The Navy is one of the main constituent parts armies of any power that has access to the seas and oceans. Many empires, such as Great Britain, built their power on a strong fleet capable of responding to any threat many thousands of kilometers from their native land.

Of course, modern warships are very different from their ancestors. The flagship of any flotilla today is an aircraft carrier group, which allows attacking and defending not only with the help of installed guns, but also with air groups placed on the decks.

The presence of aircraft imposes requirements on the size of ships. All aircraft carriers boast impressive volumes, but some of them stand out even against this background. In this article, we will talk about just such ships, and also answer the question: “What is the largest aircraft carrier in the world?”.

First Place - Enterprise (United States of America)

This ship is the first representative of the aircraft carriers with a nuclear-powered engine. It was launched back in 1961, but still remains the largest ship in the world in its class. The cost of building the Enterprise cost the state $450 million. The high price was one of the reasons why this series of ships is limited to just one aircraft carrier, although several more such ships were originally planned.

The length of the ship is as much as 342 meters. It accommodates about 80 aircraft. The total crew of the aircraft carrier is more than three thousand people. Enterprise has 4 steam catapults. Half is located in front of the ship, and the other half - on the landing strips. With the help of catapults, the Enterprise is able to lift one plane into the air in a quarter of a minute.

On the contrary, the landing of air groups is carried out with the help of an arrester, which consists of four cables that are stretched in the underdeck and help the operation of special brake cylinders. In addition, the aircraft carrier has a nylon net that is capable of catching an aircraft if, due to unforeseen circumstances, it flies over the arresting position.

Runners-up - Nimitz (United States of America)

A more modern American aircraft carrier that also has a powerful nuclear engine. The first ship was launched in 1975. Production continued until 2009 when the last vessel entered service. In total, 10 such ships were created during this time. The length of the ship is 330 meters. These ships were actively used during several military conflicts, including in Yugoslavia and Iraq.

The cost of one ship is four and a half billion US dollars. The aircraft carrier carries 66 ships for various purposes (48 of them are multirole fighters). The nuclear reactor, which is installed in the ship, allows it to operate for about 25 years without replacement. The state spends about 160 million US dollars per year on the maintenance of one aircraft carrier.

Nimitz can be operated for more than 50 years. To date, all 10 ships are in combat service.

Third place - Kitty Hawk (United States of America)

The aircraft carrier was launched in 1955. Its length is 325 meters. These are the first ships of their class that do not have a rich arsenal of artillery, instead of which missile systems are installed. In addition, these are the last American aircraft carriers that were not equipped with nuclear reactors. The aircraft carrier at the time of launching had all the modern electronics and sonar. The last ship of this line (there were four in total) was decommissioned in 2007.

Fourth place - Forrestal (United States of America)

Another American aircraft carrier, one of the largest. Its length is 320 meters. Forrestal was created for the needs of jet aircraft after the end of World War II, whose experience was taken into account when creating the ship. The first ship of the line was launched in 1955. Interestingly, this aircraft carrier was considered unlucky among American sailors and received many derisive nicknames due to the greater number of accidents associated with fires on the ship. As a result of one of them, about 135 people died.
The last ship in the line was decommissioned in 1993. It was sold at auction for one center, since there was no one willing to buy it, except for one single company.

Fifth place - John F. Kennedy (United States of America)

Named after the famous American President, this ship was launched in 1968. Its length is 320 meters. This ship belongs to the Kitty Hawk class. Just like other ships, it did not have a nuclear engine (although the installation was originally planned). Instead, gas turbine equipment was used.

Most of the time, the aircraft carrier was in the Mediterranean Sea, performing various tasks there during cold war. The ship served for about 40 years and during this time has undergone several major repairs. In the fleet, the ship was not known as the most successful, as it experienced several collisions during its operation.

The largest accident occurred in 1975 as a result of a collision between a ship and a cruiser, which was almost completely destroyed by the impact.
John F. Kennedy was removed from service in 2007, a whole ceremony was organized to send him off.
The aircraft carrier also became a movie star. It is he who is depicted in the 2012 film falling on the White House.

6th place - Midway (United States of America)

This is not only a large aircraft carrier produced in the year of the end of World War II, but also the first heavy aircraft carrier in the US Navy. The ship was in operation for 50 years. During this time, he took part in several military operations of the country, including the Vietnamese and Iraqi.

