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This thread is for aircraft carriers, their types, spec, objectives and capability.
Aircraft Carriers
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Liaoning
- Kuznetsov class
- Crew 2 000 men
- Aircrew 500 men
- Dimensions and displacement
- Length 305 m
- Beam 67 m
- Draught 11 m
- Hangar deck length 183 m
- Displacement, standard 46 600 tons
- Displacement, full load 59 400 tons
- Propulsion and speed
- Speed 29 knots
- Boilers 8
- Steam turbines 4 x 37.3 MW
- Aircraft
- Fixed wing J-15
- Helicopters Z-8 and Ka-31
- Armament
- Artillery 3 x 30-mm CIWS
- Missiles 3 or 4 x HQ-10 (18 cell) short-range air defense missile systems
- Other 2 x ASW rocket launchers with 12 rockets each
China conducts flight landing on aircraft carrier
The Varyag (viking) was a second ship of the Kuznetsov class. Initially this ship was named Riga. It was laid down in 1985 at the Nikolayev shipyard in Ukraine. This aircraft carrier was launched in 1988. After collapse of the Soviet Union construction ceased. Russia handed the hulk to Ukraine. Varyag was finished by 70%, however it had no propulsion, weapons or electronics. Ukrainian government had no funds and reasons to finish construction of this aircraft carrier.
In 1998 Varyag was sold to Macau-based entertainment company for $20 million. The unfinished hull was to be towed to the Far East where it would be converted into an entertainment complex and casino. The contract with Ukraine prohibited the buyer from using Varyag for military purposes. Though this company appeared to be a front for the Chinese Navy.
Varyag arrived to China in 2002. It was docked in Dalian at the Naval Shipyards and has been stationed there under tight secrecy. It has been handed to Chinese Navy for research and restoration. At that time ship was in poor condition. However significant refurbishment work has been done. The restoration was completed in 2006. Some sources report that China was negotiating with Russia supply of missing components. Eventually the ship was commissioned with the Chinese Navy in 2012 as the Liaoning. Currently this aircraft carrier is in active service.
The Varyag is capable of operating a mixed air wing of up to 50 fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. In 2006 it was reported that China ordered two Russian Su-33 carrier-based naval fighters for trials and evaluation. Delivery was expected in 2007-2008. There is also an agreed option for another 12-48 Su-33s fighters. Currently Chinese J-15 carrier-based fighters are used. This aircraft is based on the Russian Su-33 design. It is fitted with indigenous engines, weapons and radar. The shipborne J-15 aircraft is produced in quantity. It also carries Chinese Z-8 helicopters and Russian Ka-27 ASW and SAR helicopters, Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopter. There are a total of 10 helicopter landing spots.
The lack of catapults precludes launching aircraft with heavy strike loads, and the air superiority orientation of the air wing is apparent. Take-off is assisted by a bow ski-jump angled at 12 degrees in lieu of steam catapults. The flight deck is equipped with arrester wires. Two starboard lifts carry the aircraft from the hangar to the flight deck.
After refit the Liaoning lost all of it's offensive weapons. Now it carries only short-range defensive weapons. The ship is fitted with three or four HQ-10 short-range air defense missile launchers. Each launcher has 18-cells. Also there are three 30-mm close-in weapon systems and two anti-submarine rocket launchers. Each ASW launcher has 12 tubes.
The Liaoning is conventionally propelled with oil-fired boilers rather than nuclear reactors.
The Liaoning is one of the most ambitious Chinese naval shipbuilding programmes. This aircraft carrier represents a significant shift in the balance of naval power in the area.
Name | Laid down| Launched | Commissioned | Status
Liaoning (CV-16) (ex-Varyag) 1985 1 | 988 | 2012 | active, in service
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Charles de Gaulle class
Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
The Charles de Gaulle is the only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier built outside US
In September 1980, the French government approved the construction of two nuclear-powered aircraft carriers to replace its two conventionally powered Clemenceau class carriers that date back to the 1950s. However, the French CVN programme has been bedevilled by political opposition and technical problems, both with the vessel and the aircraft. The first ship of the class, Charles de Gaullewas laid down in April 1989 and launched in May 1994 but not commissioned until May 2001. Repeated budget cuts delayed work but so did a number of errors in its construction. Thus, even in 2003 the Charles de Gaulle was non-operational and still lacked a proper air group. This vessel is the flagship of the French Navy. Ship is named after French statesman and general Charles de Gaulle. It is the only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, built outside US.
As completed the Charles de Gaulle was unable to operate E-2C Hawkeye aircraft as critical dimensions were wrongly measured. Between 1999-2000, the angled flight deck was lengthened accordingly, and additional radiation shielding was also added. Currently this aircraft carrier operates navalized Rafale multi-role fighters. Previously it operated an air group comprising 20 Super Etendards.
Prospects for a second (perhaps conventionally-powered) ship of the Charles de Gaulle class remain poor; although the navy has pressed for one (to be called Richelieu or, possibly, Clemenceau), political and popular support for such an expensive investment may never be forthcoming.
The Charles de Gaulle is equipped with a hangar for 20-25 aircraft (around half the air group) and carries the same reactor units as the Le Triomphant class ballistic missile submarine: this permits five years of continuous steaming at 25 knots before refueling. Seakeeping behavior is improved through the fitting of four pairs of fin stabilizers.
