|
Data History & Modifications Pictures |
The Kyndas were the first Russian ships to be designed with missile armament.
They were intended for anti-ship roles, and later for anti-carrier missions.
Ten were originally planned. All were fitted with helipads, but no hangar.
Grozny and Admiral Fokin were fitted as command ships to coordinate air defence. The other two were fitted as flagships. |
|
Data History & Modifications Pictures |
The Kresta Is were built as an antisubmarine version of the Kyndas. They were also
fitted with anti-ship weapons for their secondary role as escorts for the Moskva
helicopter cruisers. They were also the first Russian ships to have a hangar for the
helicopters.
At first, it was hoped to use the Kynda hull, but the expected SA-N-3 SSM was not ready, the older and larger SA-N-1 had to be installed, requiring a larger hull to mount additional weapons compared to the Kyndas. |
|
Data History & Modifications Pictures |
The Kresta IIs were the last ships of the crash anti-submarine building programme
of the 1960s. They were a development of the Kresta I design, with increased
anti-submarine armament.
During the 1970s and 1980s, they were the backbone of the Russian fleet, but have now all been disposed of. |
|
Data History & Modifications Pictures |
The Karas were the first large Russian warships in several years at the time of
building. They were intended to increase the fleets anti-submarine capability, and
were an development of the Kresta IIs.
During construction, Azov was modified as a testbed for the SA-N-6 VLS. |
|
Data History & Modifications Pictures |
The Slavas were intended to be used as flagships, and were also a backup in case the larger Kirovs were not successful. As with most modern Russian ships, they are heavily armed with a bias towards surface fighting, although a large anti aircraft armament is fitted to deal with American carrier aircraft. |
|
Data History & Modifications Pictures |
The Kirovs are the largest warships built since 1945 except carriers. The are intended
both as flagships, for which they have good accomodation, and as heavy carrier escorts,
so they carry heavy AA armament.
The Kirovs are referred to as 'Atomny Raketny Kreyser', or nuclear missile cruisers. |