The new Russian aircraft carrier - the Storm project: details. The new Russian aircraft carrier will be a hybrid
The project of a promising aircraft carrier provides for the presence of a springboard and ejection launch of aircraft. The aircraft carrier is provided with lifts for both vertical and swing-type aircraft, which significantly saves the space they occupy on the ship.
A promising aircraft carrier so far exists only in the form of models. Some of them are undergoing a cycle of "marine" tests in the numerous pools of the Krylov Center, simulating the "floating" of the future ship in various climatic, weather conditions, seas and oceans of the planet.
Another model gives a visual idea of what the ship of the future will actually be like.
The first thing that catches your eye is the deck of the future aircraft carrier, which is practically “bare” compared to previous projects of aircraft carrier cruisers.
Instead of a massive "island" superstructure - control towers. This not only saves space on the deck, but should also reduce the radio visibility of the ship at sea.
The deck itself also has differences: it has two springboards - a large one and a smaller one, and, accordingly, two take-off directions. Aircraft and helicopters are fixed at the stern and bow of the aircraft carrier - at least five different types. There are clearly more of them than there are on the deck of the only aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov in service with the Russian Navy or the Vikramaditya aircraft carrier converted for the Indian Navy.
According to the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Admiral Viktor Chirkov, the main requirement for developers is that this ship must have broad capabilities "both in terms of the use of carrier-based aviation and in terms of combat effectiveness of actions as part of heterogeneous forces."
According to preliminary data, the length of the Storm will be 330 meters, width - 40, draft - 11, speed - up to 30 knots. The laying of the aircraft carrier is planned for 2025 in Severodvinsk, since Sevmash is the only enterprise in Russia with experience in building ships of this class.
The Shtorma nuclear reactor will be tested on a promising destroyer of the Leader type, and in Zhukovsky near Moscow they are already testing an electromagnetic catapult to disperse aircraft.
The layout shows models of aircraft that are planned to be placed on the aircraft carrier: carrier-based fighters T-50, MiG-29K / KUB, AWACS aircraft Yak-44E and anti-submarine helicopters Ka-32.
The concept of a new multifunctional aircraft carrier developed at the Krylov Research Center, according to the head of the author's group Valentin Belonenko, provides for the placement of up to 100 aircraft on board.
It is noted that the dimensions of the Russian ship correspond to the American aircraft carriers of the Nimitz type, the largest ships in the world at the moment.
On such an aircraft carrier, Valentin Belonenko made it clear, it is possible to take off planes and helicopters of the latest generation even in a storm using springboards and a catapult.
The fact that it is planned to place missile and electronic weapons on the ship is one of its main features.
The fact is that in the Soviet and Russian shipbuilding industry they still have not decided which class to include domestic aircraft carriers in.
It is reported that the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft-carrying cruiser is armed with 48 Su-27K (Su-33) fighters and Su-25K attack aircraft, 12 Ka-27 helicopters.
At the same time, under the flight deck of the cruiser, unlike similar Western ships, there are 12 launchers supersonic percussion cruise missiles long range"Granite" capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
The cruiser also has four complexes air defense near zone "Dagger" - a total of 192 missiles, 8 installations of the Kortik air defense missile and artillery system and 6 rapid-fire (up to 1000 rounds per minute) six-barreled AK-630 artillery machine guns.
There is no such set of weapons on any ship in the world.
It is precisely because of this diversity in armament that the Kuznetsov is not considered a classic aircraft carrier. However, according to military experts, it is this arrangement of cruising weapons that makes the Admiral Kuznetsov the most versatile naval weapon. Such a ship is equally suitable for participation both in a general nuclear or non-nuclear war, and in local conflicts.
Nevertheless, according to the former deputy commander-in-chief of the Navy, Igor Kasatonov, “An aircraft carrier will never be alone at sea, it will always be guarded by escort ships. It is they who will be tasked with repelling an air attack or countering enemy submarines, so an aircraft carrier should be precisely an airfield , not a cruiser."
So far, two versions are being developed. promising aircraft carrier: with a nuclear power plant and non-nuclear. If it has a nuclear power plant, then the displacement of the ship will be 80-85 thousand tons and it will be able to carry up to 70 aircraft. If it is non-nuclear, then 55-65 thousand tons and up to 55 aircraft.
In a non-nuclear version, the ship may be intended for export. In the atomic - for Russian fleet.
Currently, a program of deep modernization of heavy nuclear cruisers of project 1144 of the Orlan type is being implemented. The Russian Navy has four such ships: Admiral Nakhimov, Admiral Lazarev, Admiral Ushakov and Peter the Great.
These ships were specially created for the protection and escort of aircraft-carrying cruisers in order to conduct fighting both against surface, underwater and air targets.