Name | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned | Status
Charles de Gaulle | 1989 | 1994 | 2001 | active, in service
Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
The Charles de Gaulle is the only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier built outside US
- Entered service 2001
- Crew 1 150 men
- Aircrew 550 men
- Flag staff 50 men
- Marines 800 men
- Dimensions and displacement
- Length 261.42 m
- Beam 64.4 m
- Draught 8.5 m
- Displacement, full load 40 600 tons
- Propulsion and speed
- Speed 28 knots
- Nuclear reactors 2 x 300 MW
- Steam turbines 2 x 56.8 MW
- Aircraft
- Fixed wing 34 x Rafale-M
- 2 x E-2C Hawkeye
- Helicopters 2 x SA 365F Dauphin or
- AS 322 Cougar
- Armament
- Missiles 4 x Sylver octuple VLS launchers for Aster 15 missiles, 2 x Sadral sextuple launchers for Mistral SAM
- Other 8 x Giat 20-mm guns
In September 1980, the French government approved the construction of two nuclear-powered aircraft carriers to replace its two conventionally powered Clemenceau class carriers that date back to the 1950s. However, the French CVN programme has been bedevilled by political opposition and technical problems, both with the vessel and the aircraft. The first ship of the class, Charles de Gaullewas laid down in April 1989 and launched in May 1994 but not commissioned until May 2001. Repeated budget cuts delayed work but so did a number of errors in its construction. Thus, even in 2003 the Charles de Gaulle was non-operational and still lacked a proper air group. This vessel is the flagship of the French Navy. Ship is named after French statesman and general Charles de Gaulle. It is the only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, built outside US.
As completed the Charles de Gaulle was unable to operate E-2C Hawkeye aircraft as critical dimensions were wrongly measured. Between 1999-2000, the angled flight deck was lengthened accordingly, and additional radiation shielding was also added. Currently this aircraft carrier operates navalized Rafale multi-role fighters. Previously it operated an air group comprising 20 Super Etendards.
Prospects for a second (perhaps conventionally-powered) ship of the Charles de Gaulle class remain poor; although the navy has pressed for one (to be called Richelieu or, possibly, Clemenceau), political and popular support for such an expensive investment may never be forthcoming.
The Charles de Gaulle is equipped with a hangar for 20-25 aircraft (around half the air group) and carries the same reactor units as the Le Triomphant class ballistic missile submarine: this permits five years of continuous steaming at 25 knots before refueling. Seakeeping behavior is improved through the fitting of four pairs of fin stabilizers.
Name | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned | Status
Charles de Gaulle | 1989 | 1994 | 2001 | active, in service
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Vikrant
Aircraft carrier
The INS Vikrant aircraft carrier will be the largest warship ever built in India
The INS Vikrant is the first India's indigenous aircraft carrier. It will the the largest warship ever built in India. Development of such a complex warship signifies a high degree of India's self-reliance in this field. Currently only four other countries in the world, including United States, United Kingdom, France and Russia are capable of construction aircraft carriers of this size.
Work started on this ship in 2005. Originally it was planned to enter service with the Indian Navy in 2014. However due to delays the ship will be commissioned not earlier than in 2018. It has been reported that second ship of this class is also planned.
The Vikrant has broadly similar capabilities as the INS Vikramaditya, a former Kiev class aircraft carrier, that has been refitted and was commission with the Indian Navy in 2014. It can carry up to 36 aircraft and helicopters. 17 of them can be kept in the hangar and remaining 19 on the flight deck. There will be two elevators. The Vikrant is fitted with sky jump and will have to take-off runways.
It has been reported that main weapon of the Vikrant will be its fighter aircraft. It will carry a mix of Russian MiG-29K and Indian carrier-borne version of the HAL Tejas and, possibly, Sea Harrier. The multi-role MiG-29K will be the primary air superiority and ground attack aircraft.
It will also carry Russian Ka-31 early warning helicopters, Ka-28 anti-submarine helicopters, HAL Dhruv utility helicopters, and, possibly helicopters of other types.
Defensive weapons of the Vikrant will include Israeli long-range air defense missiles. It is reported that two 16-cell vertical launch systems will be installed. Also the ship will be fitted with Russian AK-630 close-in weapon systems. Some sources report that the ship will also have four 76-mm naval guns.
This aircraft carrier has conventional propulsion. It is powered by four LM 2500 gas turbines, generating 80 MW of power and driving two shafts. The INS Vikrant will have a range of about 8 000 nautical miles (15 000 km).
Once commissioned the INS Vikrant will join the INS Vikramaditya. So within the next couple of years Indian Navy will operate two large modern aircraft carriers.
Name | Laid down |Launched |Commissioned Status
INS Vikrant 2005 | 2013 | expected in 2018 | under construction
Aircraft carrier
The INS Vikrant aircraft carrier will be the largest warship ever built in India
- Entered service expected in 2018
- Completement (with aircrew) 1 600 men
- Sea endurance ?
- Range 15 000 km
- Dimensions and displacement
- Length 253 m
- Beam 60 m
- Draught 35 m
- Flight deck length ?
- Flight deck width ?
- Hangar deck length ?
- Displacement, standard ?
- Displacement, full load 40 000 tons
- Propulsion and speed
- Speed 28 knots
- Gas turbines 4 x LM 2500
- Aircraft
- Airwing up to 36 aircraft and helicopters
- Fixed wing MiG-29K, HAL Tejas, Sea Harrier
- Helicopters Ka-31, Ka-27, HAL Dhruv
- Armament
- Missiles ?
