Aircraft carrier is a combat and strategic ship. The main striking power lies in the aircraft located on the deck. These giants have everything for repair, maintenance, and temporary storage of helicopters and aircraft. Today, all active aircraft carriers in the world are large, as well as the most modern equipment. Let's talk about this in more detail and take a look at some of the largest ships. Among them will be both legends and aircraft carriers still in service.
general information
For the first time, the largest aircraft carriers in the world began to use the British during the 1st World War. Over time, the British government realized that protecting the borders is much easier using mobile ships. By World War II, the British led the number of cruisers, but over time they lost the leadership of the United States. As for the current situation, then, of course, aircraft carriers are not only combat units that carry a small army of aviation, but also a means of communication that allows you to quickly exchange information. The main requirement for the armed forces is mobility, which is why highly maneuverable combat units play a key role in many battles. However, if nuclear exchange occurs, the largest aircraft carriers in the world will become the primary target. Powerful power plants allow you to be in the open sea for decades.
Modern aircraft carriers
To date, the US Navy is most actively using such ships . About 11 aircraft carriers are in the arsenal of the country and 10 are being designed, while the Russian Federation has only one operational and two under construction. The United States uses cruisers to resolve conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and so on.
The first US aircraft carrier to have a nuclear propulsion system on board was built in 1961 and bore the name Enterprise. Today it is one of the largest ships in the world. Its length is 342 meters.
In the USSR, Admiral Kuznetsov believed that the future was for aircraft carriers. Therefore, under his command, the construction of several cruisers was deployed, but after the departure of Kuznetsov, the new Admiral Gorshkov closed the projects. However, in the 67th year, it was decided to build "Minsk", "Kiev" and "Novorossiysk".
The largest aircraft carriers in the world
First of all, you need to talk about warships with aircraft on board the Nimitz class. These giants are considered the largest and most powerful not only in the United States, but throughout the world. In total, about ten ships were built. Each of them cost the government about 4.5-5.0 billion dollars. The last aircraft carrier is considered the most powerful and named after the 41st President of the United States , George W. Bush. On board, "George W. Bush" can carry about 90 units of military equipment. Here and fighters of various brands, and combat helicopters. It is assumed that each aircraft carrier of the Nimitz class will be operated for 50 years, and only after that it will be decommissioned. But the United States has already begun building ships of the next generation. Presumably these will be Gerald Ford-type aircraft carriers, the combat power of which will be slightly increased, as well as the number of aircraft transported.
The most powerful and largest aircraft carrier of the Russian Federation
The commander of the fleet of the Soviet Union, Admiral Kuznetsov was a truly outstanding person. A heavy aircraft carrier of the same name was built in his memory. Its length is 305 meters and 10 centimeters. It is worth paying your attention to the fact that, unlike the Western-style aircraft carriers, the designs of Soviet shipbuilders are very different. What is only the armament of the cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsov". Dozens of large-caliber anti-aircraft guns, anti-tank installations, anti-torpedo weapons and much more. In fact, there is a heavy defensive offensive weapon. All this, along with the aircraft equipment on board, makes the ship deadly and effective in military operations. At the same time, 40 units of aircraft can be on board the ship. Approximately 30 aircraft (with fixed wing) and 10 helicopters.
Modified Admiral Kuznetsov or Liaoning
This ship was the first aircraft carrier to put China into service. Initially, Liaoning was built in the Nikolaev shipyard in Ukraine for operation in the Soviet Union. However, after the collapse of the USSR, the aircraft carrier went to Ukraine, which after several years of operation so normally and without building the ship, sold it for only $ 20 million to China. The Chinese brought the cruiser to mind and put it on their weapons. If you list all the most powerful aircraft carriers in the world, then Liaoning will be in one of the first places. This is due to the fact that it was designed following the example of the cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsov" with some modifications. That is why, on board the ship is not only a large ammunition, which is enough for several hours of intense battle, but also a large number of aircraft. In China, Liaoning is used to train pilots.
Gyrfalcon from India
Currently in service with the Indian Navy 2 aircraft carriers. One of them has the name "Vikramaditya", its length is about 283-284 meters. The original name of the ship is “Baku” or “Modified Kiev”. It was built in the Soviet Union, however, after its collapse, Russia decided to decommission the ship, which was due to the high cost of maintaining the working condition of the equipment. In 2004, the aircraft carrier was sold for 2.5 billion dollars to India. At the same time, the ship was equipped with Russian fighters and weapons. If you call all the modern aircraft carriers of the world, then Vikramaditya is one of them. In 2013, this ship was put into service. An aircraft carrier of this class can carry about 36 aircraft, mainly Russian-made fighters, on board.
Aircraft carrier Sao Paulo
Clemenceau type aircraft cruisers have been in service with France for 39 years. There were two such ships in total. One was decommissioned in 2000, and the second was sold to Brazil for just $ 12 million. Since the purchase, Brazilian engineers, with the support of French colleagues, began to modernize the ship. Changes were made not only to weapons, which were almost completely updated, but also to the flight deck, which was able to expand somewhat. In the end, the engines, all kinds of sensors, etc. were changed. However, it is difficult to say that everything was always good at São Paulo. For example, in 2005 and 2012, there were fires that killed several sailors. São Paulo can carry 39 units of military equipment on board. Offensive potential is realized by Skyhawk - an American light attack aircraft. The length of the ship is 264 meters 80 centimeters.
Charles de Gaulle
Currently, the French Navy are armed with several aircraft carriers. One of them is Charles de Gaulle. In fact, this ship is the only nuclear carrier that is not in service with the U.S. Navy. The construction of the ship cost the state about $ 4 billion. The aircraft carrier was launched in 2000, although it was planned to do this a little earlier, but because of the crisis, construction was frozen. Since the reactor is nuclear, the vessel can sail without refueling for about 20 years and carry about 40 units of aircraft on board. It was repeatedly said that in the year 93, spies Mi-6 got on board the Charles de Gaulle, who, although they managed to inspect the ship, did not manage to get off it, as they were seized. Currently, many aircraft carriers of countries around the world take part in military operations, and Charles de Gaulle among them.
Conclusion
As you can see, the fleet of each country needs aircraft carriers. Of course, to date, the domination of the sea belongs to the United States, as there are more ships there, they have modern equipment. Nevertheless, Russia, as well as a number of other countries, such as Japan and Great Britain, have potential. Currently, there are a large number of promising projects. For example, this year Japan plans to launch its own aircraft carrier Izumo. True, since Japan does not have permission to build aircraft-carrying cruisers, it is declared as a helicopter carrier. In the same year, the Indian “Victrant” should also be launched, and in 2020, Queen Elizabeth (Great Britain). That's all you can tell about what they are, the best aircraft carriers in the world, and what is remarkable for each of these giants.