Bad Weather Division. USSR Navy missile corvettes

They appear unexpectedly and also disappear unexpectedly. Their destructive power is enormous. The existence of these ships was not so long ago surrounded by a veil of complete secrecy. Bora and Samum are the names of deadly winds assigned smallmissile ships on air cushion which are part of the Navy Russian Federation. Not a single warship in the world can resist their salvoes.

This amazing warship is called " Sea Destroyer" In combat conditions, his main task is to suddenly approach the enemy squadron and destroy the flagship, thereby beheading the enemy. Preparing a missile salvo takes only 30 seconds. After completing a combat mission at enormous speed twice the speed of any surface ship rocket ship leaves the firing zone.

Project 1239 ships, of which only two were built, became a real breakthrough in combat shipbuilding. They were conceived as attack missile carriers, capable of breaking through the security order of an aircraft carrier formation and sinking a floating airfield. For the first time in the world, it was possible to place eight heavy anti-ship missiles on a ship moving on an air cushion. It was believed that this was impossible to do in principle. Ships of this type are usually small and not very stable. A salvo of a powerful rocket can simply turn it over.

However, at the then Leningrad Central Marine Design Bureau "Almaz", under the leadership of Valeryan Korolkov, a project for a skeg-type ship was developed - a kind of hybrid of a catamaran and a hovercraft.

The Project 1239 Bora missile hovercraft (RKVP) consists of two narrow hulls covered by a platform about 64 meters long and 17.2 meters wide. The body is made of a special lightweight and very durable aluminum alloy. An air cushion is created when an elastic screen is lowered in front and air is forced into the space between the housings.

Project 1239 RKVP has unique qualities. On the one hand, it is a stable catamaran capable of moving at speeds of up to 20 knots, on the other hand, it is a high-speed hovercraft with a maximum speed of over 50 knots. With a displacement of only 1050 tons, the total power of the propulsion systems is 56,000 hp. Two diesel engines with a capacity of 10,000 hp each. for movement in catamaran mode and two gas turbine units for movement on an air cushion, with a total power of 36,000 hp.

Having two separate propulsion systems for cruising and full speed, capable of working separately and together, the ship is capable of sailing in three main modes (catamaran, KVP-1 and KVP-2), which provides an almost 100% guarantee of progress in any situation. Moreover, it is possible to move with the engines turned off altogether. When operating only supercharger engines, the RKVP is capable of moving due to the outflow of air from the air cushion to the stern against the wind (7 m/sec) at a speed of 3 knots.

The main strike complex of the RKVP is the Moskit anti-ship supersonic missile complex. The missiles are located in two quad mounts located on the left and right sides. The ship's air defense is provided by the Osa-MA anti-aircraft missile system and two six-barreled AK-6-30M assault rifles of 30 mm caliber. In the bow there is a universal automatic artillery gun AK-176 of 76.2 mm caliber.

A salvo of eight Mosquito missiles can destroy any modern warship, including a nuclear aircraft carrier. At the same time, it is almost impossible to hit the Bora RKVP when it is flying on an air cushion. The homing heads of all anti-ship missiles available in the arsenals of the NATO Navy are not capable of holding a target moving at a speed of almost 90 km/h.

Back in Soviet era It was planned to create flying flotillas of the RKVP in each of the fleets, but only two ships, “Bora” and “Samum”, were built, which became part of the Black Sea Fleet. But even just two such ships, according to Western military experts, changed the balance of power in the Black Sea. If after the collapse of the USSR and the decommissioning of a large number of ships of the Black Sea Fleet in the early 1990s, Turkey objectively had the most powerful navy, then since 2002, with the advent of Samum, the situation has become less clear.

So it is not surprising that Bora was the center of attention of all naval specialists gathered at the IDEF-2013 salon in Istanbul.

And now a little more about the history of the project.

First missile test firing small missile boat hovercraft " Bora"were carried out on April 23, 1991 in the Black Sea near Zmeiny Island. This caused a stir in foreign intelligence agencies. They reported to their superiors that the warship was not subject to classification - it was about 70 meters long and launched missiles at a speed of 40 knots.

In 1997 " Bora" first rocket shiphovercraft became part of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. There are no analogues to this ship in the world.

At the end of 1942, when fascist troops were breaking through to the Caucasus, and in Kaliningrad there was stubborn fighting in the city during these difficult days, an ambitious project by rocket designer Chelomey was discussed at the military council in Moscow, chaired by Stalin. He proposed equipping torpedo boats with jet missiles to destroy large enemy surface ships. The project was recognized as promising, but its implementation was postponed indefinitely. Only after the war did it become clear that Stalin had not forgotten about the innovative idea.

In 1949, on the direct orders of Stalin, the Central Marine Design Bureau was created. Diamond" He is entrusted with the design of small boats, including missile boats. From the first days, young engineers, including Valerian Korolkov, were attracted to a completely new topic that was secret at that time - the creation of hovercraft. Two years later, he is assigned to work on another problem - increasing speed missile boats . This was the beginning of the creation of a new type of warship " attack missile ship».

During six day war between Israel and the coalition of Arab states in 1967, the flagship of the Israeli Navy, the destroyer, was sent to the bottom by the launch of one missile from an MRK of the Egyptian Navy. Erlan" This salvo became historic. The world learned about a new way of waging war at sea. It became obvious that huge battleships and aircraft carriers were defenseless against a small boat. The first missile boats began to enter service with NATO countries only in the early 70s.

In TsMKB " Diamond"A new fantastic project has already been seriously discussed among shipbuilding specialists - the creation of the first percussionrocket ship hovercraft. Platforms of MDKVP projects " Jeyran" and "Bison" formed the basis of a new missile hovercraft. The Minister of Defense Dmitry Ustinov was convinced of the prospects of such a project, which could combine the firepower of a missile boat and the enormous speed of a hovercraft. In 1972, a closed state program was adopted to create the first rocket hovercraft(RKVP) project 1239, code " Sea lion" The resolution specified strict deadlines, however, the development of the ambitious project dragged on for five years. The first RKVP was specially developed for the missile system " Mosquito", which was previously installed on destroyers and ekranoplanes. Eight cruise missiles, each weighing 4 tons. How to place such a weapon on a small ship became a difficult problem for the chief designer. The MDKVP deck turned out to be unsuitable for these purposes, but many years of experience working with them suggested right decision. The synthesis of a catamaran and an air cushion layout turned out to be a revolutionary solution. The project managed to combine incompatible things - at the same time the problem of high speed and the ability to carry heavy weapons was solved.

Research on this topic was also carried out overseas. The US Navy command did not attach much importance to the construction of ships of this class. The USA is mainly engaged in design big ships capable of crossing oceans. The US Navy's hovercraft are the B 38 patrol boats, which displace 130 tons.

In 1980, the development of the head rocket ship was completed, but construction dragged on for another eight years. The chief designer himself was to blame for this, as he made serious changes several times during the installation of the ship's hull. Then the designer Korolkov received a severe reprimand.

Lead rocket ship hovercraft project 1239 was named " Bora" His first trip to the open sea took place on July 30, 1988 in the area Kerch Strait. At the same time, construction began on the second warship of the series. The chief designer had to face new difficulties - the chaos of perestroika slowed down his construction. Only at the end of 1990 Korolkov personally resolved the problem with the command of the Russian Navy for experimental launches of missiles from RKVP « Bora" But the warship could not go to sea for another three months—the Russian Black Sea Fleet began to run out of fuel and lubricants.