- Artillery 4 x 76-mm guns
- CIWS AK-630
The INS Vikrant is the first India's indigenous aircraft carrier. It will the the largest warship ever built in India. Development of such a complex warship signifies a high degree of India's self-reliance in this field. Currently only four other countries in the world, including United States, United Kingdom, France and Russia are capable of construction aircraft carriers of this size.
Work started on this ship in 2005. Originally it was planned to enter service with the Indian Navy in 2014. However due to delays the ship will be commissioned not earlier than in 2018. It has been reported that second ship of this class is also planned.
The Vikrant has broadly similar capabilities as the INS Vikramaditya, a former Kiev class aircraft carrier, that has been refitted and was commission with the Indian Navy in 2014. It can carry up to 36 aircraft and helicopters. 17 of them can be kept in the hangar and remaining 19 on the flight deck. There will be two elevators. The Vikrant is fitted with sky jump and will have to take-off runways.
It has been reported that main weapon of the Vikrant will be its fighter aircraft. It will carry a mix of Russian MiG-29K and Indian carrier-borne version of the HAL Tejas and, possibly, Sea Harrier. The multi-role MiG-29K will be the primary air superiority and ground attack aircraft.
It will also carry Russian Ka-31 early warning helicopters, Ka-28 anti-submarine helicopters, HAL Dhruv utility helicopters, and, possibly helicopters of other types.
Defensive weapons of the Vikrant will include Israeli long-range air defense missiles. It is reported that two 16-cell vertical launch systems will be installed. Also the ship will be fitted with Russian AK-630 close-in weapon systems. Some sources report that the ship will also have four 76-mm naval guns.
This aircraft carrier has conventional propulsion. It is powered by four LM 2500 gas turbines, generating 80 MW of power and driving two shafts. The INS Vikrant will have a range of about 8 000 nautical miles (15 000 km).
Once commissioned the INS Vikrant will join the INS Vikramaditya. So within the next couple of years Indian Navy will operate two large modern aircraft carriers.
Name | Laid down |Launched |Commissioned Status
INS Vikrant 2005 | 2013 | expected in 2018 | under construction
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INS Vikramaditya
Aircraft carrier
The INS Vikramaditya operates the MiG-29K naval multi-role fighters
The INS Vikramaditya (Brave as the Sun) is a modified former Kiev class aviation cruiser. Vessel was originally known as Baku and later renamed to Admiral Gorshkov. This ship was commissioned to service with the Soviet Navy in 1987. However after collapse of the Soviet Union it was inactive since 1991 and was decommissioned in 1996.
In 2004 an agreement was signed with Russia for the sale of this ship to India. Agreement included refit in Russian shipyard, purchase of aircraft and weapon systems, pilots training, delivery of simulators and spare parts.
The ship was extensively refitted at Sevmash shipyard in Russia. The hull was completed and Vikramaditya was launched in 2008. It received a redesigned Kuznetsov-style flight deck, with a ski-jump, built in a newly raised bow.
In 2013 sea trials of the refurbished INS Vikramaditya were completed and it left Russia for India. Since 2014 it is in active service with the Indian Navy. It is due to replace the ageing Viraat aircraft carrier.
Agreement with Russia included the purchase entire wing of 12 MiG-29K carrier-based fighters and 4 twin-seat MiG-29KUB aircraft, with an option for more aircrafts, as well as 6 Ka-31 Helix airborne early warning helicopters. The INS Vikramaditya will also operate Sea Harrieraircraft and HAL Dhruv helicopters. Ship has got a hangar and two elevators. This vessel can normally carry 12 to 16 fighters and 4 to 16 helicopters. Maximum capacity is 30 aircraft and 6 helicopters.
The INS Vikramaditya lost some heavy weapons of the Admiral Gorshkov, carried at the bow. Hence it lost guided-missile cruiser's capabilities of the Kiev class. After refit the INS Vikramaditya is armed only with short-range air defense weapons. It carries Russian AK-630 close-in weapon systems and Barak 8 air defense missiles. It is typical for Indian forces to use a mix of Western, Russian and indigenous weapon systems.
Propulsion consists of eight boilers and four shaft geared steam turbines. Vessel has a range of 24 500 km at cruising speed.
Name | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned | Status
INS Vikramaditya 1978 | 1982 | 2014 | active, in service
Aircraft carrier
The INS Vikramaditya operates the MiG-29K naval multi-role fighters
- Entered service 2014
- Crew 1 600 men
- Sea endurance 24 500 km at 18 knots
- Dimensions and displacement
- Length 273 m
- Beam 31 m
- Draught 8.2 m
- Flight deck length ?
- Flight deck width ?
- Hangar deck length ?
- Displacement, standard ?
- Displacement, full load 45 000 tons
- Propulsion and speed
- Speed 32 knots
- Boilers 8
- Steam turbines 4
- Aircraft
- Airwing up to 36 aircraft and helicopters
- Fixed wing 12 - 16 x MiG-29K/KUB
- Helicopters 4 - 16 x Ka-28/31
- Armament
- Artillery AK-630 CIWS
- Missiles Barak 8 air defense missiles
The INS Vikramaditya (Brave as the Sun) is a modified former Kiev class aviation cruiser. Vessel was originally known as Baku and later renamed to Admiral Gorshkov. This ship was commissioned to service with the Soviet Navy in 1987. However after collapse of the Soviet Union it was inactive since 1991 and was decommissioned in 1996.