He left the Midway service in 1992, and five years later a huge fleet museum was created on its basis. The length of the ship is 305 meters.

In addition, the ship participated in the famous rescue operation at the end of the Vietnam War, when the Viet Cong captured the capital of the southerners. In order to land a plane loaded with refugees fleeing the imminent massacre and the totalitarian regime, the crew of the aircraft carrier dropped helicopters on board into the water, with a total cost of over 10 million dollars. This operation entered the pages of US military glory.

Seventh place - Admiral Kuznetsov (USSR, Russian Federation)

The most powerful aircraft carrier in the USSR and in Russia. The ship was created in Nikolaev and received the name of the famous Soviet admiral. After the collapse of the USSR, he became part of Russian Navy. Today he serves in the Northern Fleet. It houses fighter jets and anti-submarine helicopters.

The ship was laid down in 1982, and it was launched in 1985. It is interesting that at the time of the laying it was given the name "Riga", and at the time of the first descent - "Leonid Brezhnev". After the descent, work continued on the construction of the ship on the water. In 1989, the ship, still unfinished, went to sea for tests with aircraft. In 1990, construction was completed and the ship was renamed again.

It is currently undergoing a major renovation. Already in the summer of this year, the ship is planned to sail to the Mediterranean Sea, most likely to the shores of the Syrian Arab Republic. The length of the ship is 300 meters.

Eighth place - Lexington (United States of America)

The oldest aircraft carrier on this list. In total, two ships of this type were produced, both took an active part in the beginning (for the USA) of World War II. One of the aircraft carriers was destroyed in the spring of 1942 during heavy fighting with the Japanese. The second ship, despite numerous damages, survived the wars and was sunk after participating in a nuclear test in 1946.

Lexington was able to accommodate 63 aircraft. Most of them were fighters, as well as reconnaissance aircraft. The aircraft carriers of this series appeared as a result of heated debates between American military experts. At that time there was a conflict between two opinions about the future of naval battles. One part of the specialists advocated the creation of coastal airfields and powerful battleships, as they believed that aircraft were not good enough at destroying ships. The other part insisted on the creation of powerful aircraft carrier groups, giving them a decisive role in future battles. As a result of the tests carried out with the help of captured German ships, the second point of view won, and, as confirmed by the Second World War, quite reasonable.

Ninth place - Varyag (USSR, Ukraine, China)

Another long aircraft carrier belonging to the Soviet Union. The history of the Varyag is indeed of interest. Its construction began in Nikolaev in 1986. Two years later, he was already launched, after which work continued on him already on the water. After the USSR ceased to exist, the ship went to the Ukrainian Navy, but since then it has not been used, cash injections into it have ceased, and the necessary repair work were not carried out, so the ship slowly degraded.

As a result, the Varyag was sold to a Chinese company for US$20 million, far below its actual value. The buyers said they planned to create an entertainment center at its base. However, later the ship was completed as a warship. It was renamed "Liaoning" and is now successfully performing combat missions as part of the Chinese Navy.

Tenth place - Shinano (Japan)

The longest Japanese aircraft carrier during World War II. Initially, it was built as a battleship, but after the first serious defeat against the American fleet in 1941, the Japanese command decided to rely on aircraft carrier groups, seeing the advantage American aircraft carriers had on the water.

The ship was completed after one year. At that time it was the most protected aircraft carrier. Particularly well protected were containers for storing aviation fuel, which, if hit by an enemy projectile, could destroy the entire ship.

Modern shipbuilding is constantly developing in different directions. One of the main ones is the creation of powerful, fast and maneuverable warships that will be equipped with the latest generation of weapons. The size of aircraft carriers and cruisers is amazing. The largest of them are the property of the country's army, and some have even become a relic of history.

At the end of the article, we have prepared a surprise 🎁 - an exciting test to test your attentiveness 😃

The United States planned to build five of these ships, but due to high costs ($450 million each), the large-scale project had to be abandoned. In 1961, only one strike aircraft carrier with a nuclear power plant was produced in its class.

