UNDERWATER POWER HAS A NAMERubin Design Bureau’s projects are in high demand in Russia and abroad

№ 4 (12) 2012№ 1 (14) 2013

ALL THE OCEAN COMBATANTSThe main classes of the world’s warships from the viewpoint of Russian experts

READ INSIDE:

FEATURE ONE:

BORN IN RUSSIA

11, Sadovaya-Kudrinskaya123242, Moscow, RussiaTel.: +7 (495) 727 30 52Fax: +7 (495) 727 30 53E-mail: info@sudoexport.ruwww.sudoexport.com

On March, 1988, state company “Sudoexport”is founded on the basis of the foreign trade arm of the Shipbuilding Industry Ministry of the USSR established in 1968 (Minsudprom).In accordance with Presidential Order No. 696 of June 9, 2010 “On the development of “United Shipbuilding Corporation’’, “Sudoexport” is integrated in United Shipbuilding Corporation. The order specifies that foreign trade operations on exporting and importing ships and other vessels, ship and other equipment, parts and materials, and leasing, are designated as priority areas.“Sudoexport” acts as a middleman for the Russian shipbuilding industry working with foreign clients and works on importing equipment and parts for shipbuilding enterprises, as well as implementing in Russia advanced foreign and domestic technologiesfor the shipbuilding industry.In its many years of experience, “Sudoexport” has earned a reputation as a reliable partner for many successful shipbuilding and repair factories, as well as for shipping companies from India, Germany, Norway, Bulgaria, Vietnam, Egypt, and other countries.We aim to maintain harmonious relations with our clients, keeping them as transparent and as reliable as possible.

Dear readers, This special issue of the United Shipbuilding Corporation’s

corporate magazine is dedicated mainly to military-technical cooperation projects between Russia and Asia-Pacific countries. Russian shipbuilders’ products help secure the maritime borders of many countries in the region, while the degree of established cooperation in this field allows us to gradually move from the buyer-seller and customer-contractor relationship to more ad-vanced forms of military-technical exchange, up to the imple-mentation of shipbuilding projects at the customer’s premises and the joint development of advanced weapons and military equip-ment.

United Shipbuilding Corporation is the largest shipbuilding holding in Russia and Eastern Europe encompassing almost all Russian design bureaus and about 80% of Russia’s shipbuilding capacity. Our Corporation is one of the few companies in the world supplying the market with the entire range of modern naval equipment: from high-speed patrol and multipurpose boats to submarines of various classes, from offshore ships to aircraft car-riers.

Relying on the recognized design and engineering schools, strong engineering traditions, vast experience with the construc-tion and support of one of the biggest navies in the world, USC is in step with the times, keeping an eye on changes in shipbuilding technologies, the emergence of new technical solutions and ma-terials, and is actively conducting a number of advanced in-house development projects.

We will be glad if your familiarity with our opportunities is useful for you. Welcome to today’s world of Russian shipbuild-ers — professionals always putting the customer’s interests first.

 Sincerely,Andrey DyachkovPresident United Shipbuilding Corporation 

CONTENT

3_ NEWS

8_ SEvmaSh’S ocEaNic ScopE of capabilitiES JSC PO Sevmash is Russia’s major shipbuilder and one of the main assets of the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC)

14_ Sredne-nevSky Shipyard: Banking on innovation Sredne-Nevsky Shipyard (SNSZ), which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, offers customers ships and vessels built using cutting-edge technologies

18_ all thE ocEaN combataNtS Warships of the world: a view from Russia

32_ RUSSiaN Naval EXpoRtS: REliabilitY aND EffEctivENESS Russia is building up its presence in the Southeast Asian naval market

36_ UNDERWatER poWER haS a NamE High combat capability, battlefield endurance and strong demand from foreign customers are the distinctive features of submarines built to designs developed by the Rubin CDB ME, one of the most established design companies in Russia

40_ SEvERNoYE DESigN bUREaU: thE bRaND of Naval victoRiES Project 22460 patrol ships developed at the Severnoye Design Bureau rightfully bear the names of precious stones: in terms of performance, they are now unrivaled in Russia and will surpass their counterparts in the global market as well.

44_ almaZ cmDb: maRitimE SEcURitY — it’S affoRDablE Almaz-designed missile boats reliably guard the maritime borders and meet the expectations of the most demanding customers

48_ “UNvERSal SolDiERS” fRom ZpKb The ships built to ZPKB’s projects have been recognized by Russian and foreign Navy sailors: they are sturdy, maneuverable, well-armed and multi-mission

54_ SUDoEXpoRt’S gREat SailiNg The enterprise is active in international trade and is developing projects aimed to transform the Russian shipbuilding industry

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18 3614

«USC. STRENGTH AND POWER AT SEA» magazine №1(14) 2013Published by USC JSС

president of USc — Andrei Dyachkov

address 11/1 Sadovaya-Kudrinskaya, Moscow,123242 Russiatel.: +7 (495) 617-33 00fax: +7 (495) 617-34 00

e-mail: info@oaoosk.ruwebsite: www.oaoosk.ru

NEWS

RUSSIAN NAVY TO COMMISSION THREE NEW SUBS IN 2013 23 february 2013 (vZglYaD). this year the Russian Navy is due to receive three nuclear submarines in-cluding two borei-class project 955 and one Yasen-class project 885, according to a high-ranking defence industry representative.

It should be reminded that the industry was to deliver two submarines  — Alexander Nevsky Project 955 and Severodvinsk Project 885, to the Navy as early as 2012. However for various reasons the delivery was delayed.The defence industry representative stated that the Navy is due to receive in 2013 the Alexander Nevsky and Severodvinsk submarines as well as Project 955 Vladimir Monomakh launched at the Sevmash plant last December, and stressed that the Aleksander Nevsky and Vladimir Monomakh submarines must test-fire the Bulava missiles prior to commissioning. He added that the first missile launch is planned to be made from the Alexander Nevsky submarine in June-July 2013.Project 677 Lada-class St. Pe-tersburg submarine is also ex-pected to be commissioned this year on the completion of its sea trials in Northern seas. The boat is currently in trial operation.

THIRD FRIGATE FOR INDIAN NAVY STARTS SEA TRIALS KaliNiNgRaD, 14 february 2013 (press service of Yantar baltic shipyard). on the morning of 14 february the trikand (bow) frigate, the last ship in the pro-ject 11356 triplet built at Yantar shipyard to the order of the Re-public of india, set off to the bal-

tic Sea to implement a sea trials programme started on 8 february. the day before the ship moved from the shipyard’s water area to the naval harbour in baltiysk and started preparations for sea trials.

The ship’s sea trials are scheduled to be conducted in the Baltic Sea, on the Baltic Fleet ranges. The trial crew will test operation of all ship’s systems and mecha-nisms in real-sea conditions. The contractors’ and state acceptance trials will last till the end of March, and af-terwards the Indian crew training on the ship will start. The Trikand frigate was laid on the stocks of the Yantar Baltic shipyard on 11 June 2008 and launched on 25 May 2011, while its delivery to the customer is planned for this year-end. The Trikand is the last ship in the second triplet of Project 11356 frigates built by the Yantar Baltic shipyard for the Indian Navy.The first three of these advanced warships were built at this shipyard in 1999-2004. The Talwar (Sword), Trishul (Trident) and Tabar (Axe) frigates as well as the Teg (Sa-bre), a lead ship of the second triplet also built in the Yantar Baltic shipyard and delivered to the customer in 2011, operate in the Indian Navy maintaining maritime security and stability in the region.Frigates of the second triplet boast advanced weapon systems and enhanced operational characteristics. In contrast to their counterparts from the first triplet armed with the Club-N missile system they carry the Russian-Indian BrahMos PJ-10 supersonic cruise mis-sile system. In its official statement New Delhi an-nounced that live firings conducted on 7 October 2012 on one of India’s sea ranges confirmed high combat characteristics of the BrahMos missiles.The Yantar Baltic shipyard making part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation is also building Project 11356P surface ships for the Russian Navy. In accordance with the State Armament Programme for 2011-2020 the Rus-sian Navy should adopt six more ships of this project. 

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SINDHURAKSHAK SUBMARINE HANDED OVER TO INDIA SEvERoDviNSK, 30 January 2013 (press service of the Zvezdochka Ship Repair centre).    the Zvezdochka Ship Repair centre, making part of the United Ship-building corporation, handed over the upgraded pro-ject 877EKm (Nato Kilo-class) Sindhurakshak diesel-electric submarine to the indian Navy on 26 January, india’s Republic Day.

On 4 July 2010 the Zvezdochka Ship Repair Centre and the Indian Ministry of Defence signed a contract for in-termediate repairing and upgrading of the Sindhurak-shak diesel-electric submarine, and the next month the boat arrived in Severodvinsk and was docked for repairs.During the works the submarine was fitted with the Club-S advanced missile system. More than ten Indi-an- and foreign-made systems including the Ushus so-nar and СCS-MK-2 radio communication system were mounted on the boat. The submarine had the Porpoise radar system installed, cooling systems upgraded, and other works performed to improve its combat qualities and enhance operational safety.The submarine was launched in June 2012 after com-pletion of the stocks repair phase. The boat successfully completed a contractors’ sea trials programme includ-ing, among others, missile and torpedo tests.The Submarine Handover Certificate signing ceremo-ny was attended by deputy Naval Attache at the Em-bassy of India in Russia Commander Rupak Pandey, crewmembers, managers and specialists from the Zvezdochka Ship Repair Centre engaged in upgrad-ing the submarine, as well as representatives of sub-contractor companies. The Certificate was signed by the submarine commander Radjkumar Radjesh and director general of the Zvezdochka Ship Repair Cen-tre Vladimir Nikitin. Mr. Nikitin was pleased to under-line in particular: “The Indian Navy is Zvezdochka’s long-term major partner. During fifteen years we have repaired/upgraded five Kilo-class submarines and

fulfilled a great number of contracts for spare parts delivery and ship maintenance in India. All works have been performed within specified terms and with good quality assurance. Our specialists implement effective integration of foreign and Russian shipborne systems. We improve our collaboration aimed, besides other things, at establishing an effective after-sale mainte-nance system for Indian Navy’s ships at their stations”.Three days later the Sindhurakshak diesel-electric sub-marine set off for its home station. That was the first transit in icy conditions made by Indian submarines re-paired/upgraded at the Zvezdochka plant. 

DMITRI ROGOZIN: BRAHMOS EMBODIES SYNERGY OF RUSSIAN AND INDIAN POTENTIALS 21 february 2013 (Ria Novosti). in his address to the participants in the celebration of the 15th anniversary of signing the agreement for joint missile development Russia’s Deputy prime minister Dmitri Rogozin wrote that the project for the development of the brahmos Russian-indian missile could materialise owing to the joint effort of the best Russian and indian specialists.

“On behalf of the Russian government I want to con-gratulate all Indian and Russian specialists on the occa-sion of the anniversary of the agreement conclusion be-tween the governments of Russia and India for the mis-sile development and production ... Creative approach and fruitful work of Russian and Indian specialists have led to great success and brought new engineering re-sults”, — says D. Rogozin’s address.  The address also stresses that the BrahMos project has introduced “a format of highly effective cooperation which provides proper integration of scientific, econom-ic and industrial potentials” of Russia and India.Deputy Prime Minister also expressed hope that coop-eration between the two countries “will bring forth new scientific and engineering breakthroughs and strength-en security and friendship of our peoples”.

NEWS

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The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile entered service with the Indian armed forces in 2005. Its launch range is 290 km, and it can carry a warhead weighing up to 300 kg.Dmitri Rogozin’s address was read by Russia’s minister-counsellor in India Denis Alipov at the BrahMos Aero-space headquarters on 19 February 2013.Indian Minister of Defence A.K. Antony took part in the celebrations of the anniversary. “We have no plans yet to export the BrahMos cruise missiles to other coun-tries; we must first supply these missiles to our Navy and Army,  — said the minister.  — India finds itself in a complex situation. Security conditions are extremely unstable”. 

RUSSIA TO STRENGTHEN ITS MILITARY TECHNICAL COOPERATION WITH ASIAN PACIFIC COUNTRIES SiDNEY, 26 february 2013 (aRmS-taSS). Russia in-tends to establish and develop actively its military technical cooperation with asian pacific countries. Such statement was made by deputy director of the Russian federal service for military technical coopera-tion with foreign countries Konstantin biryulin, head of the Russian delegation at the avaloN 2013 interna-tional air show.

“In the context of Russia’s military technical coopera-tion with Asian Pacific countries one can divide them, for convenience, into three groups,  — Mr. Biryulin explained.  — The first group includes countries with which military technical cooperation has been con-ducted for a long time, on a regular basis and with great values of contracts signed (Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar). The second group combines such countries as Bangladesh, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Singapore, with which military technical cooperation stands at a low level. The third group unites states with which military technical cooperation is practically non-existent, such as Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Maldives, Brunei, Nepal, Fiji, Papua-New Guinea. This is factored both by objective causes, such as lack of funds allo-cated to arms procurement, and long-term reliance of these countries on Western defence equipment sup-pliers”.“In order to develop military technical cooperation with Asian Pacific countries in a medium-term persective, Russian defence suppliers have to focus their efforts on securing positions already gained in traditional partner markets and promoting domestic products to countries of the so-called third group, — continued Bi-lyulin. – Gaining set objectives requires that new types of relationships with foreign partners should be formed, which suggest:  — transit from a ‘seller-buyer’ matrix to joint development of high-technology defence prod-ucts;  — introduction of new, more advanced types of

military economic cooperation where fuller account of foreign partners’ interests in developing their own de-fence industries can be made, which would entail sell-ing of not only arms but also their production technolo-gies; — setting up weapons/military equipment licence productions on foreign states’ territory and taking part in them; — joint sales of defence products on third coun-tries’ markets;  — setting up joint after-sale servicing technical centres; — implementing joint and customer-ordered research-and-development projects;  — arms leasing and other prospective types of cooperation”.Deputy director of the Russian federal service for mili-tary technical cooperation with foreign countries men-tioned Russian defence items which he thinks are best of all suited for export to Asian Pacific countries. “De-pending on a specific country’s needs, we can offer a wide range of weapons and military equipment — from small arms to situational awareness systems. Consid-ering regional peculiarities, I think that most demand-ed will be patrol ships, engineering equipment, radar systems, as well as many other items. The choice of a concrete military equipment item depends on the re-quirements of armed forces in each country”. 

FIFTH SQUADRON TO RETURN TO MEDITERRANIAN SEA 26 february 2013 (Nezavisimaya gazeta) Starting from 2015 the Russian Navy’s ships will operate in the mediterranean Sea forming a standing naval force. its core will be made up of a group of the black Sea fleet ships, thus reviving the 5th mediterranean operation-al squadron that operated within the Soviet Navy.

USc №1(14), 2013 5

The new naval force will solve on a permanent basis routine and unexpected operational tasks in the Medi-terranean theatre-of-war, in particular, by countering threats to Russia’s national interests and defence secu-rity emerging from this direction.The 5th operational squadron was deployed in the Med-iterranean Sea in 1967. Admiral Igor Kasatonov, ex-Commander-in-Chief of the Black Sea Fleet, believes that the squadron was created to counter “a nuclear missile threat posed by the US nuclear submarines deployed in the Mediterranean Sea”. It is believed that the deployment of the 5th Mediterranean operational squadron prevented the 6th US Fleet from participating in the Six-day War on the side of Israel against Syria and Egypt. According to Russian historians the squad-ron acted as a deterrent to unfriendly acts in the re-gion directed against the USSR. It was dissolved on 31 December 1992, soon after the collapse of the Soviet Union.It seems that Russian naval presence in the Mediter-ranean has now become a vital necessity. This is what stressed last week Russian Minister of Defence Sergei Shoigu speaking in Sevastopol. On board the Moskva cruiser he said: “The Russian Navy is capable of carry-ing out missions in any regions of the great oceans vital to Russia’s national interests. Now the Mediterranean Sea is such a region. Here are concentrated most im-portant threats to our national interests”.In his turn, ex-Commander-in-Chief of the Black Sea Fleet Admiral Vladimir Komoedov, head of the State Duma defence committee, expressed his confidence

that “permanent presence of our fleet in the Mediter-ranean Sea is necessity”. The deputy noted that the number of military and other threats coming from this region has substantially grown compared with Soviet times. The Middle East and North Africa are turning into a zone of permanent military conflicts, Americans are preparing to deploy a new ship-based ballistic missile defence system which will threaten Russia. In such conditions we certainly must deploy new naval groupings to counter these threats”,  — concluded the Admiral. 

