Aircraft Carriers Archive | Afterburner - MiGFlug's Magazine https://migflug.com/jetflights/category/aircraft-carriers/ for those interested in flying military jets and aviation related topics Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:40:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 The Craziest Soviet Machines https://migflug.com/jetflights/the-craziest-soviet-machines/ Thu, 27 Jan 2022 10:28:26 +0000 https://migflug.com/jetflights/?p=3802   Having been able to offer flights in some amazing aircraft such as the Mach 2.8 monster Mikoyan MiG-25 Foxbat, we at MiGFlug always had a soft spot for the fantastic Soviet creations that saw the daylight. After all, the interest in that stuff and all related to the Cold War has started the process […]

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]]> Mikoyan MiG-25 Foxbat, we at MiGFlug always had a soft spot for the fantastic Soviet creations that saw the daylight. After all, the interest in that stuff and all related to the Cold War has started the process that in the end brought us the rather odd business we are having today. At times one could think some of the Soviet engineers got their primary inspiration from the drawings of their kids. So much fantasy, such crazy concepts. Bigger is better. Often very futuristic, with meanwhile some added rust, a combination that also in architecture leads to a special charm. Since we know that it is not just us but also many MiGFlug customers and followers that share our interest in those creations from another world, we would like to share some of the masterpieces with you. There are plenty of amazing and surprising Soviet driving vehicles, but given our business, we will mainly focus on flying vehicles here.

1. KM Ekranoplan - The Caspian Sea Monster

KM Ekranoplan, nicknamed "Caspian Sea Monster" by the CIA

KM Ekranoplan, nicknamed "Caspian Sea Monster" by the CIA

When Boats Learned to Fly (Sort Of)

Imagine a vehicle so bizarre, so utterly out there, that it makes a submarine riding a unicycle look normal. That's the KM Ekranoplan, or as the CIA dramatically dubbed it, "The Caspian Sea Monster." This wasn't your run-of-the-mill plane or boat; it was a glorious, gravity-defying hybrid, a "boat that flies," and it debuted in the Soviet Union in 1966 with a ceremonial champagne smash. So, how did this beast of a machine pull off its aerial acrobatics? It harnessed the "ground effect," a nifty little trick where air gets squished under low-flying wings, creating a high-pressure cushion. Think of it like a hovercraft, but way, way cooler. Seabirds use it, airplanes use it (just before landing), and the Soviets decided to weaponize it. When the CIA's satellites spotted this monstrosity skimming across the Caspian Sea, they freaked out. Seriously. They were so spooked, they cooked up a plan to strap a camera to a robotic bird to get a closer look. (Spoiler: the robotic bird kept face-planting, proving that even spies have bad days.)

Speed, Stealth, and a Potential San Francisco Surprise

The Lun - able to fire six nuclear-capable Moskit missiles

The Lun - able to fire six nuclear-capable Moskit missiles

Why the panic? Well, the Caspian Sea Monster could hit a blistering 650 kilometers per hour (that's 400mph), skim over minefields like they were daisies, and fly so low that most radar systems couldn't even see it coming. One analyst even suggested that the Soviets could invade San Francisco in three hours, and nobody would know until they were sipping vodka on the Golden Gate Bridge.

From Monster to Missile Platform to Demise (Sort Of)

The Lun in 2010

And if that wasn't terrifying enough, the Soviets decided to upgrade their monster. After the original Ekranoplan crashed in 1980 due to pilot error (oops!), they unveiled the Lun in 1987. This bad boy wasn't just fast; it was armed to the teeth with six nuclear-capable Moskit missiles, turning it into a flying battleship straight out of a Cold War fever dream. Sadly, the Ekranoplan project was shelved as the Soviet Union crumbled and the money dried up. But here's the kicker: one of these beasts, the Lun, is still out there, rusting away on a barge along Russia's southern coastline. It's a relic of a bygone era, a reminder of a time when the Soviets were pushing the boundaries of technology to truly wild extremes. In July 2020, the massive Lun-class ekranoplan, destined for a Russian military theme park in Derbent, was towed from its naval base. However, its journey hit a snag when it got stuck on a sandy beach, just short of its destination. Despite attempts to free it, the "monster" remained beached, attracting curious onlookers and media attention. Concerns arose about hull damage from waves. Finally, in December 2020, it was successfully pulled further ashore, and by December 2021, fully onto dry land.

So if you're ever near the Caspian Sea, keep an eye out. You might just spot a monster lurking.

2. Mil V-12: The Unreal Giant

A Giant Takes Flight

Picture this: a helicopter so colossal it resembles a praying mantis showing off its might. This isn't a scene from a sci-fi film, but the real deal—the Mil V-12 helicopter. Unveiled by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant in 1968, this behemoth of the skies was poised to make history.

Stats and Stature

Aeroflot Mil V-12 - Western observers could only guess the purpose of this giant helicopter. By the 1970s the Soviets did not have a purpose for that monster (other than impressing crowds).

Aeroflot Mil V-12 - Western observers could only guess the purpose of this giant helicopter. By the 1970s the Soviets did not have a purpose for that monster (other than impressing crowds).

Stretching an unbelievable 67 meters from one rotor-tip to the other, the Mil V-12 needed not one, not two, but six crew members (including an electrician) just to keep it airborne. This wasn't your average helicopter—it was a monster designed to transport intercontinental nuclear missiles.

Breaking Records

The Mil V-12 wasn't just about looks. In 1969, a courageous test crew flew this giant carrying a jaw-dropping 40,000-kilogram load to an altitude of 2.25 kilometers. This feat set a helicopter-weightlifting record that remains unbeaten even today.

The Shift in Strategy

In 2009, the Mil V-12 made a comeback as "World’s first Hotelicopter", an April Fool's joke with photoshopped images.

In 2009, the Mil V-12 made a comeback as "World’s first Hotelicopter", an April Fool's joke with photoshopped images.

However, by the time the Mil V-12 was ready to roll, the world had moved on. The development of massive missile trucks that could travel, stand upright, and launch missiles offered a more efficient way to execute the same mission. As a result, the two Mil V-12 helicopters that were built were retired in 1974. One of these legendary machines can still be seen at the Central Airforce Museum near Moscow, in Monino.

The Mil V-12 in the Central Airforce Museum in Monino, near Moscow. Having been there several times in the early days of MiGFlug, let us assure you that this beast is rather impressive.

3. Zveno Project: The Flying Aircraft Carrier

The Zveno Project - a TB-1 or a TB-3 heavy bomber as mothership, carrying two to five fighter aircraft.

A giant bomber carrying multiple fighter planes like a mother bird with its chicks. This was the Zveno project, an ambitious aviation concept developed in the Soviet Union during the 1930s. Brainchild of aviation engineer Vladimir Vakhmistrov, the Zveno system combined a heavy bomber, either the Tupolev TB-1 or TB-3, with two to five fighter aircraft. Depending on the variant, these fighters either launched with the bomber or docked mid-flight, and they could even refuel from the mothership. The most renowned version, the Zveno-SPB, featured a TB-3 bomber and two Polikarpov I-16 fighters, each armed with 250 kg bombs. This strategic combo proved its mettle during the early stages of the German-Soviet War, striking targets in Romania and a crucial bridge over the River Dnieper under German control.

Development and Design

The Zveno-2: Tupolev TB-3 and three Polikarpov I-5, with the ramp for loading the fighters.

Conceived in the late 1920s under the guidance of esteemed aeronautical engineer Andrei Tupolev, the TB-3 was one of the world’s first all-metal monoplane heavy bombers. It marked a significant leap in aircraft design, boasting impressive size and payload capacity, and incorporating advanced features for its time. The TB-3's airframe, made entirely of corrugated sheet metal, provided exceptional strength and durability. Equipped with four powerful engines mounted on its thick, straight wings, the TB-3 had the necessary lift and thrust to carry heavy payloads over long distances. Despite its size, it was adaptable and could carry various payloads, including bombs and cargo. Its robust undercarriage allowed it to operate from rough airfields, a common necessity in the Soviet Union. Tupolev’s design also focused on crew comfort and efficiency. The cockpit and crew compartments were insulated and heated, a rare feature in bombers of that era. This attention to the human element of aviation reflected Tupolev’s holistic approach to aircraft design.

