Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier: Difference between revisions
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| Total ships completed = 3 | | Total ships completed = 3 | ||
| Total ships cancelled = | | Total ships cancelled = | ||
| Total ships active = 2 | | Total ships active = 2 | ||
| Total ships lost = | | Total ships lost = | ||
| Total ships retired = | | Total ships retired = | ||
| Total ships laid up = | | Total ships laid up = 1 | ||
| Total ships preserved = | | Total ships preserved = | ||
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| Header caption = | | Header caption = | ||
| Ship type = [[Aircraft cruiser]]/[[Aircraft carrier]] | | Ship type = [[Aircraft cruiser|Heavy aircraft cruiser]]/[[Aircraft carrier]] | ||
| Ship displacement = *{{convert|43000|t|LT|lk=on|abbr=on}}, light<ref name="Kuzspecs" | | Ship displacement = *{{convert|43000|t|LT|lk=on|abbr=on}}, light<ref name="Kuzspecs"/><ref name="Kuznetsov specifications">{{cite web |title=Kuznetsov Class – Project 1143.5 |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/1143_5-specs.htm |website=Globalsecurity.org |date=7 September 2011 |access-date=22 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008153638/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/1143_5-specs.htm |archive-date=8 October 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
*{{convert|55000|t|LT|abbr=on}}, standard<ref name="Kuzspecs" /><ref name="Kuznetsov specifications" /><ref name="ReferenceA"/> | *{{convert|55000|t|LT|abbr=on}}, standard<ref name="Kuzspecs" /><ref name="Kuznetsov specifications" /><ref name="ReferenceA"/> | ||
*{{convert|58600|t|LT|abbr=on}}, max<ref name="Kuzspecs" /><ref name="Kuznetsov specifications" /> | *{{convert|58600|t|LT|abbr=on}}, max<ref name="Kuzspecs" /><ref name="Kuznetsov specifications" /> | ||
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| Ship EW = | | Ship EW = | ||
| Ship armament = * (''Kuznetsov'') | | Ship armament = * (''Kuznetsov'') | ||
**12 [[P-700 Granit]] (SS-N-19 Shipwreck) anti-ship | **12 [[P-700 Granit]] (SS-N-19 Shipwreck) [[anti-ship missile]]s<ref name="bbc.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/trad/world/2016/10/161026_spain_russia_carrier |title=俄羅斯航母戰鬥群取消停靠西班牙港口補給 |trans-title=Russian aircraft carrier battle group cancels docking at Spanish port for supply |website=BBC 中文网 |date=26 October 2016 |access-date=27 November 2017 |language=zh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216073302/http://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/trad/world/2016/10/161026_spain_russia_carrier |archive-date=16 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
**192 [[Tor Missile System#3K95 Kinzhal (naval variant)|3K95 Kinzhal]] (SA-N-9 Gauntlet) | **192 [[Tor Missile System#3K95 Kinzhal (naval variant)|3K95 Kinzhal]] (SA-N-9 Gauntlet) [[surface-to-air missile|SAM]]s<ref name="bbc.com"/> | ||
**8 [[Kashtan CIWS|Kashtan]] CIWS mounts | **8 [[Kashtan CIWS|Kashtan]] [[CIWS]] mounts | ||
**6 [[AK-630]] AA | **6 [[AK-630]] [[anti-aircraft|AA]] [[autocannon|gun]]s | ||
**1 [[Udav-1 anti-submarine system|UDAV-1]] ASW | **1 [[Udav-1 anti-submarine system|UDAV-1]] [[anti-submarine missile|ASW missile]] launcher | ||
*(''Liaoning'' and ''Shandong'') | *(''Liaoning'' and ''Shandong'') | ||
**3 × Type 1130 CIWS | **3 × [[Type 1130 CIWS]] | ||
**3 × [[HQ-10]] SAMs | **3 × [[HQ-10]] SAMs | ||
| Ship armour = | | Ship armour = | ||
| Ship aircraft = *30–50<ref name="bbc.com"/> | | Ship aircraft = *30–50<ref name="bbc.com"/> | ||
* 18–32 × fixed-wing aircraft | ** 18–32 × fixed-wing aircraft | ||
* 18–24 × helicopters | ** 18–24 × helicopters | ||
| Ship aircraft facilities = | | Ship aircraft facilities = *[[Aircraft ski-jump|Bow ski-jump]] | ||
*[[Aircraft ski-jump|Bow ski-jump]] | *[[Angled flight deck|Angled]] [[arresting gear|arrested]] landing flight deck | ||
| Ship notes = | | Ship notes = | ||
}} | }} | ||
|} | |} | ||
The '''''Kuznetsov''-class aircraft | The '''''Kuznetsov''-class aircraft carrier''' ({{langx|ru|text=Авиано́сцы ти́па «Кузнецо́в»|translit=Avianostsii Tipa Kuznetsov}}), [[Soviet]] designation '''Project 1143.5''', is a [[ship class|class]] of [[marine propulsion#Turbines|conventionally powered]] [[STOBAR]] [[aircraft carrier]]s currently operated by the [[Russian Navy]] and [[China|Chinese]] [[People's Liberation Army Navy]]. Originally designed for the [[Soviet Navy]], the ''Kuznetsov''-class ships use a [[ski-jump (aviation)|ski-jump]] for [[takeoff|launching]] high-performance [[fixed-wing aircraft|fixed-wing]] [[jet aircraft]] and [[arrestor gear]]s for [[landing]], representing a major advance in Soviet [[naval aviation]] design over the previous {{sclass|Kiev|aircraft carrier|0}} [[aircraft cruiser]]s, which did not have full-length [[flight deck]] and could only launch [[VSTOL]] aircraft. The official classification for the ship class by the [[Soviet Union]] and [[Russian Federation]] was "'''heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser'''" ({{langx|ru|тяжёлый авианесущий крейсер|translit=Tjazhjolyj Avianesushhij Krejser}}), which permits the ships to transit the [[Turkish Straits]] without violating the [[Montreux Convention]].<ref name="miller1990"/> However, the Chinese variants are properly classified as aircraft carriers.{{Citation needed|date=October 2025}} | ||
Due to the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]] in 1991, the three ''Kuznetsov''-class ships were built over a protracted period of almost four decades. Two ships were originally laid down at the [[Black Sea Shipyard|Nikolayev South Shipyard]] in the [[Ukrainian SSR]], to be followed by the [[Soviet aircraft carrier Ulyanovsk|''Ulyanovsk''-class]] nuclear-powered [[supercarrier]]s. Only the [[lead ship]] {{ship|Russian aircraft carrier|Admiral Kuznetsov||2}} had been commissioned when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, and the ship now serves in the Russian Navy. Construction of her sister ship ''Varyag'', which was only two-thirds-complete at the time, was abandoned until 1998, when a now-independent [[Ukraine]] sold the uncompleted ship to a Chinese company registered in [[Macau]] for use as a [[floating casino]], along with a complete set of design [[blueprint]]s. After a protracted [[tugboat|towed]] journey through three different oceans, ''Varyag'' arrived at the [[Dalian Shipyard]] and was eventually completed and commissioned in 2012 as China's first aircraft carrier, the '''Type 001''' aircraft carrier {{ship|Chinese aircraft carrier|Liaoning||2}}. China subsequently constructed a third ship to a modified '''Type 002''' design, commissioning {{ship|Chinese aircraft carrier|Shandong||2}} in 2019. | |||
==Role== | ==Role== | ||
The ''Kuznetsov''-class ships were described by their Soviet builders as ''Tyazholiy Avianesushchiy Kreyser'' (TAKR or TAVKR) – "heavy [[Aircraft cruiser|aircraft-carrying cruiser]]" – intended to support and defend strategic missile-carrying submarines, surface ships, and maritime missile-carrying aircraft of the Soviet fleet. In its fleet defense role, ''Admiral Kuznetsov''{{'}}s [[P-700 Granit]] (SS-N-19 [[NATO reporting name]]: ''Shipwreck'') anti-ship cruise missiles, [[Tor missile system#3K95 Kinzhal (naval variant)|3K95 Kinzhal]] (''Gauntlet'') surface-to-air missiles, and [[Su-33]] (''Flanker-D'') aircraft are its main weapons. The fixed-wing aircraft on ''Kuznetsov'' are intended for [[air superiority]] operations to protect a deployed task force. The carrier also carries numerous helicopters for [[anti-submarine warfare]] (ASW) and search and rescue (SAR) operations. | The ''Kuznetsov''-class ships were described by their Soviet builders as ''Tyazholiy Avianesushchiy Kreyser'' (TAKR or TAVKR) – "heavy [[Aircraft cruiser|aircraft-carrying cruiser]]" – intended to support and defend strategic missile-carrying submarines, surface ships, and maritime missile-carrying aircraft of the Soviet fleet. In its fleet defense role, ''Admiral Kuznetsov''{{'}}s [[P-700 Granit]] (SS-N-19 [[NATO reporting name]]: ''Shipwreck'') anti-ship cruise missiles, [[Tor missile system#3K95 Kinzhal (naval variant)|3K95 Kinzhal]] (''Gauntlet'') surface-to-air missiles, and [[Su-33]] (''Flanker-D'') aircraft are its main weapons. The fixed-wing aircraft on ''Kuznetsov'' are intended for [[air superiority]] operations to protect a deployed task force. The carrier also carries numerous helicopters for [[anti-submarine warfare]] (ASW) and search and rescue (SAR) operations.{{Citation needed|date=October 2025}} | ||