UKRAINE SEEKS PARTNER FOR JOINT CRUISER OPERATION 22 february 2013 (tsamto). the Ukrainian min-istry of Defence is looking for a partner country to jointly operate project 1164 unfinished missile cruiser (former ‘Ukraine’ cruiser). this was an-nounced by Ukraine’s first deputy minister of De-fence alexander oleynik.

“Prospects for possible joint operation of this cruiser in future are studied with many countries including the Russian Federation. This is not an easy problem.

NEWS

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You know that Ukraine has been working on it for more than 10 years”, — said A. Oleynik. According to the First deputy Minister of Defence, joint employment of this cruiser will allow Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence to ac-cumulate resources needed to fund Ukraine’s armed forces development programmes.  

CHINA APPROVES NUCLEAR SURFACE SHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 22 february 2013 (“voennyi paritet”) chinese au-thorities officially approved a programme for the con-struction of “atomic-powered vessels”. one has every reason to believe that this announcement gives a go-ahead, first of all, for the development of a nuclear-powered attack aircraft carrier. 

The Chinese shipbuilding industry’s website informs, in particular, that the programme has been given the in-dex — “863”. According to the programme “a small-size new-generation nuclear reactor” should be developed.Employment of nuclear power plants provides practi-cally unlimited endurance to ships and submarines. The Chinese Academy of Sciences earlier announced that nuclear power plants must be widely used on sub-marines, aircraft carriers, destroyers and ocean-going merchant ships.

 

THE PHILIPPINES CANCELS PURCHASE OF ITALIAN FRIGATES 25 february 2013 (tsamto) a high-ranking repre-sentative of the philippines ministry of Defence an-nounced that the procurement of two frigates from the italian Navy’s inventory was cancelled after conduct-

ing a comprehensive evaluation of operational costs and their capabilities.

According to deputy Minister of Defence Fernando Manalo, estimates show that the procurement of used ships would be much more costly than the purchase of new ones. Thus the procurement of the Italian frigates for the Philippines Navy is not considered any more.As was communicated earlier, the Philippines Ministry of National Defence informed of its plans to procure two missile frigates from Italy in August 2012. The cost of these ships was set at the amount of 11.7 bn Philippines pesos ($282.5 mln). At that period the Maestrale frig-ates were seen as a preferred option for upgrading the Philippines Navy, considering their high availability and Italy’s readiness to include weapon systems and other key elements into the delivery package.Now the Philippines is seeking new warships with configuration similar to that of Italian frigates in other countries. At the end of 2012 Australia, Croatia, Israel, the Republic of Korea and the USA expressed their wish to participate in the tender for the delivery of new ships to the Philippines Navy.It should be noted that the Republic of Korea has already offered the Philippines new frigates at a price practically meeting the budget allocated for the procurement of used ships. Besides, Manila has already signed a con-tract for the procurement of 12 TA-50 trainer aircraft manufactured by the South Korean KAI company.According to unofficial information, the cancellation of the Italian frigates purchase could have been influenced by a South Korean offer to deliver ships under an inter-governmental agreement with a credit arrangement on beneficial terms.

USc №1(14), 2013 7

SevmaSh’S oceanic Scope of capaBilitieS

JSC PO Sevmash is Russia’s major shipbuilder and one of the main assets of the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC)

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8 USc №1(14), 2013

the range of Sevmash’s production capabilities — russia’s leading shipyard — is truly ambitious. among its largest modern projects are the construction of ultra-modern nuclear-powered submarines, retrofitting of an aircraft-carrying cruiser and construction of a unique offshore oil production platform

USc №1(14), 2013 9

Ekaterina pilikina

a forge of underwater powerThe history of the shipyard is rich in achieve-

ments in the submarine building area. Sevmash is credited with building submarines listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest, deep-sea, and fastest subs in the world — and these char-acteristics still remain unsurpassed. Most of the nuclear-powered submarines built in Russia were launched at Sevmash.

On January 10, 2013, the shipyard added the nuclear-powered missile submarine (SSBN) Yury Dolgoruky to its line of underwater boats built. This day saw a solemn flag-raising ceremony on board the first fourth-generation nuclear subma-rine. The SSBN, which has undergone all of ship-yard’s, sea and the state trials, was handed over to the Russian Navy. “Andrew’s flag is a symbol of courage and valor, — said Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu at the ceremony. — Russian sailors fought and displayed heroism under it since the time of Peter the Great. Yury Dolgoruky is the lead ship of the Project 955 Borei class. A total of eight sub-marines of this class, which have to surpass their foreign counterparts in performance, are to be built before 2020. These boats will form the back-bone of Russia’s naval nuclear deterrence capabili-ties and will be an effective tool to ensure national security.”

The Borei-class SSBNs have incorporated the latest technological advances improving the hull hydrodynamics and making the boats much qui-eter. “This ship, as Grand Prince Yury Dolgoruky

himself, who founded the capital of Russia, has almost re-established the inter-shipyard coopera-tion system,” — said Sevmash’s Director General Mikhail Budnichenko. The Yury Dolgoruky has paved the way for a series of submarines of this pro-ject, including the Alexander Nevsky and Vladimir Monomakh. At the keel-laying ceremony of the

a total of eight project 955 Borei-class submarines, which have to surpass their foreign counterparts in performance, are to be built before 2020.

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next SSBN, the Prince Vladimir, Russian President Vladimir Putin said: “Much has been done at Sev-mash to strengthen Russia’s defense capabilities. In total, you have built 129 submarines. This is a unique record. I do not know if there is another such a company in the world that has made so much for its country. The shipyard employs experi-

enced and skilled personnel. Large teams of people work on similar projects: scientists, engineers, and skilled workers. You have demonstrated through deeds that you are able to solve the most ambitious tasks.”

The shipyard is actively working on ships of other projects as well: the SSN Severodvinsk is undergoing sea trials and SSN Kazan is under con-struction on the slipway.

aircraft carrier aS an international SymBolFor the first time in the history of modern

Russia, Sevmash has carried out comprehensive repair and retrofitting of a large surface combat-ant — the heavy aircraft-carrying Admiral Gor-shkov — and turned it into the modern aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya for the Indian Navy. Works carried out on board the ship by the ship-yard and its partner companies are comparable in scale to the construction of a new aircraft car-rier. The hull of the ship was actually modified: its flight deck was widened and extended to 283 meters to perform new combat missions, a bow ski-jump takeoff ramp at a 14-degree angle was introduced, its power plant was changed over from fuel oil to diesel fuel, and virtually all the electrical cable networks (2,400 km long) were replaced. The hull of the cruiser was equipped with modern equipment: a naval short take-off and landing television system and an automated command & control system giving the capability which controls not only the aircraft carrier and its air wing, but a group of escort ships as well were

USc №1(14), 2013 11

installed. The angled flight deck of the aircraft carrier was equipped with an optical landing sys-tem and electronic warfare systems.

“No other company besides Sevmash would hardly be able to solve such large-scale repair and upgrade works on board the ship, moreover at a very high performance level,” — said Commodore Suraj Berry, the commander of Vikramaditya’s In-dian crew, at a meeting. He assessed the aircraft carrier at sea: he commanded the Indian crew dur-ing the trials of the ship under harsh conditions of the North Sea last summer. According to Indian experts, during three months of the “sea examina-tion” the Vikramaditya had showed good handling performance, attained a speed of 27.9 knots, its maneuverability far exceeded the built-in param-eters. The MiG Corporation highly appraised the upgraded take-off ramp whose geometry enables the aircraft to successfully achieve the desired take-off trajectory. During the trials, the ship had passed over 12,000 nautical miles, that is, it actually crossed half the globe. Aircraft (MiG-29K, Su-33, helicopters, etc) accomplished a total of 517 flights

during the tests. The main conclusion made by the participants of the trials was unanimous: the ship is worthy to be called an aircraft carrier.

Now INS Vikramaditya is at Sevmash’s outfitting quay: deficiencies identified during the sea trials are being eliminated. In the early summer of 2013 the aircraft carrier, according to the schedule, will put to the sea again for testing.

a unique ice-reSiStant platform – ruSSia’S national projectDiversification into the oil and gas area is a

new departure for Sevmash. The construction of Russia’s first Prirazlomnaya offshore ice-resistant fixed platform (OIRFP), which will produce oil

according to indian experts, during three months of the “sea examination” the vikramaditya had showed good handling performance, its maneuverability far exceeded the built-in parameters.

During the trials, the ship had passed

over 12,000 nautical miles, that is, it actually crossed half the globe. aircraft (mig-29K, Su-33, helicopters, etc) accomplished a total of

517 flights during the tests.

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in the Pechora Sea, started at the company in the late 1990’s. The shipyard gained huge operation experience in the oil and gas sector, being involved in each stage of the construction of the oil produc-tion facility, from platform project approval to equipment delivery. “We have gone through the thorns, but nevertheless built this unique struc-ture,” — said the representative of the customer, CEO of Gazprom Neft Shelf Alexander Mandel. The dimensions of the platform are impressive: the area of the upper deck is as big as two foot-ball fields, its drilling rig is as high as a 17-storey building ... But the platform is unique not only for its phenomenal dimensions making the Prira-zlomnaya one of the biggest oil platforms in the world. The OIRFP built at Sevmash is the first ice-resistant fixed platform in the world capable of operating at the temperatures down to minus 50 oC and under high ice loads. A unique caisson with five-meter thick concrete walls, lined with a

double clad steel plate, will make the Prirazlom-naya invulnerable. Due to its weight, the platform stands firmly on the bottom and, according to experts, can stand much longer than its design 25-year period.

The functionality of the Prirazlomnaya is equally impressive. The platform is capable of drilling ap-proximately 40 wells up to 7000 meters in depth. Moreover, the wells may be directional to reach almost any point within five kilometers. In addi-tion to drilling and oil production (estimated at 6.6 million tons a year), the platform will perform also other functions: for example, tanks are provided in the caisson to store 136,000 cubic meters of oil — it will be delivered by tankers to the mainland.

Now the Prirazlomnaya has been installed in the Pechora Sea and acceptance of Phase 1 equipment is under way. By the way, representatives of known Norwegian audit companies who visited the facility praised Sevmash’s workmanship.

Sevmash’s industrial achievements show the versatility and scope of the Severodvinsk-based enterprise’s capabilities. Highly skilled personnel of Russia’s largest shipyard are able to solve any tasks, while its capacities make it possible to implement the most complex projects.

the oirfp built at Sevmash is the first ice-resistant fixed platform in the world capable of operating at the temperatures down to minus 50 oc and under high ice loads.

USc №1(14), 2013 13

our history dates back to 1912, when re-engineering of a paper factory located 22 kilometers from St. petersburg in Shlisselburgsky county near the junction of the izhora and the neva rivers into the ust-izhora Shipyard began. until 1917, the shipyard had successfully supplied the russian navy with eight orphei-class destroyers, which wrote many heroic chapters in the russian navy’s glorious history.during world war ii, the shipyard, being a mere 7 kilometers from the front line, was actively engaged in ships outfitting and repair. after the war, its contribution to the victory over fascism was marked by the order of the patriotic war of the 1st class. By its centenary anniversary, the shipyard has built a total of more than 500 ships and vessels according to 43 projects for the russian navy and foreign customers.

v.a. Seredokho,Director General of JSC SNSZ

oday, SNSZ is the sole ship-yard in Russia capable of implementing a complete cycle of ship construction from three types of materials

(low-magnetic and common steels, alu-minum and fiberglass) — from detailed design to delivery.

The shipyard’s traditional products are mine countermeasures (MCM) ships. So far, SNSZ has built more than 200 MCM ships to 18 projects for the

Russian Navy and for export.Today, the company offers customers the Pro-

ject 10750E MCM ships. They are equipped with modern mine countermeasures, including the latest sonars, mine-detector stations, remote-controlled and autonomous underwater vehicles, precision positioning systems, and automated countermine

operations control systems. The shipyard has de-veloped a project for upgrading Project 266E MCM ships supplied previously to foreign customers (20 units) in order to drastically improve their capabili-ties to search and destroy modern mines using the same equipment as installed on board the Project 10750E ships.

Project 1241 Molniya-class missile boats invari-ably enjoy steady demand. The Molniya-class ships of the advanced Project 12418 are classified by NATO as corvettes. Designed by Almaz CMDB, the boats are intended to destroy enemy surface com-batant ships, boats and sealift ships independently and in cooperation with fleet striking forces. In

Sredne-nevSky Shipyard:

in 2011, the Sredne-nevsky Shipyard fabricated a 62-meter-long hull from fiberglass using the vacuum infusion method, thus setting a world technological record.

Т

a 62-meter-long hull formed by vacuum infusion after removal of a mold

iN StEp With thE timES

14 USc №1(14), 2013

wartime, their tasks are to destroy enemy surface combatant squadrons, amphibious squadrons and convoys, and conduct tactical reconnaissance. In peacetime, the boats are suitable to protect the state border, carry out patrol missions, and participate in anti-piracy and rescue operations.

Project 12418 Molniya-class missile boats have a displacement of 550 tons. They are distinguished

by a high speed up to 40 knots (74 km/h), cruising range of 2,400 miles (4445 km), good seaworthiness (the use of weapons is possible at Sea State up to 5), as well as by the reliability of all systems and ease of maintenance.

Missile and artillery weapons installed on board the Project 12418 Molniya-class missile boats comprise the Uran-E anti-ship missile sys-

Sredne-Nevsky Shipyard (SNSZ), which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, offers customers ships and vessels built using cutting-edge technologies

Banking on innovation

project 10750E mine countermeasures vessel

150-seat passenger catamaran

hull’s mold

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tem with precision-guided 3M24E cruise missiles housed in quad launchers, AK-176M and AK-630M gun systems. Air defense is also provided by the Igla MANPADS systems. Four 3S24E launchers with four missiles on each make the Project 12418 Molniya-class boats the most for-midable ships in the class in terms of the striking capabilities. In October 2011, two Project 12418 missile boats were handed over to a foreign cus-tomer strictly in accordance with the contractual terms.

The Sredne-Nevsky Shipyard has always been on the cutting edge of technological progress in shipbuilding, constantly mastering and imple-menting innovative solutions. It has done a great job on upgrading its production facilities, with the result that today SNSZ is the sole company in Rus-sia possessing the advanced technology for form-ing large (over 60 meters long) fiberglass hulls by the vacuum infusion method. In 2011, the Sredne-Nevsky Shipyard fabricated a 62-meters-long ship hull of monolithic fiberglass, thus setting a world technological record.

Vacuum infusion is a technique in which a binder (resin) is fed under vacuum to a hull-shaped

glass unit formed in a mold, consisting of several layers of pressed reinforcing glass cloth of various weave patterns. This method reduces manual labor and, hence, mitigates human factors, resulting in a far better quality of manufactured structures and products made of composites, lower harmful emis-sions and better eco-friendliness of the manufactur-ing process.

