The construction of the Perfect corvette lasted for many years, so its launching became one of the most ambitious events in the modern history of the Russian Navy. The new ship is equipped with guided missiles and has a number of unique technical characteristics. In the coming decades, he will serve in the Pacific Fleet as a patrol vessel.
Project
Corvette "Perfect" refers to the group of the same type of ships designed for warfare off the coast of the country. The task of these ships is to combat enemy submarines, support landing operations by launching missile and artillery attacks, and patrolling the territorial waters of the state.
As part of this project, five ships have been built to date. Corvettes of a new type should become the main force of the Navy in the near operational zone (200-500 miles from their native coast). It is planned to bring the total number of such multipurpose ships to twenty.
Construction
Corvette "Perfect" was laid in 2006 at the shipyard of the Amur Shipyard. The project was delayed due to financial problems of the enterprise. Failure to fulfill obligations to creditors led to the introduction of external management at the plant. Despite support from the state, the enterprise was not able to pay multi-billion debt and initiated bankruptcy proceedings.
The situation has changed dramatically after the direct intervention of the General Prosecutor's Office. The measures taken yielded results within one year. Bankruptcy proceedings were terminated by the court due to the conclusion of a settlement agreement with creditors. The financial affairs of the shipyard went uphill, and this allowed the removal of external management. Work on an order intended for the needs of the Pacific Fleet, after repeatedly extending the term, approached the final. The withdrawal of the Perfect corvette from the construction workshop to the floating dock took place in 2015.
Test
The State Commission assessed the general condition and capabilities of the warship. The crew of the vessel, who underwent special training, together with the experts of the enterprise checked the armament of the corvette, as well as the operation of navigation and radio systems. Sea trials were conducted to evaluate the speed and maneuverability of the ship. State inspections of the components and assemblies of the vessel on the high seas ended with the signing of an act on the acceptance of the order.
The launch of the βPerfectβ corvette took place in a festive atmosphere. Andreevsky flag was hoisted on the ship. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Pacific Fleet, members of the regional government and employees of the shipyard. During the solemn descent of the Perfect corvette, statements were made that the ship's quality characteristics were highly appreciated by experts from the Ministry of Defense.
Description
New vessels designed to serve as a watchdog in the Pacific Fleet are distinguished by the versatility and automation of all systems, as well as the hull made in accordance with the stealth technology and the presence of electronic jamming facilities, which allow them to remain invisible to the enemy. Like any ship built within the framework of this project, the Perfect corvette is based on a modular principle that facilitates the modernization process. Replacing obsolete equipment, electronics and weapons does not require large production and financial costs.
Features
The displacement of the Perfect corvette is 2220 tons, the maximum speed is 27 knots (50 km / h), the cruising range is up to 4000 miles, and the autonomy is up to 15 days. The design of the case has a number of fundamental differences from traditional models.
Configuration features reduce water resistance, which reduces fuel consumption. This advantage allows the use of a relatively lighter main power plant. This, in turn, increases the carrying capacity and creates the possibility of placing additional weapons.
The superstructure is made of refractory materials. Its design reduces the likelihood of a ship being detected by enemy tracking means. On the numerous photos of the Perfect corvette that appeared in the press, one can see the helipad located in the aft part. This is a fundamental innovation for Russian warships of this class.
Armament
The firepower of the ship is provided by artillery installations, as well as anti-aircraft and anti-ship missile systems. The armament of the Perfect corvette includes target detection and guidance systems. In addition, the ship is equipped with means to combat enemy submarines. The most formidable weapon designed to strike at enemy ships is the Uranus missile system, the range of which is 130 kilometers. The launch is made from installations located in the middle of the hull. The main means of air defense is the Kortik-M anti-aircraft complex, the frightening images of which are often present on the photo of the Perfect corvette. 30 mm artillery mounts located at the stern are also designed to defeat enemy aircraft.
The package-NK defense system is designed to intercept torpedoes and strike at enemy submarines. It consists of two 4-pipe devices placed on the sides. A corvette-based helicopter is used to detect enemy submarines. Barrel artillery is represented by the universal installation A-190, which is distinguished by its high speed and firing range. It is capable of hitting targets both on water and in the air.
Protection
Designers of the corvette paid special attention to electronic warfare. Survival of a ship during hostilities largely depends on the effectiveness of suppressing enemy detection and targeting systems. In addition to the βSmelyβ complexes designed to interfere, the housing is made of materials with a high level of radio absorption. These design features several times reduce the likelihood of pointing cruise missiles onto the ship and detecting it by enemy radars.
The corvette is equipped with radar and sonar stations. They are used both for navigation of the ship, and as a means of early warning and target designation. The designers did everything possible to give the corvette maximum chances of survival and victory.