Kuznetsov aircraft carrier dimensions. "Admiral Kuznetsov" (aircraft carrier): characteristics. Where is the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov now? Main strike complex

Heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser project 1143.5

Former names - in order of assignment:

- "Leonid Brezhnev" (launching),

- "Tbilisi" (tests)

The only one in the Navy Russian Federation in its class (as of 2015). Designed to destroy large surface targets, defend naval formations from attacks by a potential enemy.

Named after Nikolai Gerasimovich Kuznetsov, Admiral of the Fleet Soviet Union.

Built in Nikolaev, at the Black Sea shipyard.

Part of the Northern Fleet. During cruises, the Su-25UTG and Su-33 aircraft of the 279th Shipborne Fighter Aviation Regiment (home base - Severomorsk-3) and the Ka-27 and Ka-29 helicopters of the 830th Separate Shipborne Anti-Submarine Helicopter Regiment (base airfield - Severomorsk-1).

building

The fifth heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser of the USSR - "Riga" was laid down on the slipway of the Black Sea Shipbuilding Plant on September 1, 1982. It differed from its predecessors by providing for the first time the ability to take off and land on it traditional aircraft, modified versions of the land-based Su-27, MiG-29 and Su-25. To do this, he had a significantly enlarged flight deck and a springboard for taking off aircraft. Construction for the first time in the USSR was carried out by a progressive method of forming a hull from large blocks weighing up to 1400 tons.

Even before the assembly was completed, after the death of Leonid Brezhnev, on November 22, 1982, the cruiser was renamed in his honor as Leonid Brezhnev. The launching took place on December 4, 1985, after which its completion afloat continued.

Loading and installation of weapons on the aircraft carrier (except for the zonal block of launchers of the Granit SCRC), electrical equipment, aviation equipment, ventilation and air conditioning systems, as well as the equipment of the premises took place afloat, during the completion of the ship near the Northern embankment of the Big Bucket.

On August 11, 1987, it was renamed Tbilisi. On June 8, 1989, its mooring trials started, and on September 8, 1989, the crew check-in. On October 21, 1989, the unfinished and understaffed ship was put to sea, where it conducted a cycle of flight design tests of aircraft intended to be based on board. During these tests, the first takeoffs and landings of aircraft on it were carried out. On November 1, 1989, the first landings of the MiG-29K, Su-27K and Su-25UTG were carried out. The first takeoff from it was made by the MiG-29K on the same day and the Su-25UTG and Su-27K the next day, November 2, 1989. After the completion of the test cycle on November 23, 1989, he returned to the factory for completion. In 1990, he went to sea many times to carry out factory and state tests.

On October 4, 1990, it was renamed once again (4th) and became known as "Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Kuznetsov."

Specifications

Dimensions

Length - 305.0 m
-Waterline length - 270 meters
- Width is the greatest - 72 meters
-Waterline width - 35.0 m
- Draft - 10.0 m
-Standard displacement - 43 thousand tons
-Total displacement - 55 thousand tons
-Maximum displacement - 58.6 thousand tons

Power plant

Steam turbines - 4 x 50 thousand horsepower
-Number of boilers - 8
-Number of screws - 4
- Power of turbogenerators - 9 x 1500 kilowatts
-Maximum speed - 29 knots
- cruising range top speed- 3850 miles at 29 knots
-Economic speed - 18 knots
-Maximum cruising range - 8000 miles at a speed of 18 knots
-Autonomy - 45 days

Armament

For 2014, the air wing includes 20 aircraft and 17 helicopters.

The aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov" is the only aircraft carrier in service in Russia. This is the only Russian aircraft carrier that bears the proud name of the invincible Soviet Commander-in-Chief of the USSR Navy - Admiral Nikolai Gerasimovich Kuznetsov. The ship is unique, it is both a cruiser and an aircraft carrier, hence the name - the aircraft-carrying cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsov". If not for a number of reasons, then there would be a lot of aircraft-carrying ships, which would allow changing the balance of power on the planet.

The history of the Russian aircraft carrier - the pride of the Russian fleet

The project under the code 1143.5 ("Admiral of the Fleet Kuznetsov") began to be developed in 1981 and in 1982 was laid on the slipway. Since 1976, "Kyiv" (1143, laid down in 1970) has already sailed the sea, since 1978 "Minsk" (1143.2 - 1972). Novorossiysk (1143.3 - 1975) and Baku (1143.4 - 1978) began to be developed. These were platforms for vertical take-off aircraft developed by Yakovlev Design Bureau and helicopters from Kamov Design Bureau. Their capabilities were limited in terms of range and time to perform combat flights.

Aircraft Yak36 - radius 60 km. with a flight duration of 20 min. The Yak38, which replaced it, did not fundamentally change the situation. A vertical takeoff takes 1 ton more kerosene than a conventional takeoff aircraft, and this is the flight time and payload. But the YAK141, which was already ready for the same excellent characteristics, had a tragic fate due to an accident, and the idea of ​​\u200b\u200bvertical take-off was postponed and forgotten.