To manufacture the hull, SNSZ has developed a unique world’s biggest mold that closely follows the hull form.

project 12418 molniya-class missile boat

laying fiberglass cloth layers in a mold

renovation of its production facilities will allow the shipyard to build larger ships and vessels — up to 110 meters in length, up to 16 meters in beam, with a draft up to 6 meters and launching weight up to 2,500 tons

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The main objective was to develop a process for laying reinforcing fiberglass cloth in a mold in accordance with the cloth thickness, its surface density, type of weave, and other parameters. One should bear in mind that the difficulties arising when laying fiberglass cloth increase significantly if the mold has a sophisticated shape similar to ship lines. In this regard, SNSZ’ engineering of-fice has developed a computer-aided 3D modeling technology for the process of laying fiberglass cloth in a mold. Based on this method, up-to-date software has been implemented enabling design, automated pattern cutting and lining of reinforc-ing materials, vacuum infusion process simulation and strategy development, and the strength as-sessment of the material and structures made of composites.

The new technology has made it possible to ac-curately calculate the required amount of glass cloth and binder, carry out glass cloth cutting, arrange the glass cloth layers in the most ef-ficient manner, and ensure the desired cloth content at each point in the mold. As part of its efforts to upgrade the existing fiberglass manu-facturing facilities, the shipyard has purchased modern equipment for the automated precision glass cloth cutting, thus achieving significant cloth savings.

Once a computer-aided 3D model is generated, glass cloth is cut and laid in a mold in several layers, the vacuum infusion process begins, during which a prepared binder is fed via a piping system to a formed glass unit being under vacuum.

The new technology has been fully mastered and the main conclusions are as follows. The develop-ment and manufacturing of hull structures using the vacuum infusion technique can ensure struc-tural optimization, whose purpose is to reduce the weight and cost of materials, improve the physical and mechanical properties, reduce labor content and increase productivity. Of extreme importance is also the fact that it is possible to develop a whole family of common different ships and vessels for military and civilian customers based on a hull of one project.

t present, SNSZ is actively developing the civil shipbuilding area and offers cus-tomers a new range of products meeting the market requirements — tugs, pas-senger vessels, and fire-and-rescue and

patrol ships.The Project R1535 Seskar-class multipurpose

patrol & general service boat with a displacement of 17 tons and a fiberglass hull is designed to per-form the patrol and inspection missions, keep the watch in the designated areas, carry groups of personnel, goods, and rescue people in the patrol areas. The boat has a top speed of 38 knots, a large cruising range (300 miles), a high sea keeping ca-pability (up to Sea State 6), and 5-day endurance. It is equipped with a 4-seat speedy motor boat and an electro-optical night vision system.

Today, St. Petersburg is making active efforts to develop passenger water transport which is extremely sought by the residents of the North-ern Capital and tourists. In this regard, SNSZ has focused on yet another promising area of activ-ity — construction of modern high-speed pas-senger fiberglass catamarans with a capacity of 150 people which are intended to replace overage high-speed motor vessels like the Meteor. The maximum speed of the fully loaded catamaran is 29.5 knots, full displacement — 66 tons, sea keep-ing capability — up to Sea State 4. Due to a small crew size (3 people) and higher engine efficiency, the operating costs of such catamarans are sig-nificantly lower compared with the Meteor-class vessels, while their life cycle is much longer, owing to a fiberglass hull manufactured by the vacuum infusion method. The need for ships of this type in St. Petersburg alone is estimated at approximately 40 units, while demand all over the country is 300 units.

Besides, SNSZ is undertaking a package of measures to renovate its production facilities in order to significantly expand its product line. The upgraded facilities will allow the shipyard to build larger ships and vessels — up to 110 meters in length, up to 16 meters in beam, with a draft up to 6 meters and launching weight up to 2,500 tons. The company has had an ISO 9001:2008-compliant quality management system in place since 2010.

The Sredne-Nevsky Shipyard is optimistic about the future. It has a stable order portfolio tending to grow and a diversified product lineup. With its manufacturing facilities and highly qualified per-sonnel, the company can handle orders of any com-plexity. SNSZ works purposefully to strengthen ties with both traditional and new customers in Russia and abroad. Its main principles are the maximum customer satisfaction, strict adherence to the terms of contracts, and establishing long-term partner-ship relations.

project R1535 Seskar-class multipurpose patrol & general service boat

А

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a new edition of the warships of the world reference book, prepared on order from the united Shipbuilding corporation,

has come out.the book contains information on almost two hundred types of modern

ships, boats and submarines of main classes. reviews of its main sections were prepared by the specialists working at the famous domestic design bureaus, which are now part of the corporation.the editorial board of the magazine publishes a collection compiled on the basis of these reviews, which will help the reader to form a qualified opinion on the ship’s core of modern world’s navies.

Warships of the world: a view from Russia

all the

ocean comBatantS

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nuclear-powered BalliStic miSSile SuBmarineS (SSBn)Today, the SSBNs make up the bulk of the strate-

gic nuclear forces in the world’s leading countries — Russia, the U.S., the UK, France, and China.

Owing to their fighting capabilities (high stealth-iness, almost unlimited endurance, the capability to quickly change position), the submarines of this class can deliver an inevitable and crushing retalia-tory nuclear strike on targets located in the enemy territory. It is precisely these capabilities that make the SSBNs one of the main legs of the national nu-clear deterrent triads.

The political situation during the Cold War pe-riod demanded a continuous SSBN improvement. As a result, this class of submarines began to quickly evolve. For example, following a series of the first George Washington class SSBNs, the U.S. Navy commissioned the Ethan Allen, Lafayette, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin boats (a total of 41 submarines). In 1980s-2000s, they were su-perseded by 18 Ohio class (SSBN 726) submarines. The evolvement of the SSBNs in other countries, including the Soviet Union (Russia), was equally dynamic.

The development of the SSBNs in all nuclear nations proceeded through an improvement in their primary weapons (ballistic missiles) and an increase in performance of the submarines themselves, whose stealthiness became their main advantage.

With the end of the Cold War, the threat of a global nuclear conflict ceased to seem real. Gov-ernments of major powers began to review their national nuclear strategies, which led to a reduc-tion in the number of the SSBNs and/or the num-ber of warheads deployed on them. The U.S. Navy, for example, cut the number of such subs in the fleet structure first to 18 and then to a mere 14, while reducing the number of nuclear warheads deployed on each of these boats from 8 to 4-5.

However, in the same period the importance of naval strategic nuclear forces and SSBNs in the

national defense systems of the world’s leading na-tions began to gradually increase. For example, the UK gave up its previously existing nuclear posture, represented by sea and air legs and retained only SSBNs, which were assigned to perform both stra-tegic and sub-strategic missions using the Trident II SLBMs.

France followed the same path: it refused its land-based ballistic missiles, retaining only SSBNs and air nuclear deterrent forces. Moreover, the number of boats projected under a new generation SNLE-NG SSBN program shrunk from 6 to 4.

Upon entry of the START III into force, the role of SSBNs in the U.S. strategic nuclear triad is also growing: the share of nuclear warheads deployed on SSBNs, increases from 50 to 70%. Moreover, in accordance with the U.S. doctrine, nuclear weapons can be used not only against nuclear powers, but also against countries that do not have such weapons. In addition, the U.S. has still not given up the possibility of using nuclear weapons first, and their SSBNs ensure this advan-tage in full.

Russia has now launched a SSBN generation replacement process. The SSBN Yuri Dolgoruky (Project 955) commissioned by the RF Navy in De-cember 2012 became the first new generation boat.

As part of the Ohio Replacement Program (ORP), the U.S. is also working on a new generation SSBN. According to the ORP, the U.S. is to build 12 new nuclear missile submarines to replace 14 ex-isting Ohio-class SSBNs. According to recent data, each such a submarine will carry 16 SLBMs.

Нigh stealthiness, almost unlimited endurance, the capability to quickly change position, the submarines of this class can deliver an inevitable and crushing retaliatory nuclear strike on targets located in the enemy territory.

Russian Navy’s project 955 SSbN Yuri Dolgoruky

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The United Kingdom, in collaboration with the United States, is implementing its own Successor program that involves the construction of 3 to 4 SSBNs, which will replace the four Vanguard-class submarines. The British new generation nuclear-powered submarines are to be equipped with 12 missile silo launchers instead of 16 on board the previous generation boats. In addition, they will carry a mere 8 SLBMs, while four silos will suppos-edly remain reserve.

Research work on a new generation SSBN (SNLE-3G program) has started in France, too. In parallel, the previously built boats are undergoing refit, which primarily involves the replacement of the M45 SLBM system with the M51 SLBM system. The French Fifth Republic is also improving its na-val nuclear deterrent forces, while simultaneously reducing the number of nuclear warheads carried by SLBMs.

A drive to cut submarine costs — both procure-ment and life cycle costs — is an important com-

mon feature of the new generation SSBN develop-ment efforts launched in all of the countries. One cost-cutting method is to extend the submarine life up to 40-50 years. Thus, it appears that the SSBNs being currently designed will remain in service until the 2070-2080s.

nuclear-powered attack SuBmarineS (SSn)The nuclear-powered submarines are currently

the mainstay of national general-purpose fleet sub-marine forces in the world’s leading countries — Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France and China. Argentina, Australia and Brazil are showing interest in equipping their navies with nuclear submarines. According to a lease agree-ment concluded with Russia, in 2012 the Indian Navy commissioned the Russian-built submarine INS Chakra (Project 971).

The use of nuclear power plants (NPP) on board submarines has transformed them from “diving” into really “submersible” ships. Nuclear-powered submarines have completely outperformed diesel submarines. However, an awesome cost of nuclear attack submarines restricted (and is still restricting) the possibility of their acquisition by the countries with insufficient budgets. Following the U.S. and Soviet Navies, the SSNs joined the Royal Navy (April 1963), Chinese Navy (1974) and the French Navy (February 1983). France’s lag in the adoption of the SSNs is quite understandable: at that time the country gave priority to building a series of SSBNs.

The first attack nuclear attack submarines were generally the “nuclear versions” of the existing diesel submarines. After the first, in fact experi-mental, submarines, serial production of higher-performance nuclear submarines commenced. With the arrival of SSBNs in the submarine fleets of the world’s leading powers, the SSN forces focused largely on performing the ASW missions. There-fore, the developers sought to make the submarines stealthier and “teach” them to detect low-noise un-derwater targets at a long distance.

The main mission of the Soviet submarine force in those years was to counter the large groups of enemy surface ships, which spurred the develop-ment of the specific types of nuclear attack sub-marines — fast boats equipped with a powerful anti-ship missile system.

With the end of the Cold War, the submarine forces in the world’s powers were transformed again. Nuclear submarines had now to perform both the traditional missions (fighting enemy sub-marines and surface ships) and those that had not had a high priority previously — strikes against land targets with cruise missiles, covert insertion of spe-cial operations forces onto enemy occupied beach-es, intelligence, reconnaissance, etc. In this way the SSNs became truly multipurpose ships.

US Navy ohio class SSbN 726

Russian Navy’s project 855 SSN Severodvinsk

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The SSN Virginia-class submarine commissioned by the U.S. Navy in 2004 became the first nuclear submarine designed according to an extended range of missions.

The Royal Navy’s Astute-class submarines (the lead ship was commissioned in 2010) offer now the similar capabilities. In 2017, the French Navy is to be replenished with the attack submarine Suffren: it is being built under the Barracuda program and is also focused on performing a broad range of missions. Russia’s latest Project 885 Severodvinsk-class SSNs, too, are in line with current trends.

In addition, the multipurpose nuclear-powered ships can serve as a basis for special-purpose sub-marines capable of performing even more func-tions. Typically, these unique boats are built to special order or are converted from other types of submarines. These include, for example, the U.S. Navy submarine Jimmy Carter (SSN-23) that came to replace the SSN Parche and was built around the Seawolf project.

The number of the SSNs in the fleets of the lead-ing maritime nations — as though the number of SSBNs, too — gradually shrank since the end of the Cold War and has now almost halved. However, it’s too early think about the decline of this class submarines and the development of multi-purpose submarines continues. The U.S. Navy Virginia-class submarines are a confirmation. They are ordered and built in subseries, which are an evolutionary development of the baseline design. The U.S. is now building the Block III boats, which differ from the standard version in the sonar system configuration (with a nose quasiconformal antenna), cruise mis-siles launchers (two large-diameter silos instead of 12 single launchers). Studies have begun to develop a Virginia-type SSN with enhanced missile arma-ments. As with the SSBNs, cost reduction is a pri-

mary driver. For example, a Block III Virginia-class submarine proved to be US$ 800 million cheaper in construction relative to the Block I boats — in particular, through the use of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) component items.

conventional SuBmarineS (SSk)For more than 100 years the SSKs have been an

integral part of the many navies around the world. To date, approximately 300 of such boats (except for midgets) are part of the navies of 38 countries. In recent years, developing countries that previously had only surface ships started to establish their sub-marine forces. However, only a few states — Russia, France, Germany, Sweden, Japan, China, and, with certain reservations, Spain and Italy — are capable of building SSKs today. The SSK export market is now divided between the Russian and European companies (the latter include, first of all, German TKMS and French DCNS). The Chinese, too, are trying to establish themselves in this market.

Over the century, the SSKs have turned from “weapons of the weak” intended solely for coast de-fense into full-fledged multi-mission platforms ca-pable of performing various tasks, both on the high seas and in coastal areas. Similar to the situation with the SSNs, a change in the military-political situation in the world has changed the priorities in the development and operation of the SSKs. Most of navies have shifted their operational focus from the high seas to coastal areas, where the advantages of SSKs over nuclear boats are obvious, while their shortcomings are not significant. Accordingly, there emerged an increased interest in the SSKs both from the navies going to conduct expeditionary activities and from the states planning to prevent such actions in their waters. Because of the coastal focus, the importance of such tasks such as conduct of electronic and visual reconnaissance, insertion and recovery of special operations soldiers, conduct of mine reconnaissance and mine-laying, etc. has increased, while the missions of destroying enemy ships have taken a backseat.

Today, the technical improvement of the SSKs and their compliance with new tasks are largely achieved through the introduction of new equip-ment and materials. Whereas earlier the SSNs were far superior to the SSKs in the mix and capabilities of electronic warfare and weapon systems, since the 1990s this advantage becomes more conventional, mainly due to the rapid development of commercial computers. The SSKs receive towed and on-board sonar antennas, towed radio cable antennas, in-tegrated combat management systems, hydraulic launching systems, cruise missiles capable of at-tacking coastal facilities, self-defense systems with outboard launching and storage systems, etc. Noise reduction measures, previously typical only of the SSNs, are increasingly seen today during the devel-

nuclear-powered submarines have completely outperformed diesel submarines.

US Navy special-purpose Jimmy carter SSN-23

USc №1(14), 2013 21

opment of conventional submarines. Wide applica-tion of fiberglass composites in the manufacture of topside structures and mast housings simplifies operations of the SSKs, especially in tropical waters, and reduces their costs.

The most visible progress in the improvement of this class of ships is clearly seen on the example of the introduction of the air independent propulsion (AIP) systems. Since the early 1980s the AIP systems have evolved from single experimental prototypes to standard equipment of production-type submarines. Over 30+ years, a variety of the AIP types observed previously has reduced to two types: fuel cells and Stirling engine; a MESMA system has found only limited demand, while closed-cycle diesel engines proved to be unpopular at all. However, these sys-tems remain auxiliary and the emergence of a fully air-independent SSK is still a thing of the future.

In addition, the introduction of AIP systems con-siderably increases the SSK procurement and life-cycle costs, including due to substantially increased coastal infrastructure requirements. The problem

of excessive cost is particularly acute for export submarines.

Due to the rising cost of new SSKs, three distinct segments of the market have emerged in the last few years. The medium segment, which includes

most of navies have shifted their operational focus from the high seas to coastal areas, where the advantages of SSks over nuclear boats are obvious, while their shortcomings are not significant.

