IN different times these giants terrified the enemy. But the world will remember them not only as a formidable weapon of war. The names of the largest warships of their time are forever inscribed in golden letters in world history.
7. Project 1144 nuclear cruiser “Orlan”
country: Russia
length: 250 m
width: 28.5 m
displacement: 25,860 t (full)
crew: 1035 people
“Peter the Great” - this is the proud name that today’s only heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser of Project 1144 “Orlan” bears (a total of four such ships were built). Project 1144 is iconic in every sense. Now "Peter the Great" is the largest warship in the world, not counting aircraft carriers. But the cruiser is famous not only for its size. In open combat, it is superior to any non-aircraft carrier. P-700 Granit cruise missiles with a range of up to 625 km pose a threat even to aircraft carriers (although, to be honest, the ship itself is a convenient target due to its size). Soon, "Peter the Great" may receive new hypersonic missiles "Zircon", thus becoming even more dangerous.
"Peter the Great"
6. Universal landing ships of the "America" type
country: USA
length: 257.3 m
width: 32.3 m
displacement: 45,700 tons (full)
crew: 1059 crew + troops
Universal landing ships, as you might guess, were created to conduct landing operations. But the Americans have greatly expanded this definition. The new America-class UDC is, in fact, a mini-aircraft carrier that is capable of carrying a solid aviation group of 22 fifth-generation F-35B fighters. These planes will take off from the deck using a short takeoff run, and they will land vertically. But there are other configurations: the UDC can carry many V-22 tiltrotors, which can deliver troops by air much faster than conventional helicopters. The lead ship of the USS America series (LHA 6) was introduced into the US fleet in 2014, and in total the Americans want to receive twelve such ships. In the future, they will replace the Wasp-type UDC.
UDC type "America"
5. Universal landing ships of the Wasp type
country: USA
length: 257.30 m
width: 42.67 m
displacement: 40,532 tons (full)
crew: 1147 crew + troops
Until the advent of “America”, ships of the “Wasp” type had no competitors in their size among UDCs. They were created specifically to ensure transportation by sea and landing on an unequipped coast of an expeditionary marine battalion, the number of which can reach almost 1,900 people. Paratroopers can be supported combat aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing AV-8B Harrier II (their number can reach 20). The Marines also have AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters at their disposal. At the rear of the Wasp there is a large room where equipment used for landing operations can be located. In total, the American fleet received eight such ships.
UDC type "Wasp"
4. Clemenceau-class aircraft carriers
country: Brazil
length: 265.0 m
width: 51.2 m
displacement: 32,780 t (full)
crew: 1338 people
In fact, aircraft carriers of the Clemenceau type were created not in Brazil, but in France, and back in the 50s. After the appearance of the much more modern Charles de Gaulle, they were removed from service, and one of the ships was transferred to the Brazilian Navy, where it continues to serve to this day. In Brazil, the ship was named "São Paulo". Even today it remains a fairly formidable combat unit, which can carry up to 40 aircraft, including fifteen French carrier-based attack aircraft Super Étendard.
3. Aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle
country: France
length: 261.5 m
width: 64.36 m
displacement: 42,000 tons (full)
crew: 1200 people
This is the only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier of the French Navy: the authorities wanted to lay down another one, but this idea was abandoned, given the enormous cost of the warship. In any case, we have before us the largest European aircraft carrier. The basis of the power of this ship is the 4++ Rafale M generation fighters. In total, it can carry up to 40 aircraft. In terms of its combat potential, the Charles de Gaulle is inferior to American aircraft carriers (they are larger in size and can carry a larger number of winged vehicles). However, the Charles de Gaulle also repeatedly proved its combat effectiveness, in particular during the operation in Syria. British aircraft carriers of the Queen Elizabeth class will soon displace the Charles de Gaulle: when they are commissioned, they will become the largest warships in Europe.
Aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle
2. Project 1143 aircraft carrier cruisers
(characteristics correspond to the Admiral Kuznetsov TAVKR)
country: Russia
length: 306.45 m
width: 71.96 m
displacement: 59,100 t (full)
crew: 1980 people
Let us clarify: the definition of “project 1143” hides several subtypes aircraft carriers. Four of them (Kiev, Minsk, Novorossiysk, Baku) could use Yak-38 attack aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing. Subsequently, on the basis of Project 1143, the Project 1143.5 ship Admiral Kuznetsov was built, as well as two more aircraft-carrying cruisers (Varyag and Ulyanovsk), which received an expanded take-off deck and the ability to use aircraft with conventional takeoff and landing, such as the Su- 33. The fate of all these ships turned out differently. "Admiral Kuznetsov" became the only Russian aircraft carrier. But “Varyag” turned into the Chinese “Liaoning”. The ship "Baku" underwent modernization and joined the ranks of the Indian Navy under the name "Vikramaditya". “Ulyanovsk” was never completed, although conceptually it was the most advanced of the entire series: it had a steam catapult and, in theory, could use AWACS aircraft.
TAVKR "Admiral Kuznetsov"
1. Nimitz-class aircraft carriers
country: USA
length: 332.8 m
width: 78.4 m
displacement: 106,300 tons
crew: 5680 people
Finally, the well-deserved first place in our ranking went to the American giant Nimitz - the largest and most powerful warship of all those currently in use. Almost 90 aircraft can be accommodated on board! For comparison, Admiral Kuznetsov can carry no more than 50 aircraft. The Nimitz air group includes F/A-18 fighters, EA-6B electronic warfare aircraft, long-range aircraft radar detection E-2C and other aircraft. The Americans commissioned ten such ships: they were actively used, in particular, during the campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. But the Nimitz will not last forever, and soon this type of ship will be replaced by other aircraft carriers of the Gerald R. Ford type. They will be just as huge, and in addition, they will be able to carry fifth-generation F-35C fighters. In general, Ford will become more economical than its “big brother” while maintaining high combat capabilities.
Nimitz-class aircraft carriers
The most unusual warship in the world is perhaps the American trimaran Independence (LCS-2). By 2035, the Americans plan to build up to 55 ships of this class of two sizes - small (up to 1000 tons) and large (2500-3000 tons), but today only the first ship, the founder of the new class, is ready. She was launched in 2008 and entered service with the US Navy in January 2010.
Largest: Nimitz-class aircraft carriers
Country: USA
Launched: 1972
Displacement: 100,000 t
Length: 332.8 m
Power full speed: 260,000 hp
Full speed: 31.5 knots
Crew: 3184 people.
Currently the largest surface ship in the world - a heavy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier of the Nimitz type. The lead USS Nimitz was launched on May 13, 1972 and entered service with the US Navy three years later. A total of ten ships were built, named after famous American political figures. Chester Nimitz, who gave his name to the entire series, was the commander in chief Pacific Fleet USA during World War II.
In terms of its architecture, the Nimitz is a smooth-deck ship with an angled flight deck. The flight deck area is 18,200 m2. The ship has surface and underwater structural protection. The bottom is protected by an armored flooring of the second bottom and the third bottom. The four-shaft main power plant includes two pressurized water nuclear reactors and four main turbo-gear units.
Structurally, the ships of the Nimitz class are the same, but the last six have increased displacement and draft. The period of recharging them with fuel nuclear reactors– up to 20 years. The basis of the armament of Nimitz-class aircraft carriers is aviation: George W. Bush, the last, tenth ship of the Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, was commissioned into service with the US Navy on January 10, 2009. She became a “transitional” ship to the new generation of Gerald R. Ford class aircraft carriers.
The most original of the modern: trimaran USS Independence
Country: USA
Launched: 2008
Displacement: 2784 t
Length: 127.4 m
Full speed: 44 knots
Crew: 40 people.
The most unusual warship in the world is perhaps the American trimaran Independence (LCS-2). By 2035, the Americans plan to build up to 55 ships of this class of two sizes - small (up to 1000 tons) and large (2500-3000 tons), but today only the first ship, the “founder” of the new class, is ready. She was launched in 2008 and entered service with the US Navy in January 2010.