April 26, 1991 at 40 knots rocket ship « Bora"launched four missiles" Mosquito" A decommissioned patrol boat was put out to sea as a training target. The volley hit the target. So many missiles can destroy not only warship with a displacement of up to 3000 tons, but even an aircraft carrier.

The appearance of the RKVP caused a revolution in shipbuilding. Korolkov proved that missile weapons can be placed on hovercraft. The most important thing is that these weapons can be used with a high degree of effectiveness. The tests carried out confirmed that the warship was successful.

After numerous government approvals between Russia and Ukraine in June 2002 rocket ships hovercraft " Bora" And " Simoom» ( from Arabic means "immortal") are accepted into one brigade of surface ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Today they are on shift combat duty.

According to the program plan " Sea lion“Until 2010, another 14 hovercraft were supposed to enter combat duty in the Russian Black Sea Fleet, but their construction is constantly being postponed. Designer TsMKB " Diamond“For his entire almost half-century of activity, Valerian Korolkov “received” not a single award and four personal reprimands for adventurous projects.

Technical characteristics of the Project 1239 rocket hovercraft:

Length - 65 m;

Width - 17.2 m,

Draft - 3.3 m;

Displacement - 1050 tons;

Power point- two diesel engines “M-511A” and two “M-504”;

Power - 72,000 hp;

Speed - 55 knots;

Cruising range - 2500 miles;

Crew - 68 people;

Armament:

Launchers of the Osa-MA air defense system with 20 missiles - 1;

Launchers with eight Mosquito anti-ship missiles - 4;

Artillery mount AK-630M - 1;

Artillery mount AK-130 - 1;

The cost of the ship is estimated to be 40-50 million dollars.

From its birth in 1967, Project 1234 turned out to be extremely controversial and elevate the Soviet desire for specialized ships to the absolute level - it was not for nothing that a separate class was created specifically for it. Never-before-seen “ship hunters” immediately attracted the attention of military experts around the world, who heatedly discussed the question: what is the Soviet “toothy baby” in reality - “a gun at the head of capitalism” or an easy target? These disputes do not subside to this day, when The domestic fleet is at a crossroads: whether to continue the Soviet tradition or move to the Western paradigm of multifunctional ships?

Inherited from Soviet Union our fleet received 15 small missile ships (SMRK): 13 MRK of Project 12341 and two MRK hovercraft of Project 1239. The distribution of hulls among the fleets is as follows: three - in the Northern Fleet, four - in the Pacific Fleet, four - in the Baltic Fleet and four - in the Black Sea Fleet (two ships of project 12341 and two projects 1239). As a result, today this class of ships is one of the most numerous in the fleet. It is noteworthy that every single one of them is in service.

However, the need for these ships is the subject of much debate and disagreement. Many believe that in the modern fleet concept, such highly specialized ships should be replaced by multi-purpose corvettes. The combat effectiveness of RTOs in conditions of powerful electronic countermeasures and the presence of attack aircraft by the enemy is also questioned. In addition, today the tasks of RTOs can be performed in the same way by fighter-bomber aircraft and coastal missile systems. How justified are these doubts and has the age of RTOs really come to an end?

Advantages and disadvantages

First, you need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of small rocket ships, applying them to modern realities.

The first and most basic advantage is powerful missile weapons. The main caliber of the Project 1234 MRK - six P-120 Malachite missiles - reach a speed of M=1 and have a maximum range of up to 150 km, the guidance system is active radar with a “safety net” IR sensor. Having a powerful warhead (WU) and impressive speed, these missiles are capable of disabling fairly large ships, such as a destroyer (EM) and, with several hits, even a missile cruiser (RKR).

For example, during the Crimea-76 exercise, two missiles were enough to sink a decommissioned Project 30 bis destroyer with a displacement of 2,300 tons, thereby demonstrating excellent guidance accuracy. An important advantage is the relatively large ammunition load, which allows for massive salvoes.

However, P-120 missiles also have significant shortcomings.. The first thing we can note is that the launch range is insufficient compared to some of its classmates; for example, its closest competitors, the Exocet and Harpoon missiles, have 180 and 315 km, respectively. In addition, significant limitations are imposed by the considerable size of the missile itself: on the experimental Nakat MRK of Project 1234.7, armed with relatively small P-800 Oniks missiles, it was possible to place twice as many launchers.

Further, the very ability to use weapons at maximum range depends on reliable target designation (TDS). The capabilities of the onboard radar do not allow for a clear control center at extreme ranges, so it was initially assumed that the RTO would receive more accurate information from Tu-95RTs reconnaissance aircraft and other ships.

The next indisputable advantage of Project 1234 is its excellent speed and mobility. Its relatively small displacement and powerful engine allow it to reach a maximum speed of 35 knots along with good agility. Combined with a relatively long navigation autonomy (10 days), this gives the MRK advantages both at the operational level - you can quickly transfer combat units to the required directions, and in battle, where good maneuverability allows, for example, to evade a torpedo or be the first to take a position for missile launch. However, these qualities inherited from the boat result in very mediocre seaworthiness. Nevertheless, it is quite sufficient for operations in the coastal and near ocean zones.

And another important factor is production. Project 1234 ships are relatively inexpensive, can be built at almost any military shipyard capable of producing a ship with a displacement of up to a thousand tons, and the construction period under emergency circumstances and the stress of all possibilities will be within three to four months. This combination distinguishes MRKs from all other classes, excluding only boats.

But along with these advantages, RTOs are not without very significant disadvantages:

- the first and most important thing is the almost complete defenselessness of such a ship from air attacks. Of the anti-aircraft artillery weapons, it has only one six-barreled 30-mm AK-630 installation and one 76-mm AK-176 (very conditional as an air defense weapon), and of missile weapons - the Osa-M air defense system, which has a firing range of no more 10 km. As experience shows, including real combat, the probability of intercepting an enemy anti-ship missile (ASM) by these means is low, not to mention the possibility of fighting directly with strike aircraft.

— The second drawback is the low survivability of MRKs: as shown by the tragic experience of the Monsoon, which died during an exercise when hit by a P-15 missile with an inert warhead, the ship is very fire hazardous due to the hull material - an aluminum-magnesium alloy. Small sizes cause insufficient buoyancy and safety margin. As a result, many consider MRKs to be “disposable” ships - for one salvo.

Possible applications

Paradoxically, for all its narrow specialization, the Project 1234 small rocket ship is relatively universal. In the context of a large-scale conflict in an ocean theater, several options for using MRKs are possible:

— due to their powerful weapons, these ships are capable of supporting the penetration of air defenses of a large enemy naval formation, making a significant contribution by launching six P-120 missiles;

- using their speed and mobility, RTOs can operate within the framework of “hit and run” tactics, carrying out surprise attacks on transport convoys, landing craft and anti-aircraft and missile defense destroyers;

— escort and protection of our own convoys.

All three of these options come down to the already mentioned drawback: firing range. It is difficult to imagine that an MRK will be able to approach, for example, an aircraft carrier strike group at a distance of 120 km and survive: even on the approaches it will be guaranteed to be detected and destroyed by carrier-based aircraft, unlike carriers of large anti-ship missiles such as P-500 and P-700, which are capable of opening fire for 500 km.

