aircraft carrier - a ship of military and strategic significance.The main striking power is aviation, which is located on the deck.These giants have all repair, maintenance, and temporary storage of helicopters and airplanes.To date, all the carriers operating the world are large, and the most modern equipment.Let's discuss this topic in more detail and look at the details of some of the largest ships.Among them will be like a legend and still facing armed aircraft carriers.
General
the first time the world's largest carriers began to use English during the 1st World War.Over time, the British government realized that protecting the border is much easier using mobile vehicles.By World War II, the British were the leaders in the number of cruisers, but over time they succumbed to US leadership.As for the current situation, it is certainly the carriers are not only combat units bearing the small army aviation, but also a means of communication that enables you to quickly exchange information.The main requirements that apply to the armed forces - is mobility, so highly maneuverable combat units play a key role in many battles.However, if you happen to a nuclear exchange, the world's biggest aircraft carriers will be the primary goal.Powerful power plants allow to be in the open sea for decades.
Modern aircraft carriers
To date, the most actively uses such ships of the US Navy.In service of the country is of the order of 11 aircraft carriers and 10 is projected, while the Russian Federation has only one current and two under construction.US cruisers used to resolve conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and so on.
first US aircraft carrier, which had on board a nuclear propulsion system, was built in 1961 and was named "Enterprise".Today it is one of the biggest ships in the world.Its length is 342 meters.
In the USSR Admiral Kuznetsov thought for the future aircraft carriers.Therefore, under his command were deployed construction of several cruisers, but after the departure of Admiral Gorshkov new Kuznetsova closed projects.However, in the 67th, it was decided to build "Minsk", "Kiev" and "Novorossiysk".
world's biggest aircraft carriers
The first thing to talk about warships from aboard the aircraft class "Nimitz".These giants are the largest and powerful not only in the US but worldwide.It was built about a dozen ships.Each of them cost government about 4.5-5.0 billion.The last is the most powerful aircraft carrier named for the 41st President of the United States, George Bush.At its board, "George W. Bush" can carry about 90 pieces of equipment.Here and fighters of different brands, and helicopter gunships.It is assumed that each class aircraft carrier "Nimitz" will be operated for 50 years, and only after that it will be written off.But the US has already begun to build the next generation of ships.Presumably this will be the carriers of the "Gerald Ford", whose combat power will be slightly increased, as well as the number of transported aircraft.
most powerful and largest carrier RF
Chief of the Soviet Union Fleet Admiral Kuznetsov was really an outstanding personality.In his memory it was built heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser of the same name.Its length is 305 meters and 10 centimeters.It is necessary to draw your attention to the fact that in contrast to the Western model of development of aircraft carriers Soviet shipbuilders are very different.That there is only armed cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsov".Dozens of large-caliber anti-aircraft guns, anti-tank installation, torpedo armament and more.In fact, there exists a heavy defensive offensive weapon.All of this, along with aviation equipment on board, the ship makes a deadly and effective in combat operations.At the same time on board the ship may be 40 units of aircraft.Approximately 30 aircraft (fixed wing) and 10 helicopters.
modified "Admiral Kuznetsov" or "Liaoning»
This ship was the first aircraft carrier, which put China on its arms.Initially, "Liaoning" was built in Nikolayev shipyard in Ukraine for use in the Soviet Union.However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union aircraft carrier he went to Ukraine, which after several years of operation, so it is normal and not completed the ship, sold it for only $ 20 million in China.The Chinese brought to mind the cruiser and set him in his arms.If you list all the most powerful aircraft carriers of the world, "Liaoning" will be 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 not only a large ammunition that will last for a few hours of intense battle, but also a large number of aircraft.In China, "Liaoning" is used to train pilots.
«Merlin» India
Currently in service with the Indian Navy aircraft carrier 2.One of them is called "Vikramaditya", its length is about 283-284 meters.The original name of the ship "Baku" and "modified Kiev."It was built back in the Soviet Union, but after the collapse of Russia has decided to write-off the vessel, which was due to the high cost of care and maintenance techniques.In 2004, the aircraft carrier was sold for $ 2.5 billion in India.This vessel was equipped with Russian fighters and weapons.If you call all modern aircraft carriers of the world, "Vikramaditya" one of them.In 2013 the ship was put into service.Aircraft carrier of this class can carry on board about 36 aircraft, mostly fighters of Russian production.
USS "Sao Paulo»
aircraft carrier of the "Clemenceau" were armed with France for 39 years.There were two such ships.One in 2000 was written off, and the second - Brazil sold just 12 million dollars.Since the purchase of Brazilian engineers, supported by French colleagues have started to upgrade the ship.Changes undergone not only weapons, which has been almost completely renovated, but the flight deck, which was able to slightly increase.In the end, we had to change engines, various sensors, etc.But it is difficult to say that the "São Paulo" always all was good.For example, in 2005 and 2012 there was a fire, which killed several sailors."Sao Paulo" can carry on board 39 pieces of equipment.The offensive potential is realized, "Skyhawk" - American light attack aircraft.The length of the ship - 264 meters 80 centimeters.
«Charles de Gaulle»
Currently, the French Navy are armed with several carriers.One of them, "Charles de Gaulle".In fact, this ship is the only nuclear aircraft carrier, which is not a member to the US Navy.Construction of the ship cost the state about $ 4 billion.Launched on an aircraft carrier in 2000, although it was planned to make it a little bit earlier, but because of the crisis, construction was halted.Since the nuclear reactor, the ship can sail without refueling about 20 years of age and carry on the board 40 of aerial equipment.It has repeatedly said that the 93-year aboard the "Charles de Gaulle" spies infiltrated MI-6 who, though able to inspect the vessel, but failed to get it, since they were seized.Currently, many carriers around the world are taking part in military operations, and the "Charles de Gaulle" among them.
Conclusion As you can see, each country's fleet needs aircraft carriers.Of course, today the rule of the sea belongs to the United States, since there are more of their ships, they have modern equipment.Nevertheless, there is potential for both Russia and some other countries, such as Japan, United Kingdom.There are currently a large number of promising projects.For example, this year Japan plans to lower the water carrier of its own production "Izumo".However, since Japan does not have permission to build aircraft carriers, helicopter he claimed to be.In the same year, the water must come down and the Indian "Viktrant", and in 2020 - "Queen Elizabeth" (UK).That's all that you can tell what they are, the best carriers of the world, and what is remarkable, each of these giants.
