catamaran aircraft carrier concept

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Russian Future Semi-catamaran Aircraft Carrier gets New Design Concept

• 09:44 AM, October 3, 2018

Russia’s Krylov State Research Center (KSRC) has devised a new design concept for its future semi-catamaran aircraft carrier.

The model of a future non-nuclear multirole aircraft carrier was presented for the first time at the Army-2018 forum in August this year. "The semi-catamaran design of the ship’s underwater part is the project’s key distinguishing feature," KSRC spokesperson was quoted as saying by TASS on Wednesday.

The proposed project has no name yet. Normally catamarans have two parallel hulls and a superstructure platform connecting them. The proposed semi-catamaran hull will resemble a dovetail, bifurcating toward the stern.

The new design pattern’s main advantage was a large flight deck (as wide as that of heavy aircraft carriers) and smaller displacement. The flight deck area is a crucial factor for the number of planes the ship can carry, the spokesperson said.

"An average displacement ship is capable of carrying a full-scale air wing," he added.

No V-shape hull aircraft carriers have been built so far.

The Krylov Center said the proposed aircraft carrier’s water displacement will be 44,000 tonnes, length - 304 meters, deck width - 78 meters, draught - 8.5 meters, full speed - 28 knots, and cruising range - 8,000 miles. The ship’s air wing will consist of 46 aircraft: 12-14 Sukhoi-33 fighters, 12-14 MiG-29K/KUB fighters, four early warning and command aircraft and 12-14 Ka-27 helicopters.

Russia’s only medium class aircraft carrier The Admiral Kuznetsov having a far greater displacement (59,000 tonnes) carries the same air group - up to 52 planes and helicopters.

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Russia's ship design bureau comes up with catamaran aircraft carrier concept

MOSCOW, October 2. /TASS/. The Krylov State Research Center has come up with a fundamentally new design concept of what may become Russia’s future semi-catamaran aircraft carrier, the center’s spokesman told TASS.

The model of a future non-nuclear multirole aircraft carrier was presented for the first time at the Army-2018 forum at the end of August. The proposed project has no name yet.

"The semi-catamaran design of the ship’s underwater part is the project’s key distinguishing feature," the spokesman said.

Normally catamarans have two parallel hulls and a superstructure platform connecting them. The proposed semi-catamaran hull will resemble a dovetail, bifurcating toward the stern.

The company’s spokesman said the new design pattern’s main advantage was a large flight deck (as wide as that of heavy aircraft carriers) and smaller displacement. The flight deck area is a crucial factor for the number of planes the ship can carry.

"An average displacement ship is capable of carrying a full-scale air wing," the specialist said.

No V-shape hull aircraft carriers have been built so far.

The Krylov Center said the proposed aircraft carrier’s water displacement will be 44,000 tonnes, length - 304 meters, deck width - 78 meters, draught - 8.5 meters, full speed - 28 knots, and cruising range - 8,000 miles. The ship’s air wing will consist of 46 aircraft: 12-14 Sukhoi-33 fighters, 12-14 MiG-29K/KUB fighters, four early warning and command aircraft and 12-14 Ka-27 helicopters.

Russia’s only medium class aircraft carrier The Admiral Kuznetsov having a far greater displacement (59,000 tonnes) carries the same air group - up to 52 planes and helicopters.

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Russia's Krylov Light Aircraft Carrier Project Features Semi-Catamaran Hull Design .

The underwater part of the light aircraft carrier features a semi-catamaran hull which is the major distinction of the project designed by the Krylov Scientific Center, a representative of the organization told TASS.

" The project is distinguished by the underwater part of a semi-catamaran form. Catamaran actually means two hulls united by a platform. It has a wide deck which is important for an aircraft carrier. The design adds flight deck space on which the number of aircraft depends. As a result, a medium-displacement ship can carry a full-fledged air wing, " he said.

Such a design has never been used for aircraft carriers. " The zest of the carrier is below the waterline, " the representative said.