The peculiar design of the trimaran is dictated by the need to build the fastest possible warship; The hull was developed by Austral, which has already tested this concept on the civilian ferry Benchijigua Express, plying between the Canaries, Tenerife, Gomera, Hierra and Palma in the Atlantic Ocean.
Independence is a littoral combat ship capable of accelerating to 50 knots (90 km/h) and conducting combat operations in force 5 seas (“heavy seas”, wave height 2.5–4 m). The main class competitor of the trimaran is the Freedom class ships developed by Lockheed Martin. The latter have a classic layout. Time will tell which is better.
The largest non-aircraft carrier: “Peter the Great”
Country: Russia
Launched: 1996
Displacement: 25,860 t
Length: 250.1 m
Full speed power: 140,000 hp.
Full speed: 32 knots
Crew: 635 people.
The most powerful non-aircraft carrier ship today is the Russian nuclear-powered cruiser "Peter the Great", belonging to the series of Project 1114 cruisers. "Orlan". The first ship of this project, the heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser (TARK) Kirov, was launched in 1977 and transferred to the fleet in 1980. Today only “Peter the Great” is in service, the other three cruisers are undergoing modernization, and the fifth TARK of the project (“Admiral of the Fleet” Soviet Union Kuznetsov”) was never laid due to the collapse of the USSR.
"Peter the Great" is designed to destroy enemy aircraft carrier groups; it was laid down in 1986 and transferred to the fleet in 1998. Its cruising range is practically unlimited, and the P-700 Granit cruise missiles are capable of hitting a target at a distance of up to 550 km. The cruiser's power plant is equipped with two fast neutron reactors with a thermal power of 300 MW each and two auxiliary oil steam boilers.
The most advanced missile cruiser: Ticonderoga-class missile cruisers
Country: USA
Launched: 1980
Displacement: 9750 t
Length: 173 m
Full speed power: 80,000 hp.
Full speed: 32.5 knots
Crew: 387 people.
Ticonderoga class cruisers are considered the most dangerous among ships of this type. They are designed to operate in conditions where weapons of mass destruction are used and are capable of fighting in storm conditions of seven degrees.
The Ticonderogas use two vertical launch systems with 61 missile cells each. Their typical load is 26 Tomahawk cruise missiles, 16 ASROC PLURs and 80 Standard-2 missiles. From 1981 to 1992, 27 missile cruisers of this class were launched, five of them have already been decommissioned; By 2029, it is planned to completely replace the Ticonderoga class with a new generation of missile cruisers.
The most famous ship of World War II: the battleship Bismarck
Country: Germany
Launched: 1939
Displacement: 50900 t
Length: 251 m
Full speed power: 150170 hp.
Full speed: 30.1 knots
Crew: 2092 people.
The Bismarck was one of the most advanced and powerful ships of the Second World War, the lead ship of the Bismarck class (the second battleship in the series was the Tirpitz). Even today, the Bismarck class is one of the three largest battleships of all time, second only to the Iowa and Yamato, which were built somewhat later.
Powerful weapons (including eight 380-mm cannons) allowed the Bismarck to withstand any ship of its class. True, the very first raid of the new battleship turned into its death: after the Bismarck sank the flagship of the English fleet, the battleship Hood, a targeted hunt was opened for the German giant and it was destroyed by clearly superior forces.
The largest battleship: the Iowa-class battleship
Country: USA
Launched: 1942
Displacement: 45000 t
Length: 270.43 m
Full speed: 33 knots
Crew: 2637 people.
The American Iowa-class battleship is the largest surface ship in the world before the era of attack aircraft carriers. Its creators achieved the maximum combination of weapons, seaworthiness and protective equipment. A total of four battleships of this type were built: Iowa, New Jersey, Missouri and Wisconsin. They entered service with the US Navy in 1943 and were withdrawn from service in 1990.
They took part in the Second World War, in the wars in Korea and Vietnam, and after modernization with the installation of Harpoon anti-ship systems and Tomahawk-type cruise missiles in addition to the main caliber guns (406 mm), they carried out high-precision strikes on coastal targets during Operation " Desert Storm."
The most modern warship: Type 45 Daring
Country: UK
Launched: 2006
Displacement: 8100 t
Length: 152.4 m
Full speed: 29 knots or more
Crew: 195 people.
