With the return of the Yak-141, an escort aircraft carrier becomes relevant for the Russian Navy

49

In a few days, the MAKS-2021 air show will begin, around which an intrigue has already been created. Rostec has shown a teaser of a fundamentally new aircraft, which should interest foreign buyers and compete, obviously, with the United States. But what kind of aircraft is this, and where can it be used?

The website of the state corporation says the following about this:



Russia is one of the few countries in the world with technology full cycle for the production of advanced aircraft systems, as well as a recognized trendsetter in the creation of combat aircraft. We are convinced that the new product developed by UAC specialists will arouse genuine interest not only in our country, but also in other regions of the world, including our competitors abroad.

Now everyone is wondering what this fundamentally new winged machine is. Some put on a light single-engine version of the fifth generation fighter Su-57, others - on the promising supersonic interceptor MiG-41. Still others suggest that a vertical take-off and landing fighter (VTOL) would still be more consistent with the criteria of fundamental novelty. Several years ago, the profile Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov announced the revival of this program on the basis of the Soviet Yak-141. Whether this is true or not, we will find out in just a few days, but if this is really so, new interesting opportunities open up for our country.

At first, this is an entry into a new market where, apart from the American F-35B, there is virtually no competition. Yes, the market is relatively narrow, but now many countries are acquiring their own universal amphibious assault ships and want to have at least light aircraft carriers. Russian-made VTOL aircraft for them could be purchased by China, India, Egypt and even Turkey, which was left without American fighters due to sanctions.

SecondlyWhat is much more important for us, the revived verticals could be based on two project 23900 UDCs currently under construction in Kerch. The ships are designed not only to transport amphibious assault troops with equipment, but also to accommodate 17 helicopters and several UAVs. The design of the UDC will also make it possible to effectively place on it from 8 to 12 fighters, as well as 3-4 helicopters. The appearance of VTOL aircraft on universal ships of large displacement, along with helicopters, will dramatically increase the capabilities of the Russian Navy, since our fleet will de facto then acquire two light aircraft carriers, around which so many spears have been broken.

If the Yak-141 is really revived, this will be another proof that Russian aircraft carriers are still needed, we just cannot afford them yet due to poverty and therefore we are making a good face with a bad game. But is there a way to quickly acquire carriers for VTOL aircraft? Of course, there is, everything has long been invented before us, it is enough to turn to the rich experience of the "masters of the seas" of the Anglo-Saxons.

The Second World War forced the Allies to urgently seek opportunities to increase the number of aircraft carriers to fight the German submarine fleet and the Luftwaffe. It turned out to be possible to do this quickly only by re-equipping peaceful civilian ships, which were equipped with a take-off deck and an island superstructure. The first samples were called "merchant aircraft carriers" and they could carry only a few aircraft of outdated designs. Japan followed the same path, turning its tankers into aircraft carriers. Such improvised aircraft-carrying ships looked very specific, if not ugly, but they could still solve certain combat missions.

A further stage in the development of this idea was the so-called "escort aircraft carriers". On the basis of cargo and passenger ships, as well as tankers, a single-tier hangar for aircraft and a flight deck were mounted. In the British Navy, the first ship of this type is considered to be HMS Audacity, converted from the German bulk carrier MV Hannover, which could accommodate from 6 to 8 aircraft. In the US Navy, the lead ship of the series of "escort aircraft carriers" is the USS Bogue. A group of only 24 aircraft was based on it. Despite the dubious origin, the improvised American aircraft carrier during the entire period of hostilities in the Atlantic was able to sink 13 German submarines, either independently or in cooperation with other ships. USS Bogue gave rise to a whole series of "escort aircraft carriers", and the very history of ships of this class, providing anti-submarine and anti-aircraft cover for oceanic convoys, makes them respectful. Of course, a hastily converted civilian ship is very far from a real military one, but they solved the combat missions assigned to them, helping to send "wolf packs" to the bottom.

In general, the experience was so successful that the idea was further developed in the form of universal amphibious assault ships, which are essentially a floating dock with a straight flight deck. UDC can be effectively used both during amphibious operations and during the protection of sea convoys by helicopters and carrier-based fighters. Another promising direction for the US Navy was considered the concept of using light aircraft carriers (Sea Control Ship), equipped with VTOL aircraft. The Pentagon at one time abandoned it, betting on dominance in the oceans with the help of huge nuclear-powered aircraft carriers of the Nimitz class, but some time ago the US military returned to discussing the old idea as more in line with modern realities. There is something to think about.