Swedish Navy gotland-class SSK

Russian amur 950-class SSK

chinese Navy’s type 039a Yuan-class SSK

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the Types 212A and 214, Scorpene, Gotland, Yuan, Saint-Petersburg and several other submarines, remains basic as before. Their displacement is be-tween 1500 and 2000 tons. The second segment comprises the boat projects with a much smaller displacement — about 900-1000 tons — which ap-peared in the market in the mid-2000s. They include the S-1000, Andrasta, 210mod and Amur-950. The third segment encompasses large ocean-going boats displacing 2500-3000 tons or more and approach-ing in their capabilities to the SSNs. Interest in such submarines is shown by India (Project 751), Australia (SEA-1000), and South Korea (KSS-111).

midget SuBmarineSAlmost all of the submarines built in the 19th

century and the first years of the 20th century can now be considered as midgets. Their displacement ranged from 4.5 to 30 tons.

However, nobody referred to them as midgets at the time. On the contrary, naval experts believed that the purpose of these tiny ships was to defend naval bases and attack enemy ships in their station-ing areas (the boats were delivered there on board large ships).

Experts started to classify the submarines under 50 tons as midgets (SSM, according to the US hull classification) only when the displacement of sub-marines exceeded 100-150 tons, that is, since the beginning of World War I.

Midgets were widely used during World War II. In this period, the submarines of the following types were built and participated in combat operations: CA and CB (Italy), X, XE, Welman, Welfreighter (UK); Biber, Hecht, Mohl, Seehund (Germany); A, B, C, D, Kairyu (Japan).

In the post-war period, full-scale construction of midgets virtually ceased. Only single prototypes to develop engineering solutions and conduct ex-periments were built. The exception were midgets from Italy’s COSMOS (Construzione Motoscafi Sottomarini), which built them for export since the mid-1950s, and Yugoslavia’s Brodosplit Com-pany, which manufactured them for own needs

and foreign customers. However, in the 1970s-80s, naval specialists in the U.S., USSR, the UK, and North and South Korea, France, Germany and Sweden became interested in developing midget submarines using new technologies.

To date, according to the U.S. Navy hull clas-sification, the boats under 50-75 tons are classified as swimmer delivery vehicles (SDV), submarines displacing 75-100 tons are referred to as midgets, and mini-submarines have a displacement over 100 tons. However, all the three groups share a number of common tasks, so it seems reasonable to con-sider them together in this section.

The purpose of the SDVs is to deliver, insert and recover frogmen and sabotage teams, conduct reconnaissance, and rescue the crews of sunken submarines. The SDVs have limited endurance, so they are delivered to the operations area by specially equipped submarines, surface ships having a special dock chamber, or by air. For example, the U.S. Navy uses the following platforms to carry the ASDS-type SDVs: specially equipped Los Angeles-class SSNs Columbus, Charlotte, and Greeneville, SSN Jimmy Carter (an upgraded Seawolf-class SSN), modern Virginia-class SSNs and four Ohio-class boats (SS-GNs 726-729). The ASDS-type SDVs can be deliv-ered to the mission area also by heavy transport air-craft like the C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster.

Midget submarines perform sabotage missions in a very limited sea space: in the port waters, naval bases (including entering the estuaries), and coastal fjords. In addition, they can destroy enemy under-water saboteurs, provide anti-submarine defense, attack surface ships and vessels, and covertly plant nests of mines in the narrownesses and in the fair-ways. The midgets are also used to deliver frogmen with their weapons.

Mini-submarines are autonomous ships with a long submerged range, a variety of weapons, relatively long endurance and a wide range of mis-sions.

Both the midgets and mini-submarines can be used to defend the coastal border of any state, regardless of its combat power. With their stealthi-

project 908 triton-2-class midget submarine v-499Japan’s WWii midget submarine Kairyu

USc №1(14), 2013 23

ness and low vulnerability, these boats are capable of both providing reliable protection of naval bases of a powerful military nation and guarding the coastlines of a country, which has a small fleet — in this case, they will be “a powerful weapon of the weak.” The state possessing subma-rines to defend its maritime borders becomes more confident in itself, because the availability of these ships in the fleet structure will make any adversary respect its neighbor and favor peaceful coexistence.

Objectively, the mini-submarines have several advantages over the SSKs when a submarine fleet is being established, namely: a small displacement (and hence increased stealthiness), shallow water capability, a small crew, cheap operation, a variety of weapons, and sufficient endurance. It is impossible not to mention another important strength of the mini-submarines: it is possible to get a whole group of such ships at minimum costs and within a short time.

That is why mini-submarines are considered a promising weapon for a number of countries in Southeast and West Asia, South America, the Med-iterranean, and the Baltic region. The range of cus-tomers is wide and demand will be certainly great.

The coastal mini-submarines should carry a general-purpose mix of armaments: violators of different “calibers” can be met on the border. Torpedoes and mines will be of course the main weapons for mini-submarines. The use of rocket torpedoes seems quite reasonable.

For SDVs and midgets, given their limited en-durance, the storage battery still remains the sole power plant option; for mini-submarines — the simplest diesel-electric plant and a storage battery. The use of an AIP system is possible, however with longer submerged continuous time, this modifica-tion will increase the displacement and, conse-quently, the cost of the mini-submarine and its op-eration cost (with regard to coastal infrastructure).

Today, steel is the basic structural material for submarines, including mini-submarines. There has been no full-fledged replacement for it yet. Ti-tanium alloy for the pressure hulls of mini-submarines is an ideal material: it reduces displacement and is corrosion-resistant. But its disadvantages are also very substantial — it is expensive and its working and welding technologies are not available to everyone. The use

of composites in midgets is possible, but in mini-subs they can only be used to manufacture some structures but not the pressure hull.

Midgets and mini-submarines are capable of performing operational mis-sions in restricted navigation areas, close to the country’s own maritime borders — so to say, in the “near (off-

shore) area.” An increase in cruising range and endurance automatically leads to an increase in energy reserves, crew size with the appropriate means of habitability, a possible revision of weap-ons mix and, hence, a larger displacement of the ship, and its higher development, purchase and operating costs.

In Russia, which has an extremely long coast-line and a diverse fleet with stationing sites, the defense problems became acute in the 1970s. Design work on a complex of underwater vehi-cles — Protey-, Proton-, Triton-1M-, Triton-2-, Sirena-UM-type SDVs, Piranha, Piranha-2 (with fuel cells), Bychok mini-submarines, etc. — be-gan to the Navy’s specifications. The designers managed to achieve a displacement of a mini-submarine of over 100 tons and make the Russian Piranha autonomous with high seaworthiness and operational performance. Foreign experts highly regarded the Piranha: it was one of the best mini-subs in the world in its class. In this regard, there appeared a possibility of developing a coastal mini-submarine to defend the offshore zone.

Each state tactically interprets its defensive ob-jectives, ambitions and economic opportunities related, among other things, to crew training and ship operation. As of today, midgets and mini-submarines are the most viable, advantageous and promising option for most of countries.

midgets and mini-submarines are capable of performing operational missions in restricted navigation areas, close to the country’s own maritime borders

triton-2 swimmer delivery vehicle

Russian midget piranha

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aircraft carrierSThis class of ships can be divided into three

groups: heavy aircraft carriers (supercarriers) with a displacement of over 60,000 tons, medium air-craft carriers (midcarriers) with a displacement of 40-60,000 tons, and light aircraft carriers with a displacement of under 40,000 tons.

Currently, supercarriers are operational only with the U.S. Navy, where they make up the main-stay of general-purpose forces and are an essential stepping stone to dominate the oceans of the world. The main distinctive feature of these aircraft carri-ers is the capability to provide simultaneous take-offs and landings of tail controlled aircraft and their deployment with maximum stores, enabling con-tinuous fighting for more than 6 days (with 2 sorties a day). An architectural feature of a series of the Nimitz-class supercarriers — consisting of 10 ships commissioned between 1975 and 2009 — is an im-mense (angled) flight deck with steam catapults and arresting gears, on-board aircraft elevators. The air wing on board such supercarriers consists of 70 to 80 various planes and helicopters.

The first nuclear-powered supercarrier Enter-prise, which entered service back in 1961, is still in operation. It will be supposedly decommissioned in 2015, when the lead new generation supercarrier CVN-78 Jerald R. Ford, laid down in 2009, enters service. The U.S. military authorities plan to have three CVN-78-class supercarriers in service before the end of 2025, with regard to decommissioning aircraft carriers adopted previously.

The United Kingdom hopes to commission two Queen Elizabeth-class supercarriers with main gas turbine propulsion units before 2020. According to preliminary data, the air wing on board each ship will consist of 40 combat aircraft.

This year, the French Navy’s supercarrier PA2 of the same type is to be laid down. The French Navy already operates the nuclear-powered heavy carrier Charles de Gaulle with 30 planes and helicopters commissioned in 2001.

The Russian Navy has been operating the medi-um-sized aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov (Pro-ject 11435) with a boiler-turbine power plant since 1990. It deploys Su-33, Su-25K aircraft and the Ka-27, Ka-31 helicopters.

In 2011, the mid-carrier Shi Lang (ex-Soviet Pro-ject 1435 Varyag) with 18 aircraft and 12 helicop-ters joined the Chinese Navy.

Of course, the mid-carriers are inferior to the supercarriers in aircraft mix, mission scope and ef-fectiveness, flight deck size and equipment, take-off / landing rate, but they are much more economical than their larger “brothers” in terms of the cost of construction and ownership.

In turn, compared with larger aircraft carriers, the light carriers are designed to perform a rela-tively limited range of missions.

The Brazilian Navy currently operates the light carrier Sao Paulo (ex-Foch built in 1963) with a boiler-turbine power plant and 10-15 aircraft and helicopters, which was purchased from France in 2001.

The Italian Navy has the light aircraft carrier Gi-useppe Garibaldi built in 1985 and equipped with

US Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier

US Navy lead aircraft carrier cvN-78 gerald R. ford

Russia is planning to hand over the midcarrier vikramaditya to india in the near future

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a gas turbine power plant and carrying 25 aircraft and helicopters.

The Spanish Navy operates the light aircraft car-rier Príncipe de Asturias, built in 1988 to a US pro-ject, with a gas turbine power plant, 15 British Sea Harrier STOL aircraft and helicopters.

In 1992, the Thai Navy adopted the light aircraft carrier Chakri Naruebet with a gas turbine power plant, 6 British Sea Harrier STOL aircraft and six helicopters.

To date, India possesses only obsolete light air-craft carrier Viraat R-22, purchased from the UK in 1980. It was built in 1959, is equipped with a boiler-turbine power plant and has an air wing of 15 Brit-ish aircraft and helicopters. In 2013, Russia plans to handover the mid-carrier INS Vikramaditya (ex-Admiral Gorshkov, Project 11430) after its repair and refit to the Indian Navy. The ship will deploy an air wing of 30 combat aircraft — MiG-29K fighters and Ka-27 and Ka-31 helicopters. In addition, in 2015, India expects to complete the construction of the mid-carrier Vikrant (Type 71) with a gas tur-bine power plant and the capability of deploying 20 MiG-29K fighters and Ka-27 and Ka-31 helicopters.

amphiBiouS ShipSThe form of warfare, known since antiquity and

consisting in overcoming the sea space and land-ing troops on enemy beaches, is increasingly being established in the naval theory. An amphibious op-eration, originated in World War I, found wide use in World War II. More than 600 such operations carried out during the terrible 1940s contributed to the birth of a new class of warships — amphibi-ous ships intended to transport and land troops. Amphibious landing operations conducted during wartime and postwar local conflicts have adjusted the basic requirements for the amphibious ship configuration.

By the beginning of the 21st century, the am-phibious ship class has evolved through many stag-es and expanded to include the diversity of types. The evolution of technical means made it possible

to develop a versatile ship replacing the ships of other subclasses in missions. The displacement, structural complexity, the cost of development and operation of versatile amphibious ships gradually grew. Today, in these components, they are second only to aircraft carriers, and their acquisition is not affordable to all countries. In this regard, many navies will apparently operate structurally simpli-fied and relatively inexpensive amphibious craft that meet the military and political objectives of the operating states, for a rather long time. Such a situation is quite favorable, it will help maintain and expand the spectrum of the amphibious ship class.

The amphibious ships are designed to trans-port and land troops with weapons and military equipment on a coastal territory occupied by the enemy. In peacetime, such ships are used to solve peacekeeping missions as part of the UN forces, as well as to transport various (including commer-cial) goods between unequipped shores, especially when it is impossible or uneconomic to freight civil transports for these purposes.

In recent years, the role of amphibious ships has been manifesting more and more vividly when it is necessary to provide assistance to the popula-tion in the coastal states in emergencies. These ships are capable of operating in natural disaster conditions, when the land transportation routes, coastal airfields, port facilities, communications and control facilities are badly damaged or de-stroyed — that is, in cases where no other means can be used. The amphibious ships have demon-strated repeatedly excellent performance in such conditions. The situation that arose at the end of 1999 in Venezuela was a convincing example: then, after devastating floods and landslides, sea-going landing craft helped evacuate hundreds of people. Moreover, Venezuela had enough own landing craft to carry out the mission.

It’s worth remembering that 70% of the world’s population lives near the sea coast, and the need for a number of states to have such craft becomes clear; let alone wartime, when such a situation

mistral l9013 general-purpose amphibious assault ship (france)

US Navy lpD-17 San antonio-class amphibious assault support vessel

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26 USc №1(14), 2013

(damage or destruction of the port facilities, coast-al airfields, and transport communications) may arise everywhere. Capture of the strategically im-portant islands, strait zones, naval bases and other facilities during ground fighting is often associated with the need to conduct operations in such cir-cumstances. Transport ships and vessels can not perform such missions. Recall the difficulties faced by the U.S. Navy Command in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. Then, due to lack of amphibious ships, the weapons and military equipment was loaded onto two Marine Corps’ vessels, but the latter could not off load over an undeveloped beach, and all the equipment had to be moved to equipment prepositioning ships.

Amphibious ships and landing craft are devel-oped to cope with precisely such problems. Their geographical proliferation in today’s world has been steadily expanding. A growing number of countries acquire amphibious ships or landing craft for their navies. Whereas the total number of amphibious ships in different countries in the 1960s was com-mensurate with their number in the U.S., in the 1990s the situation has changed: China alone can already compete with America in the number of amphibious ships. However, the U.S. still leads the world in terms of amphibious force development and improvement, thus maintaining, according to the Pentagon, readiness to “rapidly conduct opera-tions” like the invasion of Panama and Operation Desert Storm around the world.

cruiSerS This class of ships appeared as early as the 17th

century and evolved extensively in all leading na-vies worldwide during the First and Second World Wars. The war finally formed the role of the cruis-ers as general-purpose ships capable of perform-ing a variety of missions as part of fleets and task groups — from air defense to amphibious support and escorting convoys.

After the war, the scope of tasks facing the fleets of the world’s leading maritime nations also changed. The importance of the cruisers mark-edly decreased. The then-existing trend towards ship specialization for performing strictly defined missions led to navies’ refusing construction of general-purpose ships, which the cruisers are. The widespread introduction of missile and nuclear weapons, which greatly increased the capabilities of smaller and therefore cheaper combatants, be-came an additional factor in favor of this decision.

However, the desire to increase the fighting ca-pacity of a separate ship and expand the capabilities of a task group forced to resume the construction of cruisers. The Navy Commands in several countries appreciated their unique capabilities as weapons platforms. Both versatile ships (missile cruisers) and specialized ones (in particular, helicopter cruisers)

were developed. It is on the cruisers that the engi-neers were able to mature the use of nuclear power plants in surface ships.