Crew - 3325 people. Thanks to nuclear fuel, the ship has the ability to serve without refueling for 13 years and sail up to one million miles during this time. This “monster” is driven by a power plant in eight A2W type reactors, with four turbines. With a scale of 342 meters in length and 78.5 in width, weapons with a total mass of more than 2,500 tons are placed on board. The stock of aviation fuel of 10 million liters ensures intensive aircraft flights for 12 days.

Along the perimeter, the hull has a double bottom with compartments separated by transverse bulkheads. Flights are carried out on a deck area of ​​18.211 m2, which is equipped with four take-off steam catapults. Thanks to them, every 15-20 seconds, aircraft can instantly rise into the air. To stop aircraft, an arrester is provided in the form of stretched cables, but if for some reason it did not work, then a special rising emergency net at the end of the site is capable of stopping the aircraft.

The number of aircraft on board is up to 90 units with a staff of 1800 people. During his service in the US Navy, the Enterprise participated in more than a dozen operations, including military operations in Cuba, Vietnam, Iraq and during the Caribbean crisis.

In the early 90s, the ship was modernized in accordance with modern requirements. In 2002, the power plant and hull plating were repaired.

Aircraft carrier - the development of the United States. Construction began in 1968. The ship turned out to be large (length 333 meters, maximum width 78), reliable and most importantly, not as expensive as its predecessor, the Enterprise. The cost of manufacturing, according to various sources, came out about several hundred million dollars. Therefore, it was decided to put the project on stream and release a total of ten such aircraft carriers. Each was given an individual number and name: No. 68 Nimitz 1968, No. 69 Eisenhower 1970, No. 70 Vinson 1975, No. 71 Roosevelt 1981, No. 72 Lincoln 1984, No. 77 Bush 2003 and others.

Nimitz is not only a big, but also a heavy ship. One ammunition is on board 1954 tons. Nuclear power plant - two nuclear reactors A4W (total capacity of 260 thousand horsepower) and four diesel engines for 10 720 l. with. Thus, an aircraft carrier can easily reach speeds of up to 30 knots, and stay at sea for ten years without refueling. To protect against enemy projectiles, the body is sewn up with 64 mm special Kevlar fabric.

The site for the air group is divided into several zones: the runway and runway, parking. Accordingly, each of them is equipped with special equipment. Thus, four steam catapults were installed on the runway to launch aircraft.

To protect the ship's hull from aviation jet exhaust, a barrier is provided, ventilated by supplying cold water directly from the side. On the runway special rope brakes are installed and, most importantly, there is an electronic device that helps to land the aircraft on board in conditions of poor visibility without the participation of the pilot. The automatic landing system is called ACLS. 86 military aircraft are placed in the parking zone at the same time.

In case you need to repel an attack on an aircraft carrier or strike directly from standard guns, powerful weapons are located on board. These are four Vulcan Phalanx 20 mm anti-aircraft artillery systems and three Sea Sparow rocket launchers. In the process of modernization, a three-tube 324-mm torpedo tube was placed on Nimitz.

The crew of 3200 people, the composition of the air group is 2480. The hold is equipped with cabins, a dining room, a freezer room for long-term storage of food.

Shark

The largest military submarines are in service with Russia. These are nuclear-powered vessels of project No. 941 "Shark". Since it was planned to equip the new vessel with solid-fuel three-stage long-range R-39 missiles, which are of impressive size, the dimensions of the submarine must also correspond. The developers were LPMB "Rubin" Leningrad. After several years of construction, the commissioning took place in 1980.

A shark was depicted in front of the side, which personified power and maneuverability. Later, she became a symbol of the ship's crew and appeared on chevrons. Of the planned 12 submarines, half were made.

Interesting!

In order to reload ammunition on the Akula submarine, it was necessary to build a special electro-diesel transport vessel Alexander Brykin with a displacement of 16,000 tons.

The aircraft carrier made in the USSR has interesting story the buildings. Initially, in 1979, the engineering bureau prepared sketches for the construction of the cruiser, they were approved by S. Gorshkov (the commander of the navy at that time), but subsequently a decision was made to radically change the project. Thus, due to all the delays in the design, the ship was launched only in 1987.

