In the panorama of naval power of Russia, boats that are able to effectively counter the underwater threat play a special role. Large anti-submarine boat "Vice-Admiral Kulakov" The boat, which is the brightest representative of Project 1155, which Western analysts classify as destroyer squadrons, has traveled a long and challenging journey from Soviet shipyards to modern modernizations, remaining in service for more than three decades.
The fate of this boat is inextricably linked with the history of domestic shipbuilding of the late XX century, laid down at the legendary plant "Severnaya Verf" in Leningrad, it was launched in 1985, becoming the second boat in its series. BPC "Vice Admiral Kulakov" It was created as a universal combat unit capable not only to destroy submarines of a potential enemy, but also to protect surface boats, as well as to strike missile and bomb attacks on ground targets.
Over the years, the boat has repeatedly changed its home ports, participated in long-distance campaigns and international exercises, and is named after the outstanding Soviet military commander, twice Hero of the Soviet Union, Admiral Nikolai Gerasimovich Kulakov, under his name the boat is on watch in the Far East, being one of the flagships. Pacific Fleet And showing the Russian flag in the waters of the Indian and Pacific oceans.
History and architectural features of the project 1155
Project 1155 was developed at the Northern Design Bureau in Leningrad with the aim of creating a specialized long-range anti-submarine boat, unlike its predecessors, which often combined the functions of missile cruisers. 1155 The boat's architecture was dictated by the need to house a powerful sonar complex and a variety of anti-submarine weapons.
The boat’s hull is made of special steel grades with an increased yield limit, which allowed to reduce the weight of the structure while maintaining strength. Vice Admiral Kulakov It has a semi-bath architecture with a developed superstructure divided into two tiers to reduce radar visibility, although by modern standards its silhouette is still quite noticeable, an important feature was the system of active pitching calming, allowing effective use of weapons even in stormy conditions.
The boat's power plant was a gas turbine, a revolutionary step for the Soviet Navy at the time, providing high speed and fast entry into combat mode. However, gas turbines require high-quality fuel and complex maintenance, which imposes its limitations on the logistics of basing, but for rapid response in the ocean zone, this solution was optimal.
The design focused on crew habitability, and in long-duration autonomous voyages in tropical latitudes, this is critical. Air conditioning systems The ventilation and layout of the living quarters have been improved compared to previous projects, which has reduced the fatigue of the personnel.
Technical specifications and power plant
The size of the boat allows you to classify it as a large combat unit of the ocean zone. BPC "Vice Admiral Kulakov" It's about 7,500 tons, which is comparable to the Arleigh Burke destroyers, which are 163.5 meters long and 19 meters wide, and provide the seaworthiness and stability of the radio platform.
The boat's main power plant is a gas turbine, a train-type, which consists of two gas turbines and two afterburners, with a total power of 120,000 horsepower, which allows the boat to reach a full speed of 35 knots, which is an outstanding indicator for a boat of such displacement, and a cruise speed that is economical for long-distance crossings is about 18 knots.
The cruising speed range is 8,000 miles, which allows for Pacific Fleet It uses a boat to patrol vast areas without frequent port calls, with 30 days of autonomy in food and water supplies, and diesel generators that provide independent power to the boat's systems are used to generate electricity.
The gas turbine unit requires warming up before going full speed, which takes a certain time, unlike diesel analogues, ready to work almost instantly.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement total | 7500 tons | Standard ~6200 t |
| Longest length | 163.5 m | Waterline 149 m |
| Width | 19m | Excluding fairings |
| Speed's full. | 35 knots | ~64 km/h |
| Range of navigation | 8,000 miles | At 18 knots. |
Armament: shock power and anti-submarine complex
The boat's main specialization is anti-submarine warfare, and it's equipped with a powerful array of weapons. "Waterfall" (or modification thereof) "The Wind"The boat also carries two twin launchers, the RBU-6000 and RBU-1000, designed to fire depth bombs at various distances.
To destroy surface targets and coastal infrastructure, the boat is equipped with a missile system "Uranus." (or earlier, Malachite, depending on the period of modernization), which allows it to act as a strike boat, threatening carrier groups or enemy convoys. "Dagger." or "Cortic" In some versions), as well as artillery installations AK-630M.
The artillery is represented by a twin 100mm AK-100 artillery mount, designed to engage lightly armored surface targets, as well as to fire at air targets and shell shore. In today’s environment, when the likelihood of an artillery duel is minimal, its role has shifted to supporting amphibious operations and destroying pirate boats.
