Kirov Class Battlecruiser
The Kirov-class battlecruiser is a class of nuclear-powered military ships of the Russian Navy, the largest and heaviest surface combatant warships (i.e., not an aircraft carrier, amphibious assault ship, or submarine) currently in active operation in the world. Among modern warships, they are second in size only to large aircraft carriers, and of similar size to a World War I-era battleship. The official designation of the ship-type is heavy nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser, but because of their size and general appearance, the ships are sometimes referred to as battlecruisers in western media.
Originally built for the Soviet Navy, the class is named for the first of a series of 4 ships to be constructed, the Kirov, which was renamed Admiral Ushakov in 1992. Original plans called for the construction of 5 ships, however the last was cancelled. In Russia this class of ship is usually referred to by the designation Project 1144 Orlan (sea eagle). Only the Pyotr Velikiy is still operational, but Russia plans to reactivate the remaining three vessels by 2020.
The appearance of the Kirov class played a key role in the recommissioning of the Iowa-class battleships by the United States Navy in the 1980s.
The Kirov hull design also was used for the nuclear-powered SSV-33 command ship Ural.
Read more about Kirov Class Battlecruiser: Deployment, Armament, Fire Control, Units
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