The second tactic also has vulnerabilities. The first of these could be return fire with longer-range anti-ship missiles (for example, the Harpoon widely used on NATO ships). On board destroyers and escort frigates there may be a helicopter armed with short-range anti-ship missiles (Penguin and Sea Skua missiles can be launched at a range of 28 and 25 km, respectively). As noted above, the anti-aircraft capabilities of a small missile ship are not enough to repel such an attack.

A similar situation arises when using RTOs in defense: in modern conditions an attack on the convoy will most likely be carried out with the help of strike aircraft. Only our own interceptor fighters can effectively combat this threat.

But the main factor limiting the use of a small missile ship in the described conditions is the need for precise target designation, and, consequently, active interaction with other parts of the fleet, including in conditions of powerful electronic suppression. For full operation, it is necessary to provide AWACS or support a larger surface ship armed with a target designator helicopter.

Another logical role for RTOs could be coastal defense. In many ways, ships of this type fit well into the requirements for a patrol ship: good artillery armament, decent speed, autonomy. However, as the sailors note, for such tasks the RTO with its missile armament is “redundant” - for security maritime border Missile boats and small artillery ships are quite enough.

All these concepts originate in the 70s of the last century, when small rocket ships were created. Today, all of the above tasks can be performed by the Air Force. For strike missions, light cruise missiles Kh-31 and Kh-35 were created, which are even suspended on light fighters. Moreover, the X-31 product surpasses the P-120 both in speed (M=2) and range (160 kilometers). The Kh-35 "Uran" missile is capable of reaching a target along a combined trajectory, is smaller in size, which makes it possible to increase ammunition and produce more massive salvoes, and also provides less effective surface dispersion (EPR).

Coastal defense against a serious enemy that would be too tough for a missile boat (RKA) and a small artillery ship (MAK) can be carried out by coastal missile systems and the same aircraft. On the side air force there are several factors at once:
— less vulnerability to oncoming enemy fire (remember that the range of aircraft anti-ship missiles allows you not to enter the enemy’s air defense zone);
— greater speed and mobility;
— no need to spend a long time in a threatened area;
- flexibility and versatility.

Many believe that RTOs have no disadvantages modern projects multifunctional corvettes, combining the striking power of Project 1234 with a developed air defense system, anti-aircraft defense capabilities, the presence of a helicopter, better survivability and seaworthiness. Almost all countries that had analogues of RTOs in service took this path: Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Germany withdrew 25, 20, 15, and 20 missile boats from the Navy in the 90s, respectively. Instead of them, it is corvettes of increased displacement that are being introduced into service.

Moreover, for domestic realities, a corvette with an anti-submarine bias is more preferable, since in our vast territorial waters it is enemy submarines that pose the greatest potential threat. Operating together with aviation, such corvettes (if built in sufficient numbers, of course) can significantly reduce the danger.

As a result, it turns out that small missile ships really remain out of work: today more advanced means of destroying enemy ships have been created, capable of attacking faster and more effectively. However, everything is not as clear as it seems at first glance.

Let's start with the fact that MRK is a very unpretentious ship. To set up a temporary base, a few floating piers, a fuel and lubricants warehouse and an electrical network are sufficient. A modern attack aircraft requires a much more developed infrastructure, not to mention the fact that the airfield is a primary target for attack, and therefore, during combat operations, will most likely require frequent repairs.

Further, an aircraft, like a ship, cannot conduct long-term passive tracking of a target during a period of intense confrontation or when a potential enemy ship invades territorial waters (remember the incident with the American cruiser Yorktown in 1988). The main thing here is the ability to immediately strike a target when such an order is received, and an RTO that has reached the firing line in advance will have an advantage over an aircraft that has just taken off from the base.

But the decisive factor is that today, in comparison with new corvette projects and, to a lesser extent, fighter-bombers, small missile ships have a fully developed weapons system, proven tactics, and there are trained staff that provide structures and full-fledged naval formations.

In other words, the Project 1234 MRK is a very reliable and proven ship, guaranteed to be able to perform its tasks with maximum efficiency. It’s a completely different matter - which are still a novelty - both the class of the ship itself, which did not exist in Soviet naval doctrine, and in terms of the installed weapons, which have not yet been tested in exercises.

Without in any way denying the need to move forward and build a new generation of ships, we must admit that now Russia needs a combat-ready MRK equipped with everything necessary rather than a completely new corvette, but undeveloped in the fleet and in production. Of course, continue to build the old ones Soviet projects It’s pointless, but you can’t just leave the accumulated rich experience behind. The best way out there is a significant increase in the potential of existing hulls through modernization with the installation, for example, of Onyx missiles in the 2x9 version, Kashtan air defense systems and new electronic equipment. Sailors would not refuse an unmanned aerial vehicle for reconnaissance and target designation.

The preferable measure would be to increase the number of small missile launchers by producing a modernized version. For example, the facilities of the Eastern Shipyard and the Almaz shipbuilding company can produce up to four small missiles per year. This measure will help plug significant gaps in naval defense, including in the middle sea zone, which is not covered by lighter ships. In the future, with proper modernization of shipyards and development of production, small missile ships at the end of their service life should be replaced by corvettes, provided that the number of new ships will be at least as large as those being retired.

Of course, we cannot remain silent about the relatively new one, which is a development of the river MAK project 21630 “Buyan”. Armed with a UVP for eight Caliber or Onyx missiles, as well as a 100-mm A-190M and 30-mm AU, it is nevertheless not an alternative to the heavier Project 1234, since it can operate exclusively in the near sea zone. But it is precisely in interaction that these two types of RTOs can provide an acceptable level of security for our borders and economic zones.

To summarize, let's say that today our fleet needs, first of all, a completely clear and well-thought-out concept of combat operations, ensuring the formulation of tasks and requirements for each class of ships. And although a system for interaction between old specialized ships and new ones, built according to the Western model of use, has not been developed, it is at least unreasonable to neglect the small missiles remaining from the USSR.

We should not forget that the combat effectiveness of these ships was confirmed during the “five-day war” in South Ossetia. In the current conditions, when the fate of the fleet is still unclear, it is better to rely only on proven and reliable solutions, and as a result, several old RTOs may turn out to be preferable to a mythical promising destroyer.

The launching and commissioning of a new ship into the Russian Navy is always an event. The larger the displacement, the more diverse the weapon systems and the more impressive the seaworthiness, the brighter the ceremony is covered by the media. In 2014, the delivery of two new units to the defense department, strengthening the Caspian Flotilla, was timed to coincide with the celebration of Navy Day. Small missile ships of Project 21631 “Buyan-M”, named after the ancient Russian cities “Uglich” and “Grad Sviyazhsk”, at first glance, do not inspire such respect as nuclear-powered cruisers and missile submarines. But their role in Russia’s defense capability has yet to be fully appreciated.

Ship for closed seas

The Buyan-M project was initially conceived as a type of ship intended not for ocean space, but for operations in closed seas. This is known today from open sources, but it is already clear to a ship specialist that a displacement of 950 tons with fairly low sides and a shallow draft does not imply navigation in waters with possible waves of more than five points. There are only three closed seas washing the shores of the Russian Federation: the Caspian, the Black and the Azov. The last two water bodies, by the way, have recently been of rather little interest in terms of national security. An increase in the activity of NATO fleets in the Black Sea basin is observed only in lately, after the start of well-known events in Ukraine.