Project 1143.5 developed in a different direction, there were many supporters of having high-speed long-range well-armed fighters on board since the late 60s. The opponent of the project was Honored Marshal D.F. Ustinov, who considered Yak-type aircraft the only possible for Soviet aircraft carriers. But the project was destined to come true. In the late 1970s, the United States had new low-flying missiles that were not available to the air defense systems of that time, but were shot down by fighter aircraft. There was no time to wait. In 1981, the world's best fighter-bombers SU-27 or MiG-29 (subsequently Su-27K and MiG-29K) already appeared in the USSR.

The legendary test pilot Pugachev landed the SU-27K on 11/01/1989. The Mikoyanovites did not lag behind, after 1.5 hours the MiG-29K landed - this is the hero of the USSR, cosmonaut Toktar Aubakirov (future Major General of Kazakhstan). Within three weeks, flight tests were carried out, 227 sorties and 35 landings were performed. A 11/23/1989. The commission signed the Act "On the implementation of the flight design test program."

Creation of a springboard

The creation of conditions for takeoff and landing had a negative impact on the implementation of the project 1143.5. At first, the American experience of using steam catapults built into the deck was considered, which dispersed even a heavy radar aircraft on a stationary ship in calm weather. Ustinov partly rightly considered it unacceptable to use someone else's experience, it means always falling behind. And so a unique take-off method using a springboard appeared.

In the Crimea, a Scientific Testing Training Complex was built, which received the nickname "Thread" (recorded in the design documents of NITKA). According to preliminary calculations, Springboard-1 was built for the training takeoff of the Yak-38, Su-27 and MiG-29. The results showed the inaccuracy of the calculated characteristics. Then they built Springboard-2 with optimal curvature - which became a springboard for the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov.

Plane landing

A more complex system than takeoff. In order to land and stop you need to land the plane in a certain place. A system was used - an arrester, similar to the American one. This is a stretched rope hydraulic system. The hook hold (hook) was worked out in training conditions. Then the skill of braking was honed. Without these skills, there will be no naval aviation pilots.

To help the pilots, the Luna optical system appeared - this is the supply of light signals to the pilot when landing. The landing path is called Glide path. Red light - this is the maximum level of danger, indicates a landing below the level of the runway. Green - indicates the accuracy of the run. Yellow - indicates an extra climb, you will have to repeat the landing.

Name

The first name was "Riga", given to the ship during its construction at the "Black Sea Shipyard". Here political instability begins, L.I. dies. Brezhnev and the ship has a new name "Leonid Brezhnev". In 1989, the ship goes to sea under the name "Tbilisi". The aircraft-carrying cruiser received its name "Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Kuznetsov" in 1990 on October 4.

On the wave of success and economic power, new generation aircraft carriers are being built one after another - with a conventional takeoff. The death of Ustinov in 1984 contributed to the rapid development of aircraft carriers with conventional aircraft. Project 1143.6 appears, laid down in 1985 - called the Varyag (sold by Ukraine to China). And the nuclear "Ulyanovsk" - project 1143.7, laid down in 1988, dismantled in 1992 (Ukraine). "Kuznetsov" escaped the tragic fate by leaving Sevastopol for the Northern Fleet in 1992, fully corresponding to his nickname "Invincible".

Aircraft carrier hijacking

The aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov" in the early nineties has already become the flagship among the 7 aircraft carriers. In 1991, the main blow was dealt to the country in the lost Cold War, the division of property among the "Sovereign" "States" began. In September it is the Baltics, a month later Ukraine. The heads of all levels and all republics profit from the robbery of collective property. Commander-in-Chief of the Navy Vladimir Chernavin (1985-1993) sets the task of stealing the flagship to the Northern Fleet before declaring Ukraine's sovereignty.

In December 1991, the cruiser was to undergo another test in the Black Sea. The Commander-in-Chief of the Navy instructs the Commander-in-Chief of the Black Sea Fleet Khronopulo MN to pass the Dardanelles Strait in strict secrecy during the planned exercises. The ship had to get away from the armed capture and arrive at the destination Vidyaevo, which is in the Northern Fleet. This ship has been in service since 12/25/1990. From 01/20/1992. TAKR (heavy aircraft-carrying missile cruiser) is assigned to serve in Murmansk.

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Characteristics of the aircraft-carrying cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsov"

The aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov" is designed to perform various tasks, the main of which is to prevent an air or sea nuclear strike on the territory of the Russian Federation (USSR). To do this, the warship is armed with missiles for delivering and repelling strikes, aircraft and helicopter aircraft, radar and satellite systems, anti-submarine depth charges and missiles, and artillery. This is a mobile military base capable of changing the military and political situation anywhere in the world. 1960 people (200 officers) are serving on the ship: 626 - flight personnel, 40 - the headquarters of the formation of ships.