A model of the future aircraft carrier was presented for the first time at Army-2018 forum. The warship is designed to maintain combat sustainability of navy forces and groups in blue and green waters by providing air and missile defense and destroying air, surface, underwater and coastal targets.

Standard displacement is 37000 tons, the normal one is 40500 tons, and full displacement is 44000 tons. The length is 304 meters (260 by construction waterline), the width is 78 meters (38) and the draft is 8.5 meters. Full speed is 28 knots, economical is 16 knots. Cruising range at 16 knots is 8000 miles, expandable endurance is 60 days. Aircraft engagement seaworthiness is force seven. The main power plant is a two-shaft gas turbine with a partial electric propulsion and a capacity of 81000 KW or 110000 HP. The electric system comprises three generators with a total capacity of 32MW (6.3 KV/50Hz).

The armaments comprise four air defense Pantsir-ME missile guns with target detection stations. Antitorpedo defense is ensured by four 324mm launchers. The ship can carry four rocket-assisted bomb launchers, active and passive electronic warfare means.

On-deck air wing comprises 46 flying craft, including 12-14 Su-33, 12-14 MiG-39K/KUB, four airborne early warning aircraft, 12-14 Ka-27 helicopters. The stocks of air weapons are up to 600 tons and aircraft kerosene - 2000 tons.

© Copyright 2018 TASS. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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RUSSIAN FUTURE SEMI-CATAMARAN AIRCRAFT CARRIER GETS NEW DESIGN CONCEPT

Source: Defense World

Russia’s Krylov State Research Center (KSRC) has devised a new design concept for its future semi-catamaran aircraft carrier.

The model of a future non-nuclear multirole aircraft carrier was presented for the first time at the Army-2018 forum in August this year. “The semi-catamaran design of the ship’s underwater part is the project’s key distinguishing feature,” KSRC spokesperson was quoted as saying by TASS on Wednesday.

Read more at: http://www.defenseworld.net/news/23461/Russian_Future_Semi_catamaran_Aircraft_Carrier_gets_New_Design_Concept#.W7TYiBG_yUk

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Russia is proposing a revolutionary catamaran carrier

By Logan Nye

Updated on Oct 30, 2020 1:00 PM PDT

Russia — the country that’s failed to build its super carrier and any meaningful amount of its newest jets or tanks — is now claiming that it’s going to build the world’s first catamaran aircraft carrier, a vessel that would carry an air wing while suffering less drag and costing less than other carriers.

While this effort will likely suffer from the same problems that prevented the construction of the super carrier, it’s still a revolutionary design that’s generating a lot of buzz.

The U.S. has purchased and leased some catamaran ships, but nothing nearly the size of the proposed Russian aircraft carrier. The HSV 2 in the photo has a displacement of less than 5 percent the size of the Russian design.

(U.S. Navy)

So, first, let’s explore the highlights. Catamarans are multi-hulled vessels with the hulls in parallel. If you’re unfamiliar, that basically means that if you look at the vessel from the front, you can see a gap right down the middle of the hull near the waterline. The Russian vessel would be a semi-catamaran , so there would be a gap, but it would be beneath the waterline.

This greatly reduces drag and makes the vessel more stable while turning, but also reduces the amount of space below the waterline for aircraft storage, living spaces, and so forth.

The proposed design would be a 40,000 to 45,000-ton displacement ship , similar to American Landing Helicopter Assault ships , vessels that would’ve been called escort carriers in World War II. This puts it at a fraction of the size of America’s Ford-class carriers, which displace nearly 100,000 tons.

Russia’s only current carrier is the Admiral Kuznetsov, and it’s less than impressive.

(U.S. Defense Department)

But it would still carry a healthy complement of aircraft, up to 46 , including early warning aircraft and helicopters. That’s a far cry from the Ford’s 75 aircraft, but a pretty nice upgrade over the LHAs’ 30+ aircraft.