Today, on yet another round of evolution, the cruiser is a powerful multi-mission ship designed to perform a wide range of missions, especially as part of a task group formed around it. In their capabili-ties, the cruisers are second only to aircraft carriers.

The modern cruiser is an expensive, high-tech ship equipped with up-to-date missiles, sensors and electronics. Only a few states can afford its design, construction, operation and maintenance.

Only two countries — the U.S. and Russia — have now considerable cruiser forces.

The Kirov-class (Project 1144 Orlan) heavy nuclear-powered missile cruisers still remain a Rus-sian Navy’s hallmark. Besides them, the Russian Navy operates the Slava-class (Project 1164 Atlant) missile cruisers with a gas turbine power plant. Both the projects have a significant growth poten-tial, which ensures their compliance with future tasks for many years to come.

deStroyerSThe destroyers emerged at the turn of the 19th —

20th centuries and, by the beginning of World War II, had turned into a massive class of surface combatants, capable of carrying out a wide range of tasks. Given warfare experience, the scope of use of destroyers has expanded significantly, because new

today, on yet another round of evolution, the cruiser is a powerful multi-mission ship designed to perform a wide range of missions, especially as part of a task group formed around it. in their capabilities, the cruisers are second only to aircraft carriers.

Russian Navy’s heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser pyotr veliky (project 1144 orlan)

USc №1(14), 2013 27

threats — aircraft and submarines — emerged. Ac-cordingly, the requirements for this class of ships changed. Once considered cheap mass ships intend-ed to defend the main naval forces, the destroyers moved into the category of large multi-mission ships.

The advent of naval missile weapons, on the one hand, has dramatically enhanced the capa-bilities of destroyers, and on the other, required a substantial increase in their displacement, and hence in their cost. In its relative value, the de-stroyer approached the World War II cruiser. In displacement (7500 tons or more in the stand-ard version), modern destroyers are catching up cruisers, being second only to a few of them in weapons’ potential, largely due to smaller amount of ammunition.

The leading maritime powers rightly consider the destroyer the main ocean-going warship capa-ble of operating both independently and as part of a task group. In addition, the requirements for the ship flexibly vary, depending on the financial and technical capacity of the state, naval doctrine, and many other factors.

The destroyers now include the latest U.S. Navy Zumwalt-class ships (full displacement — about 14,500 tons), which, in fact, are the embodiment of the “arsenal ship” concept devised as early as the last century. Its aim was to develop relatively small ships with powerful armaments, intended primarily for use against the shore. They had to replace de-commissioned battleships.

The general destroyer trends in the main navies in the early 21st century are: an increase in the level of weapon systems integration, formation of integrated command & control systems, weapon range expansion, introduction of stealth structural components, increase in the level of automation and crew reduction. Destroyers logically fit into the network-centric warfare concept, as its naval com-ponent.

Today, Russia is one of the few countries whose fleets operate destroyers. Its destroyers include primarily the Sovremenny-class ships (Project 956 Sarych), designed to perform the range of tasks specific to the class. In its capabilities, the large anti-submarine ship Admiral Chabanenko (Project 11551), which is an advanced version of the Udaloy large ASW ship (Project 1155 Fregat) with enhanced striking capabilities, can be classified as destroyer.

frigateSThe modern frigates took shape as an independ-

ent ship subclass after the end of World War II, when a tendency toward ship division according to niche specialization dominated the navies of the world’s leading maritime nations. Further evolve-ment of the frigates in various countries proceeded in accordance with current maritime doctrines and budget opportunities. Both small escort ships and large missile carriers with nuclear power plants were referred to as frigates.

By the end of the 20th century, large frigates in most navies around the world were reclassified as destroyers or cruisers, while the frigates came to refer to ocean- and sea-going surface combatants with a medium displacement having versatile mis-sile/artillery armaments and capable of performing both defensive missions (antisubmarine and air defense of a convoy or a naval task force, self-de-fense) and striking missions (amphibious support, destruction of enemy ships). In turn, within the subclass, the frigates are divided by purpose: mul-tipurpose, ASW, air defense. Being slightly inferior to destroyers in striking capabilities, the frigates are coming close to them when performing specialized AD/ASW missions.

US Navy’s newest Zumwalt-class destroyer

Russian Navy’s Sovremenny-class destroyer

the leading maritime powers rightly consider the destroyer the main ocean-going warship capable of operating both independently and as part of a task group.

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28 USc №1(14), 2013

The frigates are among the most common ship subclasses in the world. However, in the navies of the leading maritime nations the frigates are considered massive ships, whereas in other countries they play the role of the main battle ship or even the flagship. In this regard, there are two groups of frigates: ships with a standard displacement of 4,000-5,000 tons fo-cused largely on activities within aircraft carrier and amphibious groups, large convoys in ocean condi-tions, and frigates with a displacement of about 2,000 to 4,000 tons designed typically for single patrols.

In view of quite strong demand for ships of this class, many leading shipbuilders have developed standard (baseline) frigate projects for the domestic Navies and export deliveries. Armament and equip-ment of these ships may vary depending on the tasks assigned to them. In fact, the point is a base platform, which can be equipped to meet customer needs. In this case, the configuration of a modern frigate makes it possible to expand or enhance its capabilities throughout the entire life. Use of modu-lar equipment is one of the ways to enable the ship to perform additional tasks.

Thus, the construction of frigates is a promising fleet development area and helps adequately ensure mission accomplishment, given limited costs. With their excellent sea-keeping performance and endur-ance, the frigates can operate virtually anywhere in the oceans of the world, while their weapons pose a serious threat to a potential adversary.

The frigate class did not exist in the Soviet Navy. Ships similar to foreign frigates were classified as escort ships or large ASW ships. Recently, however,

the term has gained acceptance and the ships built in recent years, in particular Project 11356 and Pro-ject 22350, are referred to as frigates.

corvetteS Besides the missions carried out in remote sea

and ocean areas, the urgency of activities in the offshore zone, aimed to maintain the favorable operating conditions, protect ports, naval bases, fishing vessels, areas of economic interest, as well as to secure deposit development areas, always persists and has been increasing recently. To per-form these missions, many navies worldwide have widely used surface combatants with a limited dis-placement in recent decades, which include multi-purpose corvettes.

Today the urgency of developing and maintain-ing such a class of ships as corvettes is dictated by a number of circumstances related primarily to new advances achieved in the reduction of the weight and dimension characteristics of the shipboard weapons and armaments, together with a simultaneous improvement in their effective-ness. Now, it is possible to deploy weapons on board ships of a relatively small displacement and significantly improve not only their fighting capa-bilities, but also their competitiveness with other classes of ships. The important points, which should also be taken into account when analyzing the corvette prospects, are the significant changes occurring in the current political scene and eco-nomic difficulties. As a result, the fleets of the largest naval powers and their shipbuilding plans have shrunk. At the same time, there is economic recovery in the Southeast Asian and the Middle East countries.

All the above has affected the corvette market structure. Thus, the list of countries that organ-ize the construction of corvettes for their own navies and offer them for export has been steadily expanding in the first decade of the new century. The UK, Germany, China, the Netherlands, Russia, France, South Korea built and continue to build ships of this class; recently, countries that had no previous such experience have been mastering their construction — among them are Brazil, Po-land, Turkey and others. In this case, about 40% of the corvettes under construction are imported by the national navies.

The current corvette trends are largely in line with the trends typical of other surface ships of the main classes. Until recently it has been thought that corvettes can not be developed under the multipurpose ship concept, due to a limited space for placing a variety of weapons on board them. The striking-missile, anti-submarine or patrol specializations were most typical of these classes of ships. Today, the growing popularity of limited-displacement ships and the emergence of compact

Norwegian Navy’s frigate KNm helgeingstad

project 11356 frigate (Russia)

USc №1(14), 2013 29

weapons have generated demand and the condi-tions needed to build multipurpose corvettes. The accomplishment of missions assigned to them is ensured by a sufficiently powerful missile, mis-sile / artillery or rapid-firing artillery systems. Helicopter deployment on board these relatively small ships in order to give them new capabilities to provide situational awareness and generate the targeting data is also a current trend in their de-velopment. A further build-up of the capabilities of multipurpose corvettes will be possible through the use of modular robotic systems.

faSt comBatant BoatS For a number of maritime states, including Rus-

sia, one of the key problems related to the forma-tion of the fleet ship structure is that far more ships are required to protect the offshore zone along all the maritime borders than provided by multipur-pose corvettes and larger ships built with the al-located budget. The number depends on the length of maritime borders, unevenness and protection of shores, coastal depth values, coastline equipment level, highway development and the fleet stationing site density. With limited allocations, it is possible to establish and maintain such a fleet only through a relatively low cost of each ship. The combatant boats are designed to perform this task.

In domestic shipbuilding industry, the configu-ration of combatant boats began to form on the basis of World War II experience, which showed that small ships can play a significant role in mis-sions carried out in the coastal areas. The most famous combatant boats are the Project 1241 Mol-niya-class ships and their modifications developed at the Almaz CMDB.

All the boats occupy the leftmost area of the surface ship displacement scale, but the modern representatives of this class can not be called twins. They differ from each other, first of all, in full speed. Using the dynamic support principles, some of modern combatant boats move at 30-45 knots (Finnish Rauma 2; Norwegian Skjold), while the other, though a smaller part, can only acceler-ate up to 20-25 knots. This situation is explained by the different purpose of boats.

Missile boats, whose main weapon is powerful guided missile systems, generally have a full speed of 30 knots and to achieve it they are equipped with gas turbine propulsion systems. In this case, the main method of using missile boats is the so-called “raiding tactics.”

Another purpose of this class of ships is patrol-ling. Boats designed for long-term stay in the patrol areas move, as a rule, in displacement or semi-planing mode, which requires moderate full speed values. This, however, does not prevent some coun-

Skjold-class patrol boat p-960 KNm (Norway)

Russian molniya-class missile boat (project 1241)

today, the growing popularity of limited-displacement ships and the emergence of compact weapons have generated demand and the conditions needed to build multipurpose corvettes.

Russian Navy’s corvette Steregushchy (project 20380)

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30 USc №1(14), 2013

tries to equip their patrol boats with attack missile weapons (Indian Veer; Pakistani Jalalat).

Rapid-firing artillery mounts are an important component of combatant boats’ armaments. For air defense, MANPADS systems are used in some cases. Given the limited capacity of the boats to deploy sufficiently effective self-defense weapons, their developers pay special attention to reduc-ing their visibility through the extensive use of composite materials and other stealth technology elements.

The boats are generally powered by diesel (in some cases diesel-gas turbine) units. Waterjets of-ten find use (Rauma 2; Skjold; Kuwaiti Um Almara-dim).

Given strong customer demand for service and patrol boats, the designers seek to enhance their competitiveness through better speed performance, seaworthiness, reliability, use of high-tech equip-ment, and ease of operation.

mine countermeaSureS ShipSIn modern warfare at sea, mine weapons con-

tinue to be attractive due to a comparatively low cost and the possibility for covert use. Given the high effectiveness of modern combined multichan-nel fuzes, developers bring a new type of mine countermeasures ships (MCM) to the fore — the minehunters capable of conducting an active search for mines and their destruction ahead of the ship.

The so-called minehunting concept was for the first time implemented in France in 1972-1973. By the early 1990s, the countries traditionally focused on the development of mine-sweeping forces had already operated more than 300 MCM ships, with minehunters accounting for 60%. Today, the UK, France and Italy lead the development of mine countermeasures ships.

The basic anti-mine equipment of the modern minehunters includes minehunting sonars (MHS), self-propelled remotely operated underwater vehi-cles, and automated countermine operation control systems.

The priority in the mine detection equipment de-velopment is given to variable depth towed MHS. In this case, side-looking sonars, ensuring high search rate and reliable classification of mines and mine-like items, are increasingly being used to perform mine defense tasks. The promising are in MHS improve-ment is the development of optical stations operating in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum and the use of holographic techniques to obtain three-dimensional images of the detected objects.

Self-propelled remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROV), designed to conduct aftersearch and destruction of mines, are under development in the U.S., UK, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Japan and Russia. A feature of these ROVs is their ability to send the underwater situation data from its video cameras to the ship via a fiber-optic cable. In addi-tion, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) are being developed, capable of automatically detecting and classifying mines. Further improvement of the existing countermine vehicles and development of new ones will likely proceed toward modular de-sign, greater depth, longer range and endurance, as well as larger payload.

For more effective combined use of mine search and destruction systems, the modern MCM ships are increasingly being equipped with the integrated countermine operation control systems which are interfaced with automated command & control systems. This is a kind of a think tank providing control of all mine search, detection and destruction equipment, which has taken a leading position in the MCM ships’ armaments system in the last decade.

In designing advanced MCM ships, the require-ments for greater functionality are increasingly specified for them due to economic constraints. The current situation demands that such ships be involved in defending coastal zones, protecting the national economic interests and performing other related tasks.

List of the authors of comments to the chapters of the Warships of the World reference book

organization author of comments JSC Rubin CDB ME Ya.N. Chuksin,

head of advanced design group

JSC Malakhit Design Bureau

V.Yu. Dorofeev,director general

JSC Nevskoye Design Bureau

I.V. Pavlyushchik, deputy director general

JSC Almaz CMDB I.G. Zakharov,first deputy chief designer (as of the article’s date)

JSC Severnoye Design Bureau

V.I. Spiridopulo, director generalUS Navy osprey-class

minehunter ship Raven

USc №1(14), 2013 31

v.a. Yevteyev, Chief Specialist at Military-Technical Cooperation Department, JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation, Doctor of Sciences (Eng)

xtended sea borders, a well-developed shipping industry and an economi-cally advantageous location of global motorways of the sea, a myriad of islands, including disputed ones, and

the impressive oil and seafood reserves spur active development of the navies in the region focused on ensuring the sovereignty of states, economic zone protection, and improving the effectiveness of the fight against piracy and terrorism.

Given the growing costs associated with the purchase of weapons and military equipment, all of these factors give reason to view Southeast Asia as an important region for the supply of modern ships for the next 10 years. For example, in 2012, Russia’s most considerable deliveries were made exactly to the Southeast Asian and Asia-Pacific countries, ac-counting for 43% of Russia’s total arms exports.

Analysis of the major trends in shipbuilding in Southeast Asia has revealed growth in the num-ber of ships and boats built at national shipyards (generally under license). Thus, today, the share of ships built to ingenious design and under license exceeds 39% of their total number (Fig. 1) com-pared with 32% in 2001, indicating steady develop-ment of the national shipbuilding industry in the past decade.

Analysis of this market segment suggests that Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia have achieved the greatest success in the development of the national shipbuilding industry (the share of lo-cal production in these countries exceeds 50%). Shipyards in the region have succeeded in build-ing patrol ships and boats, and more recently light corvettes as well, which are the most simple as regards technology and require no hard work for system integration. Singapore, which now has mastered production of almost the entire range of surface ships and boats, leads naval shipbuilding in Southeast Asia. Singapore shipbuilders’ pride is a series of Endurance-class large amphibious ships with a displacement of 8,500 tons designed

ruSSian naval eXportS:

reliaBility and effectiveneSSSoutheast asia’s role in world economy is increasing now more than ever amid changing global military-political situation.

Russia is building up its presence in the Southeast Asian naval market

Е

EXpoRt pRioRitiES

32 USc №1(14), 2013

and built at Singapore Shipbuilders in 1997-2001. Singapore’s shipbuilding companies are not only the main manufacturers of naval equipment for the national Navy, but also conduct a success-ful export policy in the region, supplying patrol boats to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Brunei, Cambodia, and large amphibious ships to Thailand.