The Genesis of the Zveno Project

All variants of the Zveno project

The Zveno Project, conceived in the early 1930s, was born out of a strategic need to enhance the operational range and effectiveness of fighter aircraft. By attaching smaller fighters to a larger bomber mothership, the project aimed to extend their range, conserve fuel for combat operations near the target, and maximize their effectiveness in battle. Vakhmistrov’s idea was groundbreaking. The TB-3, with its large size, robust design, and significant payload capacity, was the ideal platform. It had the power and structural integrity to carry multiple fighters and deploy them in flight. The Zveno project represented a radical departure from traditional aviation tactics and strategies, showcasing incredible ingenuity and paving the way for future aerial innovations. While the Zveno Project may have been challenging and sometimes cumbersome, it remains a fascinating chapter in aviation history. Its innovative approach and daring design continue to capture the imagination and inspire future generations of aviation enthusiasts.  

Related Questions

What was the Soviet "Caspian Sea Monster"?

The "Caspian Sea Monster" was a giant Soviet ekranoplan — a ground-effect vehicle that flew just metres above the water on a cushion of air. Spotted by US spy satellites in the 1960s, the huge, ship-sized craft baffled the CIA, hence its monstrous nickname. Read more about the Caspian Sea Monster.

What is an ekranoplan?

An ekranoplan is a vehicle that uses the "ground effect," skimming low over water or flat terrain on a trapped cushion of high-pressure air for extra lift and efficiency. The Soviets built several, blurring the line between aircraft and ship. Modern versions still appear, such as China's Bohai Sea Monster.

What was the Lun-class ekranoplan?

The Lun-class was a massive Soviet military ekranoplan armed with anti-ship missiles, designed to skim over the sea at high speed below radar coverage and strike enemy vessels. Only one was completed, and it became one of the most striking machines of the Cold War.

Why did the Soviet Union build such unusual aircraft?

Soviet engineers were encouraged to pursue bold, unconventional designs to leapfrog Western technology, producing everything from ground-effect giants to record-breaking interceptors and rocket-powered prototypes — daring machines that were often as dangerous as they were innovative.

What made the MiG-25 Foxbat so remarkable?

The MiG-25 "Foxbat" was a Soviet interceptor capable of roughly Mach 2.8, built to chase high-flying spy planes and bombers. Its blistering speed alarmed the West, and a related record flight set the absolute altitude record for a jet.

Did any of these Soviet machines enter wide service?

Most of the wildest designs, like the giant ekranoplans, were built only in tiny numbers and never saw mass service due to cost, complexity and limited usefulness. Yet they remain fascinating glimpses of Soviet ambition and engineering daring during the Cold War.

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]]> Flying a Fighter Jet is tougher than ‘Top Gun’ suggests https://migflug.com/jetflights/flying-a-fighter-jet-is-tougher-than-top-gun-suggests/ Wed, 16 Dec 2015 17:27:01 +0000 http://www.migflug.com/jetflights/?p=3031 Impressed by Top Gun? You shouldn’t be. Usually Hollywood exagerates, when we talk about fighter pilots and Top Gun, that’s probably not the case. There is a few rather scary things of being an Air Force pilot or Navy pilot. Here is three points that fighter pilots have to deal with: 1. G-Forces We are talking […]

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]]> Impressed by Top Gun? You shouldn't be. Usually Hollywood exagerates, when we talk about fighter pilots and Top Gun, that's probably not the case. There is a few rather scary things of being an Air Force pilot or Navy pilot. Here is three points that fighter pilots have to deal with:

1. G-Forces

We are talking about insane G-Forces here. During a recent Edge of Space Flight in the MiG-29, one of our customers had 9.2Gs. And he said it was pretty cumbersome and exhausting. To make sure - he explicitely wanted to make a new record for passenger fligths in the MiG-29. So this is not at all normal. And he was also wearing G-Suits. But still, that can be painful. We wrote an other post about G-Forces and how they work in case you are interested. Here is one of our favorite examples of the so-called G-LOC:
Steve flew with the Blue Angels, and was repeatedly knocked out by the G-Forces. This is called G-LOC. It is a loss of consciousness occurring from excessive, sustained g-forces, which leads to draining blood away from the brain. By doing so it is causing cerebral hypoxia, this is why G-Suits press against arms and legs to stop the blood  - along with a bit of technique like pressing in the whole body, which sets off another G. Here are the steps that can result from either higher G intensity or longer G duration (or - of course, any combination of those): 1. Greyout: loss or partial loss of color vision 2. Tunnel vision:  peripheral vision lost, while center vision retains 3. Blackout - complete loss of vision (but still conscious) 4. G-LOC - Unconsciousness Of course pilot are sportier and better trained than Steve in the video above, among other things they do is centrifuge training. But they also have to deal with G-Forces much higher and longer compared to the fun ride shown. For example when they have to escape a missile. Or six like in the insane video below.
So you see, this is really not fun. So, sorry Top Gun, even American pilots are not always cool and chewing guns or smoking cigars while leaning against nice cars (and getting laid by the teacher). Sometimes they have a few tough minutes also, like this poor guy in the video. But overall, flying a fighter jet is a lot of fun, we can guarantee you that. Otherwise we wouldn't be in this business.

2. Ejecting a jet is painful and dangerous

If you have a problem with the fighter jet you simply eject? Sorry bro, it is not that easy. But before telling you the ugly truth, there is an exeption. The Russians are so cool, they make you think it was kind of boring - watch the next video to the end!
Thruth is - especially at high speeds ejecting is very dangerous. The F-15 pilot in the video below who once had to pull out at supersonic speed:
"I felt like somebody had just hit me with a train"
My head was swollen to the size of a basketball, my lips were swollen to the size of cucumbers
There is also a high risk of a malfunction. Nevertheless - ejection seats have safed many lifes, and it is a fascinating technology. A nice slow motion video that shows how an ejection seat works is available by the British ejection seat manufacturer Martin Baker.

3. Landing on an Aircraft Carrier

Maverick was a US Navy pilot in Top Gun - and one crazy part of their job is landing on an aircraft carrier.  Former Navy pilot Barry Hampe:
It is precision flying at low speed and a high angle of attack. It is the definitive skill that sets Navy carrier pilots (and Air Force exchange pilots who have flown with a Navy carrier squadron) apart from all others.
To start with - let's see how that looks when the weather is bad.
And they even do it at night. Mr. Hampe again:
All aviators know that black air is unlike any other color of air. It's thicker, making the engines churn more and even knock a bit. It's full of odd noises and makes your plane less fuel efficient. Gravity is also stronger in black air, as are both flavors of luck. Black air sucks. You can't stack overhead and coming raging in at the speed of heat at night or in really low visibility, so they set you up on a Case III profile. It's been done. More than once. That fact that burns into you, because you replaced a guy who did it a few months before you showed up. You’re even sleeping in his rack. Death can be very personal.
Needless to say - There is a lot of things that can go wrong when landing on an aircraft carrier. Just a few examples (more below): First - there is this sporty aircraft carrier landing with a Russian Sukhoi Su-33.
Missing the traps (cables)
When landing - pilots give full power so they can do a go around if necessary. So the whole procedure is pretty violent. And demanding for the whole equipment - see next video. Snapping arresting cable
Just a few examples of what can go wrong - more of it in the compilations below. Guess what - taking off from an aircraft carrier is dangerous too! Also the Aircraft Carrier take off is insane, with a steam powered - or on the newest aircraft carriers am electrically powered - catapult bringing fighter jets to a speed of 265km/h  in under two seconds. And we are talking of planes that have an (empty!) weight of 14,550kg (F/A-18E Super Hornet) or almost 20,000kg (F-14 Tomcat) - loaded that is more than 21t for the Super Hornet and 27 for the Tomcat. And that weight must be reported well so the catapult can be ajusted correctly. Otherwise there is a chance that you get killed - of the speed is not high enough. It is called "Cold Cat Shot". How that looks - see below, in this 1984 video of a Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler that suffered a Cold Cat Ejection.
Here is another one with a bit more luck. Oh wait. No!
For those who didn't have enough - here is Carrier Mishaps compilation - with a few nasty ones.
You liked that? Ok, here is some more:
And then - check out that one. C-130 lands on an aircraft Carrier!
Here is how landing on an aircraft carrier works:Landing on an aircraft carrier   And hey - just a few things that make fighter pilot a tough job. If you want some more examples - let us know in the comments below!