For interaction as part of a grouping of such ships in the USSR, the nuclear aircraft carrier Ulyanovsk was specially built, but they did not have time to complete its construction, and the ship was put into scrap metal.
However, the decision to repair and modernize the Orlans shows that the idea of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier fleet has not been forgotten in Russia.
The lead cruiser 1144 of the Admiral Nakhimov project is already at the shipyard in Severodvinsk, awaiting the start of work. According to plans, in 2018 the cruiser Peter the Great will also go there. It is possible that by this time a final decision will be made on the start of construction of a new aircraft carrier. A floating dock worth about $500 million is being built in Severodvinsk, capable of building ships with a displacement of more than 100,000 tons: tankers, bulk carriers and aircraft carriers.
In 2016, it is planned to complete the naval aviation with MiG-29K aircraft, which will form the basis for the formation of a new aviation military unit consisting of Northern Fleet. All this suggests that the fleet is preparing for the arrival of new aircraft carriers.
Now the only Russian aircraft carrier is the aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov - in 2016 it will receive a regiment of MiG-29K fighters. In addition to the air group, the cruiser is armed with Granit cruise missiles and several types of air defense missile and cannon systems.
In January, it was reported that construction of a new universal landing ship would begin in 2018, and a nuclear-powered aircraft-carrying cruiser was expected to appear in 2030.
The state armament program until 2020 does not involve the construction of an aircraft carrier. Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Navy for armaments Viktor Bursuk said that the new Russian aircraft carrier would become part of the Navy after 2030.
Project 23000E "Storm" is a promising Russian multi-purpose heavy aircraft carrier designed to perform tasks in the far ocean zone using its own weapons and aircraft of the onboard aviation group.
The Russian Navy is planned to be strengthened by the new multi-purpose heavy nuclear aircraft carrier (MTAA) "Storm". The design of this unique ship was carried out by the Krylov State Research Center.
With it, the Russian fleet will be able to deploy a mobile base for a large air group in the most remote parts of the oceans.
Thanks to its ice class, the Storm is capable of performing combat missions not only in warm seas, but also in the strategically important, but still poorly developed Arctic region, where up to 25% of the world's hydrocarbon reserves lie. The aircraft carrier will be able to accommodate up to 90 aircraft for various purposes, including the latest fighters, helicopters and radar reconnaissance aircraft.
It is planned that the Project 23000E Shtorm ship will be able to hit ground and sea targets, provide air defense with airborne air defense systems and air group assets, provide air defense for ship groups, and support landings. The aircraft carrier, in addition, will defend the strategic interests of Russia in the Arctic in difficult conditions Northern Arctic Ocean. The aircraft carriers of the project will receive an ice class, will be adapted to work in high latitudes and will be able to perform the assigned tasks with sea waves up to six or seven points.
The development of the project of a multifunctional nuclear aircraft carrier was carried out by the State Unitary Enterprise "Krylov State Research Center". The project received the index 23000E and the name "Storm". The displacement of the prospective ship will be about 100 thousand tons, length 330 meters, width at the waterline 40 m, draft 11 m. The aircraft carrier will reach speeds of up to 30 knots.
According to the director of the KGNTs Valery Polyakov, the ship is designed to perform various tasks in the far ocean zone, will be able to strike enemy ground and sea targets with the help of its own weapons and aircraft of the onboard aviation group, in addition, it will be able to provide air defense with onboard air defense systems and means air groups, to ensure the combat stability and air defense of ship groups, as well as to support the landing.
It is planned that the aircraft carrier, among other things, will defend Russia's strategic interests in the Arctic.
The geometry of the ship's hull was optimized in such a way that water resistance is reduced by 20%, which will significantly save the ship's energy and make it possible to increase speed. The initial project assumed the use of a boiler-turbine system running on hydrocarbon fuel (fuel oil) as the main power plant (MPP).
However, in 2016 it was decided to replace it with a nuclear power plant. Flight deck mixed type has four starting positions. Two planes will be able to take off from a springboard, two - with the help of an electromagnetic catapult. Landing on the deck will be carried out in the traditional way with the help of an arrester, for which the planes cling to the cables with a special hook - hook.
The ship will receive two add-ons - "islands", which will house the command bridge, observation posts, electronic equipment and communications equipment.
A mixed air group of 80-90 aircraft will be able to be based on the new aircraft carrier: MiG-29KUKUB and T-50 carrier-based fighters, AWACS and command and control aircraft, and Ka-27 multi-purpose helicopters. These aircraft will be used to attack enemy ground targets, for anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare, and to provide air defense. Air defense of the aircraft carrier will be provided by four anti-aircraft combat modules.