The British Type 45 destroyer (Daring) is considered the most modern and advanced warship in the world today. On at the moment The British Navy received the first two Darings - Daring D32 and Dauntless D33.
These ships are designed primarily for air defense in the fleet's operating area, and the ship's systems are capable of coordinating the actions of coastal aviation. On the other hand, a cruising range of over 5,000 nautical miles allows the 45 type to be a sufficiently mobile autonomous platform for deploying air defense systems anywhere on the planet.
The very first production drone: Protector
Country: Israel
Launched into series: 2007
Length: 9 m
Full speed: 50 knots
Armament: typhoon weapon system with the ability to install a 7.62 mm machine gun, 12.7 mm machine gun or 40 mm grenade launcher
In 2007, the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd launched the Protector unmanned boat into serial production, which became the first unmanned combat watercraft to enter service, not only in Israel, but also in Singapore.
The option of putting it into service in the US Navy is also being considered. The main purpose of an unmanned boat is reconnaissance and patrolling of coastal areas, when use conventional means dangerous for personnel.
The best ship of the First World War: the steam turbine destroyer Novik
Country: Russia
Launched: 1913
Displacement: 1260 t (1620 t after modernization)
Length: 102.43 m
Full speed power: 42,000 hp.
Full speed: 37 knots
Crew: 117 (168 after modernization) people.
For many years, the destroyer Novik, launched in 1913, was considered the best ship of its class in the world - the fastest, most invulnerable, and maneuverable. On August 21, 1913 (even before the official presentation to the public), at a measured mile the ship reached a speed of 37.3 knots - at that time this was a world record.
The destroyer Novik was initially designed to carry 60 ball mines without weight compensation, while its English competitors, in order to take on board such a quantity, had to remove the stern gun and the stern twin-tube torpedo tube.
The best heavy cruiser of World War II: Tone-class cruisers
Country: Japan
Launched: 1937
Displacement: 15443 t
Length: 189.1 m
Full speed power: 152,000 hp.
Full speed: 35 knots
Crew: 874 people.
Strangely enough, the best ships of the heavy cruiser class in history are considered not to be American or English designs, but the French Algerie and Japanese Tone-class cruisers. Two cruisers of this series (Tone and Chikuma) entered service in 1937 and 1938, respectively.
In comparison with the original project (they were planned as light cruisers), the Tone were heavily overloaded, and the crew lived in very close quarters, but in terms of the level of armament, armor and torpedo protection, and counter-flooding measures, they had no equal in the world.
For many centuries, in the field of military affairs, man’s desire to make the most durable, fast and powerful thing possible can be seen. Warships are no exception, as cruisers represent power and amazing combat capabilities. The nature of competition is observed not only between large giants like the United States and Russia, but also between small countries. A clear confirmation will be the rating, which concentrates the largest warships in the world. Based on the list, you see that not only large states have achieved good results in the field of the arms industry... And so, I have read it.
TOP 10 largest warships in history!
10
Length: 266 m
The aircraft carrier Shinano is a unique cruiser built by the Japanese during World War II. The ship was made for the imperial fleet. Initially, one of the largest warships was presented as a third battleship. But after the loss large quantity aircraft carriers, the ship was modernized. After the transformation, the ship was completed like an aircraft carrier. At that time, Shinano was the largest on the planet. It is worth noting that this cruiser is attractive not only for its dimensions (266 meters in length), but also for its history. Ten days after commissioning, she was sunk by American torpedoes from a submarine called USS Archerfish (SS-311).
The Iowa-class Battleship is also one of the largest warships in history. The length of the vessel is 270.5 meters. It is part of the US military. The ships began to be designed as fast battleships. Later, the government decided to equip watercraft with good weapons and protection against strike groups. During the Second World War, America already had 4 Iowa ships in service. But their length at that time was much shorter. After the end of the war, engineers equipped the ships with 32 Tomahawk missiles and increased the area. Currently, there is enough space on deck to accommodate 2,800 military sailors.