Related Questions

Is flying a fighter jet really like Top Gun?

Not quite — the reality is tougher than Hollywood suggests. Real fighter flying involves brutal G-forces, the risk of losing consciousness, and intense physical and mental strain that films gloss over. Top Gun captures the glamour, but the actual demands on a fighter pilot's body are far more punishing than the screen lets on.

What is G-LOC?

G-LOC stands for G-induced Loss Of Consciousness — a blackout caused by sustained high G-forces draining blood away from the brain, starving it of oxygen (cerebral hypoxia). It can strike without warning, which is why pilots wear G-suits and use straining techniques to keep blood in the upper body.

What happens to your body under high G-forces?

As G-forces build, blood is pulled away from the head, causing a predictable progression: greyout (loss of colour vision), then tunnel vision (loss of peripheral sight), then blackout (total loss of vision while still conscious), and finally G-LOC, full unconsciousness. The exact onset depends on how high and how long the G-load lasts. The physiology of pulling 9G explains this in detail.

How do fighter pilots cope with G-forces?

Pilots use G-suits that squeeze the legs and abdomen to keep blood from pooling, combined with a straining manoeuvre — tensing the whole body and breathing in a special rhythm to maintain blood pressure to the brain. They also train in centrifuges to raise their G-tolerance and recognise the early warning signs.

How many Gs can a person take?

It varies with training and equipment. Untrained people may grey out around 4 to 5G, while trained pilots in G-suits using straining techniques can withstand roughly 9G for short periods. MiG-29 passengers typically feel about 7.5G, and a 9.2G passenger record has been set — punishing loads even for the fit.

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]]> The new USS Gerald R. Ford Aircraft Carrier https://migflug.com/jetflights/the-new-uss-gerald-r-ford-aircraft-carrier/ Thu, 26 Nov 2015 17:11:21 +0000 http://www.migflug.com/jetflights/?p=3004 You think the most expensive Yacht – owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovichs – the “Eclipse” is expensive?  With 70 crew members, two helipads and an own submarine, it is estimated at $450m up to $1.5 billion. Well yes, it is expensive, but nowhere close to what the newest US Navy aircraft carrier costs. USS […]

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]]> Abramovichs Eclipse. By the way, it also contains its own private defense system designed to detect intruders and paparazzi. If you try to take pictures, the Eclipse uses top modern light technology to block you.

Abramovichs Eclipse. By the way, it also contains its own private defense system designed to detect intruders and paparazzi. If you try to take pictures, the Eclipse uses top modern light technology to block you.

USS Gerald R. Ford costs more than $13b

The newest Aircraft Carrier, also known as CVN 78, costs the tax payer more than $13 billion - a lot to do for the IRS! Let's hope it is worth that expenses. The USS Gerald Ford and future Ford aircraft carriers have a few new things - so we are curious how they will do once they hit the sea in early 2016.
The USS Gerald Ford

The USS Gerald Ford

Tripled electrical power compared to Nimitz class carrier

One of the new things is that the Ford class carrier is generating three times the electrical power. Which allows it to move away from the very old steam catapult technology, to a cutting-edge electro-magnetic catapult technology - the so called Electro-Magnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). And this is how they look (test run):
This is a very important new upgrade, as it is estimated to increase the daily launch capacity of the Ford by 25%, compared to Nimitz class carriers.

Rail gun on Ford class carrier

And, there is one more thing (sorry Steve) - the increased electrical capacity can also be used for rail guns. Never heard of rail guns? That's this insane thing here:
Reuters wrote about it:
The U.S. Navy is planning sea trials for a weapon that can fire a low-cost, 23-pound (10-kg) projectile at seven times the speed of sound using electromagnetic energy, a “Star Wars” technology that will make enemies think twice, the Navy’s research chief said.
And as we all like photos - here some more.Ford Class carrier Ford carrier in the dry dock

Related Questions

How much did the USS Gerald R. Ford cost?

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), lead ship of the US Navy's newest carrier class, cost more than USD 13 billion, making it the most expensive warship ever built. That is far more than even the world's priciest superyachts.

What is EMALS on an aircraft carrier?

EMALS, the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, is a catapult that uses electromagnetic energy instead of steam to launch aircraft from carriers. Introduced on the Ford-class, it is estimated to increase daily aircraft launch capacity by around 25% compared with the steam catapults used on Nimitz-class carriers.

How is the Ford-class carrier different from the Nimitz-class?

The Ford-class generates about three times the electrical power of the older Nimitz-class. That extra power enables the electromagnetic EMALS catapults, advanced systems, and potential future weapons such as railguns, while boosting the ship's daily aircraft launch rate by roughly 25%.

What is a railgun?

A railgun is an electrically powered weapon that uses electromagnetic force to fire projectiles at extremely high speed, without gunpowder. The Ford-class carrier's greatly increased electrical capacity could in principle support such weapons, which the US Navy has tested in sea-trial programmes.

What aircraft fly from US Navy aircraft carriers?

US Navy supercarriers operate fixed-wing jets launched by catapult, including fighters like the F/A-18 Super Hornet and, historically, the F-14 Tomcat. These carrier-based aircraft are launched with catapults and recovered using arrestor wires across the flight deck.

When did the USS Gerald R. Ford enter service?

The USS Gerald R. Ford was built as CVN-78 and began sea operations in the mid-2010s. It introduced major new technologies, including electromagnetic EMALS catapults and roughly tripled electrical generation compared with earlier Nimitz-class carriers.

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]]> The giant Aircraft carrying Submarines https://migflug.com/jetflights/the-giant-aircraft-carrying-submarines/ https://migflug.com/jetflights/the-giant-aircraft-carrying-submarines/#comments Mon, 16 Nov 2015 16:04:30 +0000 http://www.migflug.com/jetflights/?p=2933 Ever heard of these insane submarines? The Japanese built huge submarines in WWII. They could actually carry fighter planes!   Watch the documentary below to learn more. More crazy stuff? Read about the craziest bombs here – and about the strangest aircraft ever built here. Related Questions Did submarines ever carry aircraft? Yes. Several navies built […]

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]]> Ever heard of these insane submarines? The Japanese built huge submarines in WWII. They could actually carry fighter planes!
I-400 submarine

I-400 submarine

  Watch the documentary below to learn more.
More crazy stuff? Read about the craziest bombs here - and about the strangest aircraft ever built here.

Related Questions

Did submarines ever carry aircraft?

Yes. Several navies built submarines that carried aircraft in watertight hangars. The most famous were Japan's enormous I-400-class submarines of World War II, which could each carry and launch folding-wing floatplane bombers, making them among the largest submarines built before the nuclear age.

What was the Japanese I-400 submarine?

The I-400 was a class of Imperial Japanese Navy submarine aircraft carriers built during World War II. Each carried folding-wing floatplane bombers in a waterproof hangar and launched them via catapult for long-range strike missions. They were the largest submarines built until the 1960s.

