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Admiral Kuznetsov Aircraft Carrier

Admiral Kuznetsov Aircraft Carrier

Manufacturer: Nikolayev South Shipyard
Category: Aircraft Carriers
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Large Flight Deck Ski-jump STOBAR launch
Onboard Air Wing Su-33, MiG-29K, Ka-27/29 helos
Advanced Command & Control Integrated CMS and CIC
Defensive Weapon Systems CIWS, SAMs, electronic countermeasures

Full Specifications

1. Physical Characteristics

Ship Type	Aircraft Carrier
Class	Admiral Kuznetsov-class
Length	305 m
Beam (Width)	72 m
Flight Deck Width	61 m
Draft	9 m
Displacement (Full Load)	58,500 tons

2. Propulsion & Performance

Propulsion Type	Conventional steam turbines
Powerplant	8 boilers, 4 shafts
Maximum Speed	29 knots
Range	8,000+ nm
Endurance	45 days at sea

3. Flight Operations

Aircraft Launch System	STOBAR
Catapult Type	Ski-jump
Recovery System	Arresting gear
Total Aircraft Capacity	30–40 aircraft
Hangar Capacity	Full-length hangar
Aircraft Types Supported	Fighters, ASW helos, transport helos

4. Sensors & Electronics

Primary Radar	3D air surveillance
Navigation Radar	Standard naval navigation
Fire Control Radar	Multi-role support
Electronic Warfare Suite	ESM, ECM, jammers
Communication Systems	SATCOM, tactical data links

5. Weapons & Defense Systems

CIWS	AK-630, Kortik
Short-Range SAMs	SA-N-9 / Osa-MA
Missile Launchers	Limited surface-defense missiles
Decoy Systems	Chaff, flares, electronic decoys

6. Command & Control

Combat Management System	Integrated CMS
Combat Information Center (CIC)	Central command hub
Air Operations Center	Flight operations management
Data Links	Tactical & satellite systems

7. Crew & Capacity

Ship Crew	1,960 personnel
Air Wing Personnel	600–800
Total Complement	2,560+

8. Construction & Cost

Shipbuilder/Manufacturer	Nikolayev South Shipyard, Ukraine
Construction Started	1982
Commissioned	1991
Estimated Cost	$2.5–3B (historical)

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

5.5

Performance 6 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 4 / 10
Payload Capacity 7 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 5 / 10

PROS

Unique STOBAR ski-jump launch system
Capable air wing with multi-role aircraft
Strong integrated defensive systems
Central command and control hub
Significant fleet projection capabilities

CONS

Frequent mechanical and propulsion issues
Limited sortie rate compared to U.S. carriers
Aging electronics and radar systems
High maintenance requirements
Vulnerable in open-sea combat against modern carriers

Admiral Kuznetsov Aircraft Carrier

Admiral Kuznetsov features a unique ski-jump deck for Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) operations, enabling conventional fixed-wing aircraft such as the Su-33 and MiG-29K to operate from its deck. The carrier also supports a variety of rotary-wing aircraft for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), reconnaissance, and transport missions.

Powered by conventional steam turbines, the carrier can reach speeds up to 29 knots and has an endurance of approximately 45 days at sea. Its displacement of around 58,500 tons fully loaded makes it one of the largest vessels in the Russian Navy.

The carrier’s defensive suite includes the Kortik/Palash CIWS, AK-630 Gatling guns, and long- and short-range SAMs to protect against aerial threats. Onboard electronics include modern radar and fire control systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and advanced communications for fleet integration.

Operational Use

Though the Admiral Kuznetsov has faced mechanical challenges and maintenance issues over the years, it remains a key asset for power projection in the Arctic and Mediterranean theaters. The carrier operates alongside cruisers, destroyers, and submarines, offering a combined naval strike capability. Its flight deck and hangar can accommodate 30–40 fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, making it a versatile platform for both combat and support missions.

Admiral Kuznetsov Aircraft Carrier Price

The Admiral Kuznetsov Aircraft Carrier is Russia’s sole aircraft carrier and serves as the centerpiece of the Russian Navy’s Northern Fleet. Designed and built by the Nikolayev South Shipyard in Ukraine, the vessel was commissioned in 1991. Its primary mission is to project Russian air power at sea, provide fleet air defense, and support maritime strike operations.

Reviews

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Performance:

8
Maintenance Efficiency:

8
Payload Capacity:

8
Reliability & Maintenance:

8
Average Rating 6 / 10 based on your selection

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