The maximum displacement is 61,390 tons, length 306 m, width 72 m, height 64.5 m. Like most warships that have been serving and taking part in combat operations for years, the hull must be additionally protected. So, on the "Admiral Kuznetsov" armor made of high-strength steel was installed, with a three-layer anti-torpedo protection of 4.5 m, which is able to withstand a direct hit of a four hundred kilogram TNT projectile.

The powerful ship was equipped with the Beysur navigation system, the Mars Passat, Frigate MA, Podkat, Vaygach and Rezistor radar systems. For communication, a CICS "Lesorub", "Buran 2", SJSC "Polynom", SJSC "Zvezda M1" and the electronic warfare complex "Sozvezdie" were installed. As you can see, the ship is stuffed to the teeth with electronics, but as for weapons, it’s still more serious here. On board are anti-aircraft artillery for 48 thousand shells, an anti-submarine combat installation for 60 bombs. Missiles "Granite" 256 pcs., "Dagger" 192 pcs. Since the ship is an aircraft carrier, 50 aircraft and helicopters can be on it at the same time.

This military "monster" is set in motion by a power plant consisting of four steam turbines with a total capacity of 200,000 horsepower and nine turbogenerators of 1,500 kW each. At the same time, the vessel develops a maximum speed of up to 54 km / h, and the autonomy of navigation is 45 days.

During his service in the Navy, the aircraft carrier made six voyages in the Mediterranean Sea, and once visited the North Atlantic. In 2000, he was involved in the rescue operation of the Kursk submarine. In 2016, I had to take part in hostilities against the military terrorist groups "Islamic State" and "Dzhebhat al-Nusra" in the lands of Syria. During the trip, 420 sorties of combat aircraft were made from the ship, while 1252 terrorist targets were hit.

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Battleship Missouri

Russia is reportedly planning to build "the world's largest aircraft carrier" to bolster its defenses and compete with the US in this area.

The aircraft carrier "Storm" will be able to carry 90 combat aircraft on its board and will cost about $17.5 billion, the British edition notes, citing Russian media.

This ship, now known as Project 23000, could be ready by 2030. However, whether it really will become the largest aircraft carrier in the world, as Moscow claims, is a moot point.

His specifications, the article notes, are similar to the characteristics of American Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. And one of the experts even told the media that the design of the American aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford will be taken as the basis of the ship, the publication claims.

According to the project, the deck of the new aircraft carrier will be the size of three football fields, and the crew will be up to 4,000 people. The ship will become so large that, according to The Independent, it will have its own zip code.

Currently, Russia has only the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, which was launched back in 1985. In terms of its capabilities, it is seriously inferior to the Storm ship.

Russian aircraft carrier of the future. Project 23000 Storm

A promising multi-purpose heavy supercarrier of the future - Shtorm (project 23000), is being developed in the Russian state scientific center them. Krylov (St. Petersburg) in cooperation with the Nevsky Design Bureau.

The ship aims to fulfill various tasks in the far ocean and sea zones. It will be capable of delivering strikes against enemy ground and sea targets with the help of its own weapons and aircraft of the aviation group, as well as providing air defense.

The main requirements presented by the High Command of the Navy to the new Russian aircraft carrier is autonomy and mobility. The ship must transfer all the necessary equipment and equipment to Right place and in a short time frame. And the air group must provide patrols and quickly increase its presence in a given region.

At the same time, Storm should have ample opportunities both in terms of the use of carrier-based aircraft and in terms of the combat effectiveness of operations as part of heterogeneous forces. The latest aircraft carrier will be tasked with detecting and destroying enemy submarine and surface assets, delivering strikes against enemy infrastructure facilities on land, and protecting its own fleet.

The concept of a new multifunctional aircraft carrier

The concept of a new multifunctional aircraft carrier provides for the deployment of up to 100 aircraft. Aircraft and helicopters of five different types will be placed and secured at the stern and bow of the aircraft carrier.

The aircraft carrier will have a practically “bare” deck. Instead of a massive tower, there are two "islands" of control (two island superstructures). This will save space on the deck and reduce the radio visibility of the ship at sea.

The aircraft carrier will be equipped with a RITM-200 two-reactor power plant with a capacity of 175 MW.

Storm will have a hybrid aircraft launch system - two electromagnetic catapults (EMALS) to accelerate aircraft and two springboards (a total of 4 launch positions on the flight deck). The length of the runway of one of the springboards will exceed 250 meters. The landing of aircraft will be provided by one arrester (a device based on a cable that dampens the landing speed). To save space, the aircraft lifts will be of vertical and swing type.

