Russian Navy Frigate Will CFRP

Ship "invisible", created by technology "stealth", will be released for testing in November.

The first major naval ships of carbon will be released on sea trials in the Barents Sea by the end of November. This frigate "Admiral Gorshkov", the lead ship of Project 22350. A source in the Main Command of the Navy told "Izvestia" that after testing the ship will enter the 14th brigade of anti-ships of the Northern Fleet. Frigate built on technology "stealth": all external superstructure is made of composite materials that absorb or partially carried out through radio waves themselves, and it provides a cloak from radar.

- This is the first since 1987, a large ship, which was entirely designed and built by domestic capacity, including "Northern Shipyard" in St. Petersburg. Frigate "stealth" project 22350 will replace the large anti-submarine ship, which NATO classified under the symbol "Delete", - told the officer the main command of the Navy.

Opinions were divided on the ship. Naval officers say that carbon fiber is not applicable due to the weakness in comparison with the ship's steel, and they doubt that the suspension will not collapse under the climatic conditions of the North, where high winds, low temperatures and frequent storms. In addition, by launching anti-air missiles and superstructure is subjected to strong heat.

To "Northern Shipyard" on the contrary, believe that carbon fiber than steel by physical parameters. It explained, "Izvestia", which carried out the tests and add individual items showed high strength and resistance to temperature. 

"Gorshkov" was not only the first add-in "stealth", but the latest diesel-gas turbine propulsion system. It is economical, provides better acceleration capabilities. Another frigate has a lot of modern electronics, which is not on existing ships. This is its strength and weakness at the same time as there are no trained specialists. Representative of the high command of the Navy and a number of officers of the Northern Fleet said that the crew form without extensive training on land impossible. 

Chairman of the Duma Defense Committee Vladimir Komoedov, former commander of the Black Sea Fleet, has no fear of composite materials.

- Recently, I was at the factory, which produces carbon fiber nozzles for rockets. He holds the high temperatures and dynamic loads. CFRP allows all times, which means he needs a ship. Introduction of a new pennant to the fleet - in any case good news - said the deputy "News".

Chief Editor of "The Rise" Vladimir Shcherbakov said that while it is not clear how to behave during the operation of carbon fiber, especially in combat.

- Composite materials are now used everywhere. Ground testing of individual parts of the ship, and in theoretical calculations fine. But since it was already with aluminum 1980 - the war in the Falklands showed that the ships of aluminum strongly lit. And later from aluminum superstructures in many fleets refused - he said.

Military historian Dmitry Boltenkov questioned elsewhere: 

- Should I call in honor of Admiral Sergei Gorshkov much for Navy frigate displacement of only 4.5 tons? Before his name had aircraft carrier for 45 tons (now Indian "Vikramatditya"). Would call the "Admiral Gorshkov" boat project "Borey". 

Frigate "Invisible" was founded in February 2006, "Northern shipyard", was launched in October 2010. He is armed with a 130-mm gun mounts, 16 anti-ship missiles "Onyx" and 16 anti-submarine missiles "Caliber-NCE." To protect against air attacks have SAM "Polymer-Redoute," and to fight submarines - the Ka-27.