Russian submarine Losharik

Losharik (Лошарик) is the nickname of a Russian submarine. The official name for this submarine type is "Project 210". It is powered by an atomic reactor and due to unique spherical construction elements used is believed to be able to operate at depth of 6000 m. Those elements are hidden inside conventional submarine hull (perhaps for better hydrodynamics and lower noise frame).

Laid down in 1988 it was launched only in August 2003 due to financial problems that Russian military experienced in 1990s. Losharik is designated for research, rescue and special military operations.

The nickname was hinted at by the multi-spherical hull construction, and was taken from a Russian cartoon character, a toy horse consisting of small spheres - the name losharik is a portmanteau of "loshad'" "лошадь" - horse and "sharik" "шарик" - small sphere.