Project 20380 corvettes for the Black Sea Fleet: the first in a few months
The conclusion of the "Zealous" from the boathouse. Severnaya Verf Shipyard, December 25, 2019
From 2008 to 2018, the Russian Navy received six corvettes, pr. 20380 "Steregushchiy". These ships were distributed between the Baltic and the Pacific fleets. The construction of the Guardians is ongoing, and this year it is possible to surrender one or two new corvettes. In particular, the Black Sea Fleet can get its first ship, pr. 20380 - the “Retivy" has already been launched and after completion it will go for testing.
Construction time
The Retivy is the sixth serial ship of pr. 20380 and the first to be built in the interests of KChF. The laying of the corvette took place on February 20, 2015 at the Severnaya Verf shipyard in St. Petersburg. Construction took about five years. The ship was taken out of the boathouse on December 25, 2019 and launched on March 12 this year, after which it was sent to the wall for completion. To date, a crew has also been formed. He has already arrived in St. Petersburg to undergo training.
On May 18, Izvestia published actual plans for the Zealous. With reference to sources in the command of the KChF and Navy, it is reported that the corvette can be completed, tested and delivered to the customer this year. However, it is not yet ruled out that the work will be delayed, and the ship will be handed over only in 2021.
The Zealous will become the first ship of its type in the Black Sea Fleet, and new ones will follow. Plans for the construction of two more similar corvettes are reported. One of them, “Strict”, was launched last June and is being completed at the wall. It is expected to be tested.
Technical features
At its core, the corvette, pr. 20380 is a multi-purpose patrol ship near and far sea zone. He is able to strike at ground and coastal targets, to carry out anti-aircraft and anti-submarine defense - both independently and as part of a naval group. A number of design features and the composition of the equipment provide high performance characteristics that meet modern requirements.
Launching. March 12, 2020
The ship with a total displacement of 2250 tons and a maximum length of 104,5 m is built on the basis of the original hull with improved characteristics. Its underwater part is characterized by reduced resistance, which allows to optimize the power plant with a simultaneous increase in driving performance. The surface part of the structure is made using stealth technologies and reduces visibility by about three times in comparison with ships of similar sizes.
General contours and design features contribute to reduced visibility. So, the superstructure and some units on the deck are covered with bulwarks. Non-metallic materials with a low level of reflection of radio signals are widely used in the design of the surface of the ship. Also used modern electronic warfare equipment.
The corvette has a two-shaft power plant based on diesel-diesel units DDA12000 with a total capacity of 24 thousand hp It consists of noise reduction solutions borrowed from submarines. The ship is capable of speeds of 27 knots; economic - 14 knots. Cruising range - 4 nautical miles. The ship also uses four 000 kW diesel generators.
Etc. 20380 provides for the use of a developed electronic complex. It includes the Sigma-20380 combat information and control system, the Puma-02 armament control complex, Pal-N, Furke-2 and Monument-A radar for various purposes, and the Zarya- sonar sonar stations 2 "," Minotaur-M "and" Anapa-M ", as well as other systems and tools.
"Stereguschiy" - the head corvette, pr. 20380
As the main strike weapons used missile system "Uranus" with an ammunition of 8 missiles. There is a Redut air defense system with 12 missiles. Also used in air defense are those carried on board the Igla MANPADS. The artillery includes the A-190 installation with a 100 mm gun and two AK-630M six-barrel assault rifles. The installation of heavy machine guns and anti-sabotage grenade launchers is provided. Along the sides of the hull are mounted two four-tube apparatus "Package-NK" for torpedoes and anti-torpedoes. There is a helipad at the stern, and a hangar is made in front of it in the superstructure.
The crew of the ship includes 100 people, including 14 officers. Autonomy on stocks - 15 days.
New opportunities
Corvettes, etc. 20380, incl. the newest “Retive”, are multifunctional combat units capable of solving a wide range of combat missions within the near and far sea zone. At the same time, due to their limited size and displacement, the “Guardians” are relatively simple and cheap.
By the combination of technical and economic parameters, the ships of Project 20380 are of great interest to the Russian Navy, which has already led to the emergence of several orders and the deployment of mass construction. Six ships were built, four more are on the slipways or at the walls. The construction of modernized corvettes of new projects 20385 and 20386 is also underway.
Of the six corvettes built, pr. 20380, four went to serve as part of the Red Banner Baltic Fleet. The remaining two went to the Pacific Ocean. Now we are talking about the transfer of new ships to the KChF. In 2020-21. Black Sea sailors will receive two such combat units, and in the distant future a third is expected.
Corvettes of the Pacific Fleet. Soon the same "grouping" will receive the Black Sea
At present, the surface forces of the KChF include one missile cruiser and six guard frigates, as well as ships for the protection of the water area, small missile and anti-submarine ships. Corvette guard ships are not yet available. Thus, the transfer of corvettes pr. 20380 should significantly change the appearance and capabilities of the Black Sea Fleet. The Flying and the next two ships will occupy an important niche and will take on some of the tasks that are being assigned to other ships.
Desired Future
According to the results of the current construction, KChF will receive a grouping of six patrol ships of two classes. Three frigates, pr. 11356, capable of operating in the distant sea and ocean zones, already exist and are serving. Corvettes under construction, pr. 20380 will complement them. At the same time, the appearance of new ships of smaller displacement, having similar capabilities, will make it possible to some extent compensate for the disruption of the construction of larger frigates.
Ship groups, including new corvettes, will be able to work in the Black and Mediterranean Seas. The task of the ships of pr. 20380 will be the search and detection of all the main targets with the possibility of their destruction by appropriate weapons. At the same time, depending on the combat mission, the corvette can take on the main or auxiliary role.
The Russian Navy has extensive experience in operating corvettes, pr. 20380, and the industry over the past years has managed to correct all of the existing design flaws. The Black Sea Fleet will receive full-fledged warships with wide capabilities, capable of becoming a good addition to the existing surface forces. Joint operation of ships of different classes with different equipment and weapons will give the desired results.
The introduction of any new ships into the KChF increases the overall potential of the armed forces in the strategic south-west direction. Over the next few years, three new corvettes will be such a contribution to defense. Already this year, the first of them will be tested. And in the absence of significant difficulties, at the end of the year he will be handed over to the fleet, and at the beginning of 2021 he will enter the combat force.
- Ryabov Kirill
- Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, USC
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