But the most interesting for us may be a program called ARAPAHO, which Washington and London jointly developed in the 70s of the last century as a generalization of their experience of the Second World War. In accordance with it, the US and British navies prepared a project to re-equip civilian dry cargo ships into "escort aircraft carriers" and produced a sufficient number of special modules in advance to quickly turn a peaceful ship into an aircraft carrier capable of receiving the British Aerospace Sea Harrier VTOL aircraft. And it came in handy!

In 1982, Britain decided to shake off the old days and started a war with Argentina over the Falkland Islands. To conduct hostilities in such a remote theater, London had to use not only the military, but also the civilian fleet. To achieve air supremacy, the British needed to drive to the coast of South America not only their two full-fledged aircraft carriers, but also three container ships, turned into "escort aircraft carriers." Atlantic Conveyor, Atlantic Coaseway, and Container Besant received a reinforced flight deck for aircraft on the bow, a platform for helicopters at the stern, and hangars for storing equipment, fuel tanks, crew quarters were created from container modules. Note that the retooling period was phenomenally short - from 7 to 9 days.

7-9 days to get the aircraft carrier, Karl! This is very impressive. Yes, a converted civilian ship is much inferior to a real military one in all characteristics, except, perhaps, the cost and timing of their receipt. It is worth recalling that the USSR Navy was also seriously considering the project of an anti-submarine helicopter carrier cipher 10200 "Khalzan" on the basis of a high-speed large-tonnage vessel with horizontal cargo handling (roll-rover) of project 1609 of the "Captain Smirnov" type. And it could well even have turned out, but the customer tried to cram too much functionality into a civilian ship, which entailed a radical complication of the design, a rise in cost and an increase in dimensions. As a result, it turned out that such a project would not give much savings and benefits, and its construction would have to take the slipway needed for full-fledged aircraft-carrying cruisers. As a result, the project of a budgetary Soviet helicopter carrier based on a ro-ro was never materialized.


However, this does not mean that the direction itself is unpromising. Having a defense program like ARAPAHO, in just a week and a half, you can get an auxiliary aircraft carrier with VTOL aircraft and helicopters on board, capable of performing certain combat missions in anti-submarine defense and anti-aircraft warfare as part of a formation, as well as supporting the actions of amphibious assault on the coast. Or not one, but several such ships at once. In addition, the escort aircraft carrier can serve as a platform for the deployment of unmanned aircraft. No, we are not calling on the Russian Defense Ministry to rush right now and make aircraft carriers and helicopter carriers out of dry cargo ships and tankers. But, perhaps, it makes sense for the military department, together with the USC, to work out in detail the very possibility of the operational transformation of a civilian ship into a warship? For a future shrouded in an unsettling haze?
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  1. The comment was deleted.
  2. 123
    +9
    15 July 2021 15: 54
    If the Yak-141 is really revived, this will be another proof that Russian aircraft carriers are still needed, we just cannot afford them yet due to poverty and therefore we are making a good face with a bad game.

    The list of rogue countries operating such aircraft includes the United States, Great Britain, like the Italians began to buy.
    They want to get on this list, but those who have not yet learned to build a bad face - Japan, South Korea, Turkey, probably would not refuse and while making faces stretching their facial muscles India, China, Brazil, Spain, Egypt, Australia, Thailand and probably France.
    And among all this company, one Russia ate it only because of poverty.
    Again you could not resist not to spit in the direction of your country? sad Reflex probably? winked
    1. ksa
      +1
      15 July 2021 21: 05
      We cannot afford real aircraft carriers. Because of poverty, only light export ones.
      1. 123
        +2
        15 July 2021 21: 24
        We cannot afford real aircraft carriers. Because of poverty, only light export ones.

        The poor cut in rubber boats or on battle pies.
      2. -3
        16 July 2021 07: 08
        Russia cannot afford anything larger than a cruise yacht longer than 200 meters at a cost of up to $ 5 billion!
  3. 0
    15 July 2021 16: 26
    When MAKS-2021 opens and if a VTOL aircraft is presented, then it will make sense to discuss this ..
  4. -6
    15 July 2021 17: 14
    This time again "will give ist fiction" pulled on the topic of aircraft carriers.

