Commander --- Slugin, Oleg, Capt (Agentstvo Voyennykh Novostey 18 Sep 01)
2001 Sept. 18: The long-range ballistic missile blasted off from the Podolsk submarine in the Sea of Okhotsk and successfully reached the target in the Barents Sea, navy announced.
On September 18, the Delta III Class Pacific Fleet submarine K-223 Podolsk launched a SS-N-18 SLBM from the Sea of Okhotsk.
The Delta IIIs (Russian designation, Kalmar class, Type 667BDR) carry the SS-N-18, the first MIRVed Soviet SLBM. There are several modifications of this missile, and some Delta IIIs have reportedly been retrofitted to fire the SS-N-23 used in the Delta IVs. The Russians may decide to retrofit the entire Delta III fleet and replace the older SS-N-18. Like the other Delta class SSBNs, they have a distinctive "hump"over the missile tube housing.
SS-N-18: It is a two-stage missile in service with the D-9R submarine strategic missile system. It can carry either a single or MIRVed warhead. The D-9R and D-9 missile systems have high commonality level of their ground support equipment, launch systems, as well as routine and prelaunch preparation procedures.
SS-N-23: It is a three-stage missile in service with the D-9RM submarine strategic missile system. It carries the MIRVed warhead. The missile's specific feature is that its 3rd stage and post-boost stage propulsion system are fed with fuel from common fuel tanks. In addition to the celestial navigation, the missile uses navigation satellites positioning data.