How many aircraft could the I-400 carry?

Each I-400-class submarine could carry up to three folding-wing floatplane bombers (the Aichi M6A Seiran), stowed inside a large waterproof deck hangar and launched by catapult. This gave the submarine a unique long-range aerial strike capability unmatched by other navies.

Why were submarine aircraft carriers abandoned?

Submarine aircraft carriers were abandoned because launching and recovering aircraft left the submarine dangerously exposed on the surface, and advances in carrier aviation and missiles made the concept obsolete. They remain among the most unusual experiments in naval and aviation history.

What other strange aircraft have been built?

Aviation history is full of unusual designs, from flying saucers and tailless jets to oblique-wing aircraft and submarine-launched bombers. Many never went beyond the prototype stage but pushed aviation technology forward. See more of the strangest aircraft ever built.

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]]> https://migflug.com/jetflights/the-giant-aircraft-carrying-submarines/feed/ 4 15 Awesome and Interesting Facts About Military Aircraft https://migflug.com/jetflights/15-awesome-and-interesting-facts-about-military-aircraft/ https://migflug.com/jetflights/15-awesome-and-interesting-facts-about-military-aircraft/#comments Mon, 20 Jul 2015 12:17:21 +0000 http://www.migflug.com/jetflights/?p=2758 We all know that in the history of military aviation, a lot of interesting events and developments have been made. Our friend Marko Radovic from Belgrade selected 15 interesting facts and created this nice post for us: Thanks a lot for creating this nice post for us. You can find more from Marko on http://aviationhumor.net/ Related […]

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]]> 15 Awesome and Interesting Facts About Military Aircrafts

15 Awesome and Interesting Facts About Military Aircrafts

Thanks a lot for creating this nice post for us. You can find more from Marko on http://aviationhumor.net/

Related Questions

What is the fastest military aircraft ever built?

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft ever built, capable of sustained flight above Mach 3 (over 3,500 km/h). Developed by Lockheed's Skunk Works, it set Cold War speed records that still stand, and even survived dramatic close calls during reconnaissance missions.

What was the first jet fighter?

Germany's Messerschmitt Me 262 was the world's first operational jet fighter, entering combat in 1944 during World War II. Its turbojet engines made it markedly faster than the piston-engined fighters of the era, helping usher in the jet age of military aviation.

How fast can fighter jets fly?

Most modern fighter jets can exceed twice the speed of sound (Mach 2, around 2,400 km/h). Specialised aircraft fly faster still — the SR-71 reconnaissance jet topped Mach 3. Sustained high speed generates intense heat and places heavy stress on both the airframe and the pilot.

What does Mach number mean?

Mach number expresses speed relative to the speed of sound: Mach 1 is the speed of sound (about 1,235 km/h at sea level), Mach 2 is twice that, and so on. Fighter jets are often described by their top Mach number, a key measure of performance.

Why are many military aircraft painted grey?

Most modern military jets are painted in shades of grey because it makes them harder to see against the sky and at distance, improving stealth and survivability. Earlier camouflage schemes used greens and browns better suited to low-level flying over land.

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]]> https://migflug.com/jetflights/15-awesome-and-interesting-facts-about-military-aircraft/feed/ 4 Navy preparing to unveil Electromagnetic Aircraft Catapult https://migflug.com/jetflights/navy-getting-ready-to-unleash-an-electromagnetic-aircraft-catapult-on-carrier/ https://migflug.com/jetflights/navy-getting-ready-to-unleash-an-electromagnetic-aircraft-catapult-on-carrier/#comments Sun, 22 Mar 2015 02:36:22 +0000 http://www.migflug.com/jetflights/?p=2610 The U.S. Navy is getting ready to launch the first ship-board tests of a new Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System designed to replace steam catapults and propel fighter jets and other aircraft off the deck of an aircraft carrier, service officials said. “In June, we’ll start shooting dead loads into the James River. The ship is pointed […]

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]]> “In June, we’ll start shooting dead loads into the James River. The ship is pointed bow out. It will be the first time in 60-years that we have shot something off a ship using something other than a steam catapult,” said Rear Adm. Thomas Moore, Program Executive Officer, Carriers. The brand new EMALS system, which uses an electromagnetic field to propel aircraft instead of the steam catapult, is slated for the new Ford-class aircraft carriers. The first EMALS system has been under construction for lots of years aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford, or CVN 78, the first in class of the new carriers expected to be delivered to the Navy next year. “Two of the four catapults are completely built. The other two are almost built,” Moore said. On the ship, the below-deck EMALS equipment has been already installed and ready. This includes a series of transformers and rectifiers specially designed to convert and store electrical power through a series of motor generators before brining power to the launch motors on the catapults, Moore explained.
The inside of the EMALS system!

The inside of the EMALS system!

“By having this electrical pulse come down, you are pulling the aircraft down to the catapult to launch it. You can dial in the precise weight of the aircraft. As you accelerate the aircraft down the catapult, you can accelerate it to the precise speed it needs to launch,” Moore said. Unlike old steam catapults, which use pressurized steam, a launch valve and a piston to catapult aircraft off the carrier, EMALS uses a precisely determined amount of electrical energy. As a result, EMALS is designed to more smoothly launch aircraft while reducing stress and wear and tear on the airframes themselves, he added. “By the time the aircraft gets to the catapult it is at the perfect speed. Minimizing stress on the airframe, over time, reduces maintenance,” Moore added. On the ship, EMALS will be engineered such that any of the ship’s four catapults will be able to withdraw power from any one of the three energy storage groups on the ship, he said. Mission successfully completed! As the catapult troughs for the USS Ford’s EMALS system were being built and integrated with the overall system, the system’s technology has been in the process of extensive testing at a Naval Air Warfare Center facility in Lakehurst, N.J. “The testing has allowed us to stay ahead of the curve and identify issues in advance of installing it on the rest of the ships,” Moore said. Ship integration and testing for the EMALS technology will mark a substantial milestone in a program which, until now, has widely been conducting ground-based flight tests at the Navy facility in Lakehurst, N.J., Moore explained. “As things get connected they will increase the number of tests. The first aircraft launch will be after the ship gets to sea. We’ve conducted 452 aircraft launches and just finished up our second phase of aircraft compatibility testing,” Capt. Jim Donnelly, program manager for aircraft launch and recovery equipment, told Military​.com in a recent interview. “We’ve been making component deliveries to the ship (USS Ford) in Newport News since 2011. It started early because for EMALS, some of the equipment such as the motor-generators are lower in the ship so they had to be part of the super-lift early on,” Donnelly added. F18E-Carrier-Launch   Metal decking is slated to be placed over the trough on the flight deck. Special Cabling and linear induction motor sections have been installed on board the USS Ford already. The linear motors are engineered to help in creating a sequentially activated rolling magnetic field or wave able to thrust or propel aircraft forward, Donnelly explained. “It is the same type of technology that you see in a rollercoaster except this one is designed for critical launch reliability. It has to work every time you press the launch button. You are getting an electromagnetic field by turning on linear motor sequentially so we don’t energize the whole field in one shot,” he explained. The electromagnetic field acts on a large 22-foot long aluminum plate, he added. The aluminium plate runs in between stationary sections of 12-foot long linear motors. Electricity runs swiftly through the two sides of the motors, creating an electromagnetic wave, Donnelly explained. “The aircraft motors are kicked in at the beginning. There’s a hydraulic piston that pushes a shuttle forward. The shuttle is what connects to the aircraft launch bar,” Donnelly said. The EMALS system can adjust to different aircraft weights and configurations, Donnelly said.  For example, EMALS is configured such that it could launch a lighter weight aircraft, such as an unmanned aircraft system, he added. This is particularly useful because the amount of thrust needed to launch an aircraft depends upon a range of interwoven factors to include size, shape and weight of the aircraft, wind speed on the carrier deck and the speed of the aircraft carrier in the water, Donnelly said. “EMALS better supports the air wing now and in the future. As you may know we’ve changed the make-up of the carrier wing over the years. We’re getting to an air wing that requires higher energy launches and EMALS is much more capable when it comes to higher launch energy requirements,” Donnelly said. The USS Ford is able to quickly generate 13,800 volts of electrical power, more than three times the 4,160 volts that a Nimitz-class carrier generates, Moore said. The EMALS system is also engineered to work in tandem with the USS Ford’s new Advanced Arresting Gear, or AAG. Unlike the existing hydraulic system used on current aircraft carriers, AAG is a mechanical electrical system with a cable that spins a water twister, Moore explained. Similar to the EMALS, the AAG is also designed to reduce stress on the airframe during the landing process, Moore said. [CSSBUTTON target="http://www.migflug.com/en" color="#F22F2C"]Book your own Jet Flight Now![/CSSBUTTON] Additional readings - What it's like to fly CAS with IS militants The A400M - Atlas The 7 weirdest bombs   Author - Jake Meilak  