It is planned to develop a special ship version of the S-500 anti-aircraft missile systems, which will be able to detect aerodynamic and ballistic targets at a distance of up to 800 km and hit objects flying at speeds up to 7000 m/s. Anti-torpedo defense systems will also be placed on the new aircraft carrier.
Part radio electronic equipment will include multifunctional radars with an active phased antenna array (AFAR), an electronic warfare system and modern facilities connections.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES OF AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
The length of the water coast of Russia is about 60 thousand km. The total area of the sea area falling under the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation is 7 million square meters. km. The length of the maritime boundaries of the coast of the Arctic Ocean is 19,724 km, and the coast of the Pacific Ocean is 16,998 km. In the event of war, hostilities in the polar regions and Far East will be carried out mostly at sea.
Therefore, the presence of Russian aircraft carriers in these regions will allow Russia to limit the number of air bases to ensure patrols and control of the maritime border. The new aircraft carriers will also allow Russia to significantly increase its military presence in the oceans. It should be taken into account that, in addition to the United States, China is also actively developing the fleet, which has already adopted its first aircraft-carrying cruiser Liaoning (former Varyag pr. 143.6). Already by 2020, China plans to form its first two aircraft carrier strike groups (AUG).
On the other hand, the construction of aircraft carriers will require enormous financial investments. We must not forget that in addition to the cost of the aircraft carrier itself - $4-5 billion, the operation of ships of this class will require the construction of an entire infrastructure of various escort ships. And this increases costs tenfold. With modern economic instability and a budget deficit, Russia will not be able to afford multibillion-dollar spending even on the creation of one AUG.
PERFORMANCE AND TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER PR. 23000E "STORM"
Displacement, t:
full: approx. 100,000
Dimensions, m:
length (maximum): 330
width (at the waterline): 40
draft: 11
GEM: the preliminary project provides for both gas turbine and nuclear options
Travel speed, knots: 30
Armament: integrated combat control system at the operational-tactical level; SAM - 4 modules; anti-torpedo protection - 2 launchers
Aviation group: 90 aircraft: MiG-29K, T-50 carrier-based fighters, early warning aircraft; and multi-purpose helicopters Ka-27
Crew, people: 4000-5000
The aircraft carrier's flight deck will have four launch positions, it will be equipped with two traditional springboards (ramps) and two electromagnetic catapults. The landing of aircraft will be provided by one arrester
Ammunition
Ammunition of cruise missiles and air bombs - 3000 units
Likely shipyards for construction
In April 2016, it was announced the possibility of building a promising aircraft carrier at one of the shipyards in St. Petersburg - at the Baltic Shipyard or Severnaya Verf
Story.
For the first time scale model multi-purpose aircraft carrier (AVM) was demonstrated to specialists in closed mode at the International Naval Show in St. Petersburg in July 2013, and was shown to the general public at the Army-2015 International Military-Technical Forum, held in the city of Kubinka, Moscow Region in June 2015.
General specifications aircraft carrier project "Storm" E (Storm 23000E - an export version of the AVM conceptual design for the Russian Navy), the development of which took place at the KGNTs under the code "Logovo", were published in foreign media in May on
The construction of the first aircraft carrier is expected no earlier than in 2025-2030. The estimated cost will be 350 billion rubles.
In May 2016, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said that a contract for the construction of a promising aircraft carrier could be concluded by the end of 2025.
In June 2016, it was stated that the construction of an aircraft carrier could take 8-9 years.
It is assumed that the technical design of the aircraft carrier will begin in 2017-2018. The start of the main design phase is planned for 2020.
In November 2016, it was proposed to name the lead aircraft carrier of the series "Marshal Soviet Union Zhukov".
In the distant future Navy Russia can get an aircraft carrier built according to a completely new project. Specific plans in this regard have not yet been formed, and the project for construction has not yet been selected. However, this does not prevent domestic and foreign experts from discussing interesting topic and make different predictions. An interesting analysis of the situation and prospects of the Russian aircraft carrier program was presented by the English-language online publication Military Watch.
On April 7, the publication published the first part of a major article “Russia's SHTORM Concept Design a Worthwhile Investment? How Moscow Would Deploy its Supercarrier” (“Russian Storm Project: profitable investment? How Moscow will build its super-aircraft carrier. It dealt with past and present events. On May 4, the second part of the publication appeared, the topic of which was the expected events of the foreseeable future and the prospects for a new Russian project.
Supercarrier "Ulyanovsk"
At the beginning of the first publication, Military Watch recalls recent news. Earlier, the Russian military pointed to the possibility of building a new aircraft carrier under a project from the Krylov State Research Center. As a result of the implementation of such plans, Russia will become the only country in the world, except for the United States, capable of building and operating such large ships. The proposed project is said to be similar to a modernized version of the Ulyanovsk aircraft carrier, which was built in the late eighties.