The secret hydroacoustic weapon
The boat is equipped with a powerful towed sonar station "Zeus-2", which allows you to detect low-noise submarines at distances inaccessible to conventional sonar.
Torpedo armament is complemented by five-pipe 533 mm torpedo tubes that can be used to launch both standard torpedoes and anti-submarine missiles. BPC "Vice Admiral Kulakov" A versatile fighter who can adapt to any tactical situation.
Radar and navigation equipment
The effectiveness of the weapon depends on the ability to detect targets. Frigate-M. This system is capable of detecting air targets at ranges of up to 300 kilometers and tracking dozens of objects simultaneously, and the antenna post is located on the fork mast and has the characteristic appearance of a "comb".
Navigation support is provided by a range of radio navigation instruments, including GPS/GLONASS receivers, radar navigation stations and sonars, with special emphasis on communications systems that allow the boat to communicate with aviation, other squadron boats and coastal command centers.
⚠️ Attention: The radar visibility of the Project 1155 remains high due to the angular shape of the superstructure, which requires careful route planning and natural interference in modern anti-radar missile warfare.
The hydroacoustic complex is the heart of the boat, and in addition to being towed, the boat has a squid station that operates in different frequency bands, which allows submarine search both on the go and on the berth, creating a complete acoustic picture of the surrounding space.
Modernization and extension of service life
By the mid-2010s, the boat's hull and machinery were reaching their limits, but the decision was made not to write off the legend, but to carry out a deep modernization, the work was carried out at the shipyard in Dalnegorsk, the main goal was to extend the service life of another 10-15 years and upgrade weapons systems.
The gas turbine engines were replaced, a highly complex and costly procedure, and communications, navigation and radar detection systems were upgraded. Missiles The boat was adapted to modern models, which allowed to preserve the combat value of the boat in the changing geopolitical situation.
☑️ Stages of BPC modernization
An important aspect of the upgrade was improved habitability, replaced ventilation systems, upgraded living quarters and galleys, which allowed the crew to carry out service with greater comfort, which directly affects combat readiness, and after completion of work, the boat successfully passed sea trials and returned to service.
Operational application and exercises
BPC "Vice Admiral Kulakov" The boat is a regular Pacific Fleet driller, practising search and destruction of conventional submarines, escorting carrier groups and escorting civilian vessels, and its presence in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk is an important deterrent.
The boat served as part of the Russian Navy’s permanent operational units in the far ocean, visited ports in the Asia-Pacific region, serving as a military and political presence, during which the crew demonstrates high professional skill and readiness for tasks of any complexity.
The exercise focuses on maritime engagement, which involves joint submarine search, where the boat acts as a command and target platform for anti-submarine aircraft and helicopters, and greatly enhances search efficiency.
BPC "Vice-Admiral Kulakov" remains one of the few boats of the 1st rank of the Pacific Fleet, capable of independently solving the tasks of the PLO in the ocean zone without the support of aircraft carriers.
Prospects and Role in the Modern Navy
Despite its age, the boat continues to serve, and in the face of a shortage of new boats of the 1st rank, veterans such as the United States Navy have been able to maintain their service. 1155Their operational experience and proven reliability make them indispensable for routine but important patrol tasks.
In the future, with the arrival of the Project 22350 frigates and Project 20380 corvettes, the role of large anti-submarine boats may change, they may be transferred to the category of training or reserve, or undergo another, deeper modernization with the installation of the Kalibr or Onyx missile systems in large numbers.
⚠️ Attention: Operation of gas turbines in the Pacific Ocean requires constant monitoring of salt deposits in turbine compressors, which is a critical factor in engine reliability.
Bye. BPC "Vice Admiral Kulakov" The fleet continues to traverse the oceans, maintaining its status as a key unit of the fleet, and its history is the history of the development of domestic shipbuilding, and the current service proves that with proper care and modernization, equipment can serve for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum speed of the VPC "Vice Admiral Kulakov"?
The full speed of the boat is 35 knots (about 64 km / h), however, in cruising mode, to save the life of the turbines, the speed usually does not exceed 18-20 knots.
Where is the boat currently based?
The boat's main base is in the town of Fokino (Krasheninnikov Bay), where the Pacific Fleet is based, and from there it goes on long-distance hikes and exercises.
Is it planned to install the Kalibr complex on this boat?
The upgrade with new missile systems is under discussion, but the boat currently carries standard weapons for the Project 1155, and a major overhaul for the new missiles requires significant financial investment.
How many people are on the crew of the boat?
The staffing of the BOD project 1155 is about 290-300 people, including officers, midshipmen and sailors of conscript and contract service.