In 2004 an agreement was signed with Russia for the sale of this ship to India. Agreement included refit in Russian shipyard, purchase of aircraft and weapon systems, pilots training, delivery of simulators and spare parts.
The ship was extensively refitted at Sevmash shipyard in Russia. The hull was completed and Vikramaditya was launched in 2008. It received a redesigned Kuznetsov-style flight deck, with a ski-jump, built in a newly raised bow.
In 2013 sea trials of the refurbished INS Vikramaditya were completed and it left Russia for India. Since 2014 it is in active service with the Indian Navy. It is due to replace the ageing Viraat aircraft carrier.
Agreement with Russia included the purchase entire wing of 12 MiG-29K carrier-based fighters and 4 twin-seat MiG-29KUB aircraft, with an option for more aircrafts, as well as 6 Ka-31 Helix airborne early warning helicopters. The INS Vikramaditya will also operate Sea Harrieraircraft and HAL Dhruv helicopters. Ship has got a hangar and two elevators. This vessel can normally carry 12 to 16 fighters and 4 to 16 helicopters. Maximum capacity is 30 aircraft and 6 helicopters.
The INS Vikramaditya lost some heavy weapons of the Admiral Gorshkov, carried at the bow. Hence it lost guided-missile cruiser's capabilities of the Kiev class. After refit the INS Vikramaditya is armed only with short-range air defense weapons. It carries Russian AK-630 close-in weapon systems and Barak 8 air defense missiles. It is typical for Indian forces to use a mix of Western, Russian and indigenous weapon systems.
Propulsion consists of eight boilers and four shaft geared steam turbines. Vessel has a range of 24 500 km at cruising speed.
Name | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned | Status
INS Vikramaditya 1978 | 1982 | 2014 | active, in service
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Cavour
Light aircraft carrier
The Cavour light aircraft carrier is a new flagship of the Italian Navy
The Cavour light aircraft carrier, which was originally to be called the Andrea Doria, is a new flagship of the Italian Navy. It was designed to operate V/STOL aircraft, helicopters and serve as a command center. The Cavour can also transport military personnel and vehicles.
The Cavour was laid down in 2001 and launched in 2004. Sea trials began in 2006 and ship was commissioned in 2008. This new Italian maritime force projection ship reached full operational capability in 2009. The Cavour joined a smaller Giuseppe Garibaldi aircraft carrier in service with the Italian Navy.
Typical air group is a mix of 20-24 V/STOL aircraft and helicopters. This aircraft carrier operates Boeing AV-8B Harrier II Plus V/STOL aircraft. In the future these will be replaced with the Lockheed Martin F-35B as soon as it becomes available. This aircraft carrier will also operate utility, anti-submarine and airborne surveillance helicopters includingEH-101, NH-90 and SH-3D. The Cavour can also accommodate heavy transport helicopters.
The runway for take off length is 183 m. The Cavour is fitted with a sky-jump ramp. A flight deck can accommodate 10-12 aircraft, 6 helicopters plus a dedicated SAR helicopter. This vessel allows flight operations up to the sea state 6.
Command center of the Cavour will has over 150 workstations for 230 people, that will manage naval, air and amphibious operations of the Italian Navy.
Hangar is 134 x 21 x 7.2 m and is connected to the flight deck by two elevators. There are also four smaller elevators for for ammunition and service purposes. The hangar can officially accommodate 12 helicopters or 8 aircraft. It can also accomodate up to 24 main battle tanks or 50 amphibious assault vehicles. This ship also provides accommodation for San Marco regiment of 325 marines adding amphibious assault capacity. Vessel can be also used to support peacekeeping operations and humanitarian missions.
The Cavour aircraft carrier is armed with two eight-cell vertical launch systems for 32 Aster-15 surface-to-air missiles. The Aster-15 has a range of 30 km. Other weapons include two OTO Melara 76-mm Super Rapid guns ans three Oerlikon Contraves KBA 25-mm anti-aircraft guns. Countermeasures of this aircraft carrier include two 20-barrel decoy launchers and anti-torpedo defense system.
This aircraft carrier is powered by combined gas turbine and gas (COGAG) propulsion. It is fitted with four General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, developing 22 000 hp each, locally built by FiatAvio under license. Gas turbines drive two 5-blade shafts. Maximum speed is over 28 knots. This ship has a range of 7 000 nautical mines (13 000 km) at 16 knots. There is one interesting detail that Cavour consumes 3 t of diesel per hour at cruising speed and 25 t at full speed.
Name | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned | Status
Cavour (550) | 2001 | 2004 | 2008 | active, in service
Light aircraft carrier
The Cavour light aircraft carrier is a new flagship of the Italian Navy
- Entered service 2008
- Crew 451 men
- Aircrew 203 men
- C4I staff 140 men
- Marines 325 men
- Sea endurance 18 days
- Dimensions and displacement
- Length 244 m
- Beam 39 m
- Draught 8.7 m
- Flight deck length 232.6 m
- Flight deck width 34.5 m
- Hangar deck length 134 m
- Displacement, standard 22 290 tons
- Displacement, full load 27 100 tons
- Propulsion and speed
- Speed over 28 knots
- Gas turbines 4 x LM2500, developing 88 000 hp
- Diesel generators 6 x ?, developing 13 200 kW
- Aircraft
- Fixed wing AV-8B Harrier II Plus
- Helicopters EH-101, NH-90, SH-3D
- Armament
- Missiles 2 x A43 Sylver VLS for 32 Aster-15 surface-to-air missiles
- Artillery 2 x Oto Melara 76-mm Super Rapid guns, 3 x Oerlikon Contraves KBA 25-mm anti-aircraft guns
The Cavour light aircraft carrier, which was originally to be called the Andrea Doria, is a new flagship of the Italian Navy. It was designed to operate V/STOL aircraft, helicopters and serve as a command center. The Cavour can also transport military personnel and vehicles.
