In February of this year, while patrolling the eastern part of the American coast, the Russian ship Viktor Leonov was spotted, which, according to NATO codification, is called the Cherry. Then the reconnaissance vessel of the navy of the Russian Federation passed along the coast of Delaware, approximately 130 kilometers (70 nautical miles) from land.
Also, "Viktor Leonov" was not accompanied by American cruisers. Such an approach made a lot of noise and even caused a panic, however, some sources claimed that the ship’s task was supposedly to patrol the coast of the states from the moment President Donald Trump took office.
Where was the ship of the Russian Navy seen and how did the authorities react to this
A month earlier, many publications, citing a source in government, noted that the Viktor Leonov reconnaissance ship stopped 30 miles from a Connecticut- based military submarine base . In addition, his stay was recorded in the state of Georgia, where submarines are also based (37 kilometers southeast). But at the same time, the ship did not enter the territorial waters of America. During the observation, the experts identified the famous "Victor Leonov" and 60 miles northeast of Norfolk (Portsmouth, Virginia). It is in this state that one of the oldest and largest multidisciplinary naval bases of the United States in the Atlantic is located.
Donald Trump promised to flood the Russian ship
When information about the appearance of a Russian ship off the coast of the United States first began to circulate, during a February press conference, Donald Trump was asked to express his opinion on this matter. The head of state was not shy in expressions and expressed a desire to sink the ship. “Personally, it would be much easier and easier for me to enter into military opposition with Russia and sink this reconnaissance ship right 30 miles from the coast. Only in this case we will not be able to agree, ”the US president said.
It is worth noting that for the first time, a Russian reconnaissance vessel began to carry out tasks on patrolling the area of the east coast of America since 2015.
In which city was the ship built, specialization, characteristics
The Russian ship Viktor Leonov was built for almost four years, starting in 1985 and 1988 in the city of Gdansk (Poland), where six more ships of similar type were also launched during this period of time. Initially (until 2004) it was called the Odograph. Despite the fact that the facility is considered far from new, the process of capital modernization of previously installed equipment has been carried out more than once on it.
All seven models of the project No. 846 narrowly specialize in types of electronic installations, however, they differ significantly from the outside. This is due to the characteristic features of locators and other modern electronic warfare systems.
It is also known that these objects of the Navy are included in the Unified State System for lighting the situation under and above water, therefore, the technical characteristics of the electronic devices installed on them are strictly classified and not disclosed. However, the general purpose of most types of electronic warfare systems has long been in the public domain.
The capabilities of the Russian reconnaissance ship
It is known that "Victor Leonov" is equipped with the following devices:
- GAR complexes (sonar reconnaissance);
- “Memory” system;
So, devices read and memorize a specific set of so-called noise profiles characteristic of various objects, forming a kind of card index. With the help of such data, crews of warships and submarines will be able to establish at a great distance which ship is approaching them, which is especially appreciated in combat conditions.
In exactly the same way, the equipment of “Viktor Leonov” is capable of not only determining, but also storing profiles of the air defense systems of a potential enemy and their radar systems. For military intelligence, all this information is a very valuable trophy.
In addition, the ship is equipped with a Signit system for intercepting signals, sonars and a ground-to-air missile system.
Which hero's name is the legendary reconnaissance ship
The famous medium reconnaissance vessel, which caused a lot of talk with its sudden appearance, was previously known to everyone as the Odograph. This is exactly what they used to call the autoploader in the old days - a device that made the way of a ship on a mercenary map.
From the moment of launching, the object belonged to the Black Sea Fleet, and in 1995 it was transferred to the balance of the Northern Fleet. Starting in April 2004, the ship was called “Victor Leonov” - in honor of the legendary Soviet sailor, commander of separate reconnaissance units of the Pacific and Northern Fleets, who twice became the Hero of the Soviet Union. It was he who once with his operational actions and clear command made the huge enemy garrison surrender.
Where is the ship of the Russian Navy now
At the end of 2016, the ship “Viktor Leonov” left Severomorsk (the main base of the Northern Fleet) on a campaign and in March of this year, with the aim of replenishing supplies, called at the port of the Cuban capital. During their stay in Havana, the crew took part in some events.
Also, sailors visited the memorial of the Soviet soldier-internationalist. In nine years, this turned out to be the seventh ship visit to Havana. It is still unknown where the ship "Viktor Leonov" is now, but many are sure that after leaving the Cuban port he should continue to carry out tasks to ensure communications in the Western Atlantic, his return to the base is planned for May.