Situation in the Caspian Sea

As for the flotilla responsible for the stability of the maritime situation in the region, of course, it needed updating and strengthening. It was for this operational sector that the Project 21631 Buyan-M ships were intended. At the same time, it was not the Republic of Kazakhstan, which is a strategic partner of Russia and is conducting a friendly foreign policy. On present moment Azerbaijan (also not hostile) has practically no naval potential. Turkmenistan purchases equipment from the Russian Federation and, pursuing an independent foreign policy, is interested in mutually beneficial trade and economic relations and cooperation in the defense sector. These countries, which in the historically recent past were republics of the Soviet Union, do not pose a security threat to our borders. Only Iran remains. It is in economic isolation, and it is also very difficult to suspect it of aggressive attempts towards its great northern neighbor. As they say, I have enough worries of my own.

One could conclude that there are no regional threats to Russia in the Caspian region. So why is the Project 21631 small rocket ship needed here? To answer this question, one should study the characteristics of its weapon systems, seaworthiness and design features.

River-sea

A project was created and the ship was built in Tatarstan. Plant named after A. M. Gorky is located in the glorious Volga city of Zelenodolsk. This fact in itself speaks volumes. The ship's hull allows it to sail not only across the seas, but also to easily travel along the blue arteries of the rivers that run through the entire country from North to South and from West to East. River flotillas are also theoretically important for defense; they fought during the Great Patriotic War, but since then the military doctrine has undergone serious changes. The Project 21631 Buyan-M MRK is not suitable for use as a monitor (the class of ships designed to support infantry is actually a floating artillery battery). This is evidenced by the rather modest cannon armament: only two hundred-millimeter guns. In addition, for operations in river channels among islands, such serious measures to maintain secrecy are not required, and the speed is too high (25 knots). And the composition of the missile armament speaks eloquently in favor of its predominantly naval character. The ability for river navigation of the Buyan-M ships of Project 21631 implies wide possibilities for the transfer of these combat units to almost any likely theater of military operations. If necessary, of course.

Artillery and air defense

The radius of combat use is relatively small. Autonomy is ten days. The Project 21631 small rocket ship can sail no more than two and a half thousand miles. In addition to the already mentioned 100-mm Universal guns (A-190M), the onboard artillery is represented by a twin Duet installation at the stern, two 14.5 mm MTPU machine gun pedestals and three more rapid-firing 7.62 mm barrels.

The ship's air defense means are two "Gibka" installations, which are based on the ones common in ground forces and effective Igla anti-aircraft missile systems. This weapon may not be enough to repel a massive air attack; it is designed to combat attack aircraft and attack helicopters. The main bet is on other techniques to avoid an airstrike, but more on that later.

Main caliber

The Project 21631 Buyan-M missile launcher was designed to fire missiles at ships and coastal bases of a potential enemy. This is what its main armament is designed for, which together makes up the UKSK (universal ship-based firing complex). The hull contains eight silos from which vertical launch of missiles can be carried out, both subsonic (anti-ship 3M54, surface-to-land class 3M14, anti-submarine 91RT) and supersonic (Onyx 3M55). Thus, with a very modest size and a small crew (approximately 35 people), the Buyan-M small missile cruisers of Project 21631 can turn out to be very dangerous opponents for naval purposes of much larger tonnage.

Strategic corvette

The Caliber complex, the platform for which can be Project 21631 missile ships, is equipped with cruise missiles with a combat range of 2,600 km. From a geographical point of view, this means that Onyx, launched from points located in the waters of the Caspian and Black Seas, can theoretically reach targets located in Persian Gulf, Red and Mediterranean seas and in other places outlined on the map of Eurasia by a circle of the specified radius, including the strategically important Suez Canal.

Traditionally, corvettes, the class of which Project 21631 (code “Buyan-M”) belongs to, are considered tactical-level combat units. The characteristics of the weapons of the Grad Sviyazhsk and Uglich, currently in service with the Caspian Flotilla, subtly hint at their strategic nature.

Stealth ship

The shape of a modern small rocket ship, combined with its high speed, water jet and relatively small size (74 meters), gives reason to expect that it will not be easy to detect in waters saturated with a wide variety of vessels. On the radar screen it is difficult to distinguish the Buyan-M Project 21631 from a fishing seiner or even a large yacht. In addition, it, like all warships built in Russia, is equipped with a full range of electronic countermeasures capable of disabling communication systems and radars of weapons of destruction of a potential enemy. High-frequency radiation-absorbing coatings and inclined planes of the silhouette further reduce the likelihood of detection of this fast and maneuverable ship with powerful missile weapons.

Situation on the Black Sea

Five Buyan-M ships of Project 21631 are currently in the process of construction or sea trials. These are Veliky Ustyug, Vyshny Volochek, Serpukhov, Orekhovo-Zuevo and Zeleny Dol. Initially, all of them were intended for service in the Caspian Sea, but rapidly changed last year The geopolitical picture in the Black Sea region prompted the command of the Russian fleet to reconsider these intentions. "Serpukhov" and "Green Dol" will be sent to Sevastopol. The naval forces of the Black Sea Fleet need to be replenished with the latest units capable of countering the so-called “NATO mine-sweeping group,” which constitutes a considerable force. Of course, in the event of a military conflict, Crimea would not remain defenseless, and in the current state of affairs, its cover could be provided by the “Bal” and “Bastion” complexes, capable of controlling the entire water area right up to the Bosphorus Strait, but to reliably ensure peace, the constant presence of combat units is required and demonstration of their capabilities. The main burden of performing this task will fall on the frigates “Admiral Grigorovich”, “Admiral Essen” and RK “Moscow”, but “Buyanam” will have enough work.

Coastal ships with a long sight

From the history of fleets and naval battles, a thoughtful politician can conclude that there is no universal weapon that is suitable for all cases and capable of operating successfully in any conflict scenario. In some situations, powerful cruisers and battleships are needed large sizes, in others it is impossible to do without aircraft carrier formations, in others the most effective means Only submarines can become. In our turbulent age, mobile missile ships “Buyan-M” of Project 21631 also take their place in the naval formation, protecting the interests of Russia in the immediate vicinity of its shores, but with a long-range view.

Five more ships of this type are on order.

Small rocket ships.

Project 1234 ships ("Nanuchka-I class" according to NATO classification) are designed to protect sea communications, guard convoys, and combat surface ships in coastal areas. The ship's power plant consists of three diesel engines with a total power of 30,000 hp, which rotate three propellers. The maximum speed is 34 knots.

The first two small missile ships of Project 1234 were in service until April 25, 1970. only digital tactical name: lead "MRK-3", first production hull - "MRK-7". Subsequent ships were assigned “weather” names, traditional for Soviet patrol ships of the Great Patriotic War. Patriotic War, for their “weather” names were called the “bad weather division”. The lead ship of the "Storm" project.

Photos of the ships were taken from the site www.forums.airbase.ru

Small rocket ship Storm.

Small rocket ship MRK-3 - built within the framework of project 1234, code “Gadfly”. Launched October 18, 1968, April 25, 1970. renamed "Storm". Entered service on September 30, 1970, and already on February 9, 1971. became part of the Red Banner Black Sea Fleet (KChF). July 5, 1971 The management of the 166th Novorossiysk Red Banner Division of small missile ships was formed, and on August 14, 1971. small missile ships MRK "Burya" and "Breeze" are subordinate to the commander of the 166th DNMRK. March 11, 1980 The 295th Sulino Red Banner division of torpedo boats was disbanded and on its basis the 295th Sulino Red Banner division of small missile ships was created, consisting of:

MRK "Storm";

MRK "Groza";

MRK-5;

PD-26;

PD-19.

