The aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov" returned to Murmansk for overhaul and modernization at the beginning 2017 of the year. However, in October 2018 the only floating dry dock sank, able to keep a ship afloat, damaging the Kuznetsov. December 2019 a fire broke out on board the cruiser. Since then, it has been moored at the Zvyozdochka shipyard, and almost no progress. In this regard, the pages of the Western edition of Defensionem raise the question: is Russia able to finally write off the Admiral Kuznetsov and replace it with a ship of a different type?
Lots of concepts
Also in 2015 project 23000E "Storm" was presented: aircraft carrier carrying capacity 100 000 tons for the Russian Navy.
The model was an excellent and serious upgrade compared to the "Admiral Kuznetsov": electromagnetic catapults, two islands [deck superstructures], nuclear power plant, naval version of the Su-57 on deck ... This aircraft carrier was supposed to have an air wing of more than 80 platform!
– indicates in the press columnist, not believing in the possibility of implementing Russian projects for a new aircraft carrier.
We were delighted. Then we remembered, that Russia has not designed or built anything larger than a frigate since the collapse of the Soviet Union, and we all had a good laugh
– notes the columnist of the publication.
AT 2019 the concept of a more modest LMA was demonstrated (light multipurpose aircraft carrier) displacement from 44000 to 60000 tons with a conventional power plant, what made him into 4-6 times cheaper, than "Storm". It has only one island, take-off springboard and is equipped with brand new, Russian-made gas turbines from Saturn, which were developed as a replacement for Ukrainian products.
Figured and project 11430E "Manatee". The ship has a displacement 80 000 tonnes, nuclear power plant and uses existing weapons systems, radar, navigation and communication,
No experimentation or gambling with untested technology […] However, the truth is, that no Russian shipyard has ever been involved in the construction of anything proportionate and complex
– indicated in the edition.
Admiral squabbles
Now there is a new project of a universal sea ship, but in fact the aircraft carrier "Varan". Its displacement is about 45 thousand. tonnes, the composition of the air wing has 24 multipurpose aircraft, 6 helicopters and 20 UAV.
However, it all comes down to funding..
Some admirals want, that [new] aircraft carrier replaced "Admiral Kuznetsov" to maintain prestige, possession of naval aviation and the ability to project force, while others [military] consider, that the money could be spent on more urgent needs
– concluded in Defensionem.