We are talking about very powerful and large cruisers built in the 20s. The first full-fledged aircraft carriers of the Lexington series were built in 1922. They underwent modernization in 1927. It is worth noting that the Lexington series aircraft carriers played a significant role in the development of World War II. At that time, the states had 3 ships in service, but one of them was sunk in the Pacific Ocean. After the end of the war in 1942, the ships were sent for reconstruction. Thus, the platform was increased. Later, aircraft carriers took part in the battles of the Coral Sea.
Length: 295.05 m
To the largest warships should be added aircraft carrier Midway, whose length is 295 meters. A series of heavy attack ships was first designed in 1941. Later, British ships were modified by adding armored frames to accommodate air groups. Three modified aircraft carriers were built in 1947 and were used in virtually every armed conflict in Britain. For almost half a century they roamed around the world. Currently, 2 out of 3 ships are in British service.
Length: 305.1 m
Unlike the United States, Russian ships have always been equipped with powerful defensive and offensive solutions. The specified cruiser includes a mass of heavy anti-ship missiles, which have a long range. It is deservedly considered the heaviest in the world, because the other one was sold to China and made lighter. The vessel was put into operation in 1990. Now it is the only Russian ship for transporting air transport. Can transport up to 30 aircraft.
Length: 325 m
American aircraft carrier, named after America's first minister. This is the first warship designed by the United States after the war. When creating this cruiser, experts took into account all the experience gained as a result of battles. As a result, it was possible to create a unique military vessel taking into account the requirements of jet aviation. The contract for the production of ships was signed with Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in 1951. The first aircraft carrier Forrestal was launched into the ocean in 1955. To this day, it is part of the US Navy.
Length: 326 m
The largest aircraft carriers in the world include the series American ships Kitty Hawk. A total of 4 vessels were created, released in the 60s. In fact, these cruisers are a continuation of the Forrestal project. However, the new ships received a longer base and a different location of elevators. The most durable metal alloys were used to make Kitty Hawk. It is worth noting that after finishing cold war There are only 2 ships from the Nimitz series left in the American armed forces. Despite the modernization of the Constellation and John Kennedy, they were written off.
Length: 332.8 m
Among the largest warships in history is the ship named after John C. Stennis. From 1969 to 1981, the ship was under the control of a Senate Committee. In 1993 it underwent serious modification. As a result of modernization, the ship received 4 catapults, 2000 telephones, 4 elevators for aircraft. The platform also included 5,617 seats, 2 anchors, and 2,700 cabins. A total of 55,000 tons of the best steel were used. Unfortunately, the ship was written off for unknown reasons.
In 1945, after the expulsion of the Japanese colonialists, Koreans lived poorer than the natives of New Guinea. There was not a single person in Seoul with higher education, and the American provisional authorities could not find a Korean capable of driving a tram. The outbreak of the fratricidal war finally turned the south of the Korean Peninsula into a land of total chaos and devastation. The country was tormented by an acute energy crisis - all hydroelectric power stations remained on the territory of the DPRK. By the end of the 50s, a third of the country's working population was unemployed, and per capita GDP was $79 - less than in African and Latin American countries.
Now, looking at the shining skyscrapers of Seoul, it’s hard to believe that half a century ago everything was different here. The remote outskirts of the world have become the world's leading exporter of marine, automotive, electronics and consumer goods.
Shipbuilding is considered one of the locomotives of South Korean industry. For example, Hyundai is known in the world not only as a manufacturer of cheap cars, but also as a leader in large-tonnage shipbuilding - ocean-going linear container ships, supertankers, ferries... In total, Hyundai Heavy Industries accounts for 17% of the total world shipbuilding volume and 30% of the volume production of marine engines!
The Koreans do not sit still and are aggressively conquering new markets, absorbing their competitors. It is no secret that the Russian Mistral is de facto being built by the South Korean corporation STX, which owns the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
The inhabitants of the Korean Peninsula provide marine technology for a good half of the world. At the same time, they never forget about their own interests: the Navy of the Republic of Korea is the fourth most powerful in the Asia-Pacific region. “Advanced” technologies were chosen as the key vector of development - without compromising the number of ship personnel. The fleet is powerful, modern and numerous. Unlike the Japanese, who adhere to a strictly defensive concept for the development of their Navy, South Korean sailors are actively experimenting with sea-based cruise missiles. Work is underway in the field of creating anti-ship missiles and anti-submarine missile torpedoes; a vertical launch installation of its own design and an analogue of the Tomahawk (Hyunmoo-IIIC SLCM) have been put into service.
