Explore the Soviet Unions mighty Moskva Class Helicopter Carrier, a naval powerhouse that dominated the seas during the Cold War era. Learn about its impressive specs, capabilities, and history, including its role in naval aviation, amphibious warfare, and fleet defense, featuring ASW helicopters, missile systems, and command center.
The Moskva Class Helicopter Carrier was a symbol of Soviet naval power and a testament to the country's military engineering prowess. Developed in the 1960s, this class of warships played a significant role in the Soviet Navy's operations, providing a mobile airbase that could support a variety of missions, from anti-submarine warfare to amphibious assaults.
The Moskva Class was designed to provide a flexible and formidable air power capability, with a focus on anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and reconnaissance. The ships were equipped with a range of helicopters, including the Kamov Ka-25 and Kamov Ka-27, which were specifically designed for ASW and search-and-rescue (SAR) missions. These helicopters were armed with torpedoes, depth charges, and missiles, making them a potent force against enemy submarines.
One of the key features of the Moskva Class was its ability to operate in a variety of environments. The ships were designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the Arctic and North Atlantic, and were equipped with advanced navigation and communication systems. This allowed them to operate effectively in a range of scenarios, from coastal defense to open-ocean operations.
The Moskva Class was also notable for its armament, which included a range of guns, missiles, and torpedoes. The ships were equipped with SA-N-1 Goa surface-to-air missiles, which provided a robust air defense capability. They also carried AK-726 76.2mm guns, which were used for anti-surface and anti-air missions. The ships' torpedo tubes were armed with SET-65E anti-submarine torpedoes, which were designed to attack enemy submarines.
In addition to its military capabilities, the Moskva Class was also designed to provide a range of support functions. The ships were equipped with advanced medical facilities, which allowed them to provide medical care to personnel in the field. They also carried a range of supplies, including food, water, and fuel, which made them a valuable asset for amphibious and humanitarian missions.
Design and Development
The Moskva Class was designed by the Soviet design bureau Nevskoye PKB, which was responsible for designing a range of Soviet warships, including the Kiev Class aircraft carriers. The design was influenced by the United States Navy's Essex Class aircraft carriers, which were known for their versatility and effectiveness.
The Moskva Class was designed to be a multi-role ship, capable of performing a range of missions. The ships were equipped with a large flight deck, which allowed them to operate a range of helicopters. They also had a large hangar, which provided storage and maintenance facilities for the helicopters.
The Moskva Class was powered by a pair of steam turbines, which provided a total power output of 12,000 horsepower. The ships were also equipped with a range of diesel generators, which provided backup power in the event of a failure.
Specifications
- Length: 182 meters (597 feet)
- Beam: 22 meters (72 feet)
- Draft: 6.5 meters (21 feet)
- Displacement: 11,920 tons (standard), 15,220 tons (full load)
- Speed: 28.5 knots (52.8 km/h)
- Range: 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 km)
- Crew: 450
- Armament:
- SA-N-1 Goa surface-to-air missiles
- AK-726 76.2mm guns
- SET-65E anti-submarine torpedoes
- Aviation facilities:
- Large flight deck
- Large hangar
- Kamov Ka-25 and Kamov Ka-27 helicopters
Operational History
The Moskva Class was commissioned in the late 1960s, with the first ship, Moskva, entering service in 1967. The class consisted of two ships: Moskva and Leningrad.
The Moskva Class played a significant role in the Soviet Navy's operations, providing a mobile airbase that could support a variety of missions. The ships were used for anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and amphibious assaults.
In 1970, Moskva was involved in a major incident when it collided with the Soviet submarine K-129. The incident resulted in the loss of the submarine and 83 lives.
In the 1980s, the Moskva Class underwent a major modernization program, which included the installation of new radar and communication systems. The ships also received new helicopters, including the Kamov Ka-29 and Kamov Ka-32.
Gallery of Moskva Class Helicopter Carrier
Moskva Class Helicopter Carrier Image Gallery
The Moskva Class was decommissioned in the 1990s, with Moskva being scrapped in 1998. Leningrad was also scrapped, although the exact date is unknown.
Despite its relatively short service life, the Moskva Class played an important role in the Soviet Navy's operations. Its ability to provide a mobile airbase made it a valuable asset for a range of missions, from anti-submarine warfare to amphibious assaults.
The legacy of the Moskva Class can still be seen today, with many of its design features and capabilities influencing modern warship designs.
We hope you enjoyed this in-depth look at the Moskva Class Helicopter Carrier. Share your thoughts and comments below!