Indonesia, Myanmar and Vietnam are going through a new stage in shipbuilding industry de-velopment: Navy development programs of these countries include the construction of corvettes at national shipyards. The development of the do-mestic shipbuilding industry enables shipyards not only to create new jobs, but also raise the profes-sional level of employees, as well as significantly cut the cost of ship construction. Equipping ships with armaments (usually from different foreign firms) and their integration still remain the most challenging phase in naval ship delivery.

Growing needs of the regional naval market result in increased competition among leading manufacturers. The segmentation of the Southeast Asian naval market by major exporters (including license construction) is shown in Fig. 2. Analysis of the diagram helps single out the leading four countries, including the U.S., Germany, Australia and Russia, occupying the most significant market niches. In this case, the U.S. leads mainly through supply of ships transferred from the US Navy un-der the military aid program; Germany transfers licensed production more actively than others; Australia’s strong position is due to the successful implementation of its patrol boat building pro-gram. Russia, in turn, offers the widest range of exported naval equipment.

he distinctive feature of the last decade is that such countries as France, the Neth-erlands, South Korea, China, Germany, Australia and Singapore have revived their marketing policy and supplied six

frigates, three submarines, 10 corvettes, 5 landing ships, and 17 patrol boats over this period.

France, Russia, Germany, the Netherlands, South Korea, Malaysia and China have been reasonably considered as the main exporters of modern high-tech naval products (submarines, frigates and cor-vettes) in recent years.

Analysis of the re-equipment dynamics in the region, Navy development programs, contracts awarded and the economic component has made it possible to estimate the naval market capacity in the next decade. The forecasting results are presented in Fig. 3.

In assessing the planned deliveries, it should also be taken into account that patrol boats displac-ing up to 200 tons will most likely be built by the countries in the region on the basis of licensed pro-duction. At the same time, the leading foreign com-panies will likely stick to a rather narrow specializa-tion by the classes of ships and weapons, which will require costly Integration of all systems. In light of

SHARE OF LOCALLY BUILT SHIPS COMPARED WITH THEIR TOTAL NUMBER

local shipbuilding industry

import of ships

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

39%

61%

NAVAL MARKET SEGMENTATION BY EXPORTER

Australia (9%)United Kingdom (4%)

Russia (9%)

Japan (5%) 30

60

90

120

150

Germany (20%)

Netherlands (2%)South Korea (4%)Italy (2%)

China (4%)

Singapore (3%)

U.S. (30%)

France (4%)

Sweden (4%)

PREDICTED SEA NAVAL MARKET CAPACITY IN THE MEDIUM TERM

LC – Landing craft; COR – Corvettes; PB – Patrol boats; SM – Submarines; MS – Minesweepers; FR – Frigates; MB – Missile boats

LC COR PB SM MS FR MB

Т

project 677E amur-1650-class diesel-electric submarine

today, the share of ships built to ingenious design and under license exceeds 39% of their total number compared with 32% in 2001, indicating steady development of the domestic shipbuilding industry in the past decade

USc №1(14), 2013 33

how its defense industrial complex was historically established, only Russia will be able to supply the foreign customer with the whole list of naval equip-ment in package for many years.

At LIMA-2013, the United Shipbuilding Cor-poration, knowing and understanding the needs of the region, will showcase the most promising naval equipment models adapted for Southeast Asian countries.

First of all, USC’s large stand displays advanced Amur-class submarines. The boat features a low integral noise level virtually not exceeding the sea noise, long-range cruise missiles capable of attack-ing the enemy surface ships without the sub’s enter-ing the effective submarine defense area, as well as a capability of using cruise missiles against ground targets with high accuracy. In general, the Amur-1650 conventional submarine is an effective system intended to combat the enemy surface combatant ships and submarines.

The Amur 950-class submarine has a smaller displacement than the Kilo- and Amur-1650-class submarines. Its main feature is that it carries 10 versatile launchers of the Club-S missile system capable of delivering a salvo of ten cruise missiles against surface and ground targets. For self-defense, the boat is equipped with compact sonar counter-measures devices. When building this diesel-elec-tric submarine, equipment and weapons manufac-tured both in Russia and the customer country or in third countries can be used. It is possible to equip submarines of both the projects with a fuel cell air independent propulsion (AIP) system.

In a class of frigates, the Project 11661 Ge-pard-3.9 is a worthy example. With its multi-mission design and mix of armaments, the ship is capable of carrying out a wide range of operations. A series of these ships are now in successful opera-tion with the Russian Navy and a foreign customer.

The Project 21632 Tornado-class coast defense ships represent a new direction in providing the maritime security for countries establishing their

project 21632 tornado-class small missile/gun ship

at lima-2013, the united Shipbuilding corporation, knowing and understanding the needs of the region, will showcase the most promising naval equipment models adapted for Southeast asian countries.

project 11661 gepard-3.9-class frigate

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34 USc №1(14), 2013

naval forces. Water jets give them high maneuver-ability and handling performance at low speeds, as well as a significant speed in shallow waters. The available set of weapon systems makes it possible to implement a variety of options in early pre-contract preparation phases — from an OPV to a missile/gun “light” corvette.

In a class of patrol ships and boats, the Corpora-tion’s stand will demonstrate virtually the entire lineup of models. The Project 12150 Mangust is intended to provide coast defense and its ships are now effectively used by Russia’s border guard and customs services. The Project 12200 Sobol-class boats are capable of effectively protecting territorial waters, economic zone and offshore areas.

The state-of-the-art Project 22160 patrol ship is offered to perform border/patrol service in protect-ing territorial waters, patrol the 200-mile exclusive economic zone in the open and inland seas, and

guard the ships and vessels during sea passage. It provides for the placement and use of a wide range of systems and facilities to prevent smuggling and piracy, carry out search and render assistance to survivors, and conduct environmental monitoring.

In a class of landing craft capable of providing sea transportation and over-the-beach landing within limited time, the Project 12061 Murena is unmatched worldwide.

Products from the enterprises that are part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation are the hallmark of Russian naval power. With its research, develop-ment and production capacity, USC achieves suc-cess in competition in the global arms market. The Corporation steadily expands its export areas and offers foreign customer the most advanced naval equipment models that are comparable with ships from the world’s major manufacturers in basic spec-ifications and sometimes surpass them.

project 12150 mangust-class and project 12200 Sobol-class high-speed patrol boats

project 22160 patrol ship

USc №1(14), 2013 35

for many decades, rubin has been the main designer of underwater warships for the russian navy.

ince ancient times, ruby — one of the most rare and expensive gems — has been considered a symbol of power and authority, always being the center of a jewelry constellation that decorated

the crowns, scepters and ceremonial weapons of higher officials. The name of JSC Rubin Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering, Russia’s largest multidisciplinary design company, also fits well into this tradition (rubin means ruby in Russian). Since its formation in 1901, its activities have been inextricably linked to the strengthen-ing of the national defense capability and military power. More than 80% of the submarines that were in service with the Soviet and Russia Navies at different times, including several generations of strategic missile submarines, have been built to Rubin’s projects. The Rubin-designed submarines make up the backbone of Russian naval exports and have enabled Russia to take a worthy place in this segment of the global arms market for long years.

In 2012, Rubin became again a key participant in the most important events in the history of the Rus-sian submarine forces. On December 29, 2012, the Certificate of Acceptance transferring the nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine (SSBN) Yuri Dolgoruky, the lead boat of the Borei class, to the Russian Navy was signed. The second and third boats, Alexander Nevsky and Vladimir Monomakh, which are successfully undergoing trials, will be commissioned subsequently. In July 2012, the fourth boat of the series, Knyaz Vladimir, was laid down. There is significant progress in the develop-ment of a series of fourth generation submarines for the Russian Navy. Now there is no doubt that these nuclear submarines armed with the latest Bulava SLBMs will make up the backbone of a renovated naval component of Russia’s nuclear deterrent forc-es, at least in the first half of the 21st century.

underwater power

haS a name

High combat capability, battlefield endurance and strong demand from foreign customers are the distinctive features of submarines built to designs developed by the Rubin CDB ME, one of the most established design companies in Russia

armed with the latest Bulava SlBms, the Borei-class nuclear missile submarines will make up the backbone of a renovated naval component of russia’s nuclear deterrent forces in the coming decades

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Rubin seeks to ensure that all latest technical innovation result in the increased combat effective-ness of the ships, focusing on optimizing the con-struction and subsequent operation of submarines. These efforts, in particular, have led to the develop-ment of the improved Project 636 for the Russian Navy. Submarines of the base project have demon-strated high operational reliability, while their large-scale production reduced costs and minimized construction time. The above factors were decisive in the Navy’s decision to build six new Project 636 submarines under tight schedule. This positive impetus gives every reason to believe that the ex-port potential of the project is also far from being exhausted. After all, the mass construction of such submarines, among other things, helped reduce the cost of ownership and optimize measures to maintain the previously built ships combat-capable. In addition, the boats are equipped with many new and improved systems, related also to electronics and weapons.

series of Project 636 ships for foreign customers is currently under construc-tion: two submarines were launched last year, the first of which is undergoing trials near Kaliningrad. In 2013, the two

ships are to be delivered to the customer — this significant event will certainly not go unnoticed in the world. In addition, Russia has retrofitted two

Project 877EKM submarines and built two Project 636 boats for another foreign customer.

2012 saw the continued enhanced reliability field testing of the submarine Saint Petersburg — the lead ship of Project 677. The next boats, Kronstadt and Sevastopol, will be finished to a revised project, which has already been completed by Rubin’s de-signers.

It is the Project 677 non-nuclear subma-rines (export name: Amur-1650) that will be the mainstay of Russia’s international military-technical cooperation in the submarine build-ing area in the first half of the 21st century. The displacement of the baseline project is 1765 tons, length — 67 m, beam — 7.1 m, submerged speed — 21 knots, surface speed — 10 knots, maximum diving depth — 300 m, endurance — 45 days. The submarine is equipped with six 533 mm torpedo tubes (basic load — 18 torpe-does). The submarine’s hull features a new type of anechoic plating that makes the boat much

rubin cdB me seeks to ensure that all latest technical innovation result in the increased combat effectiveness of the ships, focusing on optimizing the construction and subsequent operation of submarines

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less detectable. For better weapon effectiveness, the boat is fitted with high-performance target acquisition and target designation (for torpedoes and anti-ship missiles) systems as well as effec-tive countermeasures systems operating in the main physical fields. The submarine features high combat capabilities, improved stealthiness, longer endurance and cruising range. The noise level has been reduced compared with the previ-ous projects.

With all these advantages, Project Amur-1650 is yet extremely flexible and can be tailored to the specific technical requirements and operating con-ditions of the naval forces of the customer’s coun-try, depending on the deal’s budget.

As for the entire family of the Amur-class submarines, they may have a different displace-ment (for example, the normal displacement of the Amur-950-cclass submarine, which is a vari-ant of this submarine family, is about 1000 tons). To increase combat power, considering unique Russian experience with the underwater missile launch technique, Amur-class submarines can be fitted with vertical launchers accommodating a variety of cruise missiles. The maximum sub-merged endurance of these boats is provided by an air independent propulsion (AIP) system. In this regard it should be noted that Rubin is working on a fuel cell AIP system. Hydrogen will be directly produced on board the submarine by reforming diesel fuel.

When selecting the type of a propulsion system, Rubin’s specialists relied on a number of principles, in particular:

> no hydrogen storage on-board and its produc-tion with usage;

> hydrogen production from traditional diesel fuel which is common for power plants of non-nuclear submarines;

> no substantial changes to the stationing sites’ infrastructure;

> a possibility of developing a lineup of power plants, from small to large-capacity ones;

> no moving parts in the basic cycle;> high efficiency, a relative reduction in the ac-

companying supplies;

> use of new unique and existing industrial tech-nologies.

In addition, Rubin keeps on working on lithium-ion batteries, gradually improving the already achieved performance indicators.

The Russian components industry supporting the effective functioning of a number of industries, including also shipbuilding, is showing a steady positive development trend. Major component suppliers have been working tirelessly to improve the equipment performance. Research efforts are

rubin cdB me, as the main designer, is involved in the S-1000 joint russo-italian project, whose main goal is to develop an easy-to-use and inexpensive submarine.

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undertaken and advanced shipboard systems are designed and implemented. All this gives Rubin a reason to assure with full responsibility that the requirements of the most demanding submarine customers will be met.

n addition to in-house design of export submarines, the Rubin CDB ME, as the main designer, is now involved in the S-1000 joint Russo-Italian project, whose main goal is to develop an easy-

to-use and inexpensive submarine. The S-1000 conventional submarine is designed for operations in the tropics, among the islands, mostly in shallow waters. The basic design of the submarine has been implemented using off-the-shelf Italian, Russian and European equipment and is not equipped with missiles and AIP system (extra options). Its crew is 16 people (plus 6 special forces’ soldiers). The length is 56.1 m, pressure hull diameter — 5.5 m, submerged displacement — approx. 1100 tons, maximum depth — over 250 meters, and a maxi-mum speed — over 14 knots.

As expected, the Project S-1000 non-nuclear submarines will be built for potential customers at shipyards of Fincantieri, Italy’s largest shipbuilding holding. The experience and professionalism of the project participants — Fincantieri, Italian Navy, Rosoboronexport and Rubin CDB ME — ensure success of the project in this segment of the subma-rine market.

On January 4, 2013, Rubin celebrated its 112th anniversary. There are many gold milestones in its history constituting the glory of the Rus-sian Navy. The whole world knows the Shchuka-, Malyutka- and Leninets-class submarines which heroically fought the German ships during World War II. It is also worth remembering strategic nuclear submarines, which were built since the 1960s and became a Soviet naval nuclear shield. Among them are the world’s largest Typhoon-class submarines and Delta-IV class boats still carrying out deterrent patrol missions. Rubin is also proud of its Oskar-2 class missile submarines equipped with 24 cruise missiles and capable of delivering powerful strikes against aircraft carrier groups. A special page in the Bureau’s history is associated with designing non-nuclear submarines, includ-ing the Whiskey class (Project 613), Foxtrot class (Project 641), and the Kilo class (Project 877EKM, 636) boats, that have been exported over the last decades and earned the recognition from foreign customers.

The Rubin CDB ME is successfully working in all areas of its extensive specialization. Its personnel do not know the word “peace”: they are not just proud of the Bureau’s glorious history, but also add new bright events to it. The one of the largest design companies in Russia sees its main mission in offer-ing advanced, high-performance projects open to further growth and capable of accommodating the needs of the most demanding customers.

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Severnoye deSign Bureau: the Brand of naval victorieS

Project 22460 patrol ships developed at the Severnoye Design Bureau rightfully bear the names of precious stones: in terms of performance, they are now unrivaled in Russia and will surpass their counterparts in the global market as well.

project 22460 ships are designed to protect state borders, territorial waters, continental shelf, carry out rescue operations, as well as conduct environmental monitoring and disaster clean-up operations. in the current realities, the task list for ships of this class is supplemented by the fight against terrorism and piracy.

he construction of the Project 22460 ships started in 2009 at JSC Almaz Shipbuilding Company. As soon as May 12, 2010, the lead ship, Rubin (Ruby), was handed over to the Russian Border

Guard Service’s Coast Guard. In the meantime, the Petersburg-based shipyard laid down the first follow-on ship of Project 22460, the Brilliant. On November 25, 2011, the ship was launched and on June 26, 2012 it was handed over to the Coast Guard. The border guards received the next ship of the series, the Zhemchug (Pearl), on September 21 of the same year.

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The Almaz Shipyard is building the patrol ship Izumrud (Emerald). Project 22460 ships are planned for construction also in the Far East — at JSC Vostochnaya Shipyard.

High construction rates of the ships became possible largely due to a high quality of the techni-cal documentation transferred to the shipyard by the ship designer – JSC Severnoye Design Bureau (SPKB). SPKB designers widely employ the most advanced FORAN 3D CAD software system — the Bureau has been actively using it in design of sur-face combatants since 1998. SPKB has set up a spe-cial department to deal with 3D modeling.

