Project 971 Щука-Б ([ʃtˈuka bɛ] transliteration: Shuka-B. 'Shuka' means "pike"), NATO designation Class "Akula". It is a nuclear-powered attack submarine, built by the Soviet Union, and after its collapse, by Russia between 1982 and 1991. According to the Soviet denomination - Щука, Щука-Б and Щука-M - three subtypes are distinguished: Akula I, Improved Akula and Akula II.
Currently (2010) nine of the original twelve are in service. Its maximum speed is 20 knots on the surface and 35 in immersion, being considered extremely silent. They currently form the backbone of the Russian Navy's attack submarines.