Currently, there are eleven Poseidon test flights conducted. But there are still questions about the weapon system. According to Pentagon, it has a payload of around two megatons. It could wipe out a major American city in 30 seconds. Poseidon may also be capable carrying nuclear warheads and conventional munitions. This will allow Poseidon to be used in a variety of ways.
The submarine can carry up to six Poseidon-type torpedoes. The submarine can travel at up 80 miles per hour on water and up 70 in the air. It can travel upto 3,280 feet. It is believed to have a titanium hull that will withstand pressure at these depths.
The Poseidon-type torpedo might have a diameter of approximately 1.6 m, and a length around 24 meters. It would be twice as large as a standard submarine. It is believed to be capable of traveling at speeds exceeding 90 km/h. This is double the speed of conventional submarines. The submarine is capable of traveling at almost any distance around the globe.
The Poseidon torpedo does have its limitations. It might be too slow for a retaliatory strike against a coastal city. It might also be hard to detect. Poseidon's nuclear propeller system could also malfunction, posing a threat to the submarine. Poseidon could also be radioactive due to its nuclear propulsion system. Despite these concerns the Poseidon Torpedo could still deliver a nuclear blast and flood coastal cities with radioactive waters.
If you look at satellite imagery of the Russian Arctic you will see Poseidon sized weapons. However, it is unlikely that Russia will actually test the weapon for the first time in the near future. Russia is expected to begin testing the weapon soon, maybe in a few more years. Russian ships must travel in Arctic waters to test the weapon.
Experts have expressed reservations about the Poseidon, even though it is still being developed theoretically. Greenpeace analysts believe there are several issues which need to be addressed. Specifically, if the torpedo is unarmed, it may have an extremely limited application. Additionally, Russia should invest more money in training for command and control.
The Poseidon could strike down aircraft carriers and strike teams if it succeeds. It could also attack submerged infrastructure and target coastal cities. This could be a devastating weapon for NATO's largest power projector assets. The specially modified Oscar submarines that were designed to carry the Poseidon will be used to transport it to the target. In addition, it is believed that Russia will need to build a large carrier for Poseidon. This could take many years depending on which type of carrier is chosen.
A US official stated that the Russians are having trouble testing the Poseidon. The US Navy is planning countermeasures against Poseidon. Sensor-mines are used to detect and destroy Poseidons.