Project 22460 patrol ships, which are rightly considered as “new generation ships”, have no counterparts in Russia yet. One of their main fea-tures is a landing pad for a light helicopter or a rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with

SpkB designers widely employ the most advanced foran 3d cad software system – it has been used in design of surface combatant ships since 1998.

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a possibility of equipping a hangar-shelter for them. Significantly, the designers were able to ac-commodate both the hangar and an 8-ton aviation fuel storage area on board the ship with less than 700 tons displacement.

In the summer of 2012, UAVs were successfully tested on board the lead ship Rubin. This year, the tests will continue in order to develop technical specifications for an unmanned aerial vehicle and facilities supporting its deployment and mainte-

nance on board the ship, followed by adoption. The ship has another feature — an inclined ramp

in the stern, on which a high-speed rigid-inflatable boat can be mounted. Such a boat is designed, for example, to quickly deliver a boarding team aboard an intruder. A search helicopter and two boats on board dramatically expand the capabilities of this relatively small ship.

Given the harsh environmental conditions in Russia and the geographical scope of the navigation areas – from the Kamchatka Peninsula to the Black and Caspian Seas – the Project 22460 ships can perform the assigned tasks amid broken ice up to 20 cm thick.

Armament of these patrol ships is optimal — one

Speed — 25 knots (at sea state up to 4.5)Braking distance (from full speed to “stop”) — 250 metersCrash-back time — 90 seconds.Diameter of turning circle (at full speed) — 4.5 hull lengthsTurn-round time — 1 minute

the suites are equipped with modern ergonomic furniture, individual bathrooms with showers, are provided with a non-stop supply of hot water and are equipped with air conditioning. there is even a sauna and a swimming pool on board the ship.

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30mm six-barrel AK-630 CIWS and two 12.7mm Kord machine guns. The ships have great growth potential, while the use of electronic 3D modeling from the earliest design stages has enabled the opti-mal layout of machinery and systems in the hull and their high maintainability.

With a view to operational peculiarities of the Rubin-class ships, SPKB designers have paid special attention to their speed and maneuvering perfor-mance: the project provides that the ships remain operable in restricted visibility and in stormy weather in heavy sea.

The patrol ships are powered by German-built MTU main engines considered among the best in class. Their use, considering the optimal hull form of the ships, makes it possible to maintain a suf-ficiently high speed for long time — about 25 knots at sea state up to 4.5 (rougher seas were not ob-served in the trial area).

The sea trials of the lead ship have demonstrated its good seaworthiness. Moreover, the main pow-erplant proved to be so good that there were no doubts that the Rubin could maintain the specified speed in rougher seas as well. The braking distance (from full speed to “stop”) was about 250 meters and the crash-back time (from full speed ahead to full back) — a mere 90 seconds. The steering per-formance the ship fully satisfied the Border Service representatives. The diameter of turning circle achieved 4.5 hull lengths at full speed, while the

turn-round time (360 deg) using a steering device didn’t exceed 1 minute.

The ships’ architecture complies with stealth technology requirements. Ship handling at low speeds (up to 5 knots) is done using a “joystick” and makes it possible to keep the ship at a given point, which is very important during the inspection and rescue operations.

A very important advantage of the Project 22460 ships is a high level of automation. The ships carry the up-to-date TRIMS Bridge System, which brings the level of automation to Class A1 and reduces the number of crew members keeping continuously the bridge watch to three, given that full control of all the systems and mechanisms of the ship is provided. Of course, this requires a high level of professionalism from every crew member, but helps significantly reduce crew size.

The Rubin-class ships provide excellent living conditions for the crew – among other things, there is even a sauna and a swimming pool. All crew members are accommodated in comfortable suites that are equipped with modern ergonomic furniture, individual bathrooms with showers, are provided with a non-stop supply of hot water and are equipped with air conditioning.

Another important feature of the ship’s equip-ment is a video surveillance system capable of re-cording any movements inside the ship and conduct-ing outdoor surveillance, including the maneuvers of the helicopter during its approach and landing.

The Severnoye Design Bureau has also developed an export version of the project, 22460E, which will definitely arouse interest among potential custom-ers, because these ships are unrivalled worldwide in terms of cost-effectiveness combined with excellent performance and living conditions.

one of the main features of the ship is its landing pad for a light helicopter or a rotary-wing uav with a possibility to equip a hangar-shelter for them.

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the almaz central marine design Bureau (cmdB) is the world’s leading and the sole russian designer of high-speed boats, small- and medium-displacement surface combatants, air-cushion landing ships, mine countermeasures vessels, as well as special-purpose ships and floating docks.

almaZ cmdB: maritime Security — it’S affordaBle

Almaz-designed missile boats reliably guard the maritime borders and meet the expectations of the most demanding customers

t one time it was Almaz that gave birth to missile boats — a new subclass of surface combatant ships. Here, the world’s first Pro-

ject 183R missile boats with ship-to-ship cruise missiles were developed

that then went in large-scale produc-tion. The excellent fighting capabili-ties shown by these boats during the Six-Day War in the Middle East could not but impress the leading maritime powers: they had to abandon their negligence of boats and quickly revise

the well-established classification of warships.

Today’s unstable situation in the global economy dictates its rules: the most expensive state budget items, including defense (especially shipbuild-ing) programs, shrink and many nations

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are forced to lower their requirements for a mix of armaments and a class of ships and often even refuse the ordered and already built ships.

However, the cost of frigate and corvette class surface combatants is steadily growing and this has already led to a significantly increased “share” of offshore and inshore patrol vessels (OPV and IPV) in ship fleets. However, it should be borne in mind that even the possibility of equipping patrol ships with anti-ship missiles, which some-times is provided for by OPV projects and tactical models for their use, does not assure effective defense against attacks from sea, especially for coun-tries having a long coastline and island states.

Under these troubling circum-stances, Almaz’ international prestige, historical specialization and the latest developments are a competitive edge, arousing ever-growing interest from the naval arms and equipment market.

Missile boats are among the most in-demand ships designed by the Bureau. They have not yet exhausted the poten-tial built in them back in the mid 1950s. This class of ships can safely be called a truly Russian weapon (similar like, for example, a sea mine).

The “classical” missile boats have by no means left the stage. Modern threats are making many states, which have found themselves in the vicinity of in-stability or conflict areas, to revise their priorities in military construction. In this situation, renewing or building up a missile boat fleet is the most realistic option.

Asian countries that are now most active in developing their fleets — China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Indonesia — are building approxi-mately 200-ton missile boats (Type 022 Houbei, PKX, Kuang Hua VI, KCR40), assigning them not only to defensive, but, under certain conditions, to offen-sive tasks as well. Iran and North Korea are banking on large-scale construction

of small (up to 50 tons) fast attack craft. Such a situation makes it possible to predict a significant expansion of the missile boat segment in the world naval arms and equipment market in the near future.

Of course, a surge in demand drives growth in supply, which, in turn, entails tougher competition. Unlike the 1960-80s, when, in full accordance with the geopolitical situation, the Soviet Project 205 missile boats with the P-15-series missiles and French Combattante-class boats with the Exocet anti-ship missiles (and their various modifications) were the staple item in the market, nowadays the possible offers have a much wider range of characteristics. This includes a variety of sizes, lines, even architec-tural schemes of carrier boats (so called “platforms”), different attacking and de-fensive weapons, and military electron-ics varying in capabilities. Customer’s choice, not constrained by international sanctions and dependence on a power-ful ally, depends only on how thick is its wallet. In this situation, we should not forget that a versatile platform greatly expands the number of would-be cus-tomers.

Today there are eight countries worldwide whose navies operate sev-eral dozen Soviet-built missile boats. They can be considered as a potential market for a new generation missile boat designed by St. Petersburg-based Almaz CMDB and accommodating a comprehensive range of requirements typical of a wide spectrum of foreign customers.

Owing to its deep V-type hull lines and the use of Arneson drives with partially submerged propellers, the fast 19-meter-long Project 12150 Mangust-class patrol boat is capable of achieving a maximum speed of 53 knots. No less speed is provided also when water jets are used. With their exceptional ma-neuverability and seaworthiness, both the boat versions are capable of inter-cepting almost any surface target.

missile boats are among the most in-demand ships designed by the Bureau. they have not yet exhausted the potential built in them back in the mid 1950s. this class of ships can safely be called a truly russian weapon (similar like, for example, a sea mine).

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The Mangust is not going to lose ground in the future, too. Almaz has developed its modification with a stabi-lized, remotely operated machine gun mount and a larger superstructure of more advanced architecture. Its design-ers are ready to offer foreign customer more powerful weapons — for example, a modified Shturm missile system or its lookalikes.

The Sobol-class high-speed patrol intercept boat no longer needs in advertising today: its successful ser-vice with the Russian Coast Guard

and extensive experience of export supplies speak for themselves. One has only to recall that a set of auto-matically controlled interceptors – a domestic know-how — gives the 60-ton Sobol a high speed and increased seaworthiness with lower power of the main engines. Thus, one of the Man-gust versions is powered by two 1120-kW MTU 10V2000M93 main engines, which enable it to move at the 48 knots for a long time with a 50% power mar-gin, whereas the Sobol, twice as big as the Mangust, when moving with the

activated interceptor system, devel-ops the same speed when powered by 12-cylinder engines rated at 1340 kW each. An exacting buyer can make sure that the difference in the cost of the main engines doesn’t exceed 5-7%, whereas the advantages of a larger dis-placement boat in seaworthiness, due to its dimensions, are greatly enhanced by the damping effect of the intercep-tor system, which in turn significantly expands the operational range of the intercept boat.

Almaz CMDB closely monitors the trends in the global naval shipbuilding and commercial shipbuilding and boldly combines the traditions of the leading design school with effective solutions and innovations emerging in the mar-ket and recognizing no geographical boundaries.

owing to its deep v-type hull lines and the use of arneson drives with partially submerged propellers, the fast 19-meter-long project 12150 mangust-class patrol boat is capable of achieving a maximum speed of 53 knots.

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air-cushion landing craftproject 12061E

operational-type firing from a project 12418 missile boat

pRoJEct viEW

wing to its skilled design personnel, up-to-date computer capabilities and advanced design technologies, ZPKB carries out a full range of design, sup-port and designer’s supervision of ship

construction.ZPKB-designed ships were and remain among

the most numerous surface combatants in the Rus-sian fleet.

In the 21st century, its hallmark products in-cluded:

> the most massed Project 1124 Albatros-class ASW ship (a total of 87 units were built) – Commander-in-Chief of the Soviet Navy S.G. Gorshkov called it “the workhorse of the fleet”;

> the world’s largest Project 1141/11451 Sokol-class small ASW hydrofoil ship;

> Project 11540 Neustrashimy-class frigate, which was superior to both domestic and for-eign counterparts in performance characteris-tics at the time of its handover to the Russian Navy in 1993;

> unique Projects 1806 and 18061 physical field control vessels.

In this century, ZPKB has designed the Project 21630 Astrakhan-class small gunship (2005). In

the Zelenodolsk design Bureau (ZpkB) has a wealth of experience in designing multi-mission ships of different design concepts with a displacement of 500 to 4000 tons. russian shipyards have built more than 800 ships to the original projects developed by Bureau over 64 years of its existence, of which 150 joined the naval forces of european, asian, and african countries.

“unverSal SoldierS”from ZpkB The ships built to ZPKB’s

projects have been recognized by Russian

and foreign Navy sailors: they are sturdy, maneuverable,

well-armed and multi-mission

o gepard-5.1-class ocean-going patrol ship (based on project 11661 escort ship)

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2009, the Bureau was awarded the Prize of RF Gov-ernment for its development.

Among its innovative development efforts un-matched worldwide is a work package to design the Akvaplan hydrofoil vessel with aerodynamic off-loading. The vessel features the highest transport efficiency and can move along the boundary of two media.

Various trimarans ranging from passenger ves-sels to highly maneuverable ships intended for eco-nomic zone monitoring are another ZPKB’s original development.

Today, ZPKB offers foreign customers the multi-mission ship projects.

For protection of coastal waters and economic zones, the Zelenodolsk Design Bureau offers the base platforms for ship designs of various modifica-tions with a displacement of approximately 600, 1,200 and 2,200 tons. They have been developed in the 21st century, are reliable in operation and are under series construction.

Ships intended to operate in the coastal waters and economic zone must have increased surviv-ability, be highly maneuverable, low-observable and, of course, well-armed. All these requirements are met by:

project 21632 tornado-claSS BaSe platform ShipSThese are small missile (gun) ships (SGS). Their

total displacement is approximately 600 tons and the maximum draft barely exceeds 2 meters, mean-ing that the ships can operate not only in shallow offshore waters, but also on rivers. With diesel or

gas turbine engines, they can achieve a full speed up to 26 knots. Water jets give the Tornado high ma-neuverability, provide a shallow draft, and reduce noise and vibration under way. The ship concept meets stealth requirements. The operational range is 1500-2300 miles, endurance – 10 to 30 days, de-pending on the modification.

The main artillery armament is a versatile 100mm A-190E automatic bow gun comprising the 5P-10-03E fire control system with radar and EO channels. The Tornado also carries the A-215 Grad-M stern-mounted multiple rocket launcher (MRL), a navalized version of the widely known Army Grad MRL. Its 122mm artillery rockets are designed to engage area coastal targets, suppress coastal batter-ies and clear a beachhead for landing. Air and mis-sile defense is provided by two six-barreled 30mm AK-306 close-in weapon systems (CIWS) and one 3M-47 Gibka SAM system. The IR-homing missiles can attack not only aerial, but also small surface targets at ranges up to 3500 m. All of the artilleries on board the ship are controlled by the 5P-10-03E integrated system. Two 14.5mm heavy machine guns are mounted on the bridge wings. There are pedestals at the bow and stern for three 7.62 mm machine guns. In addition, provision is made to accommodate a dipping sonar to detect underwater saboteurs and DP-64 grenade launchers to destroy them.

And it’s much more than that. The stern-mounted MRL on board Tornado-type ships can be replaced with launchers of the Uran-E anti-ship missile system (with a range of 130 km) and Yak-hont missile system capable of engaging targets at up to 300 km. The ship’s equipment control systems are combined in one integrated system. Provision is made for year-round air conditioning on board the ship that automatically maintains the room climate project 21632 tornado-class ships

can be considered unique in terms of handling a wide range of combat (patrol) missions on the rivers and at sea.

project 21632 tornado-class small missile/gun ship. variant 2 (missile ship) with Uran-E missile system

project 21632 tornado-class small missile/gun ship. variant 1 (gun ship)

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parameters. The hull and superstructure are made of steel, which increases the operational safety of the ship. Living and sanitary rooms are grouped for different personnel categories in a single unit and placed in the most convenient way for the crew-members to quickly take their stations according to the station bills.

The ships carry also modern radio equipment, deception and ECM equipment, an integrated bridge system, as well as the Sigma-E combat man-agement system, which provides control of the ship and a task force through the integration of radio electronic systems into a single complex and auto-mation of the decision making process related to the operational use of forces and their weapons. All of these facilities meet the most up-to-date require-ments.

Project 21632 Tornado-class ships can be con-sidered unique in terms of handling a wide range of combat (patrol) missions on the rivers and at sea.

Their missile and artillery armaments provide:> destruction of surface targets> protection of the sea and river lanes of com-

munications, defense of its coast;> fire support for landing parties and ground

forces;> repelling air attacks (destruction of single tar-

gets).

