family with twelve vessels built between 1961 and 1971. While initially named simply Ledokol ({{lang-rus|Ледокол|icebreaker}}) followed by a running number, in 1966 they were given individual names to honor famous Imperial Russian and Soviet polar explorers.{{sfn|Kuznetsov|2009}}

{{asof|2024}}, two Project 97A icebreakers remain in service with Rosmorport's North-Western Basin Branch in the Baltic Sea: Ivan Kruzenstern and Semyon Dezhnev.

class="wikitable"
Name(s)

! Namesake(s)

! IMO number

! Yard number

! Laid down

! Launched

! Completed

! In service

! Status or fate

! Image

! Ref

style="background:#FFFFFF;"

| align="left" | Vasiliy Pronchishchev ({{lang-rus|Василий Прончищев

}; 1966–1989){{br}}Ledokol-1 ({{langx|ru|Ледокол-1}}; 1961–1966)

| align="center" | Vasili Pronchishchev

| align="center" | 6500765

| align="center" | 762

| align="center" | 13 December 1960

| align="center" | 28 April 1961

| align="center" | 30 December 1961

| align="center" | 1961–1989

| align="center" | Broken up

| align="center" | 200px

| align="center" | {{csr|register=SEAWEB|id=6500765|shipname=Vasiliy Pronchishchev|accessdate=14 March 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/16159/|title=Василий Прончищев|website=FleetPhoto|accessdate=14 March 2020}}

|-style="background:#FFFFFF;"

| align="left" | Afanasy Nikitin ({{langx|ru|Афанасий Никитин}}; 1966–1995){{br}}Ledokol-2 ({{langx|ru|Ледокол-2}}; 1962–1966)

| align="center" | Afanasy Nikitin

| align="center" | 6500791

| align="center" | 764

| align="center" | 1 November 1961

| align="center" | 31 May 1962

| align="center" | 1 November 1962

| align="center" | 1962–1995

| align="center" | Broken up

| align="center" |

| align="center" | {{csr|register=SEAWEB|id=6500791|shipname=Afanasy Nikitin|accessdate=14 March 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/16160/|title=Афанасий Никитин|website=FleetPhoto|accessdate=14 March 2020}}

|-style="background:#FFFFFF;"

| align="left" | Khariton Laptev ({{langx|ru|Харитон Лаптев}}; 1966–1996){{br}}Ledokol-3 ({{langx|ru|Ледокол-3}}; 1962–1966)

| align="center" | Khariton Laptev

| align="center" | 6500806

| align="center" | 765

| align="center" | 10 February 1962

| align="center" | 11 August 1962

| align="center" | 25 December 1962

| align="center" | 1962–1996

| align="center" | Broken up

| align="center" |

| align="center" | {{csr|register=SEAWEB|id=6500806|shipname=Khariton Laptev|accessdate=14 March 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/15792/|title=Харитон Лаптев|website=FleetPhoto|accessdate=14 March 2020}}

|-style="background:#FFFFFF;"

| align="left" | Poyar ({{langx|ru|Пояр}}; 1988){{br}}Vasiliy Poyarkov ({{langx|ru|Василий Поярков}}; 1966–1988){{br}}Ledokol-4 ({{langx|ru|Ледокол-4}}; 1963–1966)

| align="center" | Vassili Poyarkov

| align="center" | 6500777

| align="center" | 766

| align="center" | 13 August 1962

| align="center" | 16 March 1963

| align="center" | 26 July 1963

| align="center" | 1963–1988

| align="center" | Broken up

| align="center" |

| align="center" | {{csr|register=SEAWEB|id=6500777|shipname=Vasiliy Poyarkov|accessdate=14 March 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/16161/|title=Пояр|website=FleetPhoto|accessdate=14 March 2020}}

|-style="background:#FFFFFF;"

| align="left" | Yerofey Khabarov ({{langx|ru|Ерофей Хабаров}}; 1966–1993){{br}}Ledokol-5 ({{langx|ru|Ледокол-5}}; 1963–1966)

| align="center" | Yerofey Khabarov

| align="center" | 6500789

| align="center" | 767

| align="center" | 5 April 1963

| align="center" | 24 August 1963

| align="center" | 7 December 1963

| align="center" | 1963–1993

| align="center" | Broken up

| align="center" |

| align="center" | {{csr|register=SEAWEB|id=6500789|shipname=Yerofey Khabarov|accessdate=14 March 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/16163/|title=Ерофей Хабаров|website=FleetPhoto|accessdate=14 March 2020}}

