The guided-missile frigate is a staple of all modern navy powers including the Russian Navy. The service makes use of two primary classes, Project 11356 "Grigorovich" and Project 22350 "Gorshkov". Three of the former are under trials/development/construction while two of the latter have already entered service as of this writing (2018). The latter class is wholly new to the Russian fleet and is expected to number fifteen vessels in all once construction, trials, and entry-into-service are completed. They are completed with stealth features, advanced systems, and processing units and field a formidable array of weaponry to counter most any at-sea threat.
The Gorshkov-class is led by none other than Admiral Gorshkov herself. Her keel was laid down in 2006 and the vessel was launched to sea on October 29th, 2010. She was not commissioned until November of 2017 and is said to be currently (2018) undergoing the requisite trials fro a ship of this type.
Modern frigates are all-purpose, "multi-mission" warships and this is reflected in their inherent capabilities and weapon suite. The Gorshkov displaces 4,550 tons and has an overall length of 442.9 feet, a beam reaching 52.5 feet and a draught measuring 14.8 feet. Power is through a CODAG (COmbined Diesel-And-Gas) which incorporates both diesel and gas units as a fuel-efficiency measure to accomplish cruising and dash actions as needed. There are 2 x 10D49 diesel units outputting 5,200 horsepower for cruising and 2 x M90FR gas turbines outputting 27,500 horsepower for dash actions - totaling 65,000 horsepower of available propulsion. The powerplants feed twin shafts under stern and run the ship out to 20 knot speeds to a range reaching 4,000 nautical miles.
Aboard is a crew of about 210 personnel. A 3-D air-search radar adds a powerful eye on the high seas for searching, tracking, and engaging foes at range. Beyond this are the usual CounterMeasures (CM), Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, sonar, and other fits to maximize crew and ship survivability - whether operating a individually or as part of a task force.
Over the rear of the vessel is a combination helipad-hangar section which can launch and retrieve a Kamov Ka-27 series (or similar) navy helicopter fully-equipped to handle Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and general spotting/reconnaissance roles. Another helicopter can be housed in the full-service hangar component. The helipad also allows the warship to be resupplied at ship or support Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with catapult- or VTOL-launch/retrieval capacities.
Outwardly, Admiral Gorshkov follows traditional lines expected of a stealth frigate. There are few protrusions present along her sides thanks to the angled panels used in her blended hull superstructure. The turreted gun armament is set in its usual place over the forecastle with embedded missiles cells present just aft. A stepped section contains additional Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) housing more missiles. The bridge section overlooks the bow as is typical of warships and its aft-section has an enclosed mast. A combined low-profile smoke funnel is fitted amidships with its hull section joined smoothly to the aft-hull section housing the hangar area and top-mounted systems and sensors.
The armament suite is both conventional and missile-oriented. The turreted main gun is made up of a 130mm Arsenal A-192M series naval gun capable of engaging over three sides of the vessel (bow, port, and starboard). There are 2 x 8-cell UKSK VLS cells supporting the Oniks or Kalibr cruise missile families. Another 4 x 8-cell (32 total) unit supports various Russian anti-aircraft missiles for airspace denial sorties. 2 x Palash Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWSs) provide the ship with a short-ranged counter to inbound aircraft and missiles. Beyond this are 2 x 4-tubed 324mm torpedo launchers and 2 x 14.5mm MPTU (equipped with KPV heavy machine guns) units.
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July 2018 - The Admiral Gorshkov was formally commissioned with the Russian Navy on July 28th, 2018 and is currently in active service with the Northern Fleet.
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