Related Questions

What is EMALS (the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System)?

EMALS is the US Navy's Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, a catapult that uses a powerful electromagnetic field instead of pressurised steam to fling aircraft off a carrier deck. It was developed to replace traditional steam catapults on the Navy's newest carriers.

How does an electromagnetic aircraft catapult work?

An electromagnetic catapult uses a linear induction motor: stored electrical energy is released as a precisely controlled pulse that drives the launch shuttle down the track. Because the energy is dialled electronically, the system can match the exact weight of each aircraft and accelerate it to the precise launch speed needed.

What replaced steam catapults on US aircraft carriers?

The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) replaced steam catapults. Steam catapults use pressurised steam, a launch valve and a piston, while EMALS uses a measured electrical pulse, giving smoother, more precise acceleration and less stress on airframes.

Which aircraft carrier first used EMALS?

The first ship fitted with EMALS was the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the lead vessel of the new Ford-class of aircraft carriers. Its below-deck transformers, rectifiers and motor-generators store and convert power for the launch motors.

How are jets launched from an aircraft carrier?

Carrier jets are flung into the air by a catapult that accelerates them from a standstill to flying speed in a couple of seconds along a short deck. Older carriers use steam catapults; new US carriers use EMALS. Many famous carrier jets, like the one in our look at whether you can fly an F-14 Tomcat, were launched this way.

Why is EMALS considered better than steam catapults?

EMALS offers finer control: operators can dial in the precise weight and required end-speed for each aircraft, producing smoother acceleration that reduces stress on airframes and pilots. It is also intended to be more reliable and easier to maintain than the heavy steam plumbing it replaces.

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]]> https://migflug.com/jetflights/navy-getting-ready-to-unleash-an-electromagnetic-aircraft-catapult-on-carrier/feed/ 2 Our favorite military aviation films! https://migflug.com/jetflights/our-favorite-military-aviation-films/ https://migflug.com/jetflights/our-favorite-military-aviation-films/#comments Sat, 28 Feb 2015 19:00:55 +0000 http://www.migflug.com/jetflights/?p=2483 A lot of real world military aircraft have appeared in several movies. These appearances show the popularity of the aircraft with the general public. They also get the opportunity to showcase their capabilities to the public. We aviation geeks from around the world love to unwind by spending the time searching for and watching some […]

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]]> 1) Les Chevaliers du Ciel chevaliersduciel This film was famous for its great video angles and highly real time aerial warfare. It had a great storyline but was quite limited in dog fights shot in the film. The method used to capture and shoot the movie was good along with excellent cameramen and camera work. The technical specifications shown in the film were very authentic. The flight sequences from the film were all filmed with actual real aircraft and aerial footage and photography, without the use of CGI. In order to capture the greatly flown high-speed manoeuvres, a specially designed high technology camera was somehow attached to a Mirage 2000 aircraft which then tailed the ‘star planes’ as they flew, for only another Mirage 2000 could actually fly at speeds that matched the planes being filmed. The traditional film camera, which was specially constructed with lenses facing forward, backward, to the side, and downward, was installed inside an empty fuel pod primarily built by Dassault, the aircraft company consortium which constructed the Mirage 2000. For tracking shots , where using the Mirage 2000 camera was not practical, a Lear jet was flown in from Southern California in the United States, and used for about a week at great expense.  

2) Top Gun

Top-Gun-H The well known film, Top Gun was shot well with all the shooting done from the ground. The storyline wasn’t that good and seemed technically inaccurate. There is no plane called the MiG-28 – all Mikoyan-Gurevich aircraft have odd-number designations. The planes used in the film to simulate the MiGs were Northrop F-5E Tiger IIs. During most flight sequences, safety pins and star wheels on left top head box of Martin Baker GRU-7A ejection seat are installed. Thus the seat is not armed and in any inverted manoeuvres, seats would slide off ejection gun rails. There were many dogfights shown in the film. F-14 was the main plane used in this film. During both the training missions and dogfight scenes, the sound effects for the targeting system and the radar/missile warning are nearly identical. In reality, those two sounds would be completely different so as to give the pilot no doubt as to what’s going on.  

3) Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag

Red flag           This is a documentary film which is highly accurate in the technical aspect. There are also many good dogfight scenes and it’s a must watch movie for all aviation enthusiasts. The F-15 is the main plane used in the film. In addition to the breath-taking cinematography and heart-stopping action sequences, and the less glamorous depictions are shot well. The shots inside the AWACS aircraft are simply exquisite. Likewise, we are treated to stunning panoramas of the airfield and runways at Nellis AFB.  

4) Iron Eagle

Iron Eagle This film had some good dogfights but since it’s an old movie we didn’t like it much. The storyline was not to the mark however the overall movie was good. The F-16 was the main plane used in this film. However the cockpit and controls of a real F-16 are nothing like they appear in this movie. Many of the external shots of the aircraft during flight clearly show that these are remote controlled scale models. This is evident by the jumpy flight characteristics. Full size aircraft do not behave in such erratic manners. The enemy fighters used in this film are not MIGs at all. They are Israeli Aircraft Industries F-21 Kfirs, which are French Mirage 5s that are modified and produced by Israel. The M-61A1 cannon does not require a radar lock to shoot at a target, and is not affected by any operating mode of the radar. The radar could be turned off, and the cannon would still operate normally. In reality, no weapon that the F-16s carried in the film required a radar lock to operate.  

5) Behind Enemy Lines

behind20enemy20lines-1                     This film had a good story line and also was technically accurate. There were few dogfights in the film understandably because of the storyline it was based on. The F-18 was the main plane used in the film. The film also portrayed the following glitches where it showed a missile being capable of chasing the F/A-18. On an F-18, the survival radio and beacon are located inside a seat pan underneath the pilot. After clearing the cockpit canopy, the ejection seat separates. During the ejection sequence, the two seats collide with each other however the ejection seats are usually designed so that they would direct themselves away from one another to prevent this.   Additional Readings – Source(s) –
  •  historynet.com
  • imdb.com
  Author - Jake Meilak  

Related Questions

What are the best military aviation films about fighter jets?

MiGFlug's favourite fighter-jet films are Les Chevaliers du Ciel, Top Gun, the documentary Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag, and Iron Eagle. Each is praised for its dogfights and flying footage, with the top picks using real aircraft rather than computer graphics.

What aircraft is featured in Top Gun?

Top Gun centres on the F-14 Tomcat, the US Navy's swing-wing carrier fighter. The film made the Tomcat a pop-culture icon, and many fans still ask whether you can fly an F-14 Tomcat today.

What plane appears in Les Chevaliers du Ciel?