The catamaran would have an 8,000-mile endurance, anti-torpedo and anti-aircraft defenses, electronic warfare systems, and four bomb launchers.

All-in-all, that could make for an effective and affordable aircraft carrier. So, will Russia be able to crank this ship out, maybe clone it a couple of times, and become the effective master of the seas?

Russia: Mistral replacement? Storm Supercarrier model unveiled in St Petersburg

www.youtube.com

Well, no. Almost certainly not. First, Russia has the same spending problem it had when it threw a hissy fit after France cancelled the delivery of two Mistral-class amphibious assault ships. Russia responded with designs for the Storm Supercarrier , a ship larger than America’s Ford-class.

Most defense experts at the time weren’t very worried, and we shouldn’t be now. Russia has few personnel with experience building ships of this size. That’s actually why they wanted to buy the Mistral class in the first place — and the Mistral is half the size of this proposed catamaran.

The Soviet Union constructed the bulk of its ships in areas that broke away when the Soviet Union collapsed. Many were built in Ukraine, which now has a troubled relationship with Russia (to put it mildly). Russia lacks the facilities and personnel for such construction.

The PAK-FA/Su-57 is seemingly a capable fighter despite issues with its engines and other developmental hangups, but Russia simply can’t afford to buy them, or to buy a catamaran carrier.

Infographic from Anton Egorov of Infographicposter.com

And then there’s the money. Russia designed a reasonably modern and well-received tank in the T-14 and a good fighter in the PAK-FA, but they couldn’t build many of them because oil, currently, is way too cheap. Russia’s economy is relatively small — actually smaller than that of Texas or California — and it’s heavily reliant on oil sales.

And then there are the glaring flaws of the design. While the catamaran has the advantages mentioned above, it would have serious trouble moving in rough seas, as catamarans have a tendency to dig their bows into waves in rough conditions — and taking waves from the side would likely be even worse.

Someone may build a catamaran carrier one day, but it won’t be Russia. So, for now, just check out the model and think about how cool it is . But don’t expect to see this thing at sea. Russia will have to just keep making due with the leaky, poop-filled, unreliable Admiral Kuznetsov .

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Russia is building the world’s first catamaran aircraft carrier.

October 21, 2018 Videos 37,761 Views

Russia’s light aircraft carrier will feature a semi-catamaran hull, a representative of the Krylov Scientific Center told Russian news agency TASS (see the translation and a model of the design here).

“The project is distinguished by the underwater part of a semi-catamaran form,” he said. “Catamaran actually means two hulls united by a platform. It has a wide deck which is important for an aircraft carrier. The design adds flight deck space on which the number of aircraft depends. As a result, a medium-displacement ship can carry a full-fledged air wing.”

“The essence of the carrier is below the waterline,” he added.

List of Top 10 Biggest aircraft carriers in service

The light carrier will displace about 40,000 to 45,000 tons, according to  TASS . That’s less than half the displacement of a U.S. Ford-class carrier.

It will be about 1,000-feet long, with a maximum speed of 28 knots using gas-turbine propulsion and an at-sea endurance of 60 days.

The vessel will carry an air wing of 24 to 28 Su-33 and MiG-29K), four airborne early warning aircraft and about a dozen Ka-27 helicopters. Again, that’s about half the air complement of a U.S. aircraft carrier.

The ship will be armed with Pantsir-ME anti-aircraft missiles, as well as anti-submarine weapons and electronic warfare equipment.

TASS describes the light carrier’s mission as maintaining “combat sustainability of navy forces and groups in blue and green [coastal] waters by providing air and missile defense and destroying air, surface, underwater and coastal targets.”

Read Full Article:  nationalinterest.org

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Understanding The Concept Of A Catamaran Aircraft Carrier

• Last updated Mar 13, 2024
• Difficulty Advanced

• Category General aircraft

A catamaran aircraft carrier is a revolutionary and unique concept in naval engineering. This type of aircraft carrier uses a catamaran hull design, which consists of two parallel hulls connected by a deck. This design offers several advantages over traditional aircraft carriers, such as increased stability, maneuverability, and deck space. Moreover, the catamaran hull design allows for a greater speed and fuel efficiency, making it an attractive option for modern naval operations. With its sleek and innovative design, the catamaran aircraft carrier is set to revolutionize naval warfare and reshape the capabilities of naval forces around the world.