Specifications in numbers

• length - 305 m, max.
• width - 72 m, max.
• height - 65 m.
• Displacement:
  • Max. 61 400 tons,
  • standard 46 500 tons,
  • normal - 53,000 tons.
• Draft 8 - 10 m.
• Reservation: duplicated rolled steel, three-layer protection 4.5 m wide withstands torpedo hits of 400 kg of TNT.
• The cruiser is driven by a power plant of 2 boiler rooms, where there are 4 main and 2 GTZA each.
• Endurance of navigation 45 days.
• Superstructure "Island" 32 m from 13 tiers.
• Planes and helicopters from the hangar are delivered to the deck by 2 lifts.
• The cruiser has 3857 rooms: 387 - cabins, 134 - cockpit, 6 - wardrooms, 120 - warehouses and 50 showers.
• The training of sailors begins with the study of the premises, which lead to corridors 6 km long.

Armament

• P-700 Granite - the destruction of enemy aircraft carrier strike groups (AUG). The main threat to NATO aircraft carriers (moving as a group, accompanied by 1-1.5 dozen ships) was the Granit anti-ship missile systems. This Soviet development has no analogues. On the deck bow there are 12 launchers with P-700 Granit missiles. There can be different warheads: high-explosive fragmentation 750 kg. or nuclear 500 kt. Russia and the United States have agreed not to arm themselves with a nuclear charge for these missiles for the time being. Its length is 10 m, launch weight is 7000 kg, diameter is 85 cm. The 3M45 anti-ship missile is 10 times heavier than the American Harpoon, therefore it carries 2.5 times the charge and hits the target 5 times further, up to 700 km.
• As targeting systems three means of guidance are used at once, excluding disorientation by its enemy: satellite, carrier-based aviation (helicopters and airplanes) and radar. The missile rises to a high altitude (up to 17 km) and detects a target, then drops down to an extremely low altitude (25 m) and heads towards the target. Which makes it difficult for enemy air defenses to intercept it. If the ship is destroyed, then the rest of the fired missiles hit other ships of the group. The missile is equipped with a device for radar interference, pointing anti-missiles at decoys.
• Protective missile weapons. And also 4x2 ZRAK "Kortik" (256 missiles and 48,000 shells) protect against high-precision anti-ship missiles. There is also a 4x6 anti-aircraft missile system of the Kinzhal air defense system (192 pieces), which is used in the event of a massive attack from the air and from low-flying missiles. Six-barreled anti-aircraft artillery AK-360 (30 mm shells), strikes at a distance of 4-5 km.
• Gaining air supremacy. Equally important in power heavy cruiser is aviation. The super-maneuverable Su-33s replaced the Su-27Ks, 36 units. Each of them is designed to destroy the F-15 and F-16 in the air. The aircraft are equipped with long-range and short-range radars, satellite communications, and carry up to 8 tons of bomb load. Armed with all types of air-to-air, air-to-surface missiles. They can deliver nuclear strikes, since 2016 they can destroy ships with one of the latest BrahMos missiles with the same efficiency as 3M45. Shoot down all missiles at an altitude of up to 27 km. Multi-purpose helicopters Ka-27, of which there are 16 on the ship, are designed to detect and destroy submarines. They mine mines. In the amount of 3 units. used for radar patrol and 2 more for search and rescue operations.
• Antisubmarine weapons. The RBU 12,000 Udav anti-submarine jet bomber has 60 missiles of various types: it destroys torpedoes, creating a drifting minefield; small submarines and submarine sabotage forces at a depth of up to 600 m.
• Electronic weapons. Unique weapons allow timely and accurate combat operations: CICS "Lesorub", multifunctional radar "Mars-Passat", three-coordinate radar "Fregat-MA", low-flying targets are detected by 2 radars "Podkat", 2 radars "Vaigach", navigation system "Buran" -2", radar for flight control "Resistor" and "Gazon", EW "Constellation-BR", GAS "Zvezda-M1".

Conclusion

TAKR - this is one combat unit, it will not solve all the problems, but it is a formidable weapon. It will be impossible to conduct an effective launch of nuclear missiles on our territory in the TAKR combat alert zone of this type. And the enemy’s 1st AUG is difficult to oppose to “Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Kuznetsov”. It is desirable to have at the disposal of Russia about 10 aircraft carriers. It's even better to have allies to share such high costs with them.

Who is Kuznetsov, why was he given such an honor?

Of particular importance, inspiring selfless work and military successes, is history. It all depends on who we will honor, and this will be our future - great or not. Kuznetsov N.G. turned out to be a follower of the traditions of Russian naval officers, for whom Ushakov, Lazarev and Nakhimov were examples. He was awarded 4 orders of Lenin, 3 orders of the Red Banner, 2 orders of Ushakov 1st degree, the Order of the Red Star, as well as medals and foreign orders.

Despite his modest peasant origin, he was intelligent - he gave the impression of a Russian nobleman. Sailors loved him, officers trusted him. He was not part of the political groups fighting for power. The chiefs and first persons of the state relied on him, some were afraid of his authority among officers, sailors and the entire Soviet people. He did not serve and did not humiliate himself, he was an excellent performer and a talented organizer. Under Stalin, he managed to do a lot for the country, at the Yalta meeting of the winners he resolved the conflict issue about the division of the fascist fleet.

short biography

As a child, at the age of 15, attributing to himself two years (born 11 (24). 07.1904 in the Arkhangelsk province, according to documents - 1902), he becomes a sailor of the North Dvina military flotilla. There he went through the civil war of 1917-1922. After serving for another 1 year, since 1923 he has been studying at the Naval School. Frunze" and graduated with honors in 1926. Period 1926 - 1929. serves in the Black Sea as a watchman on the Chervona Ukraine, and 1932-1933. was assistant commander of the cruiser "Red Caucasus". From 1933 he became the commander of the light cruiser Chervona Ukraine, from that moment the ship became a model of combat readiness and training.

