Chakri Narubet | 183 meters
“ Chakri Narubet ” (Thailand) - a light aircraft carrier opens the top ten largest ships in the world in service. It is also the smallest modern aircraft carrier. The main tasks of the Thai vessel are search and rescue operations and providing air support. The ship's low combat effectiveness is due to a lack of funding and infrequent trips to sea. The length of “Chakri Narubet” is 183 meters. The ship can accommodate more than 600 crew members. Since the aircraft carrier is inactive most of the time, it can be visited by visiting tourists. In addition, “Chakri Narubet” is nicknamed the world’s largest royal yacht, since during trips to sea, the royal family is often present on it.
Latest Developments
Admiral Kuznetsov
According to experts, one of the latest innovations in the Navy is the development of underwater aircraft of the Russian Federation. Russia's first nuclear-powered submarine aircraft carrier, Project 941-bis, is rumored to be ready by 2022. The idea of such a vessel has been developed since 1991 at the Rubinovsky project of transport submarines. Today on the Internet you can find a model of such a submarine. However, this submarine and its structure are strictly classified; it is not possible to find out the actual dates of commissioning. One thing is certain - if it is put into service, it will be the best aircraft carrier in the world and the only nuclear-powered submarine with fighters on board.
As can be seen from the list of the largest aircraft-carrying cruisers in the world of all time, the undeniable leading place in this type of weapons is occupied by US aircraft carriers. Aircraft carriers are an important attribute in the naval forces of any country, at the same time they are one of the most vulnerable ships in large-scale battles. Such ships are indispensable when conducting combat operations with countries that do not have modern nuclear weapons. In the event of aggression from a power of equal power, aircraft carriers will remain an important, but not the main component in conducting combat operations.
Vikramaditya | 283 meters
“ Vikramaditya ” (India) is a large aircraft carrier of India, part of the Navy. Previously, the heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser belonged to Russia and was called “Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov.” The ship was completely modernized and handed over to the Indian Navy. The length of the vessel is 283.4 meters. On its deck, Vikramaditya can transport up to 40 aircraft and more than 1,500 crew members.
Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Kuznetsov | 305 meters
“ Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Kuznetsov ” (Russia) is the only aircraft-carrying cruiser in the Russian Navy. It received its name in honor of Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union N.G. Kuznetsova. Unlike its domestic predecessors, the cruiser is capable of providing take-off and landing of aircraft. The flight deck area is more than 14,000 sq.m. The ship's aviation group can include up to 30 airplanes and 10 helicopters. The crew is designed for 2000 people. The length of the aircraft carrier is 305.1 meters.
Cavour | 244 meters
“ Cavour ” (Italy) is the largest aircraft carrier of the Italian Navy. It received its name in honor of the Italian statesman Count C. Cavour. It was introduced into the fleet in 2009. The length of the vessel is 244 meters. The deck accommodated 8 AV-8B Harrier aircraft and 12 helicopters. In addition to flying vehicles, it can accommodate more than 500 people, 24 tanks or 50 units of heavy combat vehicles.
Charles de Gaulle | 261 meters
“ Charles de Gaulle ” (France) is a large aircraft carrier that is part of the French Navy. The Charles de Gaulle replaced the outdated Clemenceau-class aircraft carriers and is the most combat-ready aircraft-carrying ship in the world, after the American Nimitz and the Russian Admiral Kuznetsov. The vessel, with a length of 261.5 meters, is designed for 40 air units and more than 1,500 crew members, including the air group. The ship actively participated in military operations around the world, including the Afghan war against the Taliban in the 90s of the 20th century.
"George Bush"
The Nimitz-class ship has been improved and has some advantages over previous models of the project. Communications installations and radars were installed, and gas eliminators on the deck were updated. The control of the jet fuel distribution system was also updated, which became semi-automatic. Communication systems and electronics have been upgraded.
Queen Elizabeth | 284 meters
Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers (England) are known by the code name CVF. English naval vessels are being built to replace Invisible-class aircraft carriers. The two ships are the largest ever built for the Royal Navy. It is planned that one of them will enter service this year, the other will be introduced into the fleet only in 2022. The Queen Elizabeth deck, which covers an area of 13,000 square meters, can accommodate over 40 aircraft and helicopters. Aircraft will be able to simultaneously take off and land on the deck. The crew capacity is 1,500 people, including the air group. The length of the sea vessel is 284 meters.
Sao Paulo | 265 meters
Sao Paulo (Brazil) is the only aircraft carrier of the Brazilian Navy. Until 2000, it belonged to France and belonged to the Clemenceau type of ship. Its former name was “Fosh”. The length of the vessel is 265 meters. On board the Sao Paulo can accommodate over 1,500 people, including flight crew, as well as more than 30 aircraft. While still part of the French Navy, the aircraft carrier participated in military operations that took place in Bosnia, the Persian Gulf, Lebanon and others.
"Gerald R. Ford"
A series of multi-purpose American ships designed as an improved version of the Nimitz. With the same size and armament, the new ships are more automated, thereby reducing the number of crew and lowering operating costs. The project uses new technologies and advanced design solutions, for example, elements of Stealth technology.
It is planned to build 2 more Gerald R. Fords, which will replace the Nimitz. This aircraft carrier stands out because it was designed entirely in 3D and was the first ship to be designed using this technology.
How many aircraft-carrying cruisers and full-fledged aircraft carriers are there in Russia?
Unfortunately, due to the negative economic situation in 1990-2000, as well as the collapse of the USSR, all ships of this class were sold or scrapped. "Kuznetsov" currently remains the 1st Russian warship with an aircraft carrier group on board. Since the “zero” years, there have been active debates about the development of the aircraft-carrying Russian military fleet . However, their development and production requires significant financial investments. A shipyard that could accommodate a ship of this class is also required.
The first test launch of the Zircon hypersonic missile from the Severodvinsk nuclear submarine in the Barents Sea
However, the construction of warships in Russia is beginning to revive, and some developments already exist. the Manatee and Storm projects , in which power plants powered by nuclear reactors will be installed.
ON THE TOPIC - Russia plans to create a new military fleet in the Arctic
But all these projects require significant funding, which the Russian Ministry of Defense cannot yet provide. But we should not forget that the construction of small cruisers, submarines, missile boats, corvettes, frigates and other promising developments is progressing successfully. Perhaps very soon Russia will build a new generation aircraft carrier.