The publication recalls that in connection with the collapse of the USSR, the construction of Ulyanovsk was stopped, and the finished structures were later cut into metal. The unfinished ship could become the first aircraft carrier in the Soviet Union / Russia capable of operating in the ocean zone. Besides, it was only the second soviet project an aircraft carrier, on board of which aircraft without vertical takeoff and landing could be based. The first project of this kind led to the admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Kuznetsov.
Currently, the Russian Navy has only one aircraft carrier. The Admiral Kuznetsov has a displacement of less than 55 thousand tons and, according to Military Watch, is poorly suited for combat work in the oceans. In terms of its combat capabilities, it is noticeably inferior to the American ships of the Nimitz and Gerald R. Ford projects. American aircraft carriers carry almost twice as many aircraft and are capable of launching them about once a minute, while the Kuznetsov can provide one takeoff every four minutes.
Nimitz-class supercarrier
Another advantage of American ships lies in the presence of steam and electromagnetic catapults, which increases the allowable takeoff weight of carrier-based aircraft. Due to this, fighter-bombers can carry more fuel and, in addition, the operation of the E-2 Hawkeye early warning aircraft is ensured. Russian carrier-based aviation has no analogues of the latter.
The only advantage of "Admiral Kuznetsov" over the American aircraft carriers, the publication considers excellent anti-aircraft and anti-ship weapons. Due to this, the aircraft carrier is less dependent on accompanying ships. In addition, there may be advantages in the performance and capabilities of carrier-based aircraft. However, as Military Watch notes, this is a merit of the aviation industry, but not shipbuilding or the aircraft carrier itself.
A Russian aircraft carrier was operating off the coast of Syria not so long ago, but lost two of its aircraft in accidents. American Nimitz-class ships, in turn, proved to be more effective in projecting power in similar operations. However, the new Russian concept project "Storm" provides for obtaining similar capabilities. It combines character traits older ships of the Nimitz project and the latest Gerald R. Ford. The Russian aircraft carrier of the future will receive electromagnetic catapults, which will improve the basic characteristics of aircraft. A deck measuring 330 by 40 meters and the ability to carry 80-90 aircraft will result in a significant combat potential.
The concept project of the super-carrier "Storm"
The publication recalls that the USSR did not build a powerful aircraft carrier fleet. Moreover, due to the characteristics military doctrine he began the construction of a developed oceanic group quite late. The Soviet navy emphasized missile technology and submarines, and it made sense economically. One aircraft carrier cost as much as a thousand cruise missiles - and even a hundred of these items could be guaranteed to sink an enemy aircraft carrier at a long range. Progress in the field of anti-ship weapons has led to the fact that only one modern rocket capable of destroying a super-aircraft carrier with a displacement of 100,000 tons. Aircraft carriers are still vulnerable to missiles. Unlike them, submarines, being a convenient means of projecting force, are more tenacious.
Aircraft carriers are unlikely to be the main weapon in a major war, but the doctrine of the United States is not without advantages. Ships with aircraft on board symbolize the military power of the country, and in addition, they are a convenient means of fighting opponents with limited capabilities. Near the shores of Russia, China or North Korea- in the reach of coastal missile systems - aircraft carriers are indeed at serious risk. However, they showed themselves well in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Panama, Vietnam, Yugoslavia and in the fight against Middle Eastern terrorists. Finally, aircraft carriers are a convenient means of controlling ocean trade routes away from enemy shores.
Military Watch believes that countries with a large military power should always be ready to collide with each other. At the same time, they should not forget about the possibility of entering into minor conflicts. Last major war with powerful powers was in 1953 and local conflicts happen regularly. As a consequence, opportunities in the context of small wars can be of strategic importance. Russian submarines turn out to be the best way to fight the US Navy and Army, while supercarriers are more convenient to fight terrorists, for example, in the Middle East, as well as to project force in any part of the oceans.
Su-57 - fifth generation air superiority fighters
Russian supercarrier can make friendly visits to ports South-East Asia or visit Latin American countries that have strained relations with the United States. Concluding the first part of its article, Military Watch notes that the political consequences of such actions and their impact on the prestige of the country should not be underestimated.
The second part of the article "Russia's SHTORM Concept Design a Worthwhile Investment? How Moscow Would Deploy its Supercarrier", published a few days ago, is devoted directly to the promising Storm project and related issues in the context of its future service.
At the beginning of the second part, it is noted that the Storm-class aircraft carrier can indeed be very useful, since it will give Russia a number of new capabilities. However, its construction may be associated with some problems that cast doubt on the entire program. First of all, the doubts of foreign authors are related to the cost of the work. An aircraft carrier is expensive in itself, and a large aviation group further increases the cost of construction and operation.
