B-427 is a Project 641 () diesel-electric attack submarine of the Soviet Navy. The "B" (actually "Б") in her designation stands for большая (bolshaya, "large"). Commissioned in 1971, the submarine operated with the Russian Pacific Fleet until decommissioning in 1994.
The boat was sold to a group of Australian businessmen, who converted her into a museum vessel, which was placed on display at the Australian National Maritime Museum (under the name Foxtrot-540) from 1995 until 1998, then at Long Beach, California, (under the name Podvodnaya Lodka B-427 Scorpion) in 1998.
The submarine fell into disrepair and has been closed to the public since 2015.
Decommissioning and preservation
The submarine was decommissioned by the Russian Navy in December 1994. She was one of the last three Foxtrot-class submarines to serve in the Russian Pacific Fleet. En route to Sydney, the tow company claimed that the deal for the Russian Navy to cover the cost of the tow was invalid, and claimed that A$150,000 in towing expenses was required. It was closed to the public in 2015, by which time the pressure hull had ruptured and raccoons had taken up residence on board.
See also
- Soviet submarine B-39, a Foxtrot formerly on display in San Diego, California