|-

| align="left" | Ivan Kruzenstern ({{langx|ru|Иван Крузенштерн}}; 1966–present){{br}}Ledokol-6 ({{langx|ru|Ледокол-6}}; 1964–1966)

| align="center" | Adam Johann von Krusenstern

| align="center" | {{IMO number|6501496|disp=no}}

| align="center" | 768

| align="center" | 20 January 1964

| align="center" | 29 April 1964

| align="center" | 27 October 1964

| align="center" | 1964–present

| align="center" | In service

| align="center" | 200px

| align="center" | {{csr|register=SEAWEB|id=6501496|shipname=Ivan Kruzenshtern|accessdate=14 March 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/16164/|title=Иван Крузенштерн|website=FleetPhoto|accessdate=14 March 2020}}{{csr|register=RS|id=640380|shipname=Ivan Kruzenstern|accessdate=3 August 2020}}

|-style="background:#FFFFFF;"

| align="left" | Vlad (1988){{br}}Vladimir Rusanov ({{langx|ru|Владимир Русанов}}; 1966–1988){{br}}Ledokol-7 ({{langx|ru|Ледокол-7}}; 1964–1966)

| align="center" | Vladimir Rusanov

| align="center" | 6508171

| align="center" | 769

| align="center" | 30 March 1964

| align="center" | 25 July 1964

| align="center" | 28 December 1964

| align="center" | 1964–1988

| align="center" | Broken up

| align="center" |

| align="center" | {{csr|register=SEAWEB|id=6508171|shipname=Vlad|accessdate=14 March 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/16166/|title=Vlad|website=FleetPhoto|accessdate=14 March 2020}}

|-style="background:#FFFFFF;"

| align="left" | Semyon Chelyuskin ({{langx|ru|Семён Челюскин}}; 1966–1988){{br}}Ledokol-8 ({{langx|ru|Ледокол-8}}; 1965–1966)

| align="center" | Semyon Chelyuskin

| align="center" | 6514522

| align="center" | 770

| align="center" | 12 December 1964

| align="center" | 28 February 1965

| align="center" | 11 August 1965

| align="center" | 1965–1988

| align="center" | Broken up

| align="center" |

| align="center" | {{csr|register=SEAWEB|id=6514522|shipname=Semyon Chelyuskin}}{{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/16169/|title=Семён Челюскин|website=FleetPhoto|accessdate=14 March 2020}}

|-style="background:#FFFFFF;"

| align="left" | Yuriy Lisyanskiy ({{langx|ru|Юрий Лисянский}}; 1966–2021){{br}}Ledokol-9 ({{langx|ru|Ледокол-9}}; 1965–1966)

| align="center" | Yuri Lisyansky

| align="center" | 6521850

| align="center" | 772

| align="center" | 30 June 1965

| align="center" | 31 August 1965

| align="center" | 30 December 1965

| align="center" | 1965–2021

| align="center" | To be broken up

| align="center" | 200px

| align="center" | {{csr|register=SEAWEB|id=6521850|shipname=Yuriy Lisyanskiy|accessdate=14 March 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/3354/|title=Юрий Лисянский|website=FleetPhoto|accessdate=14 March 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://portnews.ru/news/341885/|title=Росморпорт готов заплатить до 26 млн рублей за утилизацию ледокола «Юрий Лисянский»|language=ru|publisher=PortNews|date=24 January 2023|accessdate=27 April 2023}}

|-style="background:#FFFFFF;"

| align="left" | Fyodor Litke ({{langx|ru|Фёдор Литке}})

| align="center" | Friedrich von Lütke

| align="center" | 7020085

| align="center" | 780

| align="center" | 12 January 1970

| align="center" | 29 July 1970

| align="center" | 14 December 1970

| align="center" | 1970–2013

| align="center" | Broken up

| align="center" |

| align="center" | {{csr|register=SEAWEB|id=7020085|shipname=Fyodor Litke|accessdate=14 March 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/4154/|title=Фёдор Литке|website=FleetPhoto|accessdate=14 March 2020}}

|-style="background:#FFFFFF;"

| align="left" | Ivan Moskvitin ({{langx|ru|Иван Москвитин}})