The Cavour was laid down in 2001 and launched in 2004. Sea trials began in 2006 and ship was commissioned in 2008. This new Italian maritime force projection ship reached full operational capability in 2009. The Cavour joined a smaller Giuseppe Garibaldi aircraft carrier in service with the Italian Navy.
Typical air group is a mix of 20-24 V/STOL aircraft and helicopters. This aircraft carrier operates Boeing AV-8B Harrier II Plus V/STOL aircraft. In the future these will be replaced with the Lockheed Martin F-35B as soon as it becomes available. This aircraft carrier will also operate utility, anti-submarine and airborne surveillance helicopters includingEH-101, NH-90 and SH-3D. The Cavour can also accommodate heavy transport helicopters.
The runway for take off length is 183 m. The Cavour is fitted with a sky-jump ramp. A flight deck can accommodate 10-12 aircraft, 6 helicopters plus a dedicated SAR helicopter. This vessel allows flight operations up to the sea state 6.
Command center of the Cavour will has over 150 workstations for 230 people, that will manage naval, air and amphibious operations of the Italian Navy.
Hangar is 134 x 21 x 7.2 m and is connected to the flight deck by two elevators. There are also four smaller elevators for for ammunition and service purposes. The hangar can officially accommodate 12 helicopters or 8 aircraft. It can also accomodate up to 24 main battle tanks or 50 amphibious assault vehicles. This ship also provides accommodation for San Marco regiment of 325 marines adding amphibious assault capacity. Vessel can be also used to support peacekeeping operations and humanitarian missions.
The Cavour aircraft carrier is armed with two eight-cell vertical launch systems for 32 Aster-15 surface-to-air missiles. The Aster-15 has a range of 30 km. Other weapons include two OTO Melara 76-mm Super Rapid guns ans three Oerlikon Contraves KBA 25-mm anti-aircraft guns. Countermeasures of this aircraft carrier include two 20-barrel decoy launchers and anti-torpedo defense system.
This aircraft carrier is powered by combined gas turbine and gas (COGAG) propulsion. It is fitted with four General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, developing 22 000 hp each, locally built by FiatAvio under license. Gas turbines drive two 5-blade shafts. Maximum speed is over 28 knots. This ship has a range of 7 000 nautical mines (13 000 km) at 16 knots. There is one interesting detail that Cavour consumes 3 t of diesel per hour at cruising speed and 25 t at full speed.
Name | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned | Status
Cavour (550) | 2001 | 2004 | 2008 | active, in service
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Giuseppe Garibaldi
Light aircraft carrier
The Giuseppe Garibaldi light aircraft carrier was designed to provide ASW support for naval task force
Designed as a gas turbine-powered helicopter carrier, the Giuseppe Garibaldi incorporates features suiting it for the carriage and operation of V/STOL fighters. The ship is named after Italian General Giuseppe Garibaldi.
The Garibaldi was designed specifically to provide ASW support for naval task forces and merchant convoys, and as such is fitted with full flagship facilities plus command, control and communication systems for both naval and air force operations. In emergencies it can also carry up to 600 troops for short periods. The extensive weaponry fitted also allows it to operate as an independent surface unit. The carrier carries a bow-mounted active search sonar. To permit helicopter operations in heavy weather the vessel has been fitted out with two pairs of fin stabilizers, and the aircraft maintenance facilities are sufficient not only to service the ship's own air group but also the light ASW helicopters of any escorting warships.
Commissioned in September 1985, the Garibaldi originally operated solely as an assault carrier with SH-3s and AB 212s embarked. After the Italian navy was given political clearance to operate fixed-winged types, AV-8Bs were acquired, although these have only been routinely embarked since December 1994. Under modernization, the Teseo Mk 2 SSM launchers are to be removed and replaced with SATCOM domes, and Aster 15 missiles will eventually replace Aspide.
The flight deck is 173.8 m (570 ft 2 in) long and 21 m (68 ft 11 in) wide, and is fitted with a 6.5° ski-jump ramp. The hangar is 110 m (360 ft 11 in) long, 15 m (49 ft 3 in wide and 6 m (19 ft 8 in) high, and is built to accommodate 12 SH-3D or EH 101 ASW helicopters, or 10 AV-8B aircraft and one SH-3D, although the available height permits the embarkation of CH-47C helicopters if required. A maximum air wing comprising 18 helicopters (six on deck) or 16 AV-8Bs can be embarked. Two aircraft lifts are fitted (one forward and one abaft the island), and there are six marked flight deck spaces for helicopter operations.