===Transiting the Turkish Straits=== | ===Transiting the Turkish Straits=== | ||
{{See also|Montreux Convention Regarding the Regime of the Straits#Aircraft carriers}} | {{See also|Montreux Convention Regarding the Regime of the Straits#Aircraft carriers}} | ||
Both the Soviet and Russian naval system classifies the ''Kuznetsov''-class as a "heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser" because it was fitted with long-range [[anti-ship missile|anti-ship]] [[cruise missile]]s. Under the 1936 [[Montreux Convention Regarding the Regime of the Straits|Montreux Convention]], aircraft carriers heavier than 15,000 tons may not pass through the [[Turkish Straits]]. Since ''Kuznetsov'' far exceeds that [[displacement (ship)|displacement]] limit, it would have been confined to the [[Black Sea]] (where the ship class was built) if classified as an aircraft carrier. However, since there is no tonnage restriction on other types of [[capital ship]]s operated by Black Sea powers, a large "cruiser" can pass freely through the Turkish Straits without any nominal violation.<ref name="miller1990">{{cite book |last1=Miller |first1=David V. | last2=Hine | first2=Jonathan T. Jr. |title=Soviet Carriers in the Turkish Straits |date=31 January 1990 |publisher=Naval War College |location=Newport, Rhode Island |url=http://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a219829.pdf |access-date=14 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114231831/http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a219829.pdf |archive-date=14 November 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Turkey has allowed {{ship|Russian aircraft carrier|Admiral Kuznetsov||2}} to pass through the Straits, and no other signatory to the Montreux Convention has objected to its designation as an aircraft cruiser.<ref>{{cite web |first=John |last=Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/naval-arms-control-1936.htm |title=Montreux Convention 1936 |website=Globalsecurity.org |access-date=20 July 2013}}</ref> | |||
The Chinese | The Chinese naval classification regards its ''Kuznetsov''-class ships (known as Type 001 and Type 002) as aircraft carriers.<ref name="mod2015"> | ||
{{cite news | {{cite news | ||
|last1=Tao |first1=Zhang | |last1=Tao |first1=Zhang | ||
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|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204161821/http://eng.mod.gov.cn/Photos/2015-10/20/content_4625081.htm | |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204161821/http://eng.mod.gov.cn/Photos/2015-10/20/content_4625081.htm | ||
|archive-date=4 December 2016 |url-status=live}} | |archive-date=4 December 2016 |url-status=live}} | ||
</ref> | </ref> Both the Type 001 {{ship|Chinese aircraft carrier|Liaoning||2}} and the Type 002 {{ship|Chinese aircraft carrier|Shandong||2}} are armed with air-defense weapons, but not equipped with the anti-ship or anti-submarine missiles as on ''Admiral Kuznetsov''. Instead, the [[hangar]] was extended to carry more aircraft.<ref name="sinodefence"/> When ''Liaoning'' (then known as ''Varyag'', and only completed as an unengined [[hull (ship)|hull]]) was sold to a Chinese company in [[Macau]] (ostensibly to become a [[gambling ship|floating casino]]) and due to be [[towboat|tow]]ed through the Turkish Strait in June 2000, the [[Turkish Government]] denied its access (effectively as an [[extortion]]) for 16 months and only relented after [[Chinese Government]] promised trade and tourism concessions via diplomacy,<ref name="bbc2001">{{cite news|title=Giant vessel shuts the Bosphorus|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1632156.stm|work=BBC News|date=1 November 2001|access-date=24 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224135701/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1632156.stm|archive-date=24 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> and the ship finally passed through both the [[Bosphorus]] and the [[Dardanelles]] by 2 November 2001.<ref name="bbc2001"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Holland |first=Ben |title=After 16 months, Turkey lets half-built aircraft carrier pass through Bosporus |work=AP Worldstream |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=17 December 2014 |date=1 November 2001 |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-47883439.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329091356/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-47883439.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 March 2015 }}</ref> | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
In October 1978 the Soviet government decided to continue the production of additional [[Kiev-class aircraft carrier|Project 1143]] (''Kiev''-class) aircraft carriers, with the fifth vessel built with improved features like [[Aircraft catapult|catapults]] and arresting gear.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Polmar |first=Norman |title=Aircraft Carriers: A History of Carrier Aviation and its Influence on World Events, Volume II: 1946-2006 |publisher=Potomac Books, Inc. |year=2007 |isbn=9781574886658 |edition=2nd |location=Washington D.C. |pages=355 |chapter=Soviet Aircraft Carriers}}</ref> This resulted in the Project 1143.5 (''Kuznetsov'' class) plan created by the Nevskoye Bureau and approved at the end of 1979. As originally planned, Project 1143.5 was to have a full load displacement of 65,000 tons, [[CATOBAR]] capability, and an air wing based around fixed-wing aircraft and Kamov helicopters.<ref name=":0" /> However, by 1980 Soviet defense minister [[Dmitry Ustinov]] ordered the deletion of the catapults, reduction of the ship's displacement by 10,000 tons, and revision of the air component toward [[V/STOL|VSTOL]] aircraft.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Polmar |first=Norman |title=Aircraft Carriers: A History of Carrier Aviation and Its Influence on World Events, Volume II: 1946-2006 |publisher=Potomac Books Inc. |year=2007 |isbn=9781574886658 |edition=2nd |location=Washington D.C. |pages=356 |chapter=Soviet Aircraft Carriers}}</ref> The design was revised to support only VSTOL aircraft under the project name "Nitka", but then was revised again to its final configuration to provide for fixed-wing aircraft by adding a 12-degree [[Ski-jump (aviation)|ski-jump]]. | In October 1978 the Soviet government decided to continue the production of additional [[Kiev-class aircraft carrier|Project 1143]] (''Kiev''-class) aircraft carriers, with the fifth vessel built with improved features like [[Aircraft catapult|catapults]] and arresting gear.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Polmar |first=Norman |title=Aircraft Carriers: A History of Carrier Aviation and its Influence on World Events, Volume II: 1946-2006 |publisher=Potomac Books, Inc. |year=2007 |isbn=9781574886658 |edition=2nd |location=Washington D.C. |pages=355 |chapter=Soviet Aircraft Carriers}}</ref> This resulted in the Project 1143.5 (''Kuznetsov'' class) plan created by the Nevskoye Bureau and approved at the end of 1979. As originally planned, Project 1143.5 was to have a full load displacement of 65,000 tons, [[CATOBAR]] capability, and an air wing based around fixed-wing aircraft and Kamov helicopters.<ref name=":0" /> However, by 1980 Soviet defense minister [[Dmitry Ustinov]] ordered the deletion of the catapults, reduction of the ship's displacement by 10,000 tons, and revision of the air component toward [[V/STOL|VSTOL]] aircraft.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Polmar |first=Norman |title=Aircraft Carriers: A History of Carrier Aviation and Its Influence on World Events, Volume II: 1946-2006 |publisher=Potomac Books Inc. |year=2007 |isbn=9781574886658 |edition=2nd |location=Washington D.C. |pages=356 |chapter=Soviet Aircraft Carriers}}</ref> The design was revised to support only VSTOL aircraft under the project name "Nitka", but then was revised again to its final configuration to provide for fixed-wing aircraft by adding a 12-degree [[Ski-jump (aviation)|ski-jump]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2025}} | ||