    Effective managers were not talking about the plane, but about a new "product".
    Product.
    Cut.
    Breakthrough and reversal.
  5. -10
    15 July 2021 17: 37
    The text is fully the fruit of the author's wild imagination and has nothing to do with reality. A question to Mr. Marzhetsky - does he represent, even in the most approximate form, the amount of work and financial costs required to implement such an ambitious idea? To date, the Russian Federation has neither scientific nor technological base for such production, but in terms of finance, VS Vysotsky is recalled - "Where is the money, Zin?" And the most important question is Why are these Ertsats aircraft carriers for Russiawhere will she use them?
    1. +3
      15 July 2021 22: 07
      Dear (Miron), if you read this article, then most likely you will find answers to all the questions that torment you: https://flot.com/blog/katastrofa/nam-nuzhen-avianosets-a-on-vam-zachem1.php (don't be too lazy to read the other two parts).
      1. +5
        16 July 2021 08: 29
        It makes no sense to prove anything to this Bindyuzhnik. He does not hide that our enemy is a Ukrainian Jew with Israeli and American passports. So why waste time discussing with him at all? Why prove something to him?
        On the contrary, it is worth paying attention to the reaction of him and those like him to which topics like this smile
        1. -6
          16 July 2021 08: 55
          Quote: Marzhetsky
          It doesn't make sense to prove something to this Bindyuzhnik

          Especially if there is no evidence. lol
    2. +5
      16 July 2021 07: 07
      Myron, your opinion is the typical opinion of the pan head. Themselves drank everything in their Banderia, you no longer have either finances or intelligent brains, so grind your rotten teeth with envy. "Where is the money, Zin", ask this question to your president, who has never learned to do anything worthwhile, all that he is capable of is only to knock on the piano with a dick.
      1. -5
        16 July 2021 08: 57
        What is Ukraine's side to this topic? And I, by the way, have never been Ukrainian.
    3. +2
      16 July 2021 08: 55
      This is you stirring up the water again - a representative of a small people with antisocial behavior
      1. -4
        16 July 2021 08: 59
        No, Comrade Vasya, Mr. Marzhetsky is muddying the waters by publishing his sweet fantasies. bully
  6. +3
    15 July 2021 21: 31
    I completely agree with the author. In the event of war, there will definitely be losses of warships, how can they be replenished? More warships to build! It is possible, but while they are being built, the war will end, the way out, as the author noted to us, is the creation of warships on the basis of civilian ships, especially since there is a positive experience of using such ships (the Anglo-Argentine conflict), all the more so if the "ersatz aircraft carrier" will be sunk, the financial losses will be much lower than in the case of the sinking of a nuclear aircraft carrier. Our readers and many military maximalists, and the maximalist motto is: "If you drink, then brandy, if ... then the queen!" those. if an aircraft carrier is nuclear, to proudly spit from its high deck, and if not nuclear, then nothing is needed!
    Unfortunately you need! According to the naval doctrine of Russia, a nuclear aircraft carrier is not needed at all, who will it scare and where? He himself would rather be scared, but joining the naval squadron of a convoy aircraft carrier will significantly increase its security and combat capabilities.
  7. +2
    16 July 2021 06: 38
    Quote: Bindyuzhnik
    The text is fully the fruit of the author's wild imagination and has nothing to do with reality. A question to Mr. Marzhetsky - does he represent, even in the most approximate form, the amount of work and financial costs required to implement such an ambitious idea? To date, the Russian Federation has neither scientific nor technological base for such production, but in terms of finance, VS Vysotsky is recalled - "Where is the money, Zin?" And the most important question is Why are these Ertsats aircraft carriers for Russiawhere will she use them?

    If a Jew with American and Israeli citizenship is worried and worried about our military expenses, then we are writing everything correctly
  8. +2
    16 July 2021 06: 40
    Quote: fomin
    I completely agree with the author. In the event of war, there will definitely be losses of warships, how can they be replenished? More warships to build! It is possible, but while they are being built, the war will end, the way out, as the author noted to us, is the creation of warships on the basis of civilian ships, especially since there is a positive experience of using such ships (the Anglo-Argentine conflict), all the more so if the "ersatz aircraft carrier" will be sunk, the financial losses will be much lower than in the case of the sinking of a nuclear aircraft carrier. Our readers and many military maximalists, and the maximalist motto is: "If you drink, then brandy, if ... then the queen!" those. if an aircraft carrier is nuclear, to proudly spit from its high deck, and if not nuclear, then nothing is needed!
    Unfortunately you need! According to the naval doctrine of Russia, a nuclear aircraft carrier is not needed at all, who will it scare and where? He himself would rather be scared, but joining the naval squadron of a convoy aircraft carrier will significantly increase its security and combat capabilities.

