As any battlecruiser was only as good as her armament and processing systems, the Kirov did not disappoint. In the latter, the Kirov was outfitted with several systems making up her sensors, tracking and engagement suites. This included the Voshkod MR-800 series 3D search radar mounted at the foremast and the Fregat MR-710 series 3D search radar along the main mast. 2 x Palm Front navigational radars were set at the foremast while 2 x domes contained the fire control systems for the SA-N-6 surface-to-air missile defense systems. Similarly, 2 x Eye Bowl installations managed the SA-N-4 missile battery. AK-360 Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) control was governed through 2 x Bass Tilt systems. The Kirov was also out-fitted with all-important sonar arrays in the Horse Jaw LF sonar system installed in the hull and the variable depth sonar system through the Horse Tail installation.
In terms of armament, the Kirov was laden with cannon and missile armament to deal with a variety of modern threats at sea (or over it). 20 x P-700 "Granit" (SS-N-19 "Shipwreck") missiles served as anti-submarine/anti-ship weapons while 14 x SS-N-14 "Silex" cruise missiles could be carried to deal with inland targets. A total of 96 S-300PMU "Favorit" (SA-N-6 "Grumble") missiles protected the vessel from incoming aerial threats as did the 44 x OSA-MA PD (SA-N-4 "Gecko") anti-aircraft missiles. 2 x RBU-12000 (Udav-1) rocket launchers were added for attacking enemy submarines. 2 x 100mm AK-100 dual-purpose (DP) deck guns were provided for a more conventional approach to dealing with enemy surface threats or assisting in offshore bombardment of inland targets. For added measure against submarines and surface ships, the vessel was given 10 x 533mm torpedo tubes. Close-in defense was handled by 8 x 30mm AK-630 Gatling-type digitally-controlled cannon emplacements.
For over-the-horizon support (and anti-ship/sub-hunting sorties), the Kirov featured a stern-mounted flight deck for the launching and retrieval of navalized helicopters. The Kirov therefore supported up to 3 x Kamov Ka-27 "Helix" or Kamov Ka-25 "Hormone" series helicopters for the roles while full-service facilities were provided through a lower-deck hangar level.
After commissioning, the Kirov served in typical patrolling/deterrent roles for a bulk of her service career leading to the Soviet collapse. In 1990, she was stricken with an accident at her reactor propulsion system which crippled her severely. Defense cuts following the fall of the Soviet Empire led to her being stripped of much of her useful parts to help keep her sister ships afloat. Intended for the scrapman's torch, the hulk was saved through an endeavor that attempted to see the ship brought back for formal service - perhaps more in line with the guided-missile cruiser types fielded by the United States Navy. However, this seems to be a changing situation even into November 2013 which may alter the course of events for the Kirov/Admiral Ushakov.
The new Admiral Ushakov carries the name of Russian Admiral Fyodor Fyodorovich Ushakov (1745-1817) who sailed in the 18th Century for the Russian Empire and served during the Russo-Turkish Wars of 1768-1774 and 1787-1792.
April 2018 - The battlecruiser was in reserve since 1990. It is laid-up with plans to be scrapped.
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