Reason the Russki sub involved in 'Azorian' sank was that the missile motor ran.
It's reckoned they were doing a drill, and accidentally caused the motor to start. The exhaust filled the hull and killed the crew. Warhead never went off. If it had there'd have been nothing left to lift...
One conspiracy theory is that it was a real launch against Hawaii, but I think that's bunkum.
I have the book and cd entitled 'Azorian'. It's a fascinating read, and Lockheeds grab- they nicknamed it/ her 'Clementine' so nearly brought the remains up intact. Had they not chosen to use maraging steel for the fingers, it would most likely have held.
Of course, no one really knows the true extent of the intelligence take. The Glomar Explorer is still working though.
It's alleged that the remaining missile separated from the wreckage. It's hard to believe that they left it lying there, when the USS Halibut could have retrieved it covertly later on....
It's the sort of adventure that Ian Fleming might have come up with for 007.
But Azorian was real. Must be one of the most fascinating episodes of the Cold War.
Last edited by AtomKraft; 31st May 2014 at 04:58.