Light carrier-based fighter MiG-29K
As far as we know, in the future Russia does not plan to abandon air superiority fighters, which is a response to the composition of the air groups of foreign ships. At the same time, the new Storm will not have to use Su-33 fighters, which form the basis of the Admiral Kuznetsov aviation. Instead, the ship will receive newer multirole fighters MiG-29K already in service. In addition, the appearance of a carrier-based modification of the fifth generation Su-57 fighter is possible.
A promising aircraft will cost about $100 million, not counting development costs. However, thanks to him, the Storm will become the only aircraft carrier in the world that provides the work of a fifth-generation fighter to gain superiority. As a result, the ship will gain significant advantages over any potential adversaries. Military Watch recalls that the Pentagon planned to create a deck modification of its F-22 fighter, but then abandoned such a project. Thus, the United States will not have an analogue of the Russian carrier-based Su-57.
If Russia really starts building a new aircraft carrier, then the question of its place of service will become relevant. He probably will not be able to join the Black Sea Fleet. Russian ministry defense has repeatedly indicated that this fleet is capable of defeating any enemy forces in the region. In the Black Sea area, enemy ships find themselves in the zone of action of coastal strike systems, and therefore there are almost no tasks left for the aircraft carrier. In addition, the deployment of an aircraft carrier in the Black Sea is hampered by current international agreements.
Chinese J-15 carrier-based air superiority fighter
At the same time, the aircraft carrier can be useful to any of the other three Russian fleets. In their areas, the balance of power looks different, and the aircraft carrier is unlikely to be left without work. Also, the ship can serve at a distance from its base in certain regions.
To fight terrorists in Syria, as well as to reduce the potential of NATO in the region, the Russian fleet has deployed ships in the Mediterranean Sea. However, the Admiral Kuznetsov turned out to be ill-suited to work at such a distance from the base. The promising Storm, in turn, will be able to show its advantages, as well as change the balance of power in the region. As a result, Russia will show its power, and the critical ally in Damascus will receive the necessary support. Russia is strengthening ties with the countries of the Persian Gulf, and in the future this region may also become the target of another aircraft carrier voyage. In this case, the ship will also be a symbol of support for friendly countries.
Military Watch recalls that, according to open data, the Storm project provides for the operation of the ship at extreme temperatures, including in the Arctic. Now the Russian armed forces are building up their grouping in the Arctic and at the same time they are actually competing with the American and Canadian military. This strengthening of army groupings is associated with the desire of several countries to receive uniquely large Natural resources region. The appearance in the Arctic of a new super-aircraft carrier with fifth-generation carrier-based fighters will most seriously change the balance of power. At the same time, American aircraft carriers are unlikely to be able to operate normally in northern latitudes.
Deck version of the F-22 fighter - a project that was never implemented
If the aircraft carrier "Storm" can really influence the situation in the Arctic and gain dominance in airspace region, at the same time it will help Russia to take control of the most important resources. As a result, the aircraft carrier program will fully justify the costs of its implementation.
Military Watch considers the Asia-Pacific region the third place for the possible deployment of the Storm. AT last years almost all new aircraft carriers in the world are sent to military service right there. China is now building its aircraft carrier fleet and sending ships to the seas near its coast, solving defense problems. At the same time, the United States, France and Japan are deploying their ships closer to China to demonstrate their strength and interest in the region.
In July 2017, the UK promised to join such work. Her Defense Minister Michael Fallon said that immediately after the completion of construction and testing, two British aircraft carriers would immediately go to the Asia-Pacific region. Apparently, this promise will be fulfilled in the near future.
Hypothetical carrier-based fighter based on the Su-57
Russia has its own interests in this region, and therefore is increasing its presence. Regularly come to the seas of the region Russian ships, including for participation in joint exercises of the Russian and Chinese navies. Appearing near Southeast Asia, a promising Russian supercarrier could shift the balance of power and reduce the influence of NATO countries or Japan.
The military budget of Russia is gradually being reduced, and the burden on it is growing. At the same time, as Military Watch notes, the promising aircraft carrier of the Storm project is able to change the situation in any of the three regions of strategic importance. The combat and military-political consequences of his service may lead to the fact that the Russian project will be of interest to foreign customers, and this will lead to the construction of ships for export. Thus, India can be considered a potential client of Russian shipbuilders. It has already acquired one aircraft carrier from Russia and is interested in increasing the number of such ships. In addition, the purchase of "Storm" may be beneficial to China, which is interested in copying technologies or design solutions in order to develop own program shipbuilding.