Storm will be equipped with an integrated system combat control. The electronic complex of the aircraft carrier will include integrated sensors, including radar stations with an active phased antenna array (radar with AFAR).

The aircraft carrier will ensure the takeoff and landing of the latest generation aircraft and helicopters even in a storm. Under the takeoff deck and in optimized control superstructures, the latest nuclear power plant, an efficient missile and electronic weapons. The use of missile weapons is one of the most interesting moments in determining the appearance of the future ship.

Four S-500 Prometheus modules will be responsible for the air defense of the ship at once. With such an air defense quartet, an aircraft carrier will be able to simultaneously detect, fire and destroy up to 10 airborne aerodynamic or supersonic ballistic targets at once at a distance of 800 kilometers. Air defense targets can be aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, medium-range missiles, supersonic cruise missiles and intercontinental ballistic missile warheads, as well as objects flying at speeds up to 7000 meters per second. Plus, the aircraft carrier will be equipped with two anti-torpedo protection systems.

The single-seat MiG-29K and the two-seat MiG-29KUB (4++ generation fighters) will solve the problem of air defense and gaining air supremacy, hitting targets with guided precision weapons at any time of the day and in any weather.

Placement of anti-ship missiles on the ship (on the base permanent basis) not planned. But this by no means prohibits the placement on an aircraft carrier (according to a good tradition), 4-8 20-foot removable containers with missile system Club-K, or Zircon hypersonic anti-ship missiles. The placement of 8 containers with Club-K on board the aircraft carrier means that it is armed with 32 high-precision attack cruise missiles. Container Club-K - will ensure the defeat of both surface and ground targets. The complex is a modification of the well-known Caliber missile system. Inside the containers of the complex, launchers with 3M-14, Kh-35 or 3M-54 missiles are hidden, capable of hitting both land and large surface targets at a long distance. For example, the 3M-54 missile is capable of destroying even an aircraft carrier, and the flight range of the KR 3M14 with nuclear warheads / FBCHs is 2650 and 1600 km, respectively.

The task of collecting information about the enemy and monitoring air, ground and surface space, as well as guiding aircraft to detected targets will be provided by a radar control point and a radar patrol and guidance point based on the Yak-44E aircraft. With submarines Ka-32/Ka-27 helicopters armed with torpedoes, depth charges, rockets and mines will fight.

The hull of the ship will be optimized so that the water resistance will be reduced by 20-30%. The latter will provide significant energy savings and the ability to increase the speed and autonomy of the ship. It should be noted that the movement of the vessel with a drag of 30% less than that of the traditional hull contour means that with conventional power it will be possible to have a cruising range of 30% more and the fuel consumption will also decrease.

As you can see, the best developments of domestic and Western schools for creating ships of this class will be used on Storm. In the project, great importance is given to the possibilities for providing aeronautics for carrier-based aviation. For example, according to the project, the maximum width of the flight deck will exceed 80 meters, the composition of the double deck was adopted from the UK. At the same time, it is planned to create a smooth flight deck.

As an innovation, an improved aircraft carrier hull design can be singled out, which can significantly reduce water resistance and increase its efficiency and seaworthiness.

The military power of the ship is significantly enhanced by the deployment and use of an airborne early warning and guidance aircraft (AWACS) on it.

In general, it can be noted that Storm will become a multi-purpose aircraft carrier that will serve as a sea airport. In Soviet times, carrier-based aircraft performed anti-submarine, defensive and air defense missions, and the aircraft carrier was positioned as a military cruiser designed for sea attacks at long distances.

TTX aircraft carrier Storm:

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The idea of ​​connecting the fleet and aviation was born by the great minds of mankind back in the 19th century. So a real technical miracle, called aircraft carriers, was born. They bring death and destruction, but even despite this, they are admired for their greatness. It's about them, about largest aircraft carriers in the world and will be discussed in our article.

The giant, named after one of the heroes of ancient Greek myths, went down in history as the first classic aircraft carrier, which had a landing deck for aircraft on board. It was in service with the British Navy. The first descent of the vessel took place in the autumn of 2018. The Argus was damaged in action during World War II, so she was scrapped and has been used as a training ship ever since.