| align="center" | Ivan Moskvitin

| align="center" | 7117383

| align="center" | 781

| align="center" | 2 November 1970

| align="center" | 25 March 1971

| align="center" | 1 September 1971

| align="center" | 1971–1997

| align="center" | Broken up

| align="center" |

| align="center" | {{csr|register=SEAWEB|id=7117383|shipname=Ivan Moskvitin|accessdate=14 March 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/16190/|title=Иван Москвитин|website=FleetPhoto|accessdate=14 March 2020}}

|-

| align="left" | Semyon Dezhnev ({{langx|ru|Семён Дежнёв}})

| align="center" | Semyon Dezhnev

| align="center" | {{IMO number|7119446|disp=no}}

| align="center" | 782

| align="center" | 30 March 1971

| align="center" | 31 August 1971

| align="center" | 28 December 1971

| align="center" | 1971–present

| align="center" | In service

| align="center" |

| align="center" | {{csr|register=SEAWEB|id=7119446|shipname=Semyon Dezhnev|accessdate=14 March 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/14163/|title=Семён Дежнёв|website=FleetPhoto|accessdate=14 March 2020}}

|-

|}

= Project 97K =

Two unarmed Project 97A icebreakers built for the Soviet Navy, Ilya Muromets for the Pacific Fleet and Buran for the Baltic Fleet, are sometimes considered as a separate subclass, Project 97K.{{sfn|Kuznetsov|2009}}

{{asof|2024}}, Buran remains in service with the Baltic Fleet.

class="wikitable"
Name(s)

! Namesake(s)

! IMO number

! Yard number

! Laid down

! Launched

! Completed

! In service

! Status or fate

! Image

! Ref

style="background:#FFFFFF;"

| align="left" | Ilya Muromets ({{langx|ru|Илья Муромец}})

| align="center" | Ilya Muromets

| align="center" | 7052272

| align="center" | 771

| align="center" | 10 March 1965

| align="center" | 30 June 1965

| align="center" | 28 December 1965

| align="center" | 1965–1993

| align="center" | Broken up

| align="center" | 200px

| align="center" | {{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/16175/|title=Илья Муромец|website=FleetPhoto|accessdate=14 March 2020}}

align="left" | Buran ({{langx|ru|Буран}})

| align="center" | Russian for "blizzard"

| align="center" | {{IMO number|4622337|disp=no}}

| align="center" | 773

| align="center" | 21 January 1966

| align="center" | 16 May 1966

| align="center" | 24 October 1966

| align="center" | 1966–present

| align="center" | In service

| align="center" | 200px

| align="center" | {{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/6050/|title=Буран|website=FleetPhoto|accessdate=14 March 2020}}

= Project 97E =

Project 97E was an unarmed icebreaker variant built for East Germany. The vessel, Stephan Jantzen, was operated by the state-owned shipping company Bagger-, Bugsier- und Bergungsreederei Rostock (BBB) until the German reunification in 1990 and Wasser- und Schifffahrtsamt Stralsund until 2005.{{sfn|Kuznetsov|2009}} After decommissioning, the ship went through a number of owners before ending up as a museum ship in Rostock.{{cite web|url=https://www.nordkurier.de/kultur-und-freizeit/verein-rettet-legendaeren-eisbrecher-stephan-jantzen-0436304908.html|title=Verein rettet legendären Eisbrecher "Stephan Jantzen"|language=de|publisher=Nordkurier|date=4 August 2019|accessdate=2 August 2020}}

class="wikitable"
Name(s)

! Namesake(s)

! IMO number

! Yard number

! Laid down

! Launched

! Completed

! In service

! Status or fate

! Image

! Ref

align="left" | Stephan Jantzen (1967–2005){{br}}Stephan (2005–2006){{br}}King Ice (2006–2008){{br}}Stephan Jantzen (2008–2012){{br}}König Ludwig II Von Bayern (2012–2013){{br}}Stephan Jantzen (2013–present)

| align="center" | {{interlanguage link multi|Stephan Jantzen|de|3=Stephan Jantzen|lt=Stephan Jantzen}}{{br}}Ludwig II of Bavaria

| align="center" | 7117486

| align="center" | 775

| align="center" | 15 September 1966

| align="center" | 30 December 1966

| align="center" | 30 November 1967

| align="center" | 1967–2005

| align="center" | Museum ship

| align="center" | 200px

| align="center" | {{csr|register=SEAWEB|id=7117486|shipname=Stephan Jantzen|accessdate=14 March 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/16179/|title=Stephan Jantzen|website=FleetPhoto|accessdate=14 March 2020}}