    Thanks for the adequate grades
  9. +1
    16 July 2021 06: 42
    Quote: 123
    If the Yak-141 is really revived, this will be another proof that Russian aircraft carriers are still needed, we just cannot afford them yet due to poverty and therefore we are making a good face with a bad game.

    The list of rogue countries operating such aircraft includes the United States, Great Britain, like the Italians began to buy.
    They want to get on this list, but those who have not yet learned to build a bad face - Japan, South Korea, Turkey, probably would not refuse and while making faces stretching their facial muscles India, China, Brazil, Spain, Egypt, Australia, Thailand and probably France.
    And among all this company, one Russia ate it only because of poverty.
    Again you could not resist not to spit in the direction of your country? sad Reflex probably? winked

    Well, how can you distort the positive message of the article and turn everything upside down ...
    1. 123
      -1
      16 July 2021 11: 14
      Well, how can you distort the positive message of the article and turn everything upside down ...

      I don't know what about the positive message, I showed a fly in the ointment, evenly smeared all over the barrel.
  10. -3
    16 July 2021 07: 05
    This is really good news, as I understand it, Russia has the potential to build flying units 50-70 years old? Can go further, start producing vehicles from the time of the Wright brothers? Pros ,, the sea , there is enough forest, engines for Newports from the early 20th century Russia build in a state, in extreme cases, you can buy on Aliexpress, and the issue with aircraft carriers will be resolved instantly, for takeoff it is enough to connect rafts with a length of 40-60 meters
    1. +1
      16 July 2021 07: 15
      Oh, what a subtle sarcasm.)) Not tired of dirtying paper with your stuffing?
    2. +1
      16 July 2021 08: 32
      This "flying unit" helped the Americans create the F-35B, if anything.
  11. +2
    16 July 2021 08: 32
    Yes, I specially registered here in order to be able to respond to the Urapatriots, who, with any criticism, immediately, like dogs, begin to bark at everyone who dares to squeak something against our sun-like and uncontested. Guys, we go only in Soviet, no Soviet! Legacy. We can’t do anything. We only learned how to make beautiful pictures and videos about something that has no analogues in the world. I love my country very much. But before you immediately write everyone into Ukrainians and Bandera, just look around and think.
    And the article is interesting. It also seems to me that they uncovered the Yak)) if there is a legacy, then it is a sin not to use it. The grandfathers left us something nice.
    1. 123
      +2
      16 July 2021 11: 19
      Guys, we go only in Soviet, no Soviet! Legacy. We can’t do anything. We only learned how to make beautiful pictures and videos about something that has no analogues in the world.

      Will there be facts?
      1. -2
        16 July 2021 12: 29
        Seek and find
        1. 123
          0
          16 July 2021 12: 36
          Seek and find

          Great approach! Just enchanting good Quite lazy at the side.
          The saga about galoshes from Platosha was read out, the aria about the lost polymers was performed, and look for confirmation yourself.
          Whoever deigns to doubt is an uryapatriot, a kremlebot, a Prigogine troll (underline the necessary). smile
          It is impossible so passively, elections are coming soon, 3% of the thresholds can not be crossed.
          1. -2
            16 July 2021 13: 06
            And I'm too lazy to answer every three or two times.
            Boring and uninteresting. We are not left or right, because we are boots!
            1. 123
              +1
              16 July 2021 13: 21
              And I'm too lazy to answer every three or two times.

              Why are you writing this to me? It makes no difference to me whether you answer whom or not. But the way you answer me shows that you have nothing to say, that's why you are trying to jump off the topic and go to swearing.
              Maybe you are not felt boots, they are felt, but you seem to be rubber. winked
              1. 0
                16 July 2021 13: 30
                It’s not me who must prove to you that my statements are true, but you must prove that I’m lying.

                N. Mikhalkov
                1. 123
                  0
                  16 July 2021 14: 10
                  It is not I who must prove to you that my statements are true, but you must prove that I am lying.

                  N. Mikhalkov

                  I don't owe you anything. You here mean shit, but should you cut the circles, sprinkle everything with sand?

                  "The burden of proof lies with the approver."
                  1. 0
                    16 July 2021 17: 48
                    Have a good weekend. I took my soul away))) everything will be fine
              2. 0
                17 July 2021 13: 12
                Maybe you are not felt boots, they are felt, but you seem to be rubber. winked

                Boots, felt boots. Do not prevent the person from correctly assessing the sharpness of his mind.
                1. 123
                  +1
                  17 July 2021 14: 27
                  Boots, felt boots. Do not prevent the person from correctly assessing the sharpness of his mind.