The French film Les Chevaliers du Ciel features the Dassault Mirage 2000. Its aerial sequences were shot entirely with real aircraft and no CGI, using a specially built camera carried in a fuel pod on a chase Mirage 2000 fast enough to keep pace with the "star" jets.

What jets appear in the film Iron Eagle?

Iron Eagle features the F-16 Fighting Falcon as its hero jet, though many flight scenes used remote-controlled scale models. The "enemy" fighters in the film are not MiGs at all but Israel Aircraft Industries F-21 Kfirs, which are modified French Mirage 5s.

Did Top Gun boost US Navy recruitment?

Yes. The original Top Gun is famous for sending interest in naval aviation soaring, as detailed in our look at how Top Gun doubled Navy recruitment overnight. Few films have had such a direct effect on a military service.

Is the documentary Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag accurate?

Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag is praised as highly accurate technically. It follows the US Air Force's Red Flag exercise, features the F-15 as its main aircraft, and includes striking footage inside an AWACS, making it a favourite among aviation enthusiasts.

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]]> https://migflug.com/jetflights/our-favorite-military-aviation-films/feed/ 10 What it’s like to fly close air support against IS militants. https://migflug.com/jetflights/what-its-like-to-fly-close-air-support-against-is-militants/ Thu, 29 Jan 2015 19:00:40 +0000 http://www.migflug.com/jetflights/?p=2381 Even though the Pentagon has been adamant with claims that none of the 4000 American troops in Iraq are involved in combat, US jets have been flying several attack sorties against Islamic State (ISIS) militants. But what exactly consists of a mission in getting the Bombs on the enemies? This is what a day in […]

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]]> Even though the Pentagon has been adamant with claims that none of the 4000 American troops in Iraq are involved in combat, US jets have been flying several attack sorties against Islamic State (ISIS) militants. But what exactly consists of a mission in getting the Bombs on the enemies?

This is what a day in the life of an aircraft carrier-based crew is like:

The mission begins with CENTCOM’s Joint Task Force sending the tasking order to the aircraft carrier’s intelligence centre. From there, the air wing operations cell assign sorties to the appropriate squadron, and those squadrons assign aircrews to fly the sorties. At that point aircrews get to work with intel officers and start planning every detail of the sortie.

USS Harry S. Truman and Carrier Airwing Three - currently on six month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pre flight planning of the mission.

After the long hours of mission planning are done, crews attempt a few hours of sleep. (The regulations call for 8 hours of sleep before a hop, but that seldom happens.) After quick showers and putting on the “zoom bags”, which are flight suits, aviators hit the chow line before the mission brief. All the crews involved with the mission gather for the “mass gaggle” brief, usually two and a half hours before launch time. After that, elements break off for detailed mission discussions.

Meanwhile, on the flight deck, the techies fix gripes and make sure jets are FMC — “FULLY MISSION CAPABLE.” At the same time the ordnance crew strap bombs onto the jets according to the load plan published by the Strike Operations department.

 Forty-five minutes before launch, crews head to the paraloft and start preparing and gearing up into —

  • G-suits
  • Survival vests
  • Helmets

 They also strap on a 9mm pistol as a safety measure in case they go down in enemy territory. Once each group of crew are satisfied that the jet is ready to go and FMC, crews climb in and wait for the Air Boss in the tower to give them the signal to start ‘em up and get the place noisy!

The weightboard.

The weight board.

While lining up with the catapult for launch, pilots verify that the weight board is accurate. A Green shirt holds up a weight board showing a Super Hornet pilot that the catapult will be set for a 43,000 pound launch.

With the throttles shifted to full power position and the controls cycled as a check to make sure they’re moving properly (This is the last check for the controls), the pilot salutes the cat officer and the cat officer touches the deck, signalling the operator in the catwalk to fire the catapult. Zero to 160 MPH in 2.2 seconds. Airborne! (Aircraft launching on Cats 1 and 2 turn right; those on Cats 3 and 4 turn left.)

Way high, somewhere above the carrier, Super Hornets top off their gas from another Super Hornet with a tanker configuration. Meaning it could shift its fuel to the aircraft heading on a mission. Wingmen join flight leads them and the strike elements ingress “feet dry” over hostile territory. The flight hits the tanker once again, but this time an Air Force KC-135. At that point the mission lead checks in with “Big Eye” — the AWACS — to get an update on the current threat status and any other late-breaking info that might be relevant, the information is obviously passed on to the commanding centre.

Electronic warfare versions of the Super Hornet — are part of the strike package in the event of any unexpected pop-up surface-to-air missile threats. The AWACS then hands off the flight to the forward air controller in company with Iraqi Forces – The FAC gives the aircrew a “nine-line” brief” that lays out the target details and any threats surrounding it, and last but not least, the proximity of friendlies.

If all goes to plan, the jets head back “feet wet”, Mission Complete! And for the last time stops at the “mid-air gas station” for some fuel along the way back.

Once the planes are shut down the aircrew head straight down to CVIC with their FLIR tapes for battle damage assessment.

Mission successfully completed!

Mission successfully completed!

 Future of ISIS fighting.

"Victory is when we complete the mission of degrading, destroying and defeating ISIL,"  The Pentagon chief said, using another name for the group.

The Chief was joined by Army General Martin Dempsey - the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who told the senators that the US was ready to strike the IS militants in Syria. "This will not look like 'shock and awe' because that is not how IS is organised," he said, "but it will be persistent and sustainable."

British Foreign Secretary - Mr Hammond was speaking after a summit in Paris where world leaders agreed to provide military aid to fight the extremist network. The meeting of 30 countries agreed to "support the Iraqi government by any means necessary - including military assistance". British Prime Minister David Cameron had said Britain would seek United Nations support for any such plans.

He said the backing would be an important role in the blueprint for dealing with the extremists, who have seized swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria.

US Secretary of State John Kerry has been urging allies - especially Middle East and Gulf states - to show a united front and work as a team, and one American official said several Arab countries had offered to join the airstrikes.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei revealed he had received a request from the US to join the fight against IS, but said he had rejected it because of Washington's "unclean intentions".

  Sources
  • http://www.theweek.co.uk/world-news/islamic-state/59846/islamic-state-raf-jets-carry-out-first-air-strikes-in-iraq
  • http://news.sky.com/story/1336513/us-takes-fight-to-islamic-state-militants
  Additional reading
Author - Jake Meilak
 
 

Related Questions

What is close air support (CAS)?

Close air support is the use of combat aircraft to attack enemy forces close to friendly troops, demanding tight coordination with units on the ground. Carrier-based jets like the F/A-18 Super Hornet have flown CAS missions against ISIS in Iraq.

How does an aircraft carrier launch jets?

Carrier jets are flung off the deck by a catapult that accelerates them from zero to about 160 mph in roughly 2.2 seconds. The pilot salutes the catapult officer to signal readiness before the cat fires. Modern flat-tops like Japan’s carrier Kaga use similar deck operations.

What does CENTCOM do?

US Central Command (CENTCOM) is the US military command responsible for the Middle East region. Its joint task force issues the tasking orders that flow to an aircraft carrier’s intelligence center, which then assigns sorties to individual squadrons.

What does Fully Mission Capable (FMC) mean?

FMC stands for “Fully Mission Capable,” meaning an aircraft is ready to perform all of its assigned missions. Before launch, deck crews fix any faults to make sure each jet is FMC.

What gear do carrier fighter pilots wear?

Carrier pilots gear up in G-suits, survival vests and helmets, and strap on a 9 mm pistol in case they go down in hostile territory. The G-suit helps them resist the high g-forces of hard combat maneuvering.

What is an AWACS aircraft?

AWACS — Airborne Warning and Control System — aircraft such as the E-3 carry powerful radar to track aircraft over a wide area and coordinate the air battle. Strike crews check in with AWACS, call sign “Big Eye,” for threat updates.