As a military attache and chief naval adviser to the Spanish Republic, Kuznetsov organizes the uninterrupted supply of military supplies to Spain to fight fascism. Having successfully completed the task in 1936 - 1939. he returns to Sevastopol. Aviation played a significant role, which was used off the coast for the safe passage of transport ships. From that moment on, the future people's commissar was personally convinced of the effectiveness of a bunch of ships and aircraft and became the initiator of aircraft carrier building and the diversified development of all types of weapons.

At the end of the political purge of supporters of the ideas of Trotsky-Uborevich. who were preparing a coup d'état in Russia, in 1939, a non-politicized young and talented specialist N.G. Kuznetsov. Which made a great contribution to the Victory of 1945 and the development of the country's defense capability. He was inconvenient for the Khrushchev-Zhukov team, did not speak fables about Stalin, met the WWII war without defeat. And Kuznetsov’s ideas about the need to build aircraft carriers, approved by Stalin, began to be implemented from January 1943 (in November 1944, the Nevsky Design Bureau created the 1st project, by the end of the war, 4 types of aircraft carrier were developed, included in the post-war program). Having come to power, Khrushchev managed to temporarily destroy the program and cut the ships under construction.

The suspended Kuznetsov was isolated from publicity until the end of his life. He lived at his dacha until 1974, where he wrote books under the control of editors who created the myth of Stalin to please the new political clan. On the anti-Soviet wave in 1990, his well-deserved name accidentally appeared on an aircraft-carrying cruiser, because he was a creator, not a destroyer of the state, and respected Russian traditions that had developed under the emperors.

Special page in biography

There is one confusing story in 1948, when the "Court of Honor" took place over the admirals. Honored high-ranking military judged the same honored officers. They turned out to be N.G. Kuznetsov and his subordinates L.M. Galler, V.A. Alafuzov and G.A. Stepanov. The military collegium, which found everyone guilty, itself petitioned to reduce Kuznetsov's punishment. Departed for service Far East(1948 Deputy for Naval Affairs, and since 1950 - Commander of the Pacific Fleet). As a result, under the same authority, he again headed the country's Navy from 1951 to 1953.

Under Khrushchev, he continued to hold the position of commander of the fleet until 1955 in a new capacity - First Deputy Minister of Defense of the USSR. A 03/03/1955. Continuing to be in the Deputy Minister of Defense of the USSR, his position was renamed "Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union." No political group could manage him, and the figure was too prominent and politically responsible. Therefore, 02/17/1956. once again demoted to vice admiral and dismissed with the note "Without the right to work in the Navy." Received the nickname "Disgraced Admiral".

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The current structure of the navy practically does not include the presence of aircraft carriers. There are specific reasons for this, the main of which is the financial component. The costs of maintaining and repairing such ships are enormous, therefore, there is only one representative on the territory of the Russian Federation, bearing the name "Admiral Kuznetsov".

Back in the days of the Soviet Union, there were an order of magnitude more such cruisers. However, after the collapse of the USSR, the cruisers were territorially divided by the newly formed states. But the lack of funding led to the loss of all ships, except for the Admiral Kuznetsov. Three ships were sold to China, where to this day they serve as objects for the entertainment of the population and tourists. Another ship was sent to South Korea and the other to India.

History of creation

The design of an aircraft-carrying cruiser began in 1978. Initially, its purpose was to provide a take-off and landing site for conventional aircraft.

Construction of the aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov"

However, during the development process, adjustments were constantly made to the plan, which eventually led to the creation of five different projects that met the requirements of the Ministry of Defense and the leaders of the navy. One of the projects had a clear difference - the use of missile weapons on the cruiser located inside the hull. Thanks to this difference, the project was subsequently approved in 1982, after which the construction of the Admiral Kuznetsov immediately began.

Deck of the aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov"

The construction of the ship took place using new developments, one of which was the assembly of the ship's hull from blocks, the average weight of which was 1,500 tons. The deck serving as a "runway" was also enlarged, and the catapults typical of this type of ships were replaced by a springboard.

The construction was completed in 1989, after which they immediately began testing. The cruiser's performance was normal, so already at the beginning of 1991 it became part of the Northern Fleet of the Russian Federation.

Name history

"Admiral Kuznetsov" is far from the first name of the ship, it was preceded by three more options. The first is "Riga", which was awarded during construction. But after his death, they decide to rename the ship in his honor. "Leonid Brezhnev" - the second name.

