I don't know how you could state that Soviet submarines were of a superior design compared to American subs. The Russians/Soviets have lost too many over the years along with all hands. Soviet subs were noisy and easier to track then their American counterparts. They had inferior weapons systems. In fact, all the systems, including the conscripted crew, were inferior. They have suffered many more accidents as well. The US hasn't lost a submarine since the 1960's (Thersher 1963, Scorpion 1968). Of course the Soviets did not even have much of a submarine force until after World War II. They spent the cold war years attempting to catch up and led the US and it's allies in volume of subs but certainly not in quality.
I've walk thru a couple of museum subs including Nautilus, the first nuclear power sub which went under the polar ice cap in the 1950's. Very tight, cramped amazing pieces of technology.
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