==Design== | ==Design== | ||
===Hull and flight deck=== | ===Hull and flight deck=== | ||
The hull design is derived from the 1982 {{sclass|Kiev|aircraft carrier|4}},<ref name="navytech">{{cite web |title=Kuznetsov Class (Type 1143.5) Heavy Aircraft Carrying Cruiser, Russia |url=http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/kuznetsov/ |website=Naval Technology.com |access-date=22 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129092817/http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/kuznetsov/ |archive-date=29 November 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> but is larger in both length and beam. The ''Kiev''-class ships had only an [[angled flight deck]], with surface weaponry on the foredeck. The ''Kuznetsov'' class is the first Soviet carrier to be designed with a full-length flight deck. The ship's 12 anti-ship cruise missiles are located in launchers below the flight deck, just aft of the ski-jump. | The hull design is derived from the 1982 {{sclass|Kiev|aircraft carrier|4}},<ref name="navytech">{{cite web |title=Kuznetsov Class (Type 1143.5) Heavy Aircraft Carrying Cruiser, Russia |url=http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/kuznetsov/ |website=Naval Technology.com |access-date=22 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129092817/http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/kuznetsov/ |archive-date=29 November 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> but is larger in both length and beam. The ''Kiev''-class ships had only an [[angled flight deck]], with surface weaponry on the foredeck. The ''Kuznetsov'' class is the first Soviet carrier to be designed with a full-length flight deck. The ship's 12 anti-ship cruise missiles are located in launchers below the flight deck, just aft of the ski-jump.{{Citation needed|date=October 2025}} | ||
The aircraft carriers are of a [[STOBAR]] configuration: Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery. Short take-off is achieved by using a 14-degree [[Aircraft ski-jump|ski-jump]] on the bow. There is also an [[Flight deck#Angled flight deck|angled recovery deck]] with arresting wires, allowing aircraft to land without interfering with launching aircraft. The flight deck has a total area of {{convert|14700|m2|sqft}}. Two aircraft elevators, on the starboard side forward and aft of the island, move aircraft between the hangar deck and the flight deck. | The aircraft carriers are of a [[STOBAR]] configuration: Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery. Short take-off is achieved by using a 14-degree [[Aircraft ski-jump|ski-jump]] on the bow. There is also an [[Flight deck#Angled flight deck|angled recovery deck]] with arresting wires, allowing aircraft to land without interfering with launching aircraft. The flight deck has a total area of {{convert|14700|m2|sqft}}. Two aircraft elevators, on the starboard side forward and aft of the island, move aircraft between the hangar deck and the flight deck.{{Citation needed|date=October 2025}} | ||
===Air wing=== | ===Air wing=== | ||
In the original project specifications, the ship should be able to carry up to 33 fixed-wing aircraft and 12 helicopters .<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite book |title=Ударные корабли |volume=11, part 1 |first=Ю.В. |last=Апалков |publisher=Галея Принт |location=Санкт-Петербург |year=2003 |language=ru}}</ref> The primary aircraft carried are [[Sukhoi Su-33]] fighters, naval variants of the [[Sukhoi Su-27]] Flanker. [[Kamov Ka-27]] naval utility helicopters (and subsequent variants) make up the helicopter wing, providing anti-submarine, maritime patrol and naval assault mobility capabilities. In addition, the [[Kamov Ka-50|Kamov Ka-52K]] "Katran" attack helicopter, a naval variant of the Kamov Ka-50, can also be included in its air wing. | In the original project specifications, the ship should be able to carry up to 33 fixed-wing aircraft and 12 helicopters .<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite book |title=Ударные корабли |volume=11, part 1 |first=Ю.В. |last=Апалков |publisher=Галея Принт |location=Санкт-Петербург |year=2003 |language=ru}}</ref> The primary aircraft carried are [[Sukhoi Su-33]] fighters, naval variants of the [[Sukhoi Su-27]] Flanker. [[Kamov Ka-27]] naval utility helicopters (and subsequent variants) make up the helicopter wing, providing anti-submarine, maritime patrol and naval assault mobility capabilities. In addition, the [[Kamov Ka-50|Kamov Ka-52K]] "Katran" attack helicopter, a naval variant of the Kamov Ka-50, can also be included in its air wing.{{Citation needed|date=October 2025}} | ||
===Armament=== | ===Armament=== | ||
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Kuznetsov Deck Missiles.jpg|thumb|The 12 launch bays of the P-700 Granit anti-ship missiles open aboard the Kuznetsov.]] --> | <!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Kuznetsov Deck Missiles.jpg|thumb|The 12 launch bays of the P-700 Granit anti-ship missiles open aboard the Kuznetsov.]] --> | ||
The ''Kuznetsov''-class ships were originally designed as [[aircraft cruiser]]s. ''Kuznetsov'' carried twelve launchers for [[P-700 Granit]] (SS-N-19 ''Shipwreck'') anti-ship surface-to-surface missiles, which also form the main armament of the {{sclass|Kirov|battlecruiser}}s. The Granits were stored in 12 vertical launchers located beneath the ship's front deck, just before the inclined ski-jump. The top deck hatches of these launchers open to fire the missiles; however, when open they prevent the simultaneous launch of aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/5700/russias-carrier-was-designed-to-be-heavily-armed-even-without-its-air-wing |title=Russia's Carrier Was Designed To Be Heavily Armed Even Without Its Air Wing |date=25 October 2016 |last=Rogoway |first=Tyler |website=The Drive |access-date=2019-02-13}}</ref> ''Kuznetsov's'' heavy surface armament differs from that of other countries' aircraft carriers, which carry only defensive armament and rely on their aircraft for strike power. | The ''Kuznetsov''-class ships were originally designed as [[aircraft cruiser]]s. ''Kuznetsov'' carried twelve launchers for [[P-700 Granit]] (SS-N-19 ''Shipwreck'') anti-ship surface-to-surface missiles, which also form the main armament of the {{sclass|Kirov|battlecruiser}}s. The Granits were stored in 12 vertical launchers located beneath the ship's front deck, just before the inclined ski-jump. The top deck hatches of these launchers open to fire the missiles; however, when open they prevent the simultaneous launch of aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/5700/russias-carrier-was-designed-to-be-heavily-armed-even-without-its-air-wing |title=Russia's Carrier Was Designed To Be Heavily Armed Even Without Its Air Wing |date=25 October 2016 |last=Rogoway |first=Tyler |website=The Drive |access-date=2019-02-13}}</ref> ''Kuznetsov's'' heavy surface armament differs from that of other countries' aircraft carriers, which carry only defensive armament and rely on their aircraft for strike power.{{Citation needed|date=October 2025}} | ||
