struggle for supremacy in the maritime zones has the same meaning as air superiority.
landing from the sea
control area is not limited to maneuver warships free and safe movement of transport vessels.There is an opportunity to support their own ground forces landing from the sea.Sometimes there is no alternative to the amphibious assault.Notable operations in Sicily and Normandy, in which the allies carried out a foothold by the amphibious assault on German-occupied territory, visibly demonstrate the strategic importance of such operations.Examples of using amphibious assault sufficient and Russian military history.Although Russia has not conducted Strategic amphibious operations, but is ready to disembark expeditionary corps in Istanbul in 1917.
Soviet landing ships
first specialized amphibious ships were part of the Soviet Navy after World War II.The transformation of the coastal fleet in the ocean required a revision of the concept of its acquisition.Soviet shipbuilders had enough experience to build ships of this destination.Therefore, the first amphibious ships were laid in Poland, the Gdansk shipyard.Shipbuilding capacity of the former German shipyards Sheehan Danzig allows you to quickly start production of a new type of ships.The first and most massive series of steel tank landing ships of the project 701. They served in many countries of the Soviet bloc, has proved to be the best hand.
Problems and Solutions
Medium landing ships well to the tasks of the coastal zone.But the Soviet Navy increasingly took on the ocean look.There is an urgent need for landing craft capable of operating in the squadron who commit ocean raids, allowing to transfer power support over long distances.This task required a larger displacement ships with significant autonomous navigation.In 1964, the Design Bureau Nevsky Shipyard launched the project in 1174 "Rhinoceros."This code has received a new series of large landing ship (BDK).Names of warships usually correspond to some topic.BDK series of "Rhinoceros" is named in honor of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War.
series of "Rhinoceros"
Project Execution solution required a significant amount of technical and conceptual issues.It was necessary to ensure the landing of a significant amount of equipment and personnel in an environment that can not be foreseen in advance.The ship's power, which was given a new BBC could vary significantly.It highlighted the need not only high combat stability landing platform, but also the ability to provide support and cover for the troops planted.For these and other reasons, the project in 1174, "Rhinoceros" strongly delayed.But all happened 14 years after the start of development.The first big landing ship came into service in 1978.Total managed to build three units of the project.Currently, the Russian Navy is only BDK "Mitrofan Moskalenko."
Features
Displacement of the new ship was about 12 000 tons.Project 1174 "Rhinoceros" allows to transport and land a battalion of infantry and about fifty units of heavy machinery.With a cruising range of up to 4,000 nautical miles on it for a month can independently be the crew and landing forces.The three decks of the ship and large in size aft superstructure provide comfortable accommodation fighters and storage technology.Decks are equipped with devices to move the transported equipment.
equipment
landing capabilities enable to provide landing on unequipped and unequipped coast.Project 1174 "Rhinoceros" provides several options for the task.For landing on a beach or shallow water may be used nasal Sliding gate with a retractable ramp.Through them it is possible to lower the water floating military equipment, without approaching the foreshore.In the stern there is a Camera Dock.It is designed for non-floating loading equipment on the landing craft and self-propelled platform.Thus, delivery of troops from the ship to the shore did not depend on the depth of the raid and the availability of the coast.Simultaneously with the transfer of funds by surface forces on the BBC "Ivan Rogov" firstborn series provides for the use of assault helicopters for quick landing light assault teams and support forces.Helicopter Group is able to deliver on the beachhead to 64 armed commandos for one flight, to provide them with fire support or evacuation.
Armament
assumed that the BBC operates in the squadron, ensuring its application.However, the project in 1174, "Rhinoceros" provided quite serious weaponry.The ship could support the landing of artillery and rocket fire.To do this, it equipped 76-mm rapid-gun mounted in the turret on the tank.Apart from medium-caliber weapons firepower provided by four six-barrel artillery unit.
system with a rotating unit barrels caliber 30 mm creates a tremendous density of fire.Her task is to protect the object from the air and sea attacks.Air defense missile systems BDK carried out short-range, and portable anti-aircraft missile systems, for which there are special start-up turret.Fire support units are planted can also have missile system "Grad" marine applications.By arming ships such as "Ivan Rogov" should include and four Ka-29 sea-based, placed on the upper deck.In addition to the tasks of defense and support of the landing of the helicopters are able to conduct anti-submarine warfare and intelligence.
Alternative "Mistral"
Order in France four amphibious assault ship class "Mistral" was accompanied by an active debate among experts and the public.Intense discussions called the purchase abroad of capital ships, which caused confusion.The Soviet Union built a much more complex technical systems and armaments.Both sides of the debate have reasons for his view of the problem.Indeed, Russia has the potential to build a ship of any class.
But the history of the project in 1174, which lasted for nearly fifteen years, shows the complexity and ambiguity of the question.Ships of Russia once again returned to the oceans, and again the question arises appearance amphibious squadron component, tool projections of sea power on land.At the headquarters of the Navy, the prevailing desire to obtain not only the landing craft, but also the operational center of the entire squadron, with which you can control the actions of groups.
Landing Ship has for this apparent advantage over conventional combat ship.The advantages of the "Mistral" should include the perfect system of management and communication.In addition to landing a comparable load, it can carry 16 multipurpose helicopters, which significantly increases the possibility of strike force of marines.Names of warships class "Mistral" reflect the names of the hero-cities of Russia.Opponents have advanced a reasonable objection to the acquisition of weapons of the country, a member of the opposing military blocs, bears the unpredictable risks.And so it happened.
Revival Project
disappearance of the Soviet Union and the subsequent economic difficulties chained to the Navy bases.It was decommissioned and BDK "Alexander Nikolayev."It was the second ship of the series.In service there was only one large landing ship.
Development amphibious ships continued to pursue failure.The first vessel of the series "Ivan Gren" is also stuck on the stocks because of the constant changes in the project.The refusal of France to supply the four UDC "Mistral" almost did not leave the choice of the command of the Navy.Russian ships operating in the ocean area in need of landing component.The sad experience of buying a key weapons systems foreigners warns against its recurrence.Development of a new project could be delayed indefinitely.Today, therefore, claim that instead of "Mistral" will be re-started production BDK cipher "Rhinoceros."Of course, it is not consistent with the ambitions of the Naval Staff, who wants to have a more developed and universal landing platform, but so far there is no other solution.