By order of the Navy Civil Code dated December 24, 1976. The Zarnitsa and Burya MRKs were declared the best tactical group of MRKs based on the results of an inspection by the USSR Ministry of Defense.

04/15 to 06/16/1982 Together with the Grom MRK and PRTB-33 - BS in the Mediterranean Sea.

Board numbers: 540, 354, 961, 964(1977), 604(1978), 601, 603, 602(1982), 609(1984), 605(1986), 608(1990), 624(1.05.1990). Decommissioned: 1991

Small rocket ship Breeze.

Small rocket ship MRK-7 - built within the framework of project 1234, code “Gadfly”. Launched October 10, 1969, April 25, 1970. renamed "Breeze". Entered service on December 31, 1970, and already on February 9, 1971. became part of the Red Banner Black Sea Fleet (KChF). Since December 1970 testing of the Malachite rocket launcher began - the first launch took place on December 29, 1970.

July 5, 1971 The management of the 166th Novorossiysk Red Banner Division of small missile ships was formed, and on August 14, 1971. small missile ships MRK "Burya" and "Breeze" are subordinate to the commander of the 166th DNMRK.

October 30, 1973 Together with the Groza MRK, PRTB-13 (KUG) - BS in the Mediterranean Sea. While on duty, in October, the exercise “Conducting a missile strike by a TG MRK on an AUG from a tracking position based on data from its own assets” was conducted.

From 01.11 to 17.11.1974 Together with the Vikhr MRK and PRTB-33 (KUG) - BS in the Mediterranean Sea. When carrying out tasks, we carried out weapons tracking of the Littell Rock missile launcher and conducted a missile strike exercise against the Forrestal missile launcher and the Long Beach missile launcher.

From 25.06 to 01.08.1977 Together with the Zarnitsa MRK and PRTB-13 (KUG) - BS in the Mediterranean Sea. When performing tasks, we carried out weapon tracking of the Long Beach missile launcher for the US Navy integrated supply ship.

From 17.06 to 08.08.1978 Together with the Grom MRK and PRTB-33 (KUG) - BS in the Mediterranean Sea. We carried out the task of tracking the Kitty Hawk with weapons. On June 22-27, the MRK "Briz" as part of the group of ships of the RKR "Admiral Golovko" and the BOD "Ochakov" made an official visit to the port of Latakia, SAR.

From July 23 to September 3, 1979 Together with the Grom MRK and PRTB-33 (KUG) - BS in the Mediterranean Sea. During combat service, they carried out long-term tracking with the weapons of the AUG AVU "Forrestal" CR URO "Yarnel", FR URO "Kelsh".

From September 19 to October 20, 1980 Together with the Zyb MRK and PRTB - BS in the Mediterranean Sea. During the exercise “Destruction of an AUG by forces of 5 OPESK in cooperation with the MRA of the fleet,” they carried out weapons tracking of the AUG AVU “America”, the CR URO “Little Rock”, the FR URO “Vodzh”, a comprehensive supply ship of the US Navy, with the subsequent delivery of a simulated missile strike .

From August 15 to September 2, 1981 went to the BS for reinforcement (the BS MRK "Zyb", MRK "Zarnitsa" and PRTB-13 were already carried on site) due to the aggravated situation in Lebanon on August 15. The ships carried out weapons tracking of the AUG AVU "Enterprise" of the CRA URO "Long Beach" followed by the TDK "Guadalcanal" south of the island of Cyprus.

In 1981 The tactical group consisting of the Briz and Zarnitsa missile launchers was declared the best in missile training in shooting at sea targets and received a challenge prize from the USSR Navy.

From 25.05 to 05.08.1983 Together with the MRK "Komsomolets of Mordovia" MRK "Zarnitsa" and PRTB-33 (KUG) - BS in the Mediterranean Sea.

from November 20, 1983 to 02/20/1984 Together with the MRK "Komsomolets of Mordovia" and PRTB-33 they carried BS in the Mediterranean Sea.

From 05/10/1987 to 05/20/1988 joined the BS in Cam Ranh.

Board numbers: 356, 966, 962(1977), 963, 967, 611, 602(1980), 623, 617(1982), 606(1984), 612(1984), 618(1986), 403(05.1987), 430(05.1990). Decommissioned: 1992.

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Small rocket ship Vikhr - built within the framework of project 1234, code “Gadfly”. Launched on July 22, 1970, and entered service on September 30, 1971, and already on November 1, 1971. became part of the Red Banner Black Sea Fleet (KChF).

From 01.11 to 17.11.1974 Together with the Briz MRK and PRTB-33 - BS in the Mediterranean Sea. When carrying out tasks, we carried out weapons tracking of the Littell Rock missile launcher and conducted a missile strike exercise against the Forrestal missile launcher and the Long Beach missile launcher.

08/01/1977 transferred to the Red Banner Pacific Fleet (KTOF).

07/26/1992 changed the USSR Naval flag to St. Andrew's.

Board numbers: 978(1975), 351(1976), 955, 966, 425(1985), 438(05.1990), 432(1994).

Decommissioned: 1994

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Small rocket ship Grad - built within the framework of project 1234, code “Gadfly”. Launched on April 30, 1972, and entered service on September 30, 1972, and already on October 31, 1972, became part of the Twice Red Banner Baltic Fleet (DKBF). In 1983, 1985 and 1987 won the prize of the Navy Civil Code for missile training (as part of the KUG).

26.7.1992 changed the USSR Naval flag to St. Andrew's

Board numbers: 941(1973), 506, 567, 552(1987), 582(1990). Decommissioned: 1993

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Small rocket ship Grom - built within the framework of project 1234, code “Gadfly”. Launched on October 29, 1972, and entered service on December 28, 1972, and already on January 31, 1973. became part of the Twice Red Banner Baltic Fleet (DKBF). September 4, 1973 transferred to the Red Banner Black Sea Fleet (KChF). In 1978 and 1992 won the prize of the Navy Civil Code for missile training (as part of the KUG).

From 3.06 to 8.09.1975 Together with the Zarnitsa MRK and PRTB-33 (KUG) BS in the Mediterranean Sea. On July 11, the KUG was given the task of carrying out reconnaissance, tracking and launching a conditional missile strike on the Forrestal missile launcher, passing the meridian 22 degrees. The problem was successfully solved on July 12.

From 17.06 to 8.08.1978 Together with the Briz MRK and PRTB-33 (KUG) BS in the Mediterranean Sea. We carried out the task of tracking the Kitty Hawk with weapons.

From July 23 to September 3, 1979 Together with the Briz MRK and PRTB-33 - BS in the Mediterranean Sea. During combat service, they carried out long-term tracking with the weapons of the AUG AVU "Forrestal" CR URO "Yarnel", FR URO "Kelsh".

04/15 to 06/16/1982 Together with the Burya MRK and PRTB-33 (KUG) BS in the Mediterranean Sea.

26.7.1992 changed the USSR Naval flag to St. Andrew's.