For long-range air defense, ''Kuznetsov'' carries 24 vertical [[Tor missile system]] (SA-N-9 ''Gauntlet'') [[surface-to-air missiles|surface-to-air missile]] launchers, with 192 missiles. For close-range air defense, the ship carries eight [[Kashtan CIWS|Kashtan]] [[close-in weapon system]] (CIWS) mounts. Each mount has two launchers for [[9M311 Tunguska|9M311]] SAMs, twin [[Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-6-30|GSh-30]] 30 mm rotary cannons, and a radar/optronic director. The ship also carries six [[AK-630]] 30 mm rotary cannons in single mounts. For defense against underwater attack, the ship carries the [[Udav-1 anti-submarine system|UDAV-1]] ASW rocket launcher. | For long-range air defense, ''Kuznetsov'' carries 24 vertical [[Tor missile system]] (SA-N-9 ''Gauntlet'') [[surface-to-air missiles|surface-to-air missile]] launchers, with 192 missiles. For close-range air defense, the ship carries eight [[Kashtan CIWS|Kashtan]] [[close-in weapon system]] (CIWS) mounts. Each mount has two launchers for [[9M311 Tunguska|9M311]] SAMs, twin [[Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-6-30|GSh-30]] 30 mm rotary cannons, and a radar/optronic director. The ship also carries six [[AK-630]] 30 mm rotary cannons in single mounts. For defense against underwater attack, the ship carries the [[Udav-1 anti-submarine system|UDAV-1]] ASW rocket launcher.{{Citation needed|date=October 2025}} | ||
The Russian Navy reportedly removed the Granit missile tubes in the late 2000s to make room for a larger hangar bay, but it was never clear that the tubes were ever actually removed. During a major overhaul set to begin in September 2017, the P-700 tubes were to be replaced with new vertical launch tubes capable of housing newer [[3M-54 Klub|Kalibr]] and [[P-800 Oniks]] cruise missiles.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/articles/russias-putin-drafts-new-rearmament-program |title=Russia's Putin drafts new rearmament program |first=Matthew |last=Bodner |website=[[Defense News]] |date=26 May 2017}} |quote=Originally designed by the Soviets as a heavy aircraft-carrying missile cruiser, the Russian Navy reportedly removed the old Granit anti-ship missile tubes in the late 2000s to make room for a larger hangar bay. In this role, the service tried to reinvent Kuznetsov as something of a strike carrier. It was never clear that the tubes were really removed.</ref> Air defense upgrades would include replacement of the Kashtan CIWS with the [[Pantsir-M]] and the 3K95 Kinzhal/Tor system with the [[S-350E Vityaz 50R6|Poliment-Redut]] system.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2018/may-2018-navy-naval-defense-news/6222-russian-aircraft-carrier-to-be-armed-with-poliment-redut-sam.html |title=Russian aircraft carrier to be armed with Poliment-Redut SAM |date=15 May 2018 |website=Defense News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517082234/https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2018/may-2018-navy-naval-defense-news/6222-russian-aircraft-carrier-to-be-armed-with-poliment-redut-sam.html |archive-date=17 May 2018}}</ref>{{Update inline|date=March 2022}} | The Russian Navy reportedly removed the Granit missile tubes in the late 2000s to make room for a larger hangar bay, but it was never clear that the tubes were ever actually removed. During a major overhaul set to begin in September 2017, the P-700 tubes were to be replaced with new vertical launch tubes capable of housing newer [[3M-54 Klub|Kalibr]] and [[P-800 Oniks]] cruise missiles.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/articles/russias-putin-drafts-new-rearmament-program |title=Russia's Putin drafts new rearmament program |first=Matthew |last=Bodner |website=[[Defense News]] |date=26 May 2017}} |quote=Originally designed by the Soviets as a heavy aircraft-carrying missile cruiser, the Russian Navy reportedly removed the old Granit anti-ship missile tubes in the late 2000s to make room for a larger hangar bay. In this role, the service tried to reinvent Kuznetsov as something of a strike carrier. It was never clear that the tubes were really removed.</ref> Air defense upgrades would include replacement of the Kashtan CIWS with the [[Pantsir-M]] and the 3K95 Kinzhal/Tor system with the [[S-350E Vityaz 50R6|Poliment-Redut]] system.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2018/may-2018-navy-naval-defense-news/6222-russian-aircraft-carrier-to-be-armed-with-poliment-redut-sam.html |title=Russian aircraft carrier to be armed with Poliment-Redut SAM |date=15 May 2018 |website=Defense News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517082234/https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2018/may-2018-navy-naval-defense-news/6222-russian-aircraft-carrier-to-be-armed-with-poliment-redut-sam.html |archive-date=17 May 2018}}</ref>{{Update inline|date=March 2022}} | ||
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[[File:Dmitry Medvedev on the Admiral Kuznetsov-9.jpg|thumb|Kamov [[Ka-27PL]] ASW helicopter on board ''Admiral Kuznetsov'' with [[Dmitry Medvedev]] in 2008]] | [[File:Dmitry Medvedev on the Admiral Kuznetsov-9.jpg|thumb|Kamov [[Ka-27PL]] ASW helicopter on board ''Admiral Kuznetsov'' with [[Dmitry Medvedev]] in 2008]] | ||
''Admiral Kuznetsov'' has [[D band (NATO)|D]]/[[E band (NATO)|E band]] air and surface target acquisition radar ([[passive electronically scanned array]]), [[F band (NATO)|F band]] surface search radar, [[G band (NATO)|G]]/[[H band (NATO)|H band]] flight control radar, [[I band (NATO)|I band]] navigation radar, and four [[K band (NATO)|K band]] fire-control radars for the Kashtan CIWS. | ''Admiral Kuznetsov'' has [[D band (NATO)|D]]/[[E band (NATO)|E band]] air and surface target acquisition radar ([[passive electronically scanned array]]), [[F band (NATO)|F band]] surface search radar, [[G band (NATO)|G]]/[[H band (NATO)|H band]] flight control radar, [[I band (NATO)|I band]] navigation radar, and four [[K band (NATO)|K band]] fire-control radars for the Kashtan CIWS.{{Citation needed|date=October 2025}} | ||
The ship has hull-mounted medium- and low-frequency search and attack [[sonar]]. The ASW helicopters have surface search radar, dipping sonar, sonobuoys, and magnetic anomaly detectors. | The ship has hull-mounted medium- and low-frequency search and attack [[sonar]]. The ASW helicopters have surface search radar, dipping sonar, sonobuoys, and magnetic anomaly detectors.{{Citation needed|date=October 2025}} | ||
===Propulsion and performance=== | ===Propulsion and performance=== | ||
''Admiral Kuznetsov'' is conventionally powered by [[mazut]] fuelled steam boilers{{clarify|date=December 2019}} which feed four steam turbines, each producing {{convert|50000|hp|MW|lk=in|abbr=on}}, driving four shafts with fixed-pitch propellers. The maximum speed is {{convert|29|kn}}, and her range at maximum speed is {{convert|3800|nmi}}. At {{convert|18|kn}}, her maximum economical range is {{convert|8500|nmi}}.{{ | ''Admiral Kuznetsov'' is conventionally powered by [[mazut]] fuelled steam boilers{{clarify|date=December 2019}} which feed four steam turbines, each producing {{convert|50000|hp|MW|lk=in|abbr=on}}, driving four shafts with fixed-pitch propellers. The maximum speed is {{convert|29|kn}}, and her range at maximum speed is {{convert|3800|nmi}}. At {{convert|18|kn}}, her maximum economical range is {{convert|8500|nmi}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=encyclopedia |first=david bocquelet-Naval |title=Kuznetsov class aircraft carrier (1985-88) |url=https://naval-encyclopedia.com/cold-war/ussr/kuznetsov-class.php? |access-date=2025-11-19 |website=naval-encyclopedia.com |language=en}}</ref> | ||
===Reliability=== | ===Reliability=== | ||
| Line 145: | Line 143: | ||
===Type 002 design changes=== | ===Type 002 design changes=== | ||
