The Papa-class development boat pursued a technological advantage while Soviet computing lagged behind the West. Titanium offered a way to build a faster, deeper-diving submarine with a theoretically stronger hull. The program produced an exceptionally fast boat and developed technology for later use. Its performance also prompted Western responses, including the British Spearfish torpedo.
Notable Point · 3:43:25-3:45:04
The Papa class used titanium as a Soviet offset strategy
Unable to match Western computing quickly, Soviet designers pursued titanium hulls for greater speed and depth, prompting new Western anti-submarine responses.