Board numbers: 361(1976), 976(1977), 818(1979), 608, 604(1982), 605(1984), 607(1986), 622(1.05.1990). Decommissioned: 1995

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Small rocket ship Groza - built within the framework of project 1234, code “Gadfly”. Launched on July 26, 1972, and entered service on December 28, 1972, and already on January 31, 1973. became part of the Twice Red Banner Baltic Fleet (DKBF). September 4, 1973 transferred to the Red Banner Black Sea Fleet (KChF). On March 11, 1980, the 295th Sulino Red Banner Division of torpedo boats was disbanded and on its basis the 295th Sulina Red Banner Division of small missile ships was created, consisting of:

MRK "Storm";

MRK "Groza";

MRK-5;

PD-26;

PD-19.

October 30, 1973 Together with the Briz MRK and PRTB-13 (KUG) - BS in the Mediterranean Sea. While on duty, in October, the exercise “Conducting a missile strike by a TG MRK on an AUG from a tracking position based on data from its own assets” was conducted.

From 2.06 to 12.07.1976 Together with the Zarnitsa MRK and PRTB-13 - BS in the Mediterranean Sea. From June 19, we carried out weapons tracking of the AVU "America". KR URO "Yarnel", FR "Voj". Participation in the exercises "Crimea-76".

Board numbers: 363, 358, 977(1973), 970, 611, 604(1980), 613(1982), 614(1984), 604(1986), 619(1.05.1990). Decommissioned: 1992

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Small rocket ship Zarnitsa - built within the framework of project 1234, code “Gadfly”. Launched on April 28, 1973, and entered service on September 18, 1973, and already on October 26, 1973. became part of the Red Banner Black Sea Fleet (KChF). In 1978, 1981, 1984, 1988, 1993, 1994 and 1998 won the prize of the Navy Civil Code for missile training (as part of the KUG).

From 3.06 to 8.09.1975 Together with the Grom MRK and PRTB-33 (KUG) BS in the Mediterranean Sea. On July 11, the KUG was given the task of carrying out reconnaissance, tracking and launching a conditional missile strike on the Forrestal missile launcher, passing the meridian 22 degrees. The problem was successfully solved on July 12.

From 2.06 to 12.07.1976 Together with the Groza MRK and PRTB-13 - BS in the Mediterranean Sea. From June 19, we carried out weapons tracking of the AVU "America". KR URO "Yarnel", FR "Voj". Participation in the exercises "Crimea-76".

By order of the Navy Civil Code dated December 24, 1976, the Zarnitsa and Burya MRKs were declared the best tactical group of MRKs based on the results of an inspection by the USSR Ministry of Defense.

From 25.06 to 01.08.1977 Together with the Briz MRK and PRTB-13 (KUG) - BS in the Mediterranean Sea. When performing tasks, we carried out weapon tracking of the Long Beach missile launcher for the US Navy integrated supply ship.

From July 15 to September 2, 1981 Together with the Zyb MRK and PRTB-13 - BS in the Mediterranean Sea. The ships carried out weapons tracking of the AUG AVU "Enterprise" of the CRA URO "Long Beach" followed by the TDK "Guadalcanal" south of the island of Cyprus.

In 1984 a tactical group consisting of the Zarnitsa MRK and the Komsomolets Mordovia MRK received the challenge prize of the Navy Civil Code for missile firing at the MC.

From May 15 to June 15, 1984 Together with Komsomolets Mordovia - BS in the Mediterranean Sea. In the period from May 27 to May 29, the MRK TG as part of KUG-2 took part in the operational-tactical exercise 5 OPSK “Destruction of enemy AMG OS RUS in cooperation with the fleet MRA”

09/24/93 - a tactical group consisting of the Zarnitsa MRK and the Mirage MRK received the challenge prize of the Navy Civil Code for missile firing at the MC.

09/22/94 a tactical group consisting of the Zarnitsa MRK and the Shtil MRK received the challenge prize of the Navy Civil Code for missile firing at the MC.

06/12/1997 changed the USSR Naval flag to St. Andrew's.

Board numbers: 363(1976), 973, 972, 607, 618, 606(1990), 621(1.05.1990). Decommissioned: 2005

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Small rocket ship Shkval - built within the framework of project 1234, code “Gadfly”. Launched on December 28, 1973, and entered service on June 14, 1974, and already on July 16, 1974. became part of the Twice Red Banner Baltic Fleet (DKBF) as part of the 106th MRK division of the 76th BEV, based at the Winter Harbor of the Liepaja naval base. After 1992 The division was transferred to the 36th Missile Boat Brigade of the 12th Surface Ship Division.

Board numbers: 915 (1976), 551 (1985), 567, 565. Decommissioned: 1994.

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Small rocket ship Metel.

Small rocket ship Metel - built within the framework of project 1234, code “Gadfly”. Launched on August 10, 1974, and entered service on December 8, 1974, and already on January 23, 1975. became part of the Red Banner Northern Fleet (KSF). In 1982 won the prize of the Navy Civil Code for missile training (as part of the KUG).

Board numbers: 923 (1977), 534 (1979), 542. Decommissioned: 1998.

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Small rocket ship Storm.

Small rocket ship Storm - built within the framework of project 1234, code “Gadfly”. Launched on March 3, 1975, and entered service on June 15, 1975, and already on July 21, 1975. became part of the Twice Red Banner Baltic Fleet (DKBF). In 1983, 1985 and 1987 won the prize of the Navy Civil Code for missile training (as part of the KUG).

07/26/1992 changed the USSR Naval flag to St. Andrew's

Board numbers: 953, 587(1978), 567, 577(1990). Decommissioned: 1998

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Small rocket ship Cyclone - built within the framework of project 1234, code “Gadfly”. Launched on May 24, 1977, and entered service on December 31, 1977, and already on February 17, 1978. became part of the Red Banner Pacific Fleet (KTOF).

Since May 1985 to May 1986 Together with the Typhoon MRK - BS to Vietnam, the South China Sea, Cam Ranh Bay.

07/26/1992 changed the USSR Naval flag to St. Andrew's.

Board numbers: 430, 438, 425(1984), 435(1985), 412(05.1987), 444(05.1990). Decommissioned: 1995

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Small rocket ship Monsoon - built within the framework of project 1234, code “Gadfly”. Launched on July 1, 1981, and entered service on December 30, 1981, and already on February 9, 1982. became part of the Red Banner Pacific Fleet (KTOF - 165 BrRKA Pacific Fleet). April 16, 1987 died in the Sea of Japan due to spontaneous retargeting of a missile while practicing combat training tasks.

Board numbers: 427(1982), 414(1984).

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The logical continuation of this series of small missile ships was Project 1234.1 ("Nanuchka-III class" according to NATO classification). The main differences of this project are the increase in the main caliber of artillery from 57 mm to 76 mm, additional installation per ship one 30-mm AK-630 artillery complex, as well as new radar and electronic equipment. Despite the relatively small displacement, the ship of this project has high seaworthiness and the ability to use weapons in a sea state of 5 points and a speed of 24 knots.

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Small rocket ship Burun - built within the framework of project 1234.1, code “Gadfly-1”. Launched in July 1977, and entered service on December 30, 1977, and already on February 17, 1978. became part of the Red Banner Northern Fleet (KSF). April 21, 1978 listed in the DKBF.

In 1978 he won the prize of the Navy Civil Code for missile training (as part of the KUG).