Lexington (USA)

The American aircraft carrier, which in the 20s of the last century bore the proud title of the largest vessel of this class, first went on the water in the fall of 1925. With a total length of 270.6 meters, the width of the aircraft carrier was 39.6 meters. Despite such large dimensions, the Lexington could reach speeds of up to 34 knots. There was enough space on its deck to accommodate 70 aircraft.

The ship participated in the battles for Pearl Harbor, it sank after receiving serious damage in May 1942.

This is the largest aircraft carrier in the history of World War II. The ship was launched in November 1944. On its deck fit 42 aircraft, as well as numerous artillery pieces and 12 unguided anti-aircraft guns. The size of the deck of the ship at that time seemed fantastic - 40 by 256 m.

The fate of the Sinano turned out to be tragic: it sank 17 hours after going to sea as a result of a direct hit on board by 6 American torpedoes.

Not exactly an aircraft carrier, because the Iowa, like 3 other ships designed according to this project, belongs to the class of high-speed ships for surface and underwater battles. The length of the giant is 270 m, 3 aircraft, catapults for their launch and standard artillery pieces were placed on board. The first launch of the ship took place in the summer of 1943.

This American ship was designed in the 40s of the last century; it set off on its first voyage in September 1945. The length of the vessel was 295 meters, but the width of the platform for take-off of aircraft was more than 41 meters. The Midway was equipped with 4 turbines and 12 engines that could accelerate it to 33 knots. The ship was decommissioned in the spring of 1992, and now there is a museum on board.

The aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov" was the only one in the history of our country that was in service with the Russian army. It was built at a shipyard in Nikolaev in Soviet times. The ship was launched unfinished; it passed its first tests in the period from the 88th to the 89th year. Due to numerous shortcomings, the ship was repeatedly returned to the dock, repaired and altered.

Despite a number of flaws, the Admiral Kuznetsov went down in history as one of the largest aircraft carriers. Its length was 302 m, and its width was almost 72 m.

The ship was the last American history an aircraft carrier created as part of the Kitty Hawk project. It was launched into the water in 1968, and written off and transferred to the reserve in 2007.

The ship could fit 80 aircraft, which is not at all surprising with a ship width of 76.8 m and a length of 320.6 m. An interesting fact is that John F. Kennedy participated in the filming of the fantastic blockbuster 2012.

The first such vessel, created to meet the requirements of jet aviation. The ship went on its first voyage in 1955. At that time, it became the largest ship of this type with a length of 325 m and a length of 72.5 m. 90 aircraft fit on board the Forrestal.

Unfortunately, the aircraft carrier was unlucky. Fires broke out on it every now and then, rockets refused to launch and often missed their target. The ship was written off in 1993, and in 2015 it was disposed of.

The last turbocharged aircraft carrier in American history entered service in 1961. There was practically no artillery on board, and 80 aircraft could fit on the deck measuring 326x86 m.

The ship has repeatedly participated in battles, it was withdrawn from the armament of the American army in 2009.

The Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers are the successor to the Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. It is expected that a total of 9-10 new aircraft carriers of this class will be built. These will be the largest and most powerful warships ever built. These aircraft carriers will be the main striking force of the US Navy throughout the 21st century.

The hull design of the Ford class is similar to that of the Nimitz class. The new aircraft carriers will have a smaller, redesigned island, more automated and effective systems observation and control. It will be able to carry an air group of 85 aircraft, helicopters or unmanned aerial vehicles. It will include F-35 JSF and F/A-18E/F, EA-18g, E-2D Advanced electronic warfare aircraft, MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters.

2. Nimitz (USA)

A total of 10 aircraft carriers of this class were built, including 3 from the original design and 7 from the improved design. These were the largest warships of their time. With a nuclear power plant, they can carry 80 aircraft and helicopters, mainly F/A-18E/F, EA-6B Prowlers electronic warfare aircraft, E-2C Hawkeye early warning aircraft and MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters.

The Nimitz class have automated systems self-defense against cruise anti-ship missiles through the integration and coordination of weapons systems and electronic warfare.

3. Admiral Kuznetsov (Russia)

Commissioned by the Russian Navy in 1991, the Admiral Kuznetsov is smaller than American aircraft carriers but carries more powerful offensive weapons.

