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From: tighe@convex.com (Mike Tighe)
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: Re: USSR Carriers
Message-ID: <1991Jun15.021647.421@amd.com>
Date: 14 Jun 91 16:41:42 GMT
References: <1991Jun10.022944.11392@amd.com> <1991Jun12.012744.25685@amd.com> <1991Jun13.055755.23966@amd.com>
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From: tighe@convex.com (Mike Tighe)


cpjrc@groper.jcu.edu.au (Jarrod R Camp) writes:
> A friend has just told me about a new Russian carrier which carries Su-
> 27's, and dosen't use a catapult, but a large ski-ramp! Could someone out
> there provide a bit more info on this subject?
 
I have not heard anything new on this subject for a while now, so what
is in actual service right now may be different than what was initially
tested.

As I recall, the Tbilisi carrier went to sea and had quals with a
modified MiG-29 in late 1989. Modifications to the MiG-29 included a
tailhook (no kidding) strengthed landing gear, folding wings, and the
removal of the intake doors. One thing that was not available on that
MiG-29, was aerial re-fueling capability. This will probably come
eventually (if not by now), since the range of the MiG-29 is not that
great, and is reduced even further with a full AB takeoff.

As for the Tbilisi, it has four arresting wires, and it appeared the
test pilot tried to catch the first one every time. Takeoffs were
accomplished by starting at the end of the deck, putting it in full AB,
and letting it rip. No catapults were used, nor do I believe they
existed on this carrier.  Therefore, they could not perform landings
and takeoffs simultaneously. As far as I know, there were no accidents
during that initial testing.

As for their new class of carrier I believe it will be nuclear powered,
with catapults, around 80,000 tons (Tbilisi is around 65,000). The
first of these should be entering service RSN. Pictures of it were
published in Janes, and Deep Black (Burrows).

I would be interested to know if they are now using the Su-27 on their
aircraft carriers, if they have aerial refueling capability, and when
the new carrier will be put to sea.

-- 
Mike Tighe, Internet: tighe@convex.com, Voice: (214) 497-4206