07/26/1992 changed the USSR Naval flag to St. Andrew's.

Board numbers: 570, 559(1986), 566(1990). Decommissioned: 2002

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Small rocket ship Veter.

Small rocket ship Veter - built within the framework of project 1234.1, code “Gadfly-1”. Launched on April 21, 1978, and entered service on September 30, 1978, and already on November 23, 1978. became part of the Red Banner Northern Fleet (KSF). In 1980 won the prize of the Navy Civil Code for missile training (as part of the KUG).

07/26/1992 changed the USSR Naval flag to St. Andrew's.

Board numbers: 572(1978), 527, 523, 524(1995). Decommissioned: 1995

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Small rocket ship Zyb - built within the framework of project 1234.1, code “Gadfly-1”. Launched on October 23, 1978, and entered service on December 31, 1978, and already on February 16, 1979. became part of the Red Banner Black Sea Fleet (KChF). April 13, 1982 renamed " Komsomolets of Mordovia", and on February 15, 1992 in "Calm".

From September 19 to October 20, 1980 Together with the Briz MRK and PRTB-13 (KUG) - BS in the Mediterranean Sea. During the exercise “Destruction of AUG by forces of 5 OPESK in cooperation with the Fleet MRA”, weapons were used to track the AUG AVU “America”, the CR URO “Little Rock”, the FR URO “Vodzh”, a comprehensive supply ship of the US Navy, followed by a simulated missile strike .

From 15.07 to 02.09.1981 Together with the Zarnitsa MRK and PRTB-13 - BS in the Mediterranean Sea. The ships carried out weapons tracking of the AUG AVU "Enterprise" of the CRA URO "Long Beach" followed by the TDK "Guadalcanal" south of the island of Cyprus.

From May 25 to August 5, 1983 Together with the Briz MRK, the Zarnitsa MRK and PRTB-33 (KUG) - BS in the Mediterranean Sea.

From November 20, 1983 to February 20, 1984 Together with the Briz MRK and PRTB-33 (KUG) - BS in the Mediterranean Sea.

From May 15 to June 15, 1984 Together with the Zarnitsa MRK and PRTB-33 - BS in the Mediterranean Sea. In the period from May 27 to May 29, the MRK TG as part of KUG-2 took part in the operational-tactical exercise 5 OPSK “Destruction of enemy AMG OS RUS in cooperation with the fleet MRA”

In 1984, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993 and 1998 won the prize of the Navy Civil Code for missile training (as part of the KUG).

06/12/1997 changed the USSR Naval flag to St. Andrew's.

Currently, the small missile ship "Shtil" of project 1234.1 is part of the 166th Novorossiysk Red Banner small missile ships of the 41st brigade of missile boats.

Board numbers: 608(1982), 609(1984), 605(1986), 620(1.05.1990).

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Small rocket ship Moroz - built within the framework of project 1234.1, code “Gadfly-1”. Launched on September 23, 1989, and entered into service on December 30, 1989, and already on February 28, 1990. became part of the Red Banner Pacific Fleet (KTOF). 07/26/1992 changed the USSR Naval flag to St. Andrew's. In 1999 won the prize of the Navy Civil Code for missile training (as part of the KUG)

Board numbers: 434, 450, 402(05.1990), 409(2000).

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Small rocket ship Razliv - built within the framework of project 1234.1, code “Gadfly-1”. Launched on August 24, 1991, and entered service on December 31, 1991, and already on February 11, 1992. became part of the Red Banner Pacific Fleet (KTOF). 07/26/1992 changed the USSR Naval flag to St. Andrew's. In 1999 he won the prize of the Navy Civil Code for missile training (as part of the KUG).

Board numbers: 450(2000).

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Small rocket ship Liven - built within the framework of project 1234.1, code “Gadfly-1”. Launched on October 5, 1986, and April 14, 1987. renamed “XX Congress of the Komsomol”. Entered service on December 25, 1987, and already on February 19, 1988. became part of the Red Banner Pacific Fleet (KTOF). February 15, 1992 renamed - “Rime”.

07/26/1992 changed the USSR Naval flag to St. Andrew's.

In 1999 he won the prize of the Navy Civil Code for missile training (as part of the KUG).

Board numbers: 422(05.1987), 415(05.1990), 418(2000).

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Small rocket ship Tucha - built within the framework of project 1234.1, code “Gadfly-1”. Launched on April 29, 1980, and entered service on July 31, 1980, and already on October 24, 1980. became part of the Red Banner Northern Fleet (KSF).

07/26/1992 changed the USSR Naval flag to St. Andrew's.

In 1995 won the prize of the Navy Civil Code for missile training (as part of the KUG).

Board numbers: 527(1987), 524(1988), 505(1997). Decommissioned: 2005

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Small rocket ship Smerch - built within the framework of project 1234.1, code “Gadfly-1”. Launched on November 16, 1984, and entered service on December 30, 1984, and already on March 4, 1985. became part of the Red Banner Pacific Fleet (KTOF).

Since April 1986 to July 1987 performs combat service missions in Vietnam, the South China Sea, Cam Ranh Bay.

07/26/1992 changed the USSR Naval flag to St. Andrew's.

Board numbers: 415, 418, 450(1987), 405(1990), 423(2000).

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The administration of the Zelenodolsk plant named after Gorky reported that for the period from 2018 to 2021, the enterprise planned the construction of five small corvette-type missile ships of Project 22800 Karakurt. Three more ships are expected to be produced at the Leningrad shipyard "Pella", and another one will be built at the facilities of the Feodosia shipyard "More". Three more small missile ships will be built by Pella and More enterprises.

The construction sites for six more ships have not yet been decided. Thus, the Black Sea, Baltic and Pacific fleets will receive a worthy replenishment of eighteen small missile ships of the Karakurt type. The first one, patrol ship with the name “Hurricane”, it is possible that it will appear in service with the Black Sea Fleet within next year. Subsequent ships were also given no less formidable names - “Typhoon”, “Shkval” and “Storm”

Small rocket ship of project 22800 "Karakurt"

Small missile ships of the "Karakurt" type were developed by the St. Petersburg Central Marine Design Bureau "Almaz" - the Central Marine Design Bureau as alternative option ships in project 21631 "Buyan-M". This project was created only five years earlier by the Zelenodolsk Design Bureau. Accordingly, the construction of these “Buyans” is also carried out by the Zelenodolsk enterprise. The Caspian Flotilla and the Black Sea Fleet already have five such ships. In addition, four more are under construction. It was planned that the Buyans would be built in quantities of up to ten units. Due to the fact that preference was given to the Karakurts, the last ninth small rocket ship of Project 21631 began to be assembled in April 2018. Eight months later, the Karakurts were also launched into production.

Unique new-generation MRK Project 22800

As for the strike weapons of these two boats, they are approximately the same. The Uragan patrol ship of the same class has almost the same characteristics. The displacement of both boats is not too large, however, Buyan-M is considered a river-sea class ship. It feels confident both in the Volga estuaries and in the waters of the Caspian Sea. However, given its low seaworthiness, even the expanses of the relatively small Black Sea will turn out to be too large. "Karakurt" was designed as a ship for operations in open sea theaters.