What You'll Learn

How does a catamaran aircraft carrier differ from a traditional aircraft carrier design, what are the advantages and disadvantages of using a catamaran design for an aircraft carrier, how does the stability of a catamaran aircraft carrier compare to a traditional aircraft carrier, can a catamaran aircraft carrier accommodate the same number and type of aircraft as a traditional carrier, what are some notable examples of catamaran aircraft carriers that have been built or planned in the past.

When it comes to naval warfare, aircraft carriers play a crucial role in projecting air power and controlling the seas. Traditionally, aircraft carriers have followed a similar design, with a large, single hull to support the flight deck and house the various compartments required for operations.

However, in recent years, a new design concept has emerged: the catamaran aircraft carrier. This innovative design differs from the traditional aircraft carrier in several ways, offering potential advantages in terms of stability, speed, and cost-effectiveness.

The primary difference between a catamaran aircraft carrier and a traditional design is the hull structure. While a traditional aircraft carrier has a single, monohull design, a catamaran carrier features two parallel hulls connected by a deck structure. This double hull arrangement provides increased stability, especially in rough seas, by distributing the weight of the carrier across a larger area.

The increased stability offered by the catamaran design has the potential to enhance the operations and capabilities of the aircraft carrier. The flight deck, which is positioned on top of the connecting deck structure between the hulls, can maintain a more even and stable platform for aircraft takeoff and landing. This is particularly advantageous for larger, heavier aircraft that require a stable surface for safe operations.

Furthermore, the catamaran design can also provide a higher top speed compared to traditional aircraft carriers. The two hulls can create less drag and reduce water resistance, allowing the carrier to achieve faster speeds with the same propulsion power. This increased speed can be critical for rapid responses and maneuverability during combat situations.

In addition to its stability and speed advantages, a catamaran aircraft carrier may also offer cost-effectiveness in terms of construction and maintenance. The double hull structure can be more straightforward to build, requiring less material and labor compared to a traditional carrier. Additionally, the parallel hulls can offer more space for compartmentalization, potentially reducing the need for bulky internal structures.

Despite these potential advantages, it is important to note that catamaran aircraft carriers are still a relatively new concept, and their actual performance and operational capabilities are yet to be fully tested and evaluated. The stability and speed advantages may come at the expense of other factors, such as maneuverability and payload capacity. Additionally, the construction and maintenance costs may vary depending on the specific design and materials used.

Overall, the catamaran aircraft carrier design offers a unique approach to naval aviation and has the potential to provide enhanced stability, speed, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional designs. However, more research and testing are needed to determine the feasibility and practicality of this concept in real-world combat scenarios.

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Catamaran Design for Aircraft Carriers: Advantages and Disadvantages

Aircraft carriers are essential elements of naval warfare, providing a mobile base for launching and recovering aircraft. Traditionally, aircraft carriers have been designed using a monohull configuration, but there has been growing interest in exploring alternative hull designs such as the catamaran. A catamaran design features two parallel hulls connected by a deck, offering unique advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a catamaran design for an aircraft carrier.

Advantages:

• Stability: One of the key advantages of a catamaran design is its exceptional stability. The twin hulls provide a significantly larger base area compared to a monohull, resulting in improved stability and reduced rolling motion in rough seas. This enhanced stability allows for smoother operations, especially during takeoff and landing of aircraft, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Increased Deck Area: The catamaran design offers a larger deck area compared to a monohull of similar length. This increased deck space can accommodate more aircraft, allowing for a higher number of sorties during operations. The larger deck area also enables simultaneous takeoff and landing operations, enhancing the overall efficiency