Name | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned | Status
Giuseppe Garibaldi (551) 1981 | 1983 | 1985 | active, in service
Light aircraft carrier
The Giuseppe Garibaldi light aircraft carrier was designed to provide ASW support for naval task force
- Entered service 1985
- Crew 550 men
- Aircrew ~ 275 men
- Marines up to 600 men
- Dimensions and displacement
- Length 179 m
- Beam 30.4 m
- Draught 6.7 m
- Flight deck length 173.8 m
- Flight deck width 21 m
- Hangar deck length 110 m
- Displacement, standard 10 100 tons
- Displacement, full load 13 139 tons
- Propulsion and speed
- Speed 30 knots
- Gas turbines 4 x 80 000 hp
- Aircraft
- STOL and Helicopters 12 - 18 helicopters or 16 AV-8B Harrier II or combination
- Armament
- Missiles 8 x OTO Melara Teseo Mk2 SSM launchers, 2 x octuple Albatros launcher for Aspide SAM (48 missiles)
- Torpedoes 2 x tripple 324-mm torpedo tubes for ASW torpedoes
- Guns 3 x twin 40-mm Breda guns
Designed as a gas turbine-powered helicopter carrier, the Giuseppe Garibaldi incorporates features suiting it for the carriage and operation of V/STOL fighters. The ship is named after Italian General Giuseppe Garibaldi.
The Garibaldi was designed specifically to provide ASW support for naval task forces and merchant convoys, and as such is fitted with full flagship facilities plus command, control and communication systems for both naval and air force operations. In emergencies it can also carry up to 600 troops for short periods. The extensive weaponry fitted also allows it to operate as an independent surface unit. The carrier carries a bow-mounted active search sonar. To permit helicopter operations in heavy weather the vessel has been fitted out with two pairs of fin stabilizers, and the aircraft maintenance facilities are sufficient not only to service the ship's own air group but also the light ASW helicopters of any escorting warships.
Commissioned in September 1985, the Garibaldi originally operated solely as an assault carrier with SH-3s and AB 212s embarked. After the Italian navy was given political clearance to operate fixed-winged types, AV-8Bs were acquired, although these have only been routinely embarked since December 1994. Under modernization, the Teseo Mk 2 SSM launchers are to be removed and replaced with SATCOM domes, and Aster 15 missiles will eventually replace Aspide.
The flight deck is 173.8 m (570 ft 2 in) long and 21 m (68 ft 11 in) wide, and is fitted with a 6.5° ski-jump ramp. The hangar is 110 m (360 ft 11 in) long, 15 m (49 ft 3 in wide and 6 m (19 ft 8 in) high, and is built to accommodate 12 SH-3D or EH 101 ASW helicopters, or 10 AV-8B aircraft and one SH-3D, although the available height permits the embarkation of CH-47C helicopters if required. A maximum air wing comprising 18 helicopters (six on deck) or 16 AV-8Bs can be embarked. Two aircraft lifts are fitted (one forward and one abaft the island), and there are six marked flight deck spaces for helicopter operations.
Name | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned | Status
Giuseppe Garibaldi (551) 1981 | 1983 | 1985 | active, in service
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Kuznetsov class
Heavy aviation cruiser
The Kuznetsov is primarily an ASW platform, but also has a considerable counter-air capability
The Kiev class could never be considered true aircraft carriers. From the 1960s onwards, the rapidly expanding Soviet Navy began to see its lack of such a vessel to be a handicap, especially to a navy looking to spread its influence around the world.
Several abortive projects were started, including the 1973 design for a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier of 85 000 tons which would be capable of accommodating 60 to 70 aircraft. In the early 1980s, two less ambitious projects began to make serious progress, the Project 1143.5 which was to become the Kuznetsov and the 75 000-ton Project 1143.7 which, had it been built, would have been the Ulyanovsk. This nuclear-powered ship with twin catapults was proposed to carry the upgraded Su-27KM and Yak-44 AEW/ASW fixed-wing aircraft within its complement of 60-70 aircraft.
Initially, Western analysts anticipated that the ships would have a combined nuclear and steam (CONAS) propulsion plant similar to the Kirov battle cruiser and the SSV-33support/command ship. However the class was in fact conventionally propelled with oil-fired boilers.
Although superficially similar to American carriers, the 60 000-ton Soviet aircraft carrier was always intended to be subordinate to missile submarines operating in their bastions in the Arctic. It is capable of engaging surface, subsurface and airborne targets. The lack of catapults precludes launching aircraft with heavy strike loads, and the air superiority orientation of the air wing is apparent.
The flight deck area is 14 700 m² (158 235 sq ft) and aircraft take-off is assisted by a bow ski-jump angled at 12 degrees in lieu of steam catapults. The flight deck is equipped with arrester wires. Two starboard lifts carry the aircraft from the hangar to the flight deck. The ship was designed to operate Su-27K, MiG-29K, Yak-41 (and later the heavier and more capable Yak-43) supersonic STOVL fighters, but the only fixed wing aircraft regularly taken to sea have been the Su-27K (Su-33) and Su-25UTH, the latter being used as an unarmed trainer.
The first unit was originally named Riga. The name was changed to Leonid Brezhnev and then to Tbilisi before settling in October 1990 on Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Kuznetsov, normally being shortened to Admiral Kuznetsov.
Construction of a sister ship (Project 1143.6, initially named Riga and later Varyag, the second of the class, started in December 1985 at Nikolayev, and the ship was launched in November 1988. Late in 1991 the Russian Defense Ministry stopped financing the carrier, and handed the hulk over to Ukraine. In 1998, the sale of the Varyag was announced to a Macau-based entertainment company. The unfinished hull was to be towed to the Far East where it would be converted into an entertainment complex and casino. Though this company appeared to be a front for the Chinese Navy. In China Varyag was restored and refitted. This aircraft carrier entered service with the Chinese navy in 2012 as the Liaoning. It was one of the most ambitious Chinese naval programmes. Currently Lianoning represents a significant shift in the balance of naval power in the area.