Also, the Chinese military may show interest in a carrier-based modification of the Su-57 fighter. The adoption of such an aircraft will be a major breakthrough in comparison with the J-15 type machines available to the fleet. However, it cannot yet be ruled out that the Chinese industry is developing its own fifth-generation carrier-based fighter. If the "Storm" with carrier-based Su-57s appears in pacific ocean, then the results of such combat service can influence China's further decisions, and the contract for the supply of equipment will allow Russia to at least partially cover the costs of its development.
The second part of a lengthy article from Military Watch ends with very optimistic conclusions. The authors believe that the largest cost of building a new Storm-class supercarrier will have to lead to comparable strategic benefits. First of all, such trends will manifest themselves when the ship is deployed in the Arctic. The export potential of the project will also benefit. As a result, the benefits - both financial and military-political - will more than cover all the costs of development, construction and operation. Thus, the Shtorm aircraft carrier construction program has a high potential and a great future.
Article "Russia's SHTORM Concept Design a Worthwhile Investment? How Moscow Would Deploy its Supercarrier":
Part 1: http://militarywatchmagazine.com/read.php?my_data=70145
Part 2: http://militarywatchmagazine.com/read.php?my_data=70146
Original 07/04/2017, 08:04
Does the fleet need a new super expensive ship?
The design of a new Russian aircraft carrier was included in the state armaments program until 2025. This was stated at the recent International Naval Show in St. Petersburg by Vice Admiral Viktor Bursuk, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy for armaments.
According to him, the appearance of the ship and its characteristics are now being determined. As a possible aircraft carrier project are considered different variants. “The aircraft carrier model has already been presented by the Krylov Center, and other developments are being worked out,” Bursuk said.
Earlier, representatives of the Navy also announced plans to build a new Russian aircraft carrier. In 2012, he served as Commander-in-Chief of the Navy Victor Chirkov said: "Work to determine the appearance of the new aircraft carrier has begun." In 2016 Head of the Shipbuilding Department of the Russian Navy Captain 1st Rank Vladimir Tryapichnikov reported that the Russian fleet could receive a promising aircraft carrier with a nuclear power plant by the end of 2030, and in April 2017 Commander-in-Chief of the Navy Vladimir Korolev promised to expand the Russian aircraft carrier fleet. In its turn, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin noted that the construction of a new Russian aircraft carrier will begin after the necessary shipbuilding infrastructure is created for this.
The Krylov State Research Center demonstrated behind closed doors a preliminary design (23,000E Storm) of a future aircraft carrier for the Russian fleet back in 2013. It's about about a ship with a displacement of about 100 thousand tons with a combined power plant (including nuclear and gas turbine units). “This will allow the ship to quickly leave the point of its location at the speed of a boat, then along the way you can launch a nuclear power plant,” said Valentin Belanenko, head of the department for planning promising projects for surface ships of the Krylov Center.
The proposed air wing is up to 60 aircraft, including up to 40 MiG-29KR aircraft and carrier-based versions of the fifth generation T-50 fighter, as well as AWACS aircraft. According to the project, aircraft from it will be able to take off in two ways - either from a springboard or using a catapult. At the same time, as experts note, shipbuilders will face a huge number of problems in the implementation of the project of a promising aircraft carrier. Starting from where to build a ship with a displacement of 100 thousand tons (and whether it will be necessary to build a new dry dock for this), and ending with the introduction of a catapult, because there is not enough springboard to take off an AWACS aircraft from a ship. And catapults, as you know, never appeared in the Soviet fleet.
Does Russia need a new aircraft carrier or are the vague promises of naval commanders just an attempt year after year to maintain the image of the Navy in the information space against the backdrop of geopolitical confrontation with the West? And most importantly - can the country afford a ship, the cost of which, as a TASS source reported, together "with weapons and aircraft" amount to up to 350 billion rubles?
If 10 aircraft carriers with escort ships suddenly fall on our heads, then hardly anyone would object, but since they simply won’t appear in the fleet, the idea with a new ship is doubtful, - believes Deputy Director of the Institute for Political and Military Analysis Alexander Khramchikhin. - And if he still suddenly will be with a springboard and without a catapult, then this is just a diversion. Building such an obsolete ship in the 2020s means throwing huge money away, and not down the drain, but into the sea ...
A separate story with the air wing. Here, of course, I would like to hear a clear answer from those who are lobbying for the construction of the ship - what kind of aircraft can be based on it? Because to continue the line of shipborne Su-27s (Su-33s) and MiG-29s would be a strange decision. In this case, you can follow the path of Brazil, which in 2000 bought the aircraft carrier Sao Paulo built in 1960 from France and the same old aircraft to it, and is going to buy the British amphibious assault helicopter carrier Ocean to replace it (it was introduced to the fleet in 1998).