The aircraft carrier is named after Admiral Nikolai Kuznetsov

The third appeared in 1989 before the cruiser went to sea - Tbilisi, which served him until 1990. After the aircraft-carrying cruiser was renamed for the fourth time, and the name is still preserved - "Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Kuznetsov" or abbreviated - "Admiral Kuznetsov".

Armament

Armament "Admiral Kuznetsov" deserves special attention. The basis of the cruiser is a complex of anti-ship missiles (SCRC) "Granit". Twelve-sided missiles are located in silo-type launchers. The missiles reach a distance of 550 kilometers, each weighing 750 kilograms. The cruiser is also equipped with two rocket launchers, each with 60 depth charges.

And yet this is not the main armament of an aircraft carrier. The basis is combat aircraft located on a ship consisting of 50 pieces, 50% of which are fighters, the rest are helicopters. However, in practice the number is reduced to 37 units.

If we talk about anti-aircraft weapons, then it should be classified into 3 types:

1. The presence of a missile and artillery complex, which includes 256 missiles reaching a distance of up to 8,000 meters, and 48,000 shells with a range of up to 4,000 meters.
2. The presence of an anti-aircraft missile system, which includes 192 missiles, reaching a distance of up to 12,000 meters.
3. The presence of rapid-fire installations, which include 48,000 shells.

Also, the ship is equipped with additional equipment aimed at detecting danger or providing communication with the central control apparatus.

Comparison with competitors

In addition to Russia, by 2017 the United States occupies a leading position in armament "on the water", and China is rapidly building up its military potential. Therefore, for an accurate comparison, consider the representatives of the aircraft carriers of each country. From the USA - the Nimitz model, from China - the Liaoning.

Of course, the main task of an aircraft-carrying cruiser is to make the most of them in the event of a war. Moreover, there are also several options here: in the presence of a weakly armed enemy and in a war on a large scale.

To compare the performance of three aircraft carriers in the presence of a weak enemy, it is best to analyze their integral indices:

1. The cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsova" has an index of 0.3.
2. The cruiser Nimitz has an index of 0.35.
3. The cruiser Liaoning has an index of 0.27.

In a large-scale war:

1. The cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsova" has an index of 0.25.
2. The cruiser Nimitz has an index of 0.28.
3. The cruiser Liaoning has an index of 0.21.

In this way, comparative analysis showing that the Russian and Chinese ships are inferior in both respects to the American counterpart.

Another important factor for analysis is the duration of the battle until the ship's reserves are completely consumed. "Nimitz" in this case can withstand a week, "Admiral Kuznetsov" - five to six days, "Liaoning" is theoretically also able to withstand an average of five days. And again, the leading position is occupied by Nimitz.

The conclusion, of course, is obvious, and the American aircraft carrier has a number of advantages over the Russian one, it is more functional and prepared. But still, it is impossible to make an unambiguous assessment, since not everything depends on the ship, the fighters placed on it play an important role.

Hiking since 1995

The first trip of the cruiser took place in 1995. However, it almost turned into a tragedy, as the ship was caught in stormy weather, resulting in heavy damage.

A new exit to the Mediterranean was to take place in 2000. But due to the tragedy of the submarine Kursk, the plans were cancelled. The next stage is a trip to the North Atlantic, which took place in 2004. During the campaign, the cruiser carried out military service.

The crew of the cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsov" in the 90s

2007 - the aircraft carrier makes its second exit to the Mediterranean Sea and stays there for two months. After the ship was waiting for a scheduled repair, during which most of the devices were upgraded.

In 2011, the aircraft carrier went to Syria, where it reached the MTO point of the Russian Navy. Then there was another exit to the Mediterranean Sea in 2014, after which the cruiser went to the next repair work.

"Smoke" cruiser

Recently in funds mass media there were photos of "smoke" "Admiral Kuznetsov", which caused a lot contentious issues and concern about the ship's disrepair. However, the experts immediately provided a "haze" announcement.

Smoke from the aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov"

According to them, the cruiser is "smoking" because of the fuel oil, which is used as fuel. Also came confirmation of the combat readiness of "Admiral Kuznetsov". Thus, the emerging "haze" at the aircraft carrier is nothing more than the cost of using fuel oil as fuel.

Of course, the cruiser's smoke caused a lot of jokes from foreign and Russian Internet users. Someone identified the ship in a number of "smokers", others considered it a "locomotive".

The noise raised around this issue attracted attention so much that in in social networks and Internet resources available to users, photo and video materials appeared confirming the “black haze”. For example, on the YouTube web resource, you can see with your own eyes the passage of a cruiser across the English Channel.

"Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Kuznetsov" is our only aircraft carrier and the largest warship of the Russian fleet in its more than three centuries of history.