Name | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned | Status
Admiral Kuznetsov 1983 | 1985 | 1991 | active, in service
Liaoning (ex-Varyag) 1985 | 1988 | 2012 | active with Chinese navy
Heavy aviation cruiser
The Kuznetsov is primarily an ASW platform, but also has a considerable counter-air capability
- Entered service 1991
- Crew 1 960 men
- Aircrew 626 men
- Flag staff 40 men
- Dimensions and displacement
- Length 304.5 m
- Beam 67 m
- Draught 11 m
- Hangar deck length 183 m
- Displacement, standard 46 600 tons
- Displacement, full load 59 400 tons
- Propulsion and speed
- Speed 29 knots
- Boilers 8
- Turbines 4 x 37.3 MW
- Aircraft
- Fixed wing 12 x Sukhoi Su-27K (Su-33)
- 1 x Sukhoi Su-25UTG/UBP
- Helicopters 2 x Ka-27S
- 4 x Kamov Ka-27LD32
- 18 x Ka-27PLO
- Armament
- Missiles 12 x VLS for SS-N-19 'Shipwreck' SSMs, 24 x SA-N-9 'Gauntlet' eight-round vertical SAM launchers with 192 missiles, 8 x combined gun/missile systems with eight twin 30-mm Gatling guns and SA-N-11 'Grison' missiles.
- Other 2 x RPK-5 (UDAV-1) ASW rocket systems with 60 rockets
The Kiev class could never be considered true aircraft carriers. From the 1960s onwards, the rapidly expanding Soviet Navy began to see its lack of such a vessel to be a handicap, especially to a navy looking to spread its influence around the world.
Several abortive projects were started, including the 1973 design for a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier of 85 000 tons which would be capable of accommodating 60 to 70 aircraft. In the early 1980s, two less ambitious projects began to make serious progress, the Project 1143.5 which was to become the Kuznetsov and the 75 000-ton Project 1143.7 which, had it been built, would have been the Ulyanovsk. This nuclear-powered ship with twin catapults was proposed to carry the upgraded Su-27KM and Yak-44 AEW/ASW fixed-wing aircraft within its complement of 60-70 aircraft.
Initially, Western analysts anticipated that the ships would have a combined nuclear and steam (CONAS) propulsion plant similar to the Kirov battle cruiser and the SSV-33support/command ship. However the class was in fact conventionally propelled with oil-fired boilers.
Although superficially similar to American carriers, the 60 000-ton Soviet aircraft carrier was always intended to be subordinate to missile submarines operating in their bastions in the Arctic. It is capable of engaging surface, subsurface and airborne targets. The lack of catapults precludes launching aircraft with heavy strike loads, and the air superiority orientation of the air wing is apparent.
The flight deck area is 14 700 m² (158 235 sq ft) and aircraft take-off is assisted by a bow ski-jump angled at 12 degrees in lieu of steam catapults. The flight deck is equipped with arrester wires. Two starboard lifts carry the aircraft from the hangar to the flight deck. The ship was designed to operate Su-27K, MiG-29K, Yak-41 (and later the heavier and more capable Yak-43) supersonic STOVL fighters, but the only fixed wing aircraft regularly taken to sea have been the Su-27K (Su-33) and Su-25UTH, the latter being used as an unarmed trainer.
The first unit was originally named Riga. The name was changed to Leonid Brezhnev and then to Tbilisi before settling in October 1990 on Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Kuznetsov, normally being shortened to Admiral Kuznetsov.
Construction of a sister ship (Project 1143.6, initially named Riga and later Varyag, the second of the class, started in December 1985 at Nikolayev, and the ship was launched in November 1988. Late in 1991 the Russian Defense Ministry stopped financing the carrier, and handed the hulk over to Ukraine. In 1998, the sale of the Varyag was announced to a Macau-based entertainment company. The unfinished hull was to be towed to the Far East where it would be converted into an entertainment complex and casino. Though this company appeared to be a front for the Chinese Navy. In China Varyag was restored and refitted. This aircraft carrier entered service with the Chinese navy in 2012 as the Liaoning. It was one of the most ambitious Chinese naval programmes. Currently Lianoning represents a significant shift in the balance of naval power in the area.
Name | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned | Status
Admiral Kuznetsov 1983 | 1985 | 1991 | active, in service
Liaoning (ex-Varyag) 1985 | 1988 | 2012 | active with Chinese navy
Gasoline
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Verrrrrry awesome topic,thanks man.
After your permission , let me participate with you .
USS Gerald R. Ford
Namesake: Gerald R. Ford
Awarded: 10 September 2008
Builder: Huntington Ingalls Industries
Cost: $12.8 billion + $4.7 billion R&D (estimated)[1][2]
Laid down: 13 November 2009[3]
Launched: 9 November 2013
Sponsored by: Susan Ford[4]
Christened: 9 November 2013[5]
Commissioned: March 2016 (planned)[6]
Status: Launched
Badge:
General characteristics :
Class and type:Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier
Displacement: Approximately 100,000 long tons (110,000 short tons; 100,000 tonnes) (full load)[7]
Length: 1,106 ft (337 m)
Beam: 256 ft (78 m)
Height: nearly 250 ft (76 m)
Decks: 25
Installed power: Two A1B nuclear reactors
Propulsion: Four shafts
Speed: In excess of 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Range: Unlimited distance; 20-25 years
Complement: 4,660
Armament: RIM-162 ESSM
RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile
Close-in weapon system (CIWS)
Aircraft carried: More than 75
Aviation facilities: 1,092 ft × 256 ft (333 m × 78 m) flight deck
After your permission , let me participate with you .