= Project 97AP =

Project 97AP ({{langx|ru|97АП}}) was an armed patrol icebreaker variant built for the Soviet Navy. Built with increased autonomy time and operating range, they were intended to patrol the western and eastern ends of the Northern Sea Route. The armament was later dismantled.{{sfn|Kuznetsov|2009}}

Peresvet, which was previously assigned to the Northern Fleet, was decommissioned in 2011 and later scrapped.{{sfn|Kuznetsov|2009}} Sadko, assigned to the Pacific Fleet, was expended as target during the Umka-2022 military drills in September 2022.{{Cite tweet |user=AkerArctic |number=1571505977786093570 |title=Whoever (else) keeps track of Russian #icebreaking fleet may strike one of the few remaining Project 97 #icebreakers from the list: looks like the 1968-built Sadko was expended as a target in the recent Umka-2022 military drills.}}{{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/photo/441858/?vid=16184|title=СМ-573|website=Fleetphoto|date=7 October 2023|accessdate=9 October 2023}}

class="wikitable"
Name(s)

! Namesake(s)

! Yard number

! Laid down

! Launched

! Completed

! In service

! Status or fate

! Image

! Ref

style="background:#FFFFFF;"

| align="left" | Sadko ({{langx|ru|Садко}})

| align="center" | Sadko

| align="center" | 777

| align="center" | 20 June 1967

| align="center" | 28 June 1968

| align="center" | 6 November 1968

| align="center" | 1968–2022

| align="center" | Expended as target

| align="center" | 200px

| align="center" | {{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/16184/|title=Садко|website=FleetPhoto|accessdate=14 March 2020}}

style="background:#FFFFFF;"

| align="left" | Peresvet ({{langx|ru|Пересвет}})

| align="center" | Alexander Peresvet

| align="center" | 778

| align="center" | 10 July 1968

| align="center" | 29 January 1969

| align="center" | 28 July 1970

| align="center" | 1970–2011

| align="center" | Broken up

| align="center" |

| align="center" | {{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/16186/|title=Пересвет|website=FleetPhoto|accessdate=14 March 2020}}

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= Project 97D =

Project 97D ({{langx|ru|97Д}}) was a hydrographic survey vessel variant built for the Ministry of the Maritime Fleet of the Soviet Union to survey the Northern Sea Route. While otherwise nearly identical to baseline Project 97 icebreakers, these two vessels were fitted with additional scientific facilities, echosounders to conduct hydrographic survey, and accommodation for an additional 14 personnel. However, they were also used for icebreaking operations from time to time.{{sfn|Kuznetsov|2009|pp=21–22}}

class="wikitable"
Name(s)

! Namesake(s)

! IMO number

! Yard number

! Laid down

! Launched

! Completed

! In service

! Status or fate

! Image

! Ref

style="background:#FFFFFF;"

| align="left" | Prabhavi (1997){{br}}Pyotr Pakhtusov ({{langx|ru|Пётр Пахтусов}}; 1975–1997){{br}}Mendeleev ({{langx|ru|Менделеев}}; 1971–1975){{br}}Pyotr Pakhtusov ({{langx|ru|Пётр Пахтусов}}; 1966–1971){{br}}Ledokol-10 ({{langx|ru|Ледокол-10}}; 1966)

| align="center" | Pyotr Pakhtusov{{br}}Dmitri Mendeleev

| align="center" | 6614358

| align="center" | 774

| align="center" | 21 May 1966

| align="center" | 8 August 1966

| align="center" | 30 December 1966

| align="center" | 1966–1997

| align="center" | Broken up

| align="center" |

| align="center" | {{csr|register=SEAWEB|id=6614358|shipname=Prabhavi|accessdate=14 March 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/16177/|title=Prabhavi|website=FleetPhoto|accessdate=14 March 2020}}

style="background:#FFFFFF;"

| align="left" | Georgiy Sedov ({{langx|ru|Георгий Седов}})

| align="center" | Georgiy Sedov

| align="center" | 7117137

| align="center" | 776

| align="center" | 3 January 1967

| align="center" | 15 June 1967

| align="center" | 30 December 1967

| align="center" | 1967–1992

| align="center" | Broken up

| align="center" |

| align="center" | {{csr|register=SEAWEB|shipname=Georgiy Sedov|id=7117137|accessdate=14 March 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/16181/|title=Георгий Седов|website=FleetPhoto|accessdate=14 March 2020}}

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Derivative designs

= Project 97B =

File:Starboard beam view of research ship and icebreaker Vladimir Kavraysky underway April 1992 DN-SN-92-07068.jpg, the sole Project 97B hydrographic survey vessel]]