                  Maybe you're right hi
  12. 0
    16 July 2021 08: 34
    Quote: wolf46
    When MAKS-2021 opens and if a VTOL aircraft is presented, then it will make sense to discuss this ..

    Well, Borisov spoke about the revival of the Yak-141 and the fact that work is underway back in 2017-2018. Even if the light Su-57 is shown at the premiere, it does not mean that the cross has been put on the VTOL aircraft.
  13. -1
    16 July 2021 09: 59
    The idea is sensible and not invented now.
    Question to the author: And you are to the RF Ministry of Defense, when you are directly addressing the proposal through the Reporter so seriously, what was your goal? And through SportLoto they duplicated it so that Sergey Kozhugetich would probably put this question up for discussion? (excuse me, I could not help but laugh at the style of the end of the article, army habits do not let go even on demobilization wink )
  14. +2
    16 July 2021 10: 18
    https://iz.ru/1193881/2021-07-16/opublikovano-foto-noveishego-samoleta-dlia-maks-2021
    Well, now we start fortune-telling!

    1. 123
      +1
      16 July 2021 13: 09
      now we start fortune-telling!

      Rostec twisted the intrigue. We are waiting for the "tearing of the covers" Yes

    2. 0
      16 July 2021 14: 52

      A single-engine light fighter?
  15. 0
    17 July 2021 02: 52
    It seems to me that the vertical was not taken up for hypothetical aviks. And for the reason that it can take off from the road. You understand that in the event of a treacherous attack, there will be no runways.
  16. 0
    17 July 2021 13: 10
    Quote: IMHO
    And I'm too lazy to answer every three or two times.
    Boring and uninteresting. We are not left or right, because we are boots!

    Yes, those boots like you.
  17. +2
    18 July 2021 07: 36
    Quote: Bindyuzhnik
    What is Ukraine's side to this topic? And I, by the way, have never been Ukrainian.

    Judas you are a professional, renounced your homeland
  18. 0
    18 July 2021 07: 39
    Quote: akarfoxhound
    The idea is sensible and not invented now.
    Question to the author: And you are to the RF Ministry of Defense, when you are directly addressing the proposal through the Reporter so seriously, what was your goal? And through SportLoto they duplicated it so that Sergey Kozhugetich would probably put this question up for discussion? (excuse me, I could not help but laugh at the style of the end of the article, army habits do not let go even on demobilization wink )

    My goal was to write an interesting article for the readers of the Reporter. By the way, articles are duplicated on the Military Review, where a lot of military and paramilitary people hang out.
    What questions Kuzhugetich raises for discussion, he knows better. About laughing, your right, if I could inadvertently raise your spirits, that's great.
  19. 0
    18 July 2021 07: 42
    Quote: 123
    Well, how can you distort the positive message of the article and turn everything upside down ...

    I don't know what about the positive message, I showed a fly in the ointment, evenly smeared all over the barrel.

    Fly in the ointment - is it about the poverty of Russia? Isn't that so? Or is the military budget cut from unheard of wealth?
  20. The comment was deleted.
  21. +1
    18 July 2021 11: 45
    Quote: akarfoxhound
    Question to the author: And you are to the RF Ministry of Defense, when you are directly addressing the proposal through the Reporter so seriously, what was your goal? And through SportLoto they duplicated it so that Sergey Kozhugetich would probably put this question up for discussion? (excuse me, I could not help but laugh at the style of the end of the article, army habits do not let go even on demobilization)

    I don't know if you are in the know, but all the major portals visited are tacitly in the area of ​​interest of the competent authorities, both domestic and foreign. Certain tendencies are monitored there, memos are made to those who are supposed to. Several of my articles were completely translated by foreign major media outlets, and one is generally such an office, the name of which is better not to mention at night looking ... You should not be ironic about the power of the printed word. Those who need it read and draw their own conclusions. This is the general message of my answer to you.
  22. 0
    21 September 2021 19: 12
    for the Russian Federation an aircraft carrier? why? who are we going to threaten with force outside the country? what to accompany with a collapsed economy? the plane is needed, but not for an aircraft carrier, and for using any heel as a jump.
  23. 0
    12 October 2021 14: 01
    Marzhetsky made me laugh again.