I designed my first Typhoon-class submarine almost two years ago, and though the model took me a long time to create, I was not satisfied with it due to its simplicity. However, I now have more 3D modeling experience, and since the Typhoon-class has always been my favorite submarine, I decided to model the sub again, this time completely from scratch. This model is the result of that---it was designed completely by me, with no AI involved. It took me hours of looking at reference images, examining diagrams, and designing the model to fit together and be printable to produce this work. The entire process took days to complete. Though the model is still relatively simple compared to what it could be, I am satisfied with the model for now, though I may try in the future to add more features such as opening missile hatches and detachable missiles, movable rudders, and spinning propellers if this model gets enough attention. When assembling the sub, note that the parts will fit together in perfect alignment. If the pieces you are trying to connect don't align, rotate the pieces until they fit perfectly. If you are downloading the STL files for this design, scroll down to the bottom of this description to see my recommended print settings.

This model was actually designed as a hybrid between the real Typhoon-class sub and the modified Typhoon submarine seen in the movie The Hunt For Red October---it keeps the real submarine's enclosed propellers and adds the iconic fairing seen on the rear fin of the Red October. This choice was to allow those who want a more realistic Typhoon-class submarine to be satisfied with the model, and those who want a model of the Red October to find what they are looking for as well. In keeping with this design choice, there are three nameplates included in the print profile: one with the NATO designation (Typhoon Class; this is the version in the photos), one with the Russian designation (Project 941 Akula), and one with the Red October name.

The model is designed with 3D printing in mind---every part has been test-printed and reprinted to ensure a perfect fit of parts. Assembly is simple, but you will need to use glue to assemble the submarine.

The real Typhoon-class submarine has always been my favorite submarine. They are the largest submarines ever built, measuring nearly 600 feet long and displacing 48,000 tons. (For comparison, the next largest submarine, Russia's 604 foot long Belgorod, displaces only 30,000 tons.) Six of these underwater behemoths were built, each one capable of carrying 20 RSM-52 SLBMs (Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles) anywhere in the world. Considered to be some of the most powerful subs built during the Cold War, they were feared by the US Navy and the pride of the Soviet Union. Their massive size allowed them to feature amenities that other subs could only dream of---these included a swimming pool, a sauna, a gym, a crew lounge, an arcade, and even an aquarium. All this, coupled with the high-quality food served in the sub's galley, boosted crew morale considerably when on long tours of duty. The Typhoons began to be phased out by the Russians in 2000 as more advanced submarines entered service, but one, the Dmitry Donskoy, remained on active duty until 2023. The Typhoons owe their fame in Western circles due to the 1990 film The Hunt for Red October, which featured a modified Typhoon-class submarine as the centerpiece of the movie.

Print Settings and Tips

Print with 0.16mm layer height to ensure detail 2 walls 10% infill for strength Enable supports, but remember to add custom supports for the two fins at the front of the hull (you can do this with PrusaSlicer's paint-on supports tool, Bambu Studio's support painter, or OrcaSlicer's support painter If the pieces do not align, just rotate them until they are aligned properly