The efforts of the Koreans were generously rewarded - in 2008, the South Korean Navy accepted a ship that is considered the most heavily armed ship in the world.
Sejong the Great (DDG-991). Korean Destroyer eXperimental-III (KDX-III) Project
Of course, from a strategic point of view, the destroyer Sejong the Great must be compared with the ships of the DPRK, its main geopolitical enemy South Korea. For obvious reasons, making such a comparison is difficult. The South Korean super-destroyer is categorically different from the wooden feluccas and patrol ships built in the 60s.
In terms of the number of missiles installed on it, “Sejong the Great” makes sense to compare with another sea monster - nuclear cruiser"Peter the Great" (both ships undoubtedly deserve the prefix "great").
144 missiles for various purposes versus 124 Petra missiles (not counting the ammunition of the self-defense air defense systems - "Dagger", "Kortik", RIM-116). If we take into account all short-range anti-aircraft missiles, then the ratio will be 165 missiles for the “Korean” versus 444 missiles for our cruiser.
Of course, comparing ships by the number of missiles looks like a curiosity. How can you put on a par the 7-ton P-700 Granit and the subsonic Hae Sung anti-ship missile, which has a launch weight 10 times less?
However, the South Korean ship's ammunition load is a third higher than that of any American or Japanese Aegis destroyer. And in terms of the number of long-range anti-aircraft missiles, anti-submarine torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and SLCMs, Sejong the Great leaves even the Russian supercruiser behind. In fact, according to this indicator, it has no equal in the world (before the modernized TARKR Admiral Nakhimov came into operation).
Unlike the Russian ship, Sejong the Great is capable of carrying high-precision missiles to strike targets deep in the coast. The second advantage of the Sejong is that, like any Aegis destroyer, it is equipped with a powerful AN/SPY-1 radar (the most modern “D” modification), ideal for monitoring airspace at long distances, incl. at extra-atmospheric altitudes. However, unlike the Japanese Navy, the Koreans do not yet plan to equip their destroyers with SM-3 space interceptor missiles.
In general, the capabilities of the air defense system of Aegis destroyers are noticeably exaggerated. The universal AN/SPY-1 radar and the low location of the antenna arrays are a fatal drawback of all Eagle Berks and their Japanese and South Korean clones. The radar, as it turned out, is not at all “universal” and does not distinguish low-flying missiles well.
The fire control systems raise no less doubts - the Sejong is equipped with a standard set of three AN/SPG-62 backlight radars with mechanical scanning in azimuth and elevation. The system is reliable, but 30 years have passed since its creation. Many fleets now have much more advanced control systems based on phased array radars and active radar seeker systems for anti-aircraft missiles. Only the Yankees and their allies continue to “turn the old barrel organ.”
In addition to standard radars, the Sejong detection system includes the French Sagem IRST infrared detection system.
The Sejong anti-aircraft ammunition consists of 80 long-range SM-2MR Block IIIB missiles made in the USA. A comparison of these ammunition with the Petra anti-aircraft missiles gives the following result: the SM-2MR is superior in firing range to the S-300F and is approximately equivalent to the S-300FM in this parameter. The American missile is more compact and has half the mass, as a result, its flight speed is almost half that of the domestic 46H6E2 missile; moreover, the SM-2MR is equipped with a warhead of less mass. At the same time, SM-2MR Block IIIB, in addition to the usual radar seeker, has an active guidance mode in the IR range (the mode is intended for firing at “stealth” and other targets with low RCS).
Among other anti-aircraft weapons on board the Sejong there is a RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile self-defense air defense system - a 21-round launcher on a movable carriage, in the bow of the superstructure. Technically, RAM missiles are short-range airborne Sidewinder missiles with infrared seekers from the Stinger MANPADS. Max. launch range - 10,000 meters. It is curious that Sejong became the first of the Aegis destroyers to receive such a system.