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]]> Is the Russian Navy bigger than US’s? https://migflug.com/jetflights/russian-navy-bigger-than-uss/ https://migflug.com/jetflights/russian-navy-bigger-than-uss/#comments Tue, 07 Oct 2014 15:55:29 +0000 http://www.migflug.com/jetflights/?p=2318 The American Navy is thought of as the world’s most powerful, far greater than any other naval force. But now some sources hint at Russian Navy could be bigger soon – even as soon as in 2020, Russia will have one of the biggest naval forces in the world. Potentially even bigger than the United States […]

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]]> The American Navy is thought of as the world’s most powerful, far greater than any other naval force. But now some sources hint at Russian Navy could be bigger soon - even as soon as in 2020, Russia will have one of the biggest naval forces in the world. Potentially even bigger than the United States Navy.

How can the Russian Navy be the biggest?

Russian Steregushchy class - 30 ships of this class are planned.

For a long time, the Russian Navy has actually been roughly equal in size to the US Navy (~300 ships) in terms of vessel count. But by the Russian annexation of Crimea, they acquired 51 new ships, making Russia’s navy bigger than the American one. But it is of course not really honest to say that the Russian Navy is bigger than the US's - a bluff. The Russian Navy is actually not bigger.  They have specialized their Navy to be used in small canals and small seas (The Black Sea for instance) and therefore they operate a large number of small vessels like corvettes, but a much much smaller battle fleet tonnage than the US. To show a contrast of the tonnage, here are the biggest naval forces in the world in terms of weight:

Country: Fleet Tonnage (tons):
United States of America: 3,415,893
Russia: 845,730
China: 708,086
Japan: 413,800
United Kingdom: 367,850
France: 319,195
India: 317,725
South Korea: 178,710
Italy: 173,549
Taiwan: 151,662
Navy Fleet tonnage comparison

Navy Fleet tonnage comparison

How can the US Navy be that much heavier?

The reason for the US to be on the top of this list, but still have a smaller number of vessels than Russia, is because they have a huge number of big ships, such as 10 aircraft carriers of 100,000 tons each, and 62 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, weighing almost 10,000 tons each. While Russia has only one aircraft carrier (Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Kuznetsov) of 55,000 tons and 13 destroyers, with the biggest one of about 7,000 tons.

The US Navy tonnage is actually bigger than the next 13 Navies - combined!

US Navy Fleet overview

US Navy Fleet overview

The new Russian naval vessels

Russian Vladivostok of the French Mistral class

Now the Russians are planning on acquiring (even) more naval vessels for their Black Sea fleet - which would widen the gap in ship figures between the US Navy and the Russian even more. The 80 new ships (planned to be completed in 2020) will make the Russian Black Sea fleet alone contain 206 vessels. Russia has also made new acquisitions for their Navy the last years. For instance the French Mistral Helicopter Carriers Vladivostok (laid down for Russia in 2012) and Sevastopol (laid down for Russia in 2013), which they paid $1.7 billion for. Russia plans to have 4 of these very modern ships in the end - but with the crisis in Ukraine and the Russian backing of the separatists - these ships are finally on hold and won't be delivered for now. The international community put a lot of pressure onto France which hesitated as the country is in a deep crisis with stubbornly high unemployment rates.

Russian supremacy - only on paper

The USS Gerald R Ford is the biggest, and most capable warship ever built.

But even though this might sound scary to some Americans, they have little to fear. The American Navy is, as previously stated, bigger than the next 13 countries combined, and 11 of these are US allies or partners. The US is planning on keeping their 10 Nimitz carriers until 2040 (or more), and their new USS Gerald R Ford, which is the lead ship of the class with the same name, which is planned to be commissioned in 2016, will add to the US naval supremacy. And even though Russia has a bigger number of vessels, the current situation of the two biggest navies in the world is like a saying from a Swedish kids show - Five ants are more than four elephants. 

Additional Reading:
  • Learn about naval ship designations and their meanings here.
  • Read a 3-part article series about the US Nimitz class aircraft carriers here.
  • Read about the history of Russian aircraft carriers here.
Sources:
  • Businessinsider.com
  • Globalsecurity.org
  • Rusnavy.com
  • Navy.mil

Related Questions

Is the US Navy bigger than Russia’s navy?

By tonnage, overwhelmingly yes. The US Navy’s fleet displaces about 3,415,893 tons versus roughly 845,730 tons for Russia. Although the two have at times had a similar number of hulls, the US fields far larger ships, so it is much heavier overall.

How does the US Navy compare to other navies?

The US Navy’s total fleet tonnage is greater than the next 13 largest navies combined. This dominance comes from operating very large ships, including ten roughly 100,000-ton aircraft carriers and dozens of Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, far outweighing fleets of smaller vessels.

How many aircraft carriers does the US Navy have?

The US Navy operates ten supercarriers of around 100,000 tons each. By contrast, Russia has just one carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, of about 55,000 tons. Other navies are now expanding their carrier fleets too, such as Japan’s Kaga.

What is the Admiral Kuznetsov?

The Admiral Kuznetsov is Russia’s only aircraft carrier, displacing roughly 55,000 tons — considerably smaller than US supercarriers. It has had a famously troubled service and maintenance record.

What is fleet tonnage?

Fleet tonnage is the combined displacement, or weight of water displaced, of all of a navy’s ships. It is often a better measure of naval power than ship count, because a handful of large carriers and destroyers can outweigh many small coastal craft.

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]]> https://migflug.com/jetflights/russian-navy-bigger-than-uss/feed/ 52 Classifications of Naval Vessels https://migflug.com/jetflights/classifications-of-naval-vessels/ https://migflug.com/jetflights/classifications-of-naval-vessels/#comments Thu, 11 Sep 2014 09:35:04 +0000 http://www.migflug.com/jetflights/?p=2242 Usually, we cover the air – in this blog post we’ll do a short “water excursion”. There are many different ships in the world’s navies today. They all have different applications and some classifications are exclusive to certain countries. Different countries have invested in different types of ships, and some have invested in nearly all of […]

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]]> Usually, we cover the air - in this blog post we'll do a short "water excursion". There are many different ships in the world’s navies today. They all have different applications and some classifications are exclusive to certain countries. Different countries have invested in different types of ships, and some have invested in nearly all of them. For readers with basic knowledge, we will try to shed some light on these classifications. In this article, we will look into the different types of surface and submerged vessels and what navies operate them. The first ship on the list: Frigate.

Frigates

De Zeven Provinciën-class air-defence and command frigate of the Royal Netherlands Navy.

Frigates are usually regarded as ships weighing more than 3000 tons. Their role is to protect other ships in their strike group, the main part of this responsibility is to protect them from hostile submarines. The frigate does not have a strict definition, which means they have similarities to corvettes, destroyers and even cruisers. The Littoral combat ships are by some regarded as frigates.

Corvettes

HSwMS Helsingborg of the Swedish Visby class. It features a stealth hull which decreases its radar cross section by 99%.

A Corvette is a small warship with light arms. Due to this and their high maneuverability they are great in smaller seas, the Red Sea for instance, which is an important reason - along the comparably low cost - many of the world’s navies operate them (just to give you some examples: The US, Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Denmark, Germany, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, South Korea, Sweden, Turkey... Due to Russia being connected to many smaller seas they have invested a lot in Corvettes and are by that the world’s biggest operator of corvettes.

Destroyers

American destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill of the Arleigh Burke class.

Destroyers are among the widely used ships in the world due to their wide range of use. Their combination of high firepower and high endurance make them ideal for both wars, escort and (other) peace-keeping operations. The name "Destroyer" comes from the Russo-Japanese war in the early 20th century where they were named "Torpedo boat destroyer". Today they are the heaviest surface combatants after the cruiser.

Cruisers

The Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Cowpens fires its missiles.