A boat in a ship’s slip and a landing pad for a 4-ton helicopter in the patrol ship variant increases the SGS’ capabilities against saboteur and terror-ist forces, as well during search and rescue of the crews of ships and aircraft in distress.

project 1124m BaSe platform ShipSA new modification of the Project 1124M small

ASW ship is a heavily upgraded and highly seawor-thy platform equipped with modern weapons. It

has embodied the best design solutions and many years’ operating experience of its grandparents – series-built Project 1124M Albatros and Project 133 Parchim small ASW ships serving successfully in the Russian and foreign navies. Its main ship-building characteristics are as follows:

> length – approx. 71.2 m; > beam – approx. 10.3 m;> draft – approx. 5.5 m;> displacement – approx.1000 ton;> crew – approx. 80;> cruising range — approx. 2500 -3000 nm;> endurance — 10-20 days (when moving at an

economic speed of 14 knots);> speed — 24-30 knots, depending on the modi-

fication.

The external and internal arrangement of the ship has been optimized to successfully accom-plish combat missions and can be modified during its life cycle. The type of the ship is flush-deck with a three-tiered superstructure. The upgraded small ASW ship has round-bilge lines, a continu-ous upper deck, V-shaped fore frames, and a flat stern. The ship remains afloat with any two adja-cent watertight compartments flooded.

And yet the main advantage of the ship is its high seaworthiness and performance. It can safely sail at Sea State up to 8 at lower speeds and rational maneuvering relative to the wind and waves. Effec-

tive use of weapons is possible at Sea State up to 4 inclusive.

The heart of the new ship is its main propulsion system

available in three versions: two-shaft CODAD, CODE-LAD and three-shaft CODAG

project 21632 tornado-class small missile/gun ship. variant 2 (missile ship) with Yakhont missile system

project 21632 tornado-class small missile/gun ship. variant 3 (patrol ship)

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WARP configurations with side controllable pitch propellers. Its electrical power system consists of two power plants (stern and bow), each including two diesel generators and the main switchboard (MSB). The capacity of the power plants is selected depend-ing on the mix of armaments and the region of use.

Navigation equipment gives a complete picture of the situation and ensures you’re making the right decision in any weather. Redundant control systems enable the ship to steer the desired course and re-main operable under emergencies.

Air, surface and underwater situational aware-ness & analysis, target acquisition, generation and delivery of the target coordinates and motion pa-rameters to the ship’s weapons control systems are provided by the Pozitiv-ME1.2 active radar and the MGK-335EM-03 sonar system with an under-keel antenna.

The Sigma-E combat management system pro-vides command & control of the ship and a task force through the integration of radio electronic systems in a single complex and automation of the decision-making process related to the operational use of forces and their weapons.

For submarine defense, two trainable twin-tube 533mm torpedo launchers with the Purga-3.9 fire control system are used.

Provision is made to accommodate ECM sys-tems, anti-aircraft missile and artillery weapons on board the ship to provide air defense and pro-

tection of the ship from aerial and low-flying tar-gets — airplanes, helicopters, missiles, UAVs, etc.

The main strengths of the ship:> production prototype ships are in successful

use in the Russian Navy;> high seaworthiness, excellent performance and

maneuverability proven during testing of the base platform in real-world conditions;

> a capability to stay afloat and remain operable with any two adjacent compartments of the ship flooded;

> a pitch/roll stabilization system expanding the effective range of weapons ship and improving habitability;

> a special configuration of the diesel propulsion system enabling flexible use of its capabilities and providing high fuel efficiency;

> full compliance with the international conven-tions for the prevention of marine pollution and conservation of marine living environ-ment.

Project 1124M ships based on a single upgraded platform provide multi-mission operational capa-bilities, depending on weapons installed on them.

Project 1124M sMall asW shiP Designed to combat the surface, underwater

and air enemy independently and as part of a task

the main advantage of the new project 1124m small aSw ship is its high seaworthiness and performance.

project 1124m2 coast guard ship

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force, protect and patrol the state maritime border and economic zone. It can participate in maritime operations, escort and protect convoys, and show the colors in the areas of public interest.

Project 1124M1 fire suPPort shiP The main tasks are to provide fire support of

ground forces operating in the coastal sectors, protect coastwise sea lanes and disrupt enemy sea lanes, counter enemy surface

ships independently and as part of a task group, conduct reconnaissance, patrol, assist border troops in border protection, engage single air targets and subversive-terrorist forces.

Project 1124M2 coast Guard shiPPatrols the territorial waters and exclusive eco-

nomic maritime zone. Takes part in reconnaissance actions, defense and protection of coastal shipping and naval bases. Shows the colors in the areas of public interest. Counters smuggling vessels, partici-pates in helping distressed and pollution control. A helipad is provided on board to accommodate a helicopter.

gepard BaSe platform ShipS The ships designed to operate in the economic

zone must have improved seaworthiness, longer range and effective armaments.

The base platform of the Project 11661 frigate provides for the use of common design solutions to

ensure the seaworthiness of the ship and different propulsion system and weapon arrangement options, depending on mis-sion, as well as:

> identical ship dimensions and lines;> conditions to deploy a helicopter

weighing approximately 12 tons; > low physical fields characteristics; active pitch/roll stabilizers; systems providing crew comfort; > ship survivability and safety;

> equipment and systems to ensure compliance with the international conventions for the safe-ty of life at sea and environment protection.

The main strengths of the ship: > production prototype ships are in use in the

Russian Navy; > high seaworthiness, good performance and

maneuverability proven on the base platform of the missile ship Tatarstan and on the Ge-pard-3.9-class frigate in real-world conditions;

> a capability to stay afloat and remain operable with any two adjacent compartments of the ship flooded;

> a pitch/roll stabilization system that expands the effective range of the ship’s weapons and improves habitability;

> modern configurations of propulsion systems enabling flexible use of their capabilities and

providing high fuel efficiency.

The tasks of the Gepard-3.9-class frigate are to search, track and destroy underwater, surface and air targets independently or as part of a task force. In addition, the ship can protect

and patrol the state maritime border and economic zone, as well as provide support of naval operations.

Basic specifications:> full displacement — approx. 2500 ton;> overall length — 102.2 m;> overall beam — 13.1 m;> navigational draft — 5.3 m;

the tasks handled by the gepard-3.9-class frigate are to search, track and destroy underwater, surface and air targets independently or as part of a task force. in addition, the ship can protect and patrol the state maritime border and economic zone, as well as provide support of naval operations

pRovEN bY SEa

project 1124m small aSW ship

project 1124m1 fire support ship

52 USc №1(14), 2013

> maximum speed — approx. 28 knots;> cruise speed with a diesel — approx.

18 knots; > cruising range at 10 knots — approx. 5000 nm;> provisions endurance – 20 days;> recommended crew – 103;> propulsion system type – СODOG;> propulsors — fixed-pitch propellers (2);

> seaworthiness: - stay at sea – unlimited; - the use of weapons without limitation of

the claimed performance characteristics (with stabilizers operating) – up to Sea State 5.

Its armament consists of the Uran-E anti-ship missile system (2x4 launchers), one 76.2mm AK-176M gun, one Palma AA artillery system, two AK-630M close-in weapon systems, 533mm torpedo tubes (2x2) with the Purga ASW control system. There are a helipad and an ammunition magazine for a helicopter. Combinations of armaments and the main propulsion plant can vary, depending on customer requirements and the purpose of the ship.

All of ZPKB’s ship projects have withstood the tests of time and earned appraisals from Russian and foreign navy sailors. With their excellent perfor-

mance, coupled with exceptional reliability, safety, and versatility, these ships take a worthy place in

the world naval equipment market.

gepard-3.9-class frigate (based on project 11661 escort ship)

project 11661 gepard-5.3-class escort ship

USc №1(14), 2013 53

or a quarter of a century Sudoexport has exported more than 100 civil ships and floating craft as well as 90 ships and boats to foreign navies. Among its partners were shipping companies

in more than 15 countries, including Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, UK, Japan, Greece, India, Hungary, Bulgaria, Poland, and Cuba. Dur-ing this period, foreign customers have received from Sudoexport a lot of various ships and marine equipment built on Soviet and Russian companies’ stocks, including tankers, bulk carriers, ro-ro,

refrigerator, dry-cargo, liquid bulk, fishing ves-sels, timber carriers, offshore drilling rigs, floating docks, hovercraft and hydrofoil craft.

The enterprise coordinated a number of ship-yard design, upgrading and construction programs in India, Egypt and Vietnam. Sudoexport carried out activities in several areas:

> exported civil products of Soviet shipyards — transport and fishery vessels, drilling rigs, floating docks, tugs;

> imported accessory equipment to ensure ship construction;

SudoeXport’S great Sailing

exactly 25 years ago, on march 26, 1988, the uSSr council of ministers’ resolution established the Sudoexport State foreign trade enterprise.

The enterprise is active in international trade and is developing projects aimed to transform the Russian shipbuilding industry

f

December 1988. a round table devoted to potential cooperation in shipbuilding between the USSR and the United States of america held under the sponsorship of vp Sudoexport

march 1990. the annual field meeting of the indo-Russian Working group on Shipbuilding and Engineering

foR thE bENEfit of iNDUStRY

54 USc №1(14), 2013

> organized the design and construction of shipbuilding plants, auxiliary production facilities and coastal infrastructure facilities abroad;

> acted as General Supplier of naval ships and equipment to foreign customers.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Sudoex-port made a number of export deliveries related to settling the external debt of the former USSR.

In the crisis 1990s, Sudoexport didn’t slow down the pace of activities and continued to ac-complish its assigned tasks of exporting marine and shipboard equipment in a general-purpose industrial version, dual-use goods and spare parts. Among other things, it selected and seconded experts to provide technical assistance and ser-vices under contracts with the Chief Engineering Department (GIU) and Chief Technology De-partment (GTU) of Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, and later with the Rosvooru-zhenie State Corporation. In such a difficult time for the national economy, the enterprise retained its core operations and skilled personnel.

In 2001, Sudoexport was transformed into the federal state unitary enterprise (FSUE) Sudoexport Foreign Economic Enterprise. Soon, this one of the key agents promoting the Russian shipbuilding in-dustry’s products is to become a joint-stock com-pany, part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC). The RF President’s Decree has specified the

priority areas for Sudoexport’s activities: import and export of ships, floating equipment, marine and other equipment, instruments, spare parts and materials, as well as leasing.

For many years, FSUE Sudoexport has been effectively supplying the industry with shipboard original equipment (SOE). This area of activity is primarily associated with a system of centralized SOE procurement and supply to subsidiaries being established at USC.

The SOE’s share in the price of modern vessels of various types is 60-70%, while the customer’s advance payments during the construction period do not generally exceed 30-40% of the vessel’s value. It is clear that the issue of establishing an effective system of SOE financing and procure-ment during ship construction is crucial for most of Russian shipyards.

In the post-Soviet period, all companies in the industry switched to individual procurement of SOE and materials. Today, shipyards enter the market and buy the equipment often on not the best conditions. In such a situation, there are risks of a failure to deliver on time or, on the contrary, building up excess inventories, which affects the

in the crisis 1990s, the enterprise retained its core operations and skilled personnel.

September 1990. vp Sudoexport is a regular participant of the Smm international Exhibition of Shipbuilding (hamburg, germany)

october 2011. viif international industrial fair 2011 (hanoi, vietnam)

September 1990. the fifth meeting of the interim Soviet-finnish group of experts on exploring the possibilities of cooperation in the development of ships, machinery and equipment for offshore operations

october 1990. vp Sudoexport employees visit a shipyard in finland

USc №1(14), 2013 55

cost of production, given the high cost of credit money.

The United Shipbuilding Corporation considers procurement centralization the most promising cost cutting method. Its main goal is to consolidate shipyards’ needs and form large order lots with maximum transparency of the procurement pro-cess. The synergistic effect of procurement review will strengthen the impact on suppliers, improve the reliability of supplies and reduce shipyards’ costs through personnel reduction. Consider-ing that work with alternative suppliers fosters a competitive environment, Sudoexport currently purchases SOE and materials for a number of the Corporation’s companies under agency agreements.

Information support is the basis of the success-ful procurement activities. In order to introduce modern information management methods in the design and construction of ships, vessels and marine equipment, the United Shipbuilding Cor-poration is implementing a common integrated information system project for shipboard original equipment and materials used during all product life-cycle phases.

Sudoexport is developing an information cata-log for the Corporation’s companies. This catalog is the first step to integrate the participants in the shipbuilding item lifecycle into a single system. Efforts to develop this very important information product for the shipbuilding industry can be di-vided into three phases.

1. Filling the catalog with descriptions of ship-board equipment and materials.

It is planned to set up an Internet portal for equipment suppliers in order to add and update the information contained in the catalog, as well as to develop a reference data library aimed to even-tually become the information base for the whole Russian shipbuilding industry.

2. Developing a new catalog platform. The purpose is to ensure software vendor in-

dependence and in the future be able to provide services for implementing advanced technologies in other industries.

3. Implementing an IT-infrastructure in the United Shipbuilding Corporation.

This infrastructure will include not only software connecting all the lifecycle participants, but also catalog promotion activities and training on new types of re-lationships.

Sudoexport considers developing a common information space for USC as a task of crucial importance. Its successful accomplishment will help integrate companies with already implemented software. The new information system will not only integrate the local automated management systems, but also, quite literally, bring the entire Russian shipbuilding industry to a qualitatively new level of development.

FSUE Sudoexport is an agent promoting Rus-sian shipbuilding industry’s products and technol-ogies abroad. Relying on its experience and exper-tise, the company expands the horizons of coop-eration and effectively implements the promising areas of foreign trade activities. Sudoexport im-ports equipment and component items for United Shipbuilding Corporation’s subsidiaries and affili-ates, successfully introducing advanced foreign and domestic technologies to meet the needs of the domestic shipbuilding industry.

the rf president’s decree has specified the priority areas for Sudoexport’s activities: import and export of ships, floating equipment, marine and other equipment, instruments, spare parts and materials, as well as leasing.

Director general of fSUE Sudoexport igor b. ponomarev

august 2011. the 18th meeting of the Russian-indian intergovernmental commission on military-technical cooperation, shipbuilding subgroup (St. petersburg)

october 2011. Negotiations between the representatives of fSUE Sudoexport and viNaShiN group on cooperation in shipbuilding (hanoi, vietnam)

foR thE bENEfit of iNDUStRY

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11, Sadovaya-Kudrinskaya123242, Moscow, RussiaTel.: +7 (495) 727 30 52Fax: +7 (495) 727 30 53E-mail: info@sudoexport.ruwww.sudoexport.com

On March, 1988, state company “Sudoexport”is founded on the basis of the foreign trade arm of the Shipbuilding Industry Ministry of the USSR established in 1968 (Minsudprom).In accordance with Presidential Order No. 696 of June 9, 2010 “On the development of “United Shipbuilding Corporation’’, “Sudoexport” is integrated in United Shipbuilding Corporation. The order specifies that foreign trade operations on exporting and importing ships and other vessels, ship and other equipment, parts and materials, and leasing, are designated as priority areas.“Sudoexport” acts as a middleman for the Russian shipbuilding industry working with foreign clients and works on importing equipment and parts for shipbuilding enterprises, as well as implementing in Russia advanced foreign and domestic technologiesfor the shipbuilding industry.In its many years of experience, “Sudoexport” has earned a reputation as a reliable partner for many successful shipbuilding and repair factories, as well as for shipping companies from India, Germany, Norway, Bulgaria, Vietnam, Egypt, and other countries.We aim to maintain harmonious relations with our clients, keeping them as transparent and as reliable as possible.

UNDERWATER POWER HAS A NAMERubin Design Bureau’s projects are in high demand in Russia and abroad

№ 4 (12) 2012№ 1 (14) 2013

ALL THE OCEAN COMBATANTSThe main classes of the world’s warships from the viewpoint of Russian experts

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FEATURE ONE:

BORN IN RUSSIA