Several design changes were made to the Type 002 aircraft carrier. Length, width, and displacement have been slightly increased.<ref name="scmp.com">{{Cite news |url= | Several design changes were made to the Type 002 aircraft carrier. Length, width, and displacement have been slightly increased.<ref name="scmp.com">{{Cite news |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2087064/10-things-you-should-know-about-chinas-first-home-built |title=10 things you should know about China's first home-built aircraft carrier |first=Minnie |last=Chan |date=12 April 2017 |work=[[South China Morning Post]] |access-date=26 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227161441/http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2087064/10-things-you-should-know-about-chinas-first-home-built |archive-date=27 February 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="wsj.com">{{Cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/china-launches-first-home-built-aircraft-carrier-boosting-naval-power-1493182896 |title=China Launches First Home-Built Aircraft Carrier, Boosting Naval Power |first1=Jeremy |last1=Page |first2=Ben |last2=Kesling |date=27 April 2017 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]}}</ref><ref name="nytimes.com"/> The island of the ship has been reduced in size to increase the size of the flight deck, and it carries a [[Active electronically scanned array|3-D phased array radar]].<ref name="janes2016">{{cite news |last1=Tate |first1=Andrew |title=Further progress made on China's Type 001A carrier |url=http://www.janes.com/article/64097/further-progress-made-on-china-s-type-001a-carrier |work=IHS Jane's Defence Weekly |date=26 September 2016 |access-date=13 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101102534/http://www.janes.com/article/64097/further-progress-made-on-china-s-type-001a-carrier |archive-date=1 November 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> The ship is claimed to carry 36 aircraft instead of the 24 J-15 fighters carried by ''Liaoning''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3042580/chinas-new-aircraft-carrier-shandong-could-confront-other |title=China's new aircraft carrier the Shandong could confront other nations in disputed South China Sea, state media says |first=Teddy |last=Ng |date=18 December 2019 |work=South China Morning Post}}</ref> | ||
==Ships== | ==Ships== | ||
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" | {|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" | ||
|+ Construction data | |+ Construction data | ||
| Line 154: | Line 151: | ||
! scope="col" | Name | ! scope="col" | Name | ||
! scope="col" | Class/{{wbr}}subclass | ! scope="col" | Class/{{wbr}}subclass | ||
! scope="col" | [[Displacement (ship)|Displacement]] ([[tonne]]s) | |||
! scope="col" | Operator | ! scope="col" | Operator | ||
! scope="col" | Namesake | ! scope="col" | Namesake | ||
| Line 164: | Line 162: | ||
! scope="row" | [[Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov|''Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Kuznetsov'']]<br/>(ex-''Riga'', ex-''[[Leonid Brezhnev]]'', ex-''Tbilisi'') | ! scope="row" | [[Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov|''Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Kuznetsov'']]<br/>(ex-''Riga'', ex-''[[Leonid Brezhnev]]'', ex-''Tbilisi'') | ||
| ''Kuznetsov'' | | ''Kuznetsov'' | ||
| 58,600 full<ref name="Kuzspecs">{{cite web |url=http://rusnavy.com/nowadays/strength/surfaceships/kuznetzov/ |title=Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Kuznetsov |website=Rusnavy.com |access-date=22 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224230200/http://rusnavy.com/nowadays/strength/surfaceships/kuznetzov/ |archive-date=2020-02-24}}</ref><ref name="Kuznetsov specifications">{{cite web |title=Kuznetsov Class – Project 1143.5 |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/1143_5-specs.htm |website=Globalsecurity.org |date=7 September 2011 |access-date=22 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008153638/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/1143_5-specs.htm |archive-date=8 October 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| {{navy|Russia}} | | {{navy|Russia}} | ||
| [[Nikolay Gerasimovich Kuznetsov]] | | [[Nikolay Gerasimovich Kuznetsov]] | ||
| Line 170: | Line 169: | ||
| 6 December 1985 | | 6 December 1985 | ||
| 25 December 1990 | | 25 December 1990 | ||
| Undergoing refit<ref name="Admiral Kuznetsov refit">{{cite web |url=https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3279970.html |title="Адмирал Кузнецов" в ремонте |trans-title="Admiral Kuznetsov" under repair |website=bmpd.livejournal.com |language=ru |date=23 July 2018 |access-date=23 July 2018}}</ref> | | Undergoing refit,<ref name="Admiral Kuznetsov refit">{{cite web |url=https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3279970.html |title="Адмирал Кузнецов" в ремонте |trans-title="Admiral Kuznetsov" under repair |website=bmpd.livejournal.com |language=ru |date=23 July 2018 |access-date=23 July 2018}}</ref> suspected decommissioning<ref name="WarZone">{{citeweb|url=https://www.twz.com/air/russia-may-finally-abandon-its-cursed-aircraft-carrier|title=Russia May Finally Abandon Its Cursed Aircraft Carrier|date=11 July 2025|last=Newdick|first=Thomas|publisher=The War Zone|access-date=14 July 2025}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row" | {{ship|Chinese aircraft carrier|Liaoning||2}}<br/>(ex-''Riga'', ex-''Varyag'') | ! scope="row" | {{ship|Chinese aircraft carrier|Liaoning||2}}<br/>(ex-''Riga'', ex-''Varyag'') | ||
| Type 001 | | Type 001 | ||
| 60,900 full<ref name=cctv>{{Cite web |url= http://m.news.cctv.com/2017/04/26/ARTIRahhgJrxvSuVjhemYncG170426.shtml |title= 辽宁舰：我国第一艘航空母舰 |date=2017-04-26 |publisher= 央视新闻客户端 |language=zh-hans |accessdate=2022-02-10 }}</ref> | |||
| {{navy|China}} | | {{navy|China}} | ||
| [[Liaoning|Liaoning Province]] | | [[Liaoning|Liaoning Province]] | ||
| Line 184: | Line 184: | ||
! scope="row" | {{ship|Chinese aircraft carrier|Shandong||2}} | ! scope="row" | {{ship|Chinese aircraft carrier|Shandong||2}} | ||
| Type 002 | | Type 002 | ||
| 64,000 full<ref name="NationalInterest">{{Cite web|url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/chinas-first-domestically-built-aircraft-carrier-arrives-hong-kong-ps|title=China’s First Domestically-Built Aircraft Carrier Arrives in Hong Kong|date=4 July 2025|last=Suciu|first=Peter|website=[[The National Interest]]|publisher=[[Center for the National Interest]]|access-date=14 July 2025}}</ref> | |||
| {{navy|China}} | | {{navy|China}} | ||
| [[Shandong|Shandong Province]] | | [[Shandong|Shandong Province]] | ||
| Line 198: | Line 199: | ||
[[File:Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier.jpg|thumb|''Admiral Kuznetsov'' underway in 2012. The shadow of a Ka-27 is visible on the bow.]] | [[File:Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier.jpg|thumb|''Admiral Kuznetsov'' underway in 2012. The shadow of a Ka-27 is visible on the bow.]] | ||
''Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Kuznetsov'' was designed by the Neva Design Bureau, St. Petersburg, and built at the [[Black Sea Shipyard|Nikolayev South Shipyard]] (Chernomorskoye Shipyard) in the [[Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic|Ukrainian SSR]]. She was launched in 1985, commissioned in 1990, and became fully operational in 1995. The vessel was named ''Riga'', ''Leonid Brezhnev'', and ''Tbilisi'',<ref name="ReferenceA"/> before finally being named after Soviet admiral [[Nikolay Kuznetsov (officer)|Nikolay Kuznetsov]]. | ''Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Kuznetsov'' was designed by the Neva Design Bureau, St. Petersburg, and built at the [[Black Sea Shipyard|Nikolayev South Shipyard]] (Chernomorskoye Shipyard) in the [[Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic|Ukrainian SSR]]. She was launched in 1985, commissioned in 1990, and became fully operational in 1995. The vessel was named ''Riga'', ''Leonid Brezhnev'', and ''Tbilisi'',<ref name="ReferenceA"/> before finally being named after Soviet admiral [[Nikolay Kuznetsov (officer)|Nikolay Kuznetsov]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2025}} | ||