Formally, "Admiral Kuznetsov" is not an aircraft carrier: according to the official classification, this ship during the period of construction and construction was called a heavy aircraft carrier cruiser, and after inclusion in the Navy - a heavy aircraft carrier cruiser (TAVKR). However, it is often called an aircraft carrier, since it is such - both in design and in the range of tasks to be solved. The birth of this ship was preceded by a long journey of trial and error. For subjective reasons, the Soviet leadership stubbornly refused to approve the construction of aircraft carriers, considering them too expensive and vulnerable. As an alternative, TAVKRs of projects 1143 and 1143.4 were built in the USSR with Yak-38M vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Only in 1978 was a resolution of the Council of Ministers adopted on the creation of a project 1143.5 ship with full-fledged carrier-based aircraft on board. True, the proposal to equip the TAVKR with catapults was never approved. Due to the strict requirement to limit the total displacement of the ship to a figure of 55 thousand tons, the designers had to make a number of compromises, but by the spring of 1982, the development of the project was completed.

DESCRIPTION

TAVKR project 1143.5 (since 1981 - 11435) is distinguished by a purely "carrier" architecture with an "island" shifted to the starboard side. The area of ​​the through flight deck is 14,800 sq. m, the corner part with dimensions of 205 x 26 m is located at an angle of 7 degrees to the diametrical plane. For the first time in our fleet, hydraulic arresters, an emergency barrier, the Luna optical landing system and onboard aircraft lifts appeared on the ship. The bow is equipped with a springboard. The length of the takeoff run of the Su-33 fighter from two starting positions is 100 m each, from the third position - 200 m.

The hull has a solid double bottom and 9 decks; total number internal premises for various purposes - 3857. The hangar with an area of ​​153 x 26 m in height occupies three inter-deck spaces (7.2 m). Inside, it is equipped with a semi-automatic chain transportation system for aircraft (instead of the tow tractors used abroad); tractors are used only for supplying aircraft to the elevator platforms.

For fire safety purposes, the hangar is divided into 4 compartments by fire-resistant folding curtains. Local box armor covers fuel tanks and magazines of aviation ammunition, the total supply of aviation fuel is about 2500 tons. Underwater anti-torpedo protection 4.5 m wide consists of three longitudinal bulkheads, one of which (2nd) is armored (multilayer). The power plant includes 4 TV-12-4 turbo-gear units and 8 KVG-4 steam boilers. Compared with the predecessor - TAVKR "Baku" of project 1143.4 - due to the increased fuel supply, the cruising range and autonomy increased: the latter was 45 days.

According to the tradition that has developed in our fleet, the TAVKR was equipped with Granite strike missiles located in 12 below-deck inclined mines. Anti-aircraft weapons have also become very powerful: 4 modules of vertical launchers of the Kinzhal air defense system and 8 of the latest Kortik missile and artillery systems. The size of the air wing under the project is 50 aircraft and helicopters. Electronic weapons: combat information and control system "Lesorub" and multifunctional complex "Mars-Passat", three-coordinate radar "Fregat-MA", radar for detecting low-flying targets "Podkat", navigation complex "Buran-2", flight control radar "Resistor" , system electronic warfare"Constellation-BR", sonar complex "Zvezda-M1". In total, more than 450 units of radio equipment for various purposes were mounted on board the ship.

PURPOSE AND USE

The main purpose of the TAVKR "Admiral Kuznetsov" is to provide cover for the deployment area of ​​strategic nuclear submarines. True, the excellent characteristics of the Su-33 aircraft now made it possible to successfully fight enemy anti-submarine aircraft and early warning aircraft, even if they had fighter cover. Thus, our fleet has finally received the necessary "air umbrella", without which it is almost impossible to operate outside coastal waters in the conditions of modern warfare.

TAVKR "Admiral Kuznetsov" in December 1991 moved from the Black Sea to the Northern Fleet, in subsequent years, carried out the development of flights of the air wing, conducted training firing in the Barents Sea. In December 1995 - March 1996, he led a multi-purpose group on a campaign in the Mediterranean. During combat service, 14,156 miles have been covered, 524 flights by aircraft and 996 by helicopters have been completed. In 2004, 2005, 2007-2008, 2008-2009 and 2011-2012, the Admiral Kuznetsov made long-range trips to the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and in 2015-2018 participated in operations in Syria. The modernization of the ship is planned for the near future. In particular, it is planned to completely renew the composition of the air group: instead of the exhausted Su-33s, the aircraft carrier will receive 26 carrier-based fighters MiG-29K.

PERFORMANCE AND TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER "ADMIRAL KUZNETSOV"

• Displacement, t:
  standard: 46 540
  full: 61 400
• Dimensions, m:
  maximum length: 306.5
  maximum width: 72
  draft: 10.5
• GEM: steam turbine with a capacity of 200,000 liters. With.
• Maximum travel speed, knots: 29
• Cruising range: 7680 miles at 18 knots, 3850 miles at 29 knots
• Armament: 12 Granit SCRC launchers, 4 x 6 Kinzhal anti-aircraft launchers (192 missiles), 8 Kortik anti-aircraft missile and artillery systems near the border, 2 RBU-12000 Udav, 6 30-mm automatic gun mounts AK- 630M
• The composition of the air group:
  — according to the project: 36 pages. Su-27K or MiG-29K, 14 vert. Ka-27
  - for 1996: 15 istrs. Su-33 (Su-27K), 1 assault. Su-25UTG, 11 vert. Ka-27
  - for 2013: 10 istrs. Su-33.2 assault. Su-25UTG, 12 vert. Ka-27.2 vert. Ka-31
• Crew, people: 1960 + 626 air group

Aircraft carrier - a type of warship, which includes a certain amount of military aircraft, it also represents the main strike force. On board there is a runway of the required length for the runway of aircraft, hangars, refueling facilities, Maintenance and flight control. Despite its large dimensions, an aircraft carrier is a highly maneuverable ship and quickly responds to deployment signals. One of the representatives of such military equipment is the aircraft-carrying cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsov". More on this later.

