Posted on 05/15/2005 4:21:58 AM PDT by TigerLikesRooster
May 15 2005 11:46AM
MOSCOW. May 15 (Interfax) - The Russian Navy is launching a project to develop a new aircraft carrier, the navy's commander Admiral Vladimir Kuroyedov told Interfax.
"We are beginning work to develop a new aircraft carrier in 2005. Construction is to begin after 2010," Kuroyedov said.
"We are launching this development project and will involve leading experts to find out which materials and weapons we'll need and how many aircraft carriers should be built," he said.
Kuroyedov earlier told journalists that the navy is planning to put the new carrier into service in the Northern Fleet by 2016-17. Another carrier will be built for the Pacific Fleet, he said. "Deck aviation has a good future. A new multi-purpose aircraft will be created in a few years," Kuroyedov said.
The Russian Navy currently has only one aircraft-carrying cruiser, the Admiral Kuznetsov.
Twelve pocket battleships is plenty if they are mounting the new railgun
EM gun on the brink of fruition for land and sea applications(range:500km)
Some very interesting commentary about the firepower of a DDX with railguns is more than an Iowa class BB. One of these with each carrier group (12) would allow naval gunfire support up to 500km range.
Does the LHA generate enough power for one ? It's a good idea but I think about the power question.
Hmm ... the LHA could also use ice filled copper jacketed railgun rounds for close defense and short direct fire offense.
To be blunt, no. (but the DD(X) power system is very non-specific, http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/dd-x-specs.htm) But if it was a requirement, it could be done. It's big enough, with a flightdeck of 910 feet. A small reactor of the type used on LA class subs could supply power to at least 2 railguns at 12 rounds/minute, and supply power to catapults for the jets, as well as the rest of the ship. Sort of a twist, nuclear power for everything but the propulsion. ;)
The LHA sticks around in the area anyway as it has a hospital for the Marines, as well as helicopters for their movement when needed.
Sadly I think the USN brass is hung up on a super destroyer.
The E-3s sold to France and UK are not downgraded variants. These are full all singing and dancing variants with no restrictions. Why do you think that they are restricted in any way? Why do you also believe that France will not be getting any upgrades? You are aware that E-3F have already undergone upgrade by Boeing and that the fleet will be completely upgraded by 2006.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.