During the winter of 1995–1996, ''Admiral Kuznetsov'' deployed to the Mediterranean Sea to mark the 300th anniversary of the Russian Navy. In late 2000, ''Admiral Kuznetsov'' went to sea for recovery and salvage operations for the submarine {{ship|Russian submarine K-141|Kursk||2}}. In late 2007 and early 2008, ''Admiral Kuznetsov'' again deployed to the Mediterranean. Most recently, ''Admiral Kuznetsov'' was deployed to the Mediterranean in late 2016 and early 2017 to support [[Russian involvement in the Syrian Civil War|Russian operations in Syria]]. | During the winter of 1995–1996, ''Admiral Kuznetsov'' deployed to the Mediterranean Sea to mark the 300th anniversary of the Russian Navy. In late 2000, ''Admiral Kuznetsov'' went to sea for recovery and salvage operations for the submarine {{ship|Russian submarine K-141|Kursk||2}}. In late 2007 and early 2008, ''Admiral Kuznetsov'' again deployed to the Mediterranean. Most recently, ''Admiral Kuznetsov'' was deployed to the Mediterranean in late 2016 and early 2017 to support [[Russian involvement in the Syrian Civil War|Russian operations in Syria]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2025}} | ||
''Admiral Kuznetsov'' started an overhaul and modernization program in the first quarter of 2017 to extend its service life by 25 years,<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Soper|first=Karl|title=''Admiral Kuznetsov'' overhaul designed to maintain carrier capability while Russia considers future carrier options|journal=Jane's Navy International|volume=121|issue=6|date=1 August 2016}}</ref> but several setbacks have hampered this effort. Prior to a December 2022 fire the overhaul of the carrier was projected to last into 2024.<ref name=Cole2022>{{cite news|last=Cole|first=Brendan|title=Russia's Only Aircraft Carrier Catches Fire|newspaper=[[Newsweek]]|date=22 December 2022|url=https://www.newsweek.com/russia-kuznetsov-murkansk-fire-aircraft-carrier-1768956|access-date=11 January 2023}}</ref> | ''Admiral Kuznetsov'' started an overhaul and modernization program in the first quarter of 2017 to extend its service life by 25 years,<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Soper|first=Karl|title=''Admiral Kuznetsov'' overhaul designed to maintain carrier capability while Russia considers future carrier options|journal=Jane's Navy International|volume=121|issue=6|date=1 August 2016}}</ref> but several setbacks have hampered this effort. Prior to a December 2022 fire the overhaul of the carrier was projected to last into 2024.<ref name=Cole2022>{{cite news|last=Cole|first=Brendan|title=Russia's Only Aircraft Carrier Catches Fire|newspaper=[[Newsweek]]|date=22 December 2022|url=https://www.newsweek.com/russia-kuznetsov-murkansk-fire-aircraft-carrier-1768956|access-date=11 January 2023}}</ref> | ||
| Line 208: | Line 209: | ||
===''Liaoning''=== | ===''Liaoning''=== | ||
{{main|Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning}} | {{main|Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning}} | ||
[[File:Aircraft Carrier Liaoning CV-16.jpg|thumb|''Liaoning'' in [[Hong Kong]] in 2017]] | [[File:Aircraft Carrier Liaoning CV-16.jpg|thumb|''Liaoning'' in [[Hong Kong]] in 2017]] | ||
The second member of the ''Kuznetsov'' class took a much more roundabout route to active service. Known first as ''Riga'' and then ''Varyag'', she was laid down by the [[Black Sea Shipyard|Nikolayev South Shipyard]] in 1985 and launched in 1988. ''Varyag'' had not yet been commissioned when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, and the ship was left to deteriorate in the elements. In 1998, the unfinished hull was sold by Ukraine to what was apparently a Chinese travel agency for ostensible use as a floating hotel and casino.<ref>{{cite web |title=Giant vessel shuts the Bosphorus |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1632156.stm |website=BBC News |date=1 November 2001 |access-date=24 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224135701/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1632156.stm |archive-date=24 February 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> After an eventful journey under tow, she arrived in China in February 2002 and was berthed at the [[Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company|Dalian naval shipyard]], where she was overhauled and completed as the first operational ship of the [[Chinese aircraft carrier programme]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-14470882 |title=China's first aircraft carrier 'starts sea trials' |website=BBC News |date=10 August 2011 |access-date=22 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110091110/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-14470882 |archive-date=10 January 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="english.peopledaily.com.cn">{{cite news |title=Liaoning Ship's first berthing at home port |url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90786/8148672.html |newspaper=[[People's Daily]] |date=1 March 2013 |access-date=22 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013080839/http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90786/8148672.html |archive-date=13 October 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In September 2012, the ship was commissioned in the [[People's Liberation Army Navy]] as ''Liaoning''.<ref>{{cite web |website=SpaceWar.com |url=http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Chinas_Liaoning_carrier_enters_service_999.html |title=China's Liaoning carrier enters service |date=27 September 2012 |access-date=22 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222202100/http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Chinas_Liaoning_carrier_enters_service_999.html |archive-date=22 December 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> The ship was named after the [[Liaoning|province]] where the shipyard is located, and its Chinese ship class is '''Type 001'''. Today, she serves as the first aircraft carrier of the [[People's Liberation Army Navy|PLAN]], and its home port is [[Qingdao]].<ref name="english.peopledaily.com.cn"/> | |||
In September 2012, the ship was commissioned in the [[People's Liberation Army Navy | |||
===''Shandong''=== | ===''Shandong''=== | ||
| Line 251: | Line 250: | ||
[[Category:Aircraft carriers of Russia|Kuznetsov class aircraft carrier]] | [[Category:Aircraft carriers of Russia|Kuznetsov class aircraft carrier]] | ||
[[Category:Ship classes of the Russian Navy]] | [[Category:Ship classes of the Russian Navy]] | ||
[[Category:Steam turbine-powered ships]] | |||
Latest revision as of 09:59, 19 November 2025
Template:Short description Template:More citations needed Template:Use dmy dates