Cruisers - The cruiser is the strongest of them all. It is built to have great firepower and to be able to take out everything that its strike group can face. Due to its high cost and narrow mission capability, only the US, Russia and Peru (old ships) operate them. The line between cruisers and destroyers is not very obvious due to some of the new destroyers (DDG-1000 for instance) having greater firepower than some cruisers.

Amphibious Assault Ships

A Tarawa class amphibious assault ship of the USN shows its good deck.

These ships are warfare ships used to support ground troops in forms of ammunition, transport, refuelling of vehicles and to protect them from incoming enemy aeroplanes and surface vessels. Most of them have both a helicopter deck (where VTOL aeroplanes such as the F-35 as well as helicopters can disembark from) and a good deck where small amphibious vessels can be maintained and repaired. Some of them are regarded as aircraft carriers, for instance, the Japanese aircraft carriers Izumo has been renamed to "helicopter destroyer" even though it looks like an aircraft carrier.

Aircraft Carriers

Admiral Kuznetsov of the Russian Navy.

The definition of an aircraft carrier is “A large naval vessel designed as a mobile airbase, having a long flat deck on which aircraft can take off and land at sea”. Just as the definition says it is used as a naval base and aircraft operation centre. The aircraft carriers are the biggest military ships in the world with some weighing over 100 000 tons and the capability to house almost 6000 men. An alternate name of carriers is Supercarriers which is the name of aircraft carriers weighing more than 66 000 tons. The only country that operates more than 2 aircraft carriers is currently the United States (10 active).

Littoral Combat Ships

USS Freedom (back) and USS Independence (front) are both littoral combat ships of the US Navy.

Littoral combat ship - A small class of ships specialised to operate in zones with very shallow waters where other, bigger ships cannot be used. Under this name, there are only a few operational and they all belong to the US Navy. According to the United States Navy's webpage, the LCSs are “envisioned to be a networked, agile, stealthy surface combatant capable of defeating anti-access and asymmetric threats in the littorals”. They were also built to be a complement for the new DDG-1000 and future cruisers. The American Littoral combat ships are sometimes regarded as big corvettes.

Submarine - Attack

Dolphin-class of the Israeli Navy.

Attack submarine is the submarine type designed to take out other submarines and surface ships. They all use torpedoes to hunt their prey and some use cruise missiles in VLS to have an even greater range of targets. Due to their low visibility, they are great to protect friendly ships and to gather information about the enemy.

Submarine - Ballistic Missile

Submarine of the US Ohio class - one of its ballistic missiles is 150 times more powerful than both the Nagasaki and Hiroshima bombs combined.

This type of submarine is specialised to go out on the sea, hide, and then launch SLBMs with nuclear (or conventional) warheads to take out strategically important enemy targets. The second-strike capability was to ensure the "no first use" of nuclear weapons during the Cold War. Strategic submarines are the traditional - but expensive - method of providing a second strike capability. The other one would be "Launch on warning". The new nuclear submarines can stay out at sea for months, at any instance being able to launch a missile of mass destruction from thousands of kilometres away. Due to this, all of the modern ballistic missile submarines have nuclear reactors as the energy source which gives them a nearly "unlimited" range.

Submarine - Cruise Missile

Kilo class cruise missile submarine.

A cruise missile submarine is a submarine that can launch cruise missiles (SLCMs). They have extreme firepower, for instance, the cruise missile submarine class Ohio can launch 154 cruise missiles without refuelling nor re-arming. The earlier types of cruise missile submarines had to surface before launching their missiles but that problem has been fixed and they can now launch their missiles without being seen with the naked eye.

Countries using the different types of ships (this info might come to change):

Type: Countries operating them: Example of ship:
Frigate United States, Australia, Canada, China, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, India, Iran, Italy, Malaysia, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, Taiwan, United Kingdom.
  • Indian Shivalik-class
  • UK Type 23-class
Amphibious assault ship United States, France, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Australia, United Kingdom.
  • French Mistral-class
  • US Wasp-class.
Destroyer United States, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Canada, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia.
  • Chinese Navy’s Luyang II-class
  • US Arleigh Burke-class
Aircraft carrier United States, India, Italy, China, Spain, France, Russia, Brazil, Thailand.
  • US Nimitz-class
  • Brazilian Clemenceau-class
Littoral combat ship United States
  • US Freedom-class
  • US Independency-class
Cruiser United States, Russia, Peru
  • US Ticonderoga-class
  • Russian Slava-class
Corvette United States, Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Denmark, Germany, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, South Korea, Sweden, Turkey.
  • Swedish Visby-class
  • Argentinian Espora-class
Attack submarine United States, Russia, India, France, China
  • US Virginia-class
  • French Rubis-class
Ballistic missile submarine United States, France, China, Russia, United Kingdom.
  • French Le Triomphant-class
  • Russian Borei-class
Cruise missile submarine United States, Russia, United Kingdom, Israel, India, China. US Ohio-class Israeli Dolphin-class

Picture of the US Norfolk Naval Base.

Norfolk Naval base in Virginia (US) is the largest American naval station where many of the US Navy's vessels are stationed. Explore the Norfolk Naval Base here: https://goo.gl/maps/bHoh8

As can be seen, many of the definitions go into each other with some ships belonging to several of them (for instance the LCSs). The definitions are no “rules” but more like general guidelines to get some kind of system and organisation. Of course, the ships of the same classification can differ a lot due to age, cost and the environment they are built for. What can be seen is that the smaller ships with larger areas of use are present in many navies, whereas the bigger navies with bigger financial support have ships that are both bigger and built for specific tasks. One country like that is the United States which has ships belonging to every group presented in this article.

Additional Reading:

  • Read a three-part series about aircraft carriers here.
  • Read about the F-35 that can be used on Amphibious assault ships due to its STOVL properties here.
  • Read the story of Russian aircraft carriers here.
An overview for orientation of the text above:
classifications of naval vessels

classifications of naval vessels

Sources:
  • Nvr.navy.mil
  • Globalsecurity.org
  • Navysite.de
  • wweb.archive.org
  • Dictionary.reference.com
  • Naval-technology.com
  • Janes.com/defence

Related Questions

What is a frigate?

A frigate is a warship generally displacing more than 3,000 tons whose primary job is protecting other ships in its strike group, especially against hostile submarines. The definition is not strict and varies between navies, so some smaller combatants are also called frigates.

What is a corvette?

A corvette is a small, lightly armed and highly manoeuvrable warship. Its low cost and agility make it ideal for smaller seas, which is why dozens of navies operate them. Russia, bordered by many small seas, is the world's largest operator of corvettes.

What is the difference between a cruiser and a destroyer?

A cruiser is the most powerful surface combatant, built for maximum firepower, and only the US, Russia and Peru operate them. A destroyer is a fast, heavily armed escort. The line is blurred, since some modern destroyers such as the US DDG-1000 Zumwalt carry more firepower than older cruisers.

What is an amphibious assault ship?

An amphibious assault ship supports ground troops by carrying transport, ammunition, refuelling and protection. Most have a helicopter and VTOL flight deck — able to operate aircraft like the F-35 — plus a well deck for landing craft, unlike full aircraft carriers dedicated to fixed-wing air power.

Which countries operate cruisers?

Only three navies operate cruisers: the United States, Russia, and Peru, the last with older ships. Their high cost and fairly narrow mission role mean most navies prefer destroyers and frigates instead of these large, heavily armed warships.

What is the Visby class?

The Visby class is a series of Swedish corvettes notable for a stealth hull that reduces their radar cross-section by about 99%. Ships like HSwMS Helsingborg show how small warships can combine low cost and high manoeuvrability with advanced stealth design.

Why does Russia operate so many small warships?

Because much of its navy is built around small and enclosed seas such as the Black Sea, Russia favours large numbers of smaller vessels like corvettes. This shapes the debate over whether the Russian Navy is really bigger than the US Navy, since hull count flatters its true strength.

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