A well-repaired Kuznetsov would be quite enough for the Navy in its current state, - believes a researcher at the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, Chief Editor magazine "Arms Export" Andrey Frolov. - If you solve problems with its chassis and power plant, update electronic equipment, cut missile system"Granite", that is, to remake the ship, as was the case with the TAVKR "Admiral Gorshkov", which after the restructuring became part of the Indian Navy, then it will last another 10-15 years. Such work will be quite an expensive pleasure, but it is still possible to carry out them, in contrast to the idea with a new aircraft carrier.
Firstly, there is simply nowhere to build such a ship. Secondly, hundreds of billions will be spent on it, and what will come out of it and when is unclear. The main thing is that it is not very clear why the fleet needs it. Obviously, an aircraft carrier is never superfluous, but, for example, the task of covering our submarines from NATO anti-submarine aviation in the north can be solved in a much cheaper way. In addition, to support amphibious operations, universal amphibious assault ships, which will cost less, are quite enough.
Therefore, the tasks that the new ship will solve are not so obvious, not to mention the fact that it is necessary to create a normal coastal infrastructure for it. If it is made for Kuznetsov (with an eye that it will be used by his replacement) and is limited to TAVKR for the time being, then during this time it is possible to develop a normal project without strain and prepare a shipbuilding base for the new ship.
It is possible that the calculation is being made that its construction, which will certainly be delayed, will begin after 2025-2030, but so far all statements are just informational noise.
Not excluded. But the terms are called different, up to the fact that it should already be built by 2030. At the same time, it is not clear how long the repair and modernization of Kuznetsov, which was supposed to be up against the wall in 2011-2012, will be delayed, and for five years. In addition, experience combat use cruiser shows that the fleet of its air wing is not enough for some kind of independent operations. I repeat, at first it would be good if Kuznetsov could use a full-fledged carrier-based aviation regiment.
- In Russia, there is no experience in using an aircraft carrier with a catapult to take off aircraft ...
In the Storm project, a combined version is proposed, that is, an aircraft carrier with a catapult and a springboard. By the way, on the new British aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth, which went on sea trials last week, the flight deck, just like on the Kuznetsov, ends with a springboard. Another thing is that F-35s with short takeoff and vertical landing will be based on it. As for the Russian promising aircraft carrier, then, in principle, it is possible to make a catapult for it - under the USSR, a certain reserve in this area has already been made, and it can be placed in the bow of the flight deck or on the corner deck. But here the question arises already for aircraft builders - can they make an ejection aircraft, which is already subjected to completely different loads. It is no coincidence that the deck-based F-35C among the Americans is the last to be ready.
As for the power plant, in theory it will be nuclear, because we do not even have plans to make powerful turbines. Hypothetically, you can make a package from the M90 turbine, but if the aircraft carrier is with a catapult, then it must be nuclear. Moreover, two newest nuclear reactor RITM-400, which an aircraft carrier can also receive.
- Does the construction of a new aircraft carrier dictate the development of a new shipborne fighter?
Theoretically, the MiG-29 can be dispensed with, but there are still questions about it. No wonder the largest operator of these "shipbuilders" - India - started a tender for a new aircraft. That is, the ship's "migar" has a limited flight range and combat load, and in terms of its capabilities it is inferior to the Rafale or F / A-18. For Kuznetsov, it will be the main carrier-based aircraft, but for a promising aircraft carrier, it is unlikely. As for the naval version of the Su-35, it is probably possible, but I don’t really believe in the carrier-based PAK FA.
- Problems can also arise with escort ships ...
By that time, all ships of the 1st rank will have already been decommissioned, and the only option for the aircraft carrier will be the frigates of projects 11356 and 22350. There are no alternatives to them. And the new destroyers "Leader" if they appear, then simultaneously with the aircraft carrier, but not everything is going smoothly with them either - they are quite expensive.
Help "SP"
At present, the Russian Navy includes the only heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsov", built in 1982-1990 at the Black Sea Shipyard in Nikolaev. As Vice Admiral Bursuk noted, the repair of the Admiral Kuznetsov will begin in 2018, its cost is still "calculated and will be determined a little later." Vice President of the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) Igor Ponomarev told the media that after the repair, Kuznetsov would last another 20 years.
In April, TASS, citing a source in the military-industrial complex, reported that the cost of repairs with the modernization of the TAVKR would be almost 40 billion rubles. It can replace four boilers power plant(four remaining to repair), as well as install modern systems combat control, communications, reconnaissance, navigation, electronic weapons, as well as new systems for ensuring the safe landing of carrier-based aircraft.