Template:Infobox ship imageTemplate:Infobox ship class overviewTemplate:Infobox ship characteristicsThe Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier (Template:Langx), Soviet designation Project 1143.5, is a class of conventionally powered STOBAR aircraft carriers currently operated by the Russian Navy and Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy. Originally designed for the Soviet Navy, the Kuznetsov-class ships use a ski-jump for launching high-performance fixed-wing jet aircraft and arrestor gears for landing, representing a major advance in Soviet naval aviation design over the previous Template:Sclass aircraft cruisers, which did not have full-length flight deck and could only launch VSTOL aircraft. The official classification for the ship class by the Soviet Union and Russian Federation was "heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser" (Template:Langx), which permits the ships to transit the Turkish Straits without violating the Montreux Convention.[1] However, the Chinese variants are properly classified as aircraft carriers.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the three Kuznetsov-class ships were built over a protracted period of almost four decades. Two ships were originally laid down at the Nikolayev South Shipyard in the Ukrainian SSR, to be followed by the Ulyanovsk-class nuclear-powered supercarriers. Only the lead ship Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". had been commissioned when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, and the ship now serves in the Russian Navy. Construction of her sister ship Varyag, which was only two-thirds-complete at the time, was abandoned until 1998, when a now-independent Ukraine sold the uncompleted ship to a Chinese company registered in Macau for use as a floating casino, along with a complete set of design blueprints. After a protracted towed journey through three different oceans, Varyag arrived at the Dalian Shipyard and was eventually completed and commissioned in 2012 as China's first aircraft carrier, the Type 001 aircraft carrier Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".. China subsequently constructed a third ship to a modified Type 002 design, commissioning Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". in 2019.
Role
The Kuznetsov-class ships were described by their Soviet builders as Tyazholiy Avianesushchiy Kreyser (TAKR or TAVKR) – "heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser" – intended to support and defend strategic missile-carrying submarines, surface ships, and maritime missile-carrying aircraft of the Soviet fleet. In its fleet defense role, Admiral KuznetsovTemplate:'s P-700 Granit (SS-N-19 NATO reporting name: Shipwreck) anti-ship cruise missiles, 3K95 Kinzhal (Gauntlet) surface-to-air missiles, and Su-33 (Flanker-D) aircraft are its main weapons. The fixed-wing aircraft on Kuznetsov are intended for air superiority operations to protect a deployed task force. The carrier also carries numerous helicopters for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and search and rescue (SAR) operations.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Transiting the Turkish Straits
Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Both the Soviet and Russian naval system classifies the Kuznetsov-class as a "heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser" because it was fitted with long-range anti-ship cruise missiles. Under the 1936 Montreux Convention, aircraft carriers heavier than 15,000 tons may not pass through the Turkish Straits. Since Kuznetsov far exceeds that displacement limit, it would have been confined to the Black Sea (where the ship class was built) if classified as an aircraft carrier. However, since there is no tonnage restriction on other types of capital ships operated by Black Sea powers, a large "cruiser" can pass freely through the Turkish Straits without any nominal violation.[1] Turkey has allowed Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". to pass through the Straits, and no other signatory to the Montreux Convention has objected to its designation as an aircraft cruiser.[2]
The Chinese naval classification regards its Kuznetsov-class ships (known as Type 001 and Type 002) as aircraft carriers.[3] Both the Type 001 Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". and the Type 002 Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". are armed with air-defense weapons, but not equipped with the anti-ship or anti-submarine missiles as on Admiral Kuznetsov. Instead, the hangar was extended to carry more aircraft.[4] When Liaoning (then known as Varyag, and only completed as an unengined hull) was sold to a Chinese company in Macau (ostensibly to become a floating casino) and due to be towed through the Turkish Strait in June 2000, the Turkish Government denied its access (effectively as an extortion) for 16 months and only relented after Chinese Government promised trade and tourism concessions via diplomacy,[5] and the ship finally passed through both the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles by 2 November 2001.[5][6]
History
In October 1978 the Soviet government decided to continue the production of additional Project 1143 (Kiev-class) aircraft carriers, with the fifth vessel built with improved features like catapults and arresting gear.[7] This resulted in the Project 1143.5 (Kuznetsov class) plan created by the Nevskoye Bureau and approved at the end of 1979. As originally planned, Project 1143.5 was to have a full load displacement of 65,000 tons, CATOBAR capability, and an air wing based around fixed-wing aircraft and Kamov helicopters.[7] However, by 1980 Soviet defense minister Dmitry Ustinov ordered the deletion of the catapults, reduction of the ship's displacement by 10,000 tons, and revision of the air component toward VSTOL aircraft.[8] The design was revised to support only VSTOL aircraft under the project name "Nitka", but then was revised again to its final configuration to provide for fixed-wing aircraft by adding a 12-degree ski-jump.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Design
Hull and flight deck
The hull design is derived from the 1982 Template:Sclass,[9] but is larger in both length and beam. The Kiev-class ships had only an angled flight deck, with surface weaponry on the foredeck. The Kuznetsov class is the first Soviet carrier to be designed with a full-length flight deck. The ship's 12 anti-ship cruise missiles are located in launchers below the flight deck, just aft of the ski-jump.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
The aircraft carriers are of a STOBAR configuration: Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery. Short take-off is achieved by using a 14-degree ski-jump on the bow. There is also an angled recovery deck with arresting wires, allowing aircraft to land without interfering with launching aircraft. The flight deck has a total area of Template:Convert. Two aircraft elevators, on the starboard side forward and aft of the island, move aircraft between the hangar deck and the flight deck.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Air wing
In the original project specifications, the ship should be able to carry up to 33 fixed-wing aircraft and 12 helicopters .[10] The primary aircraft carried are Sukhoi Su-33 fighters, naval variants of the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker. Kamov Ka-27 naval utility helicopters (and subsequent variants) make up the helicopter wing, providing anti-submarine, maritime patrol and naval assault mobility capabilities. In addition, the Kamov Ka-52K "Katran" attack helicopter, a naval variant of the Kamov Ka-50, can also be included in its air wing.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Armament
The Kuznetsov-class ships were originally designed as aircraft cruisers. Kuznetsov carried twelve launchers for P-700 Granit (SS-N-19 Shipwreck) anti-ship surface-to-surface missiles, which also form the main armament of the Template:Sclasss. The Granits were stored in 12 vertical launchers located beneath the ship's front deck, just before the inclined ski-jump. The top deck hatches of these launchers open to fire the missiles; however, when open they prevent the simultaneous launch of aircraft.[11] Kuznetsov's heavy surface armament differs from that of other countries' aircraft carriers, which carry only defensive armament and rely on their aircraft for strike power.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
For long-range air defense, Kuznetsov carries 24 vertical Tor missile system (SA-N-9 Gauntlet) surface-to-air missile launchers, with 192 missiles. For close-range air defense, the ship carries eight Kashtan close-in weapon system (CIWS) mounts. Each mount has two launchers for 9M311 SAMs, twin GSh-30 30 mm rotary cannons, and a radar/optronic director. The ship also carries six AK-630 30 mm rotary cannons in single mounts. For defense against underwater attack, the ship carries the UDAV-1 ASW rocket launcher.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