How a disadvantage became an advantage of Russian industry

Not long ago, another shortcoming was added to this project. Due to the introduction Western countries against Russian state sanctions, the German engine manufacturer for Buyan decided to stop further cooperation and refused to provide us with engines. But they quickly found a replacement. Zelenodolsk shipbuilders began to purchase similar 16-cylinder engines from the Kolomna enterprise and the St. Petersburg Zvezda plant.

The fame of Russian weapons spread throughout the world

In the fall of 2017, Burana-M managed to make a splash all over the world. Four ships from the Caspian flotilla - small missile ships "Uglich", "Grad Sviyazhsky" and "Veliky Ustyug", as well as the missile cruiser "Dagestan" fired at targets using Kalibr cruise missiles. Massive missile strike was applied to the positions of the terrorist organization ISIS (banned in the Russian Federation), which were located at a distance of approximately one and a half thousand kilometers from the starting point.

The range and accuracy of live firing carried out by Russian ships has been discussed in the world media for almost a week. However, this is not all that missiles of this class are capable of, because their maximum flight range can reach more than two and a half thousand kilometers.

The small missile ship, Karakurt, is armed with the same missiles, namely Caliber-NK. In addition, supersonic anti-ship missiles “Onyx” are also used, the firing range of which is equal to five hundred kilometers. The ship is also armed with an automatic artillery mount of 100 mm or 76 mm caliber. Means air defense equipped with the 3M89 "Broadsword" anti-aircraft missile and artillery system.

An all-aspect multifunctional radar station, which has four fixed phased array antennas, as well as a highly efficient optical location station, provides the Broadsword with the ability to all-weather and round the clock detect any targets that could somehow threaten the ship. These could be, for example, airplanes, helicopters, cruise missiles, even drones. Opening fire to defeat these targets can be carried out at a distance of up to ten kilometers and at an altitude of up to five kilometers. The operating mode of the entire complex is automatic.

Equipping ships with electronic warfare stations

The Karakurt MRK, Project 22800 ships, are ships for operations in the near sea zone with a cruising range of up to 2,500 miles and an endurance of up to fifteen days. The boat, with a displacement of eight hundred tons, is sixty meters long, ten meters wide, and has a draft of four meters. The speed reaches thirty knots.

The Karakurts, like the Buyany-M, were created to replace the small missile ships Ovod of Project 1234. A wide variety of their modifications were produced in 1967-92. A total of forty-seven ships were built, but now only twelve remain.

The Gadflies, developed by Almaz, looked much more respectable than the Karakurts in terms of their driving performance. Thus, the speed of the Gadfly reached up to 35 knots, and the range was up to 4000 miles. However, morally and physically outdated weapons reduce all these advantages to zero. “Gadfly” is armed with “Malachite”, six P-120 anti-ship missiles with a maximum range of up to one hundred and twenty kilometers, and this is significantly inferior to eight “Caliber-NK” or “Oniks”.

The uniqueness of the new small rocket ship

Deputy Minister of Defense Yuri Borisov, when laying the fourth small missile ship under Project 22800 on the slipway of the Pella shipyard at the end of July last year, said: “ships with a similar classification simply do not exist in the world.” The designers of the Almaz design bureau managed to place many formidable weapons in the small space of the Karakurt. By the way, this weapon can be called strategic, because any Caliber missile can be equipped with a nuclear warhead.

The range of the Karakurt missile weapons as part of the Black Sea and Baltic fleets, as well as representing the Caspian flotilla, covers the Middle East region and almost the entire European continent. If a decision is made to place these ships at the disposal of the Pacific Fleet, then almost the entire eastern hemisphere in its northern half will be closed.

Who in the class compares to the Karakurt: Western models of ships

According to many military experts, the Karakurts are ahead of all modern analogues in their striking power.

Only one corvette on the planet can be compared with the Karakurts - moreover, it has so far been produced in a single copy. This is the last ship in the series of multi-purpose Swedish corvettes of the Visby type. It was adopted by the Swedish Navy in the spring of 2013.

Its displacement is six hundred and forty tons, its length is seventy-one meters, and its width is almost ten and a half meters. At a speed of thirty-five knots, its range is two thousand three hundred miles. The ship was built taking into account the requirements of stealth technologies. The first four production corvettes were designed primarily as anti-submarine ships. The fifth has eight subsonic anti-ship missiles with a range of up to two hundred kilometers.

Israeli equivalent - "Eilat"

There is also an Israeli analogy, but also released in a single copy. It's about about Eilat, a missile corvette. The Israeli Navy accepted it into service back in the nineties. It has a displacement of one thousand two hundred and seventy-five tons, a length of eighty-five meters, and a width of almost twelve meters. With a range in economy mode, it can cover three and a half thousand miles, and its maximum speed equal to thirty-three knots.

The armament of Eilat also does not reach the level of Karakurt. Israeli designers managed to place on board the corvette American Harpoon anti-ship missiles with a range of up to one hundred and thirty kilometers and a warhead mass of two hundred and twenty-seven kilograms, while the ship also has additional anti-ship weapons.

The air defense is equipped with the Barak anti-aircraft missile system with 32 missiles in ammunition, their range reaches ten kilometers. "Eilat" has at its disposal a 20 mm rapid-fire cannon for firing at distances of up to one and a half kilometers.

Project 22800 - economic component

Missile ships with a displacement of less than 1000 tons are almost unique Russian peculiarity. As a result, “Karakurt” can only be compared with more solid equipment. In terms of functionality and range, it surpasses our corvettes, but in terms of impact weapons and power it does not reach Russian ships. At the same time, anti-submarine weapons, as well as helicopters or drones, enhance the survivability of ships of larger displacement.

However, there is also the other side of the coin - the cost of their construction and operation, which is extremely relevant to the current Russian reality. Be that as it may, but according to the classical parameters of “price and quality”, the Karakurts turned out to be excellent missile ships, perhaps even world leaders.

German corvette "Brunschweig"

More substantial in weight is the German corvette of the K130 project. The launch of the Braunschweig in 2013, the fifth ship in this series of corvettes, marked the completion of its production. The ships of the series have a displacement of one thousand eight hundred and forty tons, a length of up to ninety meters, and are equipped with a helicopter on board. The corvette has anti-submarine torpedoes, an anti-aircraft missile system, a twin 27 mm anti-aircraft gun, and a 76 mm artillery mount.

The main strike weapon, like the Swedes, is the RBS 15M Mk3 anti-ship missile. However, there are two times fewer missile units - only four. The Braunschweig has the same range as the Karakurt - up to two and a half thousand miles, but it has a lower speed - twenty-five knots.

American destroyers

The American Navy doesn't skimp on either. The smallest missile ships, built in the amount of sixty-two units, are destroyers armed with guided missile weapons of the Arleigh Burke project. These ships have a range of six thousand miles and a displacement of up to nine thousand tons. With a length of one hundred and fifty meters, a height of forty-five meters, they have a speed of up to thirty-two knots.

The anti-ship weapons are equipped with 8 Harpoon missiles. The destroyers have anti-aircraft missile systems with artillery (anti-aircraft and conventional), and anti-submarine weapons (missiles, torpedoes and mines), as well as a helicopter.

If necessary, they can be equipped with the well-known Tomahawks, cruise missiles numbering from eight to sixty units. Of course, the weapon is solid - but subsonic, with a flight range of up to one thousand six hundred kilometers. However, it is only slightly inferior to the Caliber in speed, accuracy and range; control of these weapons is entrusted to the widely advertised Aegis system.

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