USS Gerald R. Ford
Namesake: Gerald R. Ford
Awarded: 10 September 2008
Builder: Huntington Ingalls Industries
Cost: $12.8 billion + $4.7 billion R&D (estimated)[1][2]
Laid down: 13 November 2009[3]
Launched: 9 November 2013
Sponsored by: Susan Ford[4]
Christened: 9 November 2013[5]
Commissioned: March 2016 (planned)[6]
Status: Launched
Badge:
General characteristics :
Class and type:Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier
Displacement: Approximately 100,000 long tons (110,000 short tons; 100,000 tonnes) (full load)[7]
Length: 1,106 ft (337 m)
Beam: 256 ft (78 m)
Height: nearly 250 ft (76 m)
Decks: 25
Installed power: Two A1B nuclear reactors
Propulsion: Four shafts
Speed: In excess of 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Range: Unlimited distance; 20-25 years
Complement: 4,660
Armament: RIM-162 ESSM
RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile
Close-in weapon system (CIWS)
Aircraft carried: More than 75
Aviation facilities: 1,092 ft × 256 ft (333 m × 78 m) flight deck
UAE
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Chakri Naruebet
Light aircraft carrier
The Chakri Naruebet is regarded as the most expensive royal yacht afloat
The Chakri Naruebet (The Great of the Chakri Dynasty) is the newest and most powerful warship of the Royal Thai Navy, which otherwise comprises a dozen frigates and a similar number of corvettes and fast attack craft plus amphibious forces. The ship is the first aircraft carrier to be operated by a country in Southeast Asia. Built at Ferrol in Spain by the Bazan company, the vessel was laid down on 12 July 1994 and launched on 20 January 1996. Sea trials began in October 1996 and the ship spent the first months of 1997 working up with the Spanish fleet (Chakri Naruebet is very similar to the Spanish Principe de Asturias).
Arriving in Thailand in August 1997 the vessel is in active service with the Third Naval Area command and its home port is Rayong. However, the planned primary anti-aircraft armament (a Mk 41 LCHR 8-cell VLS launcher for Sea Sparrow missiles and four Vulcan Phalanx CIWS mountings) has not been installed, leaving the vessel protected by just Mistral infra-red homing missiles with a maximum range of 4 000 m (4 375 yards). The Chakri Naruebet makes few operational sorties, and when it does put to sea it is usually to carry members of the Thai Royal family. The vessel is therefore to be regarded less as a V/STOL amphibious warfare capable carrier and more as the most expensive royal yacht afloat.
Name Laid down Launched Commissioned Status
Chakri Naruebet 1994 1996 1997active, in service
Light aircraft carrier
The Chakri Naruebet is regarded as the most expensive royal yacht afloat
- Entered service 1997
- Crew 455 men
- Aircrew 146 men
- Marines 175 men
- Dimensions and displacement
- Length 182.6 m
- Beam 21.9 m
- Draught 6.21 m
- Displacement, standard 10 000 tons
- Displacement, full load 11 485 tons
- Propulsion and speed
- Speed 26 knots
- Gas turbines 2 x 44 240 hp
- Diesel engines 2 x 11 780 hp
- Aircraft
- VTOL 6 x AV-8S Matador
- Helicopters 6 x S-70B Seahawk, S-76 Sea King or Chinook
- Armament
- Missiles 2 x Mistral SAM launchers
- Other 2 x 12.7-mm machine guns
The Chakri Naruebet (The Great of the Chakri Dynasty) is the newest and most powerful warship of the Royal Thai Navy, which otherwise comprises a dozen frigates and a similar number of corvettes and fast attack craft plus amphibious forces. The ship is the first aircraft carrier to be operated by a country in Southeast Asia. Built at Ferrol in Spain by the Bazan company, the vessel was laid down on 12 July 1994 and launched on 20 January 1996. Sea trials began in October 1996 and the ship spent the first months of 1997 working up with the Spanish fleet (Chakri Naruebet is very similar to the Spanish Principe de Asturias).
Arriving in Thailand in August 1997 the vessel is in active service with the Third Naval Area command and its home port is Rayong. However, the planned primary anti-aircraft armament (a Mk 41 LCHR 8-cell VLS launcher for Sea Sparrow missiles and four Vulcan Phalanx CIWS mountings) has not been installed, leaving the vessel protected by just Mistral infra-red homing missiles with a maximum range of 4 000 m (4 375 yards). The Chakri Naruebet makes few operational sorties, and when it does put to sea it is usually to carry members of the Thai Royal family. The vessel is therefore to be regarded less as a V/STOL amphibious warfare capable carrier and more as the most expensive royal yacht afloat.
Name Laid down Launched Commissioned Status
Chakri Naruebet 1994 1996 1997active, in service
Corzhens
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Whew, I was awed with the photos of aircraft carriers. I can imagine that it may be like riding a moving city. With the vast space of the aircraft carrier, cruise ships are no match in terms of linear area. And to think that it's not only the size but also the modernity of those aircraft carrier. Such wonderful creations.... only to be used in war.
Waynefire
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Legend, I always enjoy your articles like this! They are a great addition to the site and one that I really like to read and see. I used to love warships of all shapes and sizes, still do actually, but never have time to really look at them.