The Russian Navy reportedly removed the Granit missile tubes in the late 2000s to make room for a larger hangar bay, but it was never clear that the tubes were ever actually removed. During a major overhaul set to begin in September 2017, the P-700 tubes were to be replaced with new vertical launch tubes capable of housing newer Kalibr and P-800 Oniks cruise missiles.[12] Air defense upgrades would include replacement of the Kashtan CIWS with the Pantsir-M and the 3K95 Kinzhal/Tor system with the Poliment-Redut system.[13]Template:Update inline
Electronics
Admiral Kuznetsov has D/E band air and surface target acquisition radar (passive electronically scanned array), F band surface search radar, G/H band flight control radar, I band navigation radar, and four K band fire-control radars for the Kashtan CIWS.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
The ship has hull-mounted medium- and low-frequency search and attack sonar. The ASW helicopters have surface search radar, dipping sonar, sonobuoys, and magnetic anomaly detectors.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Propulsion and performance
Admiral Kuznetsov is conventionally powered by mazut fuelled steam boilersTemplate:Clarify which feed four steam turbines, each producing Template:Convert, driving four shafts with fixed-pitch propellers. The maximum speed is Template:Convert, and her range at maximum speed is Template:Convert. At Template:Convert, her maximum economical range is Template:Convert.[14]
Reliability
Admiral Kuznetsov has been plagued by years of technical problems. The vessel's steam turbines and turbo-pressurised boilers have been reported to be so unreliable that the carrier is accompanied by a large ocean-going tug whenever it deploys, in case it breaks down. There are also flaws in the water piping system, which causes it to freeze during winter. To prevent pipes from bursting, the water is turned off in most of the cabins, and half the latrines do not work.[15]
Type 001 design changes
The Chinese Type 001 ships are configured as aircraft carriers. The cruise missile launchers were never installed, and the launcher base was removed during the refit to incorporate a larger hangar bay. The air-defense system consists of FL-3000N surface-to-air-missiles and the Type 1130 CIWS.[4][16]
Type 002 design changes
Several design changes were made to the Type 002 aircraft carrier. Length, width, and displacement have been slightly increased.[17][18][19] The island of the ship has been reduced in size to increase the size of the flight deck, and it carries a 3-D phased array radar.[20] The ship is claimed to carry 36 aircraft instead of the 24 J-15 fighters carried by Liaoning.[21]
Ships
| Name | Class/Template:Wbrsubclass | Displacement (tonnes) | Operator | Namesake | Builder | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Kuznetsov (ex-Riga, ex-Leonid Brezhnev, ex-Tbilisi) |
Kuznetsov | 58,600 full[22][23] | Template:Country data Russia | Nikolay Gerasimovich Kuznetsov | Soviet Shipyard No. 444 | 1 April 1982 | 6 December 1985 | 25 December 1990 | Undergoing refit,[24] suspected decommissioning[25] |
| Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". (ex-Riga, ex-Varyag) |
Type 001 | 60,900 full[26] | Template:Country data China | Liaoning Province | Soviet Shipyard No. 444; Dalian Shipyard (completion) |
6 December 1985 | 4 December 1988; 2011 (formal) | 25 September 2012 | Active |
| Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Type 002 | 64,000 full[27] | Template:Country data China | Shandong Province | Dalian Shipyard | March 2015 | 26 April 2017 | 17 December 2019 | Active |
Admiral Kuznetsov
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Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Kuznetsov was designed by the Neva Design Bureau, St. Petersburg, and built at the Nikolayev South Shipyard (Chernomorskoye Shipyard) in the Ukrainian SSR. She was launched in 1985, commissioned in 1990, and became fully operational in 1995. The vessel was named Riga, Leonid Brezhnev, and Tbilisi,[10] before finally being named after Soviet admiral Nikolay Kuznetsov.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
During the winter of 1995–1996, Admiral Kuznetsov deployed to the Mediterranean Sea to mark the 300th anniversary of the Russian Navy. In late 2000, Admiral Kuznetsov went to sea for recovery and salvage operations for the submarine Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".. In late 2007 and early 2008, Admiral Kuznetsov again deployed to the Mediterranean. Most recently, Admiral Kuznetsov was deployed to the Mediterranean in late 2016 and early 2017 to support Russian operations in Syria.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Admiral Kuznetsov started an overhaul and modernization program in the first quarter of 2017 to extend its service life by 25 years,[28] but several setbacks have hampered this effort. Prior to a December 2022 fire the overhaul of the carrier was projected to last into 2024.[29]
Template:Asof the non-operational Admiral Kuznetsov is the Russian Navy's only carrier leaving the Russian Navy without an operational aircraft carrier. Reports that the Admiral Kuznetsov's crew of 1500 has been reassigned to the Russian Army for combat duty in Ukraine have fueled speculation that there is no plan to make Admiral Kuznetsov seaworthy again.[30]
Liaoning
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The second member of the Kuznetsov class took a much more roundabout route to active service. Known first as Riga and then Varyag, she was laid down by the Nikolayev South Shipyard in 1985 and launched in 1988. Varyag had not yet been commissioned when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, and the ship was left to deteriorate in the elements. In 1998, the unfinished hull was sold by Ukraine to what was apparently a Chinese travel agency for ostensible use as a floating hotel and casino.[31] After an eventful journey under tow, she arrived in China in February 2002 and was berthed at the Dalian naval shipyard, where she was overhauled and completed as the first operational ship of the Chinese aircraft carrier programme.[32][33]
In September 2012, the ship was commissioned in the People's Liberation Army Navy as Liaoning.[34] The ship was named after the province where the shipyard is located, and its Chinese ship class is Type 001. Today, she serves as the first aircraft carrier of the PLAN, and its home port is Qingdao.[33]
Shandong
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The second Chinese aircraft carrier was constructed in China according to a modified design, known as Type 002. The ship was laid down in 2013 at the Dalian naval shipyard and was launched on 26 April 2017. Sea trials began on 13 May 2018,[35] and the ship was commissioned as Shandong on 17 December 2019.[19]
See also
- Shtorm-class supercarrier
- List of aircraft carriers
- List of aircraft carriers of Russia and the Soviet Union
- List of ships of the Soviet Navy
- List of ships of Russia by project number
- List of naval ship classes in service
- Chinese aircraft carrier programme
- Chinese aircraft carrier Fujian
References
External links
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Template:Admiral Kuznetsov class aircraft carrier Template:Soviet and Russian ships after 1945 Template:Ukrainian ships Template:Ship classes of the Chinese Navy Template:Aircraft carrier classes in service
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- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1". |quote=Originally designed by the Soviets as a heavy aircraft-carrying missile cruiser, the Russian Navy reportedly removed the old Granit anti-ship missile tubes in the late 2000s to make room for a larger hangar bay. In this role, the service tried to reinvent Kuznetsov as something of a strike carrier. It was never clear that the tubes were really removed.
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