The stern corners are covered by another self-defense system - the seven-barreled automatic gun "Goalkeeper". Thanks to high-quality drives and fire control devices, high rate of fire and the power of 30 mm projectiles, the Dutch “Goalkeeper” is considered one of best systems for this purpose.
Structurally, the Sejong is an enlarged Burke series IIA with increased ammunition and expanded combat capabilities. The South Korean destroyer is 10 meters longer and a meter wider than its American “progenitor”. The total displacement of the Sejong has reached 11 thousand tons and corresponds to the military-grade missile cruiser Moskva!
External appearance with elements of stealth technology, layout, weapons and power plant consisting of four gas turbines LM2500 - Sejong inherited most of the features of a typical Aegis destroyer. With all its undoubted advantages and disadvantages.
The displacement reserve was rationally spent on increasing the ammunition load and fuel supply on board: the cruising range of the Sejong at cruising, 20-knot speed increased by 600 miles (5,500 miles versus 4,890 for the most modern Burks).
Of particular interest are below-deck vertical launch units (UVP/VLS). Compared to the original design, the nose section of the UVP was increased from 32 to 48 Mk.41 cells. Stern launcher missile system also underwent major changes - the number of Mk.41 cells was reduced to 32 units. Instead, a little further aft, 48 UVP K-VLS cells of our own Korean production were located. Thus, the total number of UVP cells on the missile destroyer has reached 128 units.
The ammunition is placed as follows: according to data from open sources, all 80 original Mk.41s are used to store and launch SM-2MR anti-aircraft missiles. In the cells of the Korean K-VLS, 32 Hyunmoo IIIC cruise missiles and 16 Red Shark anti-submarine missiles (also known as K-ASROC) were deployed in front.
"Red Shark" is a typical anti-submarine missile with an anti-submarine torpedo as a warhead. The main difference from the American ASROC-VL is the small-sized torpedo: instead of the Mk.50, a 324 mm torpedo of its own design, the K745 “Blue Shark,” is used.
The Hyunmoo IIIC SLCM is an analogue of the Tomahawk. According to the Koreans, the missile is capable of launching at a range of 1000...1500 km. It is equipped with a 500-kg warhead, but, unlike the Ax, it is capable of reaching supersonic speed (1.2M). March flight altitude - 50...100 m. Guidance - INS and GPS.
Launch of the Hyunmoo SLCM from one of the ships of the Republic of Korea Navy
The Korean destroyer's weapons also include:
16 SSM-700K Hae Sung anti-ship missiles. A small-sized subsonic anti-ship missile, another “national” clone of the American Harpoon. The missiles are placed in quad launchers in the middle part of the ship;
127 mm universal gun Mk.45 ( latest modification Mod.4 with a barrel length of 62 caliber);
Two anti-submarine systems with small-sized Blue Shark torpedoes (six units in total);
Helipad, hangar for two helicopters - British Super Lynx or Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk are used.
Epilogue
The phenomenon of transforming a backward agricultural country into one of the leading economies in the world was called the “Miracle on the Han River.” Another fact will sound no less surprising: in the period from 2007 to 2012, the Koreans managed to build three super destroyers!
Sejong the Great (DDG-991) and Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong (DDG-993) were built at the facilities of Hyundai Heavy Industries.
Yulgok Yi I (DDG-992) was built by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering.
In the near future, the Koreans plan to build six more Aegis destroyers under the KDX-IIA project. Unlike the large Sejong ships, the new ships will have a total displacement in the range of 5500...7500 tons and will be focused on conducting combat operations in the coastal zone. The transfer of the ships to the fleet will take place between 2019 and 2026.
Since ancient times, a powerful and well-organized navy was crucial for any country that fought for world domination and cared about its own security. Therefore, over the past 100 years, thousands of powerful battleships and aircraft carriers have been built in different countries around the world. This review is about the largest warships in the world.