Such ships are used by many countries to carry out duty services along the water borders of a particular state. They are also designed to assist in the invasion of enemy forces into the territory. They are used to destroy various enemy boats, as well as to destroy air equipment that is located above the water and in the coastal zone.

An aircraft carrier must have a powerful power plant and a large supply of fuel in order to stay at a distance from the coast for a long period.

historical path

The first steps in the construction of the above cruiser were taken in 1982. It has changed its name several times due to historical events. Finally in 1990, after lengthy sea ​​trials, his final name appeared on board - "Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Kuznetsov." And a year later, a heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser was in the naval armament of Russia. This is a true fact.

At the time of the start of construction, there were already aircraft carriers in service. Each of them performed certain functions. However, the ship "Admiral Kuznetsov" had a significant difference. That is, it has an elongated deck size. This allowed the aircraft to perform the traditional type of takeoff and landing.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, in the early 1990s, the Russian Navy became quite worried that the Ukrainian authorities could make claims to own the cruiser. Therefore, at the end of 1991, it was secretly transported to the city of Severomorsk, which was the new base for the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov of the Fleet of the Soviet Union. Since that time, he has undergone many tests of various kinds. It is also replenished with a new combat unit - serial SU-33 fighters.

In 1995, in honor of the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the existence Russian fleet, the aircraft carrier-cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsov" set out on a campaign in the Mediterranean Sea. Having passed, he stopped off the coast of Tunisia. At the same time, an American ship was also present there. This made it possible to perform some training tests together. According to eyewitnesses, during the joint parking of the two aircraft carriers, corresponding takeoffs and landings of aviation equipment were made both from the Russian side and US Navy. Some Russian servicemen were even able to ride on US aircraft. The aircraft-carrying cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsov" did not disappoint, and in further exercises with which the command remained satisfied. But not without negative aspects. Throughout the sea voyage, there was a constant failure of the power plant, and there were problems with other systems of the ship. This testified to his incomplete combat readiness. And already after a short period of time after arriving home, after a thorough repair, the cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsov" again set off on another journey. Not without his participation, the operation "Kursk" took place in 2000.

In 2004, the cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsov" made a trip to the North Atlantic together with nine ships of the Northern Fleet. The main purpose of the trip was to test the takeoff and landing of the new SU-25KUB fighter. This was followed by regular visits on duty (2005-2007). And in 2007, the cruiser went on another voyage to the Mediterranean Sea, where everything went well.

Of course, in addition to successful voyages, there were also emergencies on board the aircraft carrier, from which not a single super-modern warship in the world is insured:

1. The first incident happened at the end of 2004. As a result of the next departure, a small accident occurred on board the cruiser when landing on the deck of the SU-25UTG. But, fortunately, everything managed only with damage to the landing gear of the aircraft, and the ship did not suffer significant losses.
2. Also, misfortune overtook the aircraft carrier in the early autumn of 2005 in the North Atlantic. Here the cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsov" suffered more significant losses. During the landing approach of two SU-33 fighters, one could not resist and fell into the water. The pilot ejected already at a great depth. The second apparatus was saved by the joint efforts of the crew. The sunken car, which contained secret technological developments, was tried to be destroyed with the help of water bombs. However, this was not possible. Cause emergency turned out to be a break in the air finisher cable.
3. The next emergency happened in January 2009. While staying in the Turkish port of Akzas-Karagach, there was a sudden fire in the bow of the deck. The crew managed to cope with this situation on their own, but the sailor died. The aircraft carrier itself did not suffer significant damage.

To date, the ship "Admiral Kuznetsov" is one of the representatives of heavy naval artillery. Its main tasks are to defeat targets of a certain nature that pose a threat to the state. The heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov looks worthy along with similar combat units from various countries. How can a huge twenty-story building that moves freely through the water element not impress? On board the aircraft carrier there are 8 boilers and 4. With their help, it can accelerate to a maximum speed of 29 knots. At this pace, he overcomes up to 3800 miles, at a speed of 18 knots - 8500 miles. In order to make sure of its power, at least you can look at the aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov", the photo of which is presented in this text.

Design features

There are many interesting things here. Model "Admiral Kuznetsov" has the following decks: smooth and additional takeoff. These are important design elements. In the tail section of the ship there is a take-off springboard, that is, according to the architecture this ship is smooth deck. This is an essential design feature. There is also a corner flight deck with an area of ​​14,700 m², and a developed superstructure on the starboard side. The existing springboard, which is located in the bow, has a vanishing angle of 14 degrees. Its implementation is integral with the hull of this aircraft carrier, which has 7 decks in height and two necessary platforms.