The absence of a catapult excludes the launch of aircraft with heavy strike weapons. This warship carries about 40 aircraft and helicopters, including the Su-33 and MiG-29K, various versions of the Ka-27 shipborne helicopters.

Admiral Kuznetsov is a heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser, not just an aircraft carrier. It carries a number of offensive weapons, it is worth noting 12 × PU SCRC "Granit".

4. Liaoning (China)

The Varyag was the second Kuznetsov-class ship to come off the stocks in the city of Nikolaev, now in Ukraine. It was laid down in 1985 and launched in 1988, after breaking up Soviet Union funding for the construction of the ship stopped. The unfinished hull was eventually sold to China, where it was restored and refitted.

This aircraft carrier was commissioned by the Chinese Navy in 2012 under the name "Liaoning". "Liaoning" can carry up to 50 aircraft and helicopters. After repairs, the Chinese ship lost all offensive heavy weapons of the Admiral Kuznetsov class. It now only carries short-range defensive weapons.

5. Queen Elizabeth (Great Britain)

Aircraft carriers of the type "Queen Elizabeth" in the amount of 2 ships should be part of Royal Navy of Great Britain by 2020. The first aircraft carrier was laid down in 2009 and is now being completed afloat.

Sistership "Prince of Wales" is planned to be commissioned by 2020. These new aircraft carriers will be the largest warships ever built for the Royal Navy. They will be able to carry more than 40 aircraft and helicopters. Their main armament will be F-35B STOVL aircraft and CH-47 Chinook, Merlin and Lynx Wildcat helicopters.

6. Charles de Gaulle (France)

This is a relatively modern nuclear ship. It entered service with the French Navy in 2001. She is currently the flagship of the French Navy. It is the only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier built outside the United States.

"Charles de Gaulle" can carry more than 40 aircraft and helicopters. The air group consists of 30 Rafale multi-role fighters, there are also E-2C Hawkeye radar warning aircraft, helicopters are represented by SA 365F Dauphin or AS 322 Cougar.

A second ship was planned, but due to a lack of funding, construction never began.

7. Vikramaditya (India)

The Indian Navy is featured in our Top 10 Carriers of the World by the name Vikramaditya, this light aircraft carrier is a modified and refitted former Kyiv-class aircraft carrier. One of the ships of this class, after refitting at Sevmash, was sold to India.

"Vikramaditya" can carry about 30 aircraft and helicopters, including MiG-29KU and MiG-29KUB, Ka-31 helicopters. The maximum air group consists of 30 aircraft and 6 helicopters.

8. Sao Paulo (Brazil)

Sao Paulo is a Clemenceau-class aircraft carrier. It was originally commissioned into the French Navy in 1963, under the name "Foch". The ship was sold to Brazil in 2000 where she became the new flagship of the Brazilian Navy.

Sao Paulo can carry up to 40 planes and helicopters. However, this aircraft carrier currently serves mainly for pilot training. Its offensive capabilities are limited.

9. Cavour, Italy

Cavour is a light aircraft carrier, it was commissioned in 2008. It is currently the new flagship of the Italian Navy. This modern warship is designed to operate V / STOL F-35 aircraft and helicopters, and can serve as a command center.

"Cavour" carries more than 20 aircraft and helicopters. Currently, V-8B Harrier IIs are taking off from it. In the future, they will be replaced by Lockheed Martin F-35B, helicopters are represented by O-101, NH-90 and SH-3D.

It can carry main battle tanks and amphibious vehicles in an aircraft hangar. It also accommodates a regiment of 325 Marines.

10. Chakri Narubet (Thailand)

The aircraft carrier "Chakri Narubet" was built in Spain. It was commissioned by the Royal Thai Navy in 1997.

It can carry about 30 planes and helicopters. The air group includes AV-8S Matador aircraft and S-70B Seahawk, Sea King or CH-47 Chinook helicopters.

However Chakri Naruebet lacks defensive armaments. primary anti-aircraft armament was not installed including an 8-cell VLS launcher for Sea Sparrow missiles and four Vulcan Phalanx CIWS mounts. This vessel is protected by simply Mistral short-range infrared homing missiles.