1. "Akagi"
Akagi is an aircraft carrier that was built for the Imperial Japanese Navy. She was in service from 1927 to 1942 and took part in the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Then the Akagi was heavily damaged during the Battle of Midway in June 1942 and was then deliberately scuttled. The length of the ship was 261.2 m.
2. "Yamato"
The Yamato-class battleships were built for the Imperial Japanese Navy and served during World War II. With a displacement of 73,000 tons, they were the heaviest battleships in history. The length of such a ship was 263 m. Although it was originally planned to build 5 Yamato-class ships, only 3 were completed.
3. "Essex"
The backbone of the US Navy's combat power during World War II was the Essex-class aircraft carrier. There were once 24 of these ships, but today only 4 survive and are used as museum ships.
4. "Nimitz"
Nimitz class supercarriers - 10 nuclear aircraft carriers, built for the US Navy. These ships, 333 m long and weighing more than 100,000 long tons when fully loaded, were the largest warships in history. The ships have participated in many battles and operations around the world, including Operation Eagle Claw in Iran, the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan.
5. "Shinano"
Shinano is a 266.1 m long, 65,800 ton ship that was the largest aircraft carrier built for the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. However, with deadlines pressing, the warship was sent into battle without correcting several serious design and construction flaws. She eventually sank just 10 days after she was commissioned on November 29, 1944.
6. "Iowa"
In 1939-1940, by order of the US Navy, 6 battleships Iowa class, but ultimately only 4 were completed. They participated in several major American wars, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The length of these battleships was 270 m, and the displacement was 45,000 “long” tons.
7. Lexington
Two Lexington-class aircraft carriers were built for the US Navy during the 1920s. The warships proved extremely successful and served in many battles. One of them, the Lexington, was sunk in the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942, and the other, the Saratoga, was destroyed during an atomic bomb test in 1946.
8. "Kyiv"
Also known as Project 1143 Krechet, the Kyiv-class aircraft carriers were the first aircraft-carrying anti-submarine cruisers built in the Soviet Union. Of the 4 Kiev class vessels that were completed, 1 was decommissioned, 2 were mothballed, and the last one (Admiral Gorshkov) was sold to the Indian Navy, where it is still in service today.
9. "Queen Elizabeth"
Queen Elizabeth - 2 aircraft carriers currently under construction for the British Royal navy. The first, Queen Elizabeth, will be ready for use in 2017, and the second, Prince of Wales, is scheduled for completion in 2020. The length of the ship is 284 meters, and the displacement is about 70,600 tons.
10. “Admiral Kuznetsov”
The Kuznetsov class ships are the last 2 aircraft carriers built in the Soviet Navy. Today, one of them, Admiral Kuznetsov (built in 1990), is in service with the Russian Navy, and the second, Liaoning, was sold to China and completed only in 2012. The length of the ship is a staggering 302 m.
11. "Midway"
The Midway-class aircraft carriers were among the longest-serving aircraft carriers in history. The first one entered service in 1945 and was decommissioned only in 1992, shortly after participating in Operation Desert Storm.
12. "John F. Kennedy"
Nicknamed "Big John", the USS John F. Kennedy is the only ship in her class. It was a 320 m long aircraft carrier that was even capable of effectively fighting submarines.
13. "Forrestal"
In the 1950s, 4 Forrestal-class aircraft carriers (Forrestal, Saratoga, Ranger and Independence) were designed and built for the US Navy. It was the first supercarrier to combine high tonnage, aircraft lifts and a corner deck. The ships were 325 m long and had a displacement of 60,000 tons.
14. "Gerald R. Ford"
The Gerald R. Ford is a supercarrier that is being built to replace some of the existing Nimitz-class carriers. Although the new ships have a hull similar to the Nimitz aircraft carriers, they have introduced new technologies such as an electromagnetic aircraft launch system, as well as others design features designed to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs. Also, the Gerald R. Ford warships will be slightly larger than the Nimitz (their length will be 337 m).
15. "USS Enterprise"
The world's first ship to carry nuclear-armed aircraft, the Enterprise (342 m long) was the longest and perhaps also the most famous warship in history. She remained in service for 51 consecutive years, longer than any other American warship, and was used in numerous battles and wars, including the Cuban Crisis, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and more.
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