Chassis

As already mentioned, this aircraft-carrying cruiser has an improved power plant. It consists of 8 steam boilers and 4 turbines, each of which has a capacity of 50,000 liters. With. As a result this system capable of accelerating a huge machine up to 29 knots and maintaining this speed for a long time. Also, the specified power plant has additional containers for fuel. With the help of such a system, this heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser is able to stay on the water for a long time. The maximum range of movement at a speed of 18 knots is approximately 8500 miles.

Armament

In this regard, the corresponding equipment is defined. The armament on the ship "Admiral Kuznetsov" is represented by aviation equipment and rocket launchers. This is an essential fact. The first type includes all combat aviation Russia. This includes about 28 aircraft (fighters of the SU-33, MiG-27K, Yak-141 series) and 24 combat helicopters.

In addition, the aircraft carrier includes a number of short-range, medium-range and long-range missile launchers. These devices at any time can both deliver a targeted strike to the enemy, and prevent damage by a torpedo or missile. In all likelihood, in the near future they will be improved as a result of the complete modernization of the specified ship.

Radio electronic equipment

It is also an important piece of equipment. Electronic equipment on the aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov" allows you to constantly have a picture of the exact location of such equipment nearby. It includes the Lumberjack system, the Mars-Passat multifunctional device. It also includes devices such as Fregat-2M, which allows detecting targets in three-dimensional space, and Podkat, for detecting aircraft at low altitudes. This ship also has certain communication and flight control systems. All this allows you to accurately determine the position of the enemy and deliver effective strikes, as well as to have constant communication with allies.

Specifications of this cruiser

The following is taken into account here:

• The main manufacturer of the aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov" is the Black Sea company for the construction of warships in the city of Nikolaev.
• Developer - OAO "Nevskoe PKB".
• The maximum speed of the ship is 29-30 knots. The usual running gear is 18.
• The maximum range with optimal movement is 18,000 miles.
• In offline mode, it can work for about 45 days.
• It has a displacement of 58,500 tons.

Crew

Of course, to keep the aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov" afloat, a significant number of qualified crew is needed. It consists of 1960 people, of which 200 are officers. Due to the fact that the main combat power represented by aviation technology, there are 626 pilots on board. Of these, the command staff consists of 40 people. Also on the specified ship is 3857 necessary premises. This includes 387 cabins, 50 showers and 6 dining rooms, 120 storage rooms.

improvement

Although the aircraft-carrying cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsov" has been proving its full combat readiness for many years and quite effectively fulfills the tasks assigned to it, like all equipment, it requires appropriate modern modernization. The designers and developers of the ship are not going to stop there and in the near future they plan to improve this combat vehicle, giving it additional power and installing additional modern weapons.

First of all, the modernization will affect the power plant, as this is the most problematic place and often leads to minor breakdowns. It is planned to replace the existing boiler and turbine plant. In this regard, several options are being considered, that is, they are going to replace it with a gas or nuclear turbine installation. Thus, the number of breakdowns will be limited, and additional carrying capacity of the ship will be added.

Armament will also be subject to some change. In the future, it is possible to eliminate the Granit rocket launchers. As a result, the area of ​​aircraft parking spaces will increase, and, accordingly, the number of aviation units themselves. Also, the Kinzhal missile launchers are also subject to replacement with improved medium-range anti-aircraft devices. This is important. For short-range installations, it is planned to replace the existing ones with the Pantsir-S1 complex. It will include 4-6 anti-aircraft artillery devices. With all this, it is planned to install modern system radio electronic equipment. With its help, interaction with other warships will be monitored in the future.

As a launch system, it is planned to equip the aircraft carrier with catapults. Since no one is going to abandon the runway and ski jumps in the future, then, accordingly, they will be located on the corner deck. To ensure the launch using steam catapults, it is necessary to have a nuclear power plant. This is what developers are aiming for. But if the ship will have a gas turbine installation, then the steam catapults will be replaced by electromagnetic ones. This device is not an innovation in combat shipbuilding. Many foreign aircraft carriers already have a similar system in their use. It was also tested by our developers even during the existence of the Soviet Union. Therefore, it is worth entering it correctly into the design of the Admiral Kuznetsov ship.

The number will include 26 MiG-29K fighters and helicopters (from 18 to 28 units). In general, the release of the updated cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov is planned for 2020. By this time, the release of the new generation T-50 fighters is already expected, which will undoubtedly appear on board the ship.

It's even scary to imagine the possibilities of the updated cruiser, including the existing ones!

Current state of the ship

Today, this heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser is protecting the interests of Russia. In general, he regularly copes with the tasks assigned. It has advanced weapons and is able to prevent almost any enemy invasion. And it was his campaign in the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic that renewed the presence of the Russian navy in the World Ocean. Such types of warships as the indicated cruiser are in service with most countries. Therefore, Russian developers are making every effort to modernize it.

Conclusion

After reading the above, everyone can imagine what it is, what functions it performs, and also what military equipment owns the aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov. In general, this ship is definitely an impressive combat unit of the army of the Russian Federation.