Project 97B ({{langx|ru|97Б}}) was a hydrographic survey vessel variant built for the Hydrographic Office of the Soviet Navy. Unlike the preceding Project 97D built for civilian service, Project 97B was a more radical departure from the original Project 97 icebreaker design with increased length and displacement to increase range and endurance, as well as an enlarged deckhouse to accommodate more personnel on board.{{sfn|Kuznetsov|2009|p=22}}

{{asof|2024}}, Vladimir Kavrayskiy remains in service with the Northern Fleet as the stationary barracks ship PKZ-86 in Murmansk.{{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/16187/|title=ПКЗ-86|website=FleetPhoto|accessdate=14 March 2020}}

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= Project 97P =

{{Main|Ivan Susanin-class patrol ship}}

File:PSKR-ImeniXXVsezdaKPSS(DN-SN-86-01480).jpg, one of eight Project 97P icebreaking patrol ships built for the Soviet Navy and Soviet Border Troops]]

Project 97P ({{langx|ru|97П}}) was developed as a response to the renewed interest of the Soviet Navy and Soviet Border Troops on icebreaking patrol ships after United States Coast Guard and Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers began appearing more frequently near the country's northern maritime borders. New icebreaking patrol ships were needed because existing Soviet naval vessels could not operate in ice-covered waters and large icebreakers, in addition to being unarmed and operated by civilians, could not be distracted from their primary mission of escorting merchant ships. Central Design Bureau "Iceberg" selected Project 97 as the design basis following positive operational experience and the difficulties associated with developing a new design.{{sfn|Kuznetsov|2009|pp=22–29}}

{{asof|2024}}, four Project 97P patrol ships remain in service: Ivan Susanin with the Pacific Fleet{{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/34333/|title=Иван Сусанин|website=FleetPhoto|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801095450/https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/34333/|archivedate=1 August 2019}} and Ruslan with the Northern Fleet,{{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/26584/|title=Руслан|website=FleetPhoto|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212174349/http://fleetphoto.ru/ship/26584/|archivedate=12 February 2019}} both with their armaments removed,{{sfn|Kuznetsov|2009|pp=22–29}} and Neva and Volga with the FSB Border Service.{{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/32373/|title=Нева|website=FleetPhoto|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821010758/http://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/32373/|archivedate=21 August 2019}}{{csr|register=SEAWEB|id=8640246|shipname=Volga|accessdate=14 March 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://fleetphoto.ru/vessel/18582/|title=Волга|website=FleetPhoto|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218171237/http://fleetphoto.ru/ship/18582/|archivedate=18 February 2019}}

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= Project 97N =

File:An aerial starboard quarter view of the Soviet Research Icebreaker OTTO SCHMIDT underway.jpg, the only Project 97N research vessel]]

Project 97N ({{langx|ru|97Н}}), the final variant developed based on the Project 97 icebreaker design, was a research vessel commissioned by the State Committee for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Control of the Soviet Union to conduct scientific research in the poorly-studied transition zone between open water and the polar ice pack. In addition to adding extensive scientific facilities and additional accommodation, the hull lines were given more pronounced sheer and flare to reduce the likelihood of waves breaking over the bow.{{sfn|Kuznetsov|2009|pp=29–32}}

The only Project 97N ship, Otto Schmidt, was in service in 1979–1991, and was sold for scrap in 1996.{{sfn|Kuznetsov|2009|pp=29–32}}

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References

{{commons category|Dobrynya Nikitich class icebreakers}}

{{reflist}}

Further reading

  • {{citation|last=Kuznetsov|first=Nikita Anatolyevich|title=От «Добрыни Никитича» до «Отто Шмидта»: Ледоколы проекта 97 и их модификации|language=ru|year=2009|magazine=Морская коллекция|volume=8 |place=Moscow|publisher=Моделист-конструктор|number=119|url=https://coollib.com/b/148026/read}}
  • {{citation|last=Polmar|first=Norman|author-link=Norman Polmar|title=Guide to the Soviet Navy|year=1986|place=Annapolis, Md.|publisher=Naval Institute Press|pages={{nowrap|320–321}}, 338, 357, 372, 384|edition=4th|isbn=0-87021-240-0}}

{{Project 97 icebreakers}}

Category:Icebreakers of the Soviet Union

Category:Icebreakers of Russia

Category:Ships built at Admiralty Shipyard

Category:Auxiliary icebreaker classes