Recall that the "Admiral Kuznetsov" as part of the shipborne aircraft carrier group of the Northern Fleet returned on February 8 from a long voyage to the eastern Mediterranean. During combat service off the coast of Syria, two carrier-based fighters were lost: on November 13 last year, a MiG-29KR fell into the sea during a training sortie, and on December 5, a Su-33 fell off the deck and sank during landing.
The formation of a new Russian aircraft-carrying cruiser is being carried out by the Federal State Unitary Enterprise Krylov State Research Center. And it is already being announced today that the new ship will be cheaper, have a smaller displacement, but will not yield to the heavy aircraft carrier Storm in terms of combat power. This is a previous concept ship of a similar purpose by the same developer. As Vladimir Pepelyaev, head of the system integration department in the field of military shipbuilding, explained to Zvezda, this work is among the initiative ones, and the company's management is ready to offer it to the fleet when it wants to.
Price parameters have not yet been announced, but the first estimates allow us to hope that it will be three times cheaper than the cost of the Storm. Previously, the figure of 350 billion rubles for a "complete set with aircraft" was passed on the tapes of news agencies. Of these, the cost of the ship itself is 200-280 billion.
On the Navy side, Vice Admiral Viktor Bursuk, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Armaments, said that funding for the design of a new Russian aircraft carrier is included in the State Armaments Program until 2025. Currently, military sailors, together with shipbuilders, are determining the appearance of the ship and its characteristics, and several options are being considered. Among them - and close in size to the heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser (TAVKR) of project 11435 "Admiral Kuznetsov".
Gas turbines instead of steam boilers
The most important difference between a promising "light" aircraft carrier and ships of previous projects of this class will be the presence of a gas turbine power plant. It will include four turbine modules. Max speed- up to 25 knots, which is considered quite sufficient to ensure takeoff and landing operations of carrier-based fighters of the Su-27K and MiG-29K types. All aircraft-carrying cruisers built during the Soviet Union had a power plant based on steam boilers. And starting from the construction of Ulyanovsk at the shipyards of the city of Nikolaev (with the collapse of the USSR, its hull was cut into metal), all newly created TAVKRs had to have nuclear reactors.
At present, the Admiral Kuznetsov is the only carrier of carrier-based takeoff and landing aircraft. It has a standard displacement of 43 thousand tons, a total displacement of 55 thousand. (The same is planned to create a new aircraft carrier instead of the "Storm"). Kuznetsov has been serving for a quarter of a century without a single overhaul. The ship performs its functions properly. Evidence of this is the last year's campaign of a detachment of ships of the Northern Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea and their participation in the war on terror in Syrian territory. It seems that for the purpose of well-known unification with the Kuznetsov, and also based on the need to save financial resources, the domestic fleet will rather choose the project of a light gas turbine aircraft carrier. 
But what about "Storm"?
Previously, one could hear talk about the "Storm" as a failed project. But today, as it turns out, it is premature to talk about it. Recall that the scale model of this heavy aircraft carrier appeared in 2013, but was first presented general public only the summer before last at the seventh International Naval Show in St. Petersburg. And she was again at the stand of the Krylov Center and IMDS-2017, which ended on July 2.
The developer of the concept gives the following information. “The multi-purpose aircraft carrier is designed to conduct combat operations in the far sea and ocean zones, including the destruction of enemy ground and sea targets. It is also capable of ensuring the combat stability of the naval groupings of the Navy and covering the troops of the amphibious assault and its landing forces from strikes and attacks by enemy air attack means.
The shipbuilding elements of this aircraft carrier are as follows: displacement 95-100 thousand tons, length 330 meters, width 40, draft 11. Full speed 30 knots, autonomy 120 days, crew - from four to five thousand people. The service life of the ship will be up to 50 years. The aviation wing consists of 80-90 shipborne aircraft for various purposes, including the MiG-29K/KUB and the carrier-based version of the fifth-generation fighter PAKFA. The main thing positive quality"Storm" - a huge strike power of his aircraft. 
Among the serious arguments "against" the construction of such monsters, there are those that they are extremely expensive and are excellent targets for anti-ship missiles. Can you protect yourself from them? Vladimir Pepelyaev's opinion on this matter is unequivocal: "It's possible." To do this, it is necessary to form a naval formation with the inclusion of cruisers and destroyers of an anti-missile barrier equipped with marine options air defense systems S-400 / S-500. In addition, frigates with medium-range air defense systems of the Buk or S-350 Vityaz type should be included in the security of the aircraft carrier group. You should also not discount the self-defense systems installed on the ship itself.
Of course, such programs are very costly. But it should be remembered that, in addition to the needs of our own fleet, friendly countries, including India and China, long-standing and reliable partners in military-technical cooperation, have those. It is possible that the final decision of the Navy - whether or not there will be a "Storm" will depend on whether the top political leadership of our country concludes an appropriate agreement with the aforementioned states.