On February 7, 2023, the Russian Navy released brief news: the strategic nuclear submarine "Dmitry Donskoy" was officially decommissioned. This seemingly inconspicuous news brought a sigh of relief to many countries: the last "Typhoon" had finally become history.
Image source: Wikidata
"Typhoon" is the codename given by NATO. Its real designation was the Project 941 Akula ("Shark") strategic nuclear submarine of the Soviet Navy. Designed by the famous Rubin Design Bureau, a total of 6 were built.
Image source：ckb-rubin.ru
The first Project 941 submarine entered service in 1981. For over 40 years, it was not only the world's largest nuclear submarine but also a source of constant fear day and night for the Western bloc.
How big was a single submarine? Even afloat, the Project 941 submarine's displacement surpassed that of a light aircraft carrier! With a length of 172 meters (equivalent to two Boeing 747s connected end to end) and two OK-650 nuclear reactors generating a terrifying 100,000 horsepower.
Image source：ckb-rubin.ru
Could sheer size alone intimidate opponents? It wasn't that simple. During the Cold War, the mission of the Project 941 nuclear submarine was brutally straightforward: the physical annihilation of its adversary!
The submarine could carry 20 R-39 intercontinental ballistic missiles. Each missile could carry 10 independently targetable nuclear warheads (MIRVs), with a maximum range of 10,000 kilometers. Each warhead had a yield of 200 kilotons of TNT equivalent.
Image source: Sohu News
To put that into perspective: the Hiroshima atomic bomb had a yield of only 15 kilotons. Therefore, unleashing all 20 missiles at once was equivalent to sending 2,600 Hiroshima-scale explosions across the globe. For many nations, this meant being wiped off the face of the Earth. Who wouldn't fear that?
This dread even extended into the virtual world. In the classic real-time strategy game Red Alert 2, the Soviet faction's primary naval warship was named the "Typhoon-class Attack Sub".
Image source: w3dhub.com
With the departure of the "Typhoon," this apocalyptic force has vanished. Yet, this Soviet brute-force aesthetic will become an eternal memorial! Panlos New Release - "Ocean Heavyweight" Series 628020 Project 941 Nuclear Submarine! With its super-large size and modular design, this deep-sea weapon will become a heavyweight centerpiece in military enthusiasts' display cabinets!
Unboxing – Dominated by "BIGNESS"!
The set comes in an impressively large carry case measuring 68×45×14.5cm. It truly lives up to the series name "Ocean Heavyweight"!
The packaging features finished renders on one side and cutaway views on the other. The dominant black color scheme matches the submarine's appearance and accentuates its nature as a deep-sea lurker.
The renders show the finished model stretches a massive 93cm. True to its origin, this Project 941 model epitomizes "BIGNESS"!
The packaging uses a nested box design. Inside the two matte-black inner boxes (A & B) are 6 large numbered parts bags. With a staggering 4474 pieces, this set dominates the military-themed building blocks scene.
The instruction manual indicates the model features internal compartments based on the real Project 941 submarine, with easy-detach sections, making it perfect for both display and interaction.
Enough talk – let's build!
Building – An Extra-Long, Exhilarating Journey
Describing the build process: exhilarating! Watching a near 1-meter-long giant submarine gradually take shape in your hands is immensely satisfying.
Panlos uses a unique parts distribution approach. Many repetitive parts, like the hull segments, start appearing unnumbered from Bag 1. The manual specifies the quantities needed at the start of each step.
While building, it's recommended to place these unnumbered parts in a separate organizer for easy access.
The build sequence follows the submarine's structure, divided into four parts from front to back: Bow, Forward Section, Aft Section, and Stern.
Each section starts by constructing a sturdy hull bottom, then building the internal framework, and finally adding the outer hull. Connections between sections use cross pins and technic pins. Large hatches on either side of the joining planes ultimately form a central passageway running through the entire model.
At an average building pace, each section takes well over two hours to complete. Advanced parts sorting is highly recommended to significantly speed up the process. Also, ensure you have a large, spacious work surface!
Panlos invested heavily in build logic and part design. Parts fit together precisely without excessive force.
The completed hull bottom for each section undergoes multiple reinforcements. You can confidently use it as an anchor point for stacking internal structures, without fear of "collapses."
A note of caution: sections like the missile silos and outer hull involve massive repetition. Patience and attention to the directional instructions in the manual are crucial to ensure a sturdy, symmetrical structure on both sides.
The Finished Model – Menacing & Packed with Highlights
Knowing the size beforehand doesn't lessen the shock of seeing the four sections assembled. Resting on the table, this colossal submarine truly embodies its real-world NATO codename: resembling a black shark.
Visually, the model captures the Project 941's blunt-nosed bow, cylindrical hull, and flat upper deck. Crucially, it accurately omits the traditional "turtleback" hump found on many other submarines.
In reality, for ultimate strength, the Project 941 used a twin-hulled design with a double pressure hull. These features aren't replicated in the model to avoid excessive structural complexity and a significant increase in parts.
Image source：w3dhub.com
As mentioned earlier, this isn't a static display piece. Submarines prioritize a highly sealed outer shell for underwater operation, limiting external visual features compared to surface ships. Therefore, the model shines through its numerous interactive features and detailed internal recreations.
Let's explore the highlights section by section, bow to stern:
Bow: Torpedo Room & Sonar Compartment
Beyond its nuclear arsenal, the Project 941 naturally carried torpedoes for attacking enemy submarines and surface ships. The bow section houses 6 x 533mm torpedo tubes and storage for 22 torpedoes.
Image source：w3dhub.com
The model faithfully recreates the torpedo room amidships in the bow. Four door-shaped components form the torpedo rails. Four round printed tiles depict the rear torpedo tube hatches. Eight torpedoes are shown in ready-to-fire positions at the front.
Notably, the real Project 941 could fire multiple torpedo types. The model reflects this: the ready torpedoes are green, while three grey torpedoes are stored further back.
Two forward torpedo tube hatches can be opened, revealing the green torpedoes ready for launch.
Above the bow, a hatch (representing an emergency crew escape exit on the real sub) can be opened.
On either side of the torpedo room are representations of the sonar compartment, using transparent and printed parts for electronics. Blue 1x1 studs even form operator seats – impressive attention to detail.
The entire bow's upper deck and port/starboard hull panels can be easily detached for showcasing the interior. This side-panel removal design runs throughout the model.
Forward Section: Missile Silo & Living Quarters
This section houses the submarine's most feared weaponry: the 20 missile launch tubes and the internal P-39 "Sturgeon" strategic missiles.
Image source: Pengpai News
In reality, the missiles were shock-absorbed within their launch silos on support rings. In the model, the missiles are pre-made and simply placed inside their tubes (without assembly required), allowing easy removal for simulated launch scenes.
Opening all 20 missile hatch covers simultaneously, revealing the deadly payload, is an imposing sight even in model form.
Common perceptions paint submarines as cramped and their crews unkempt. However, the Project 941's immense size created surprisingly spacious and comfortable living areas.
Capable of months-long submerged patrols, its amenities rivaled a "five-star hotel": a mess hall for 50 serving luxury foods like caviar; sauna, washrooms, and a gym; even a swimming pool!
Image source: ckb-rubin.ru
The model recreates crew quarters flanking the missile silo. They appear spacious, featuring eight triple-deck bunk beds (four per side) with lockers and electronics. A central sofa provides a rest area.
Aft Section: Machinery Space & Command Center
This section is the submarine's nerve center, containing the command and propulsion controls.
The build reveals two decks: the lower deck houses various electronic equipment on both sides; the upper deck amidships features the command room perched on bridge-like elements, with space below.
The entire command room is enclosed by curved transparent panels, allowing commanders views inside the hull. The Captain's station has a printed console and two periscopes.
Just forward of this compartment, two large circular structures represent the submarine's power source: the two OK-650 nuclear reactors.
Above this section sits the sail (conning tower). It's solidly built (no interior space) using bricks. Its top mounts communication antennas, radar, and periscopes.
Stern: Turbine Compartment & Reduction Gear Room
Propulsion came from geared steam turbine engines and four independent turbine generators, driving twin shafts and twin propellers. Powered by the reactors, the massive Project 941 could reach an underwater top speed of 27 knots (about 50 km/h).
Image source: Facebook
The model replicates the shrouded propellers and horizontal/vertical rudders. The propellers rotate and the rudders articulate, realistically simulating movement.
Internally, the stern is split into two rooms divided by a door. The forward turbine compartment has symmetrically arranged steam turbine assemblies (represented by printed elements). Two steering wheel pieces serve as helm controls here.
Aft, behind the door, is the reduction gear room. Gear parts represent the turbine machinery on both sides. Visually, this machinery connects to the propellers, suggesting a complete power transmission system.
Minifigures
The real Project 941 carried up to 175 crew members. The set includes four fully UV-printed minifigures in navy blue uniforms. The collars subtly suggest the Soviet Navy's iconic striped undershirts.
The Captain wears a peaked cap and a radio backpack, positioned in the command room.
The Chief Engineer wears a flat cap and a radio backpack, positioned in the turbine compartment.
Two sailors wear berets, life vests, and carry walkie-talkies – likely representing crew working on deck after surfacing.
Internal spaces allow minifigure placement in appropriate compartments. However, the model is not strictly minifigure-scaled, as that would make it impractically huge.
Display Stand
The model comes with a sturdy, buildable stand made of bright red technic beams and bricks, easily supporting the weight.
A central nameplate, formed by two printed tiles, features a side profile of the Project 941 submarine. Set against a map of the Soviet Union, it lists the submarine's key specifications below.
Overall Review – The Ultimate Collectible for Military Enthusiasts
Panlos's new release is arguably its most significant military-themed set to date. This prominence isn't just due to its enormous size. Across the board – historical accuracy, play features, building experience, and part quality – it showcases the high standards achievable in China-made building blocks.
If forced to find a downside: it's HUGE! While the build is exhilarating, the completed model demands significant display space. Its substantial weight also makes handling it impractical.
While marketed for ages 6+, builders under 12 will likely require significant adult assistance.
With the Cold War's end, behemoths like this vanished into history, their engines silenced, their war machines cooled by time. The Project 941 nuclear submarine, once a steel leviathan stirring the deep ocean, now rests in a meticulously crafted, almost docile form upon a desktop.
This Panlos model serves as a potent time capsule. It perfectly captures the submarine's breathtaking scale and intricate details. More profoundly, it lets us transcend bricks and blueprints to touch an era shadowed by nuclear dread yet driven by astounding ingenuity.
The Project 941 submarine carried weapons potent enough to destroy civilizations, bearing the era's heaviest burden. That it can now be disassembled and reassembled as a toy is, in itself, a silent testament to humanity's progress.
Image source: Sohu News
When a destroyer-of-worlds becomes a display piece in a model cabinet, it signifies that the aspiration for peace is now humanity's prevailing consensus. Perhaps this is the submarine's deepest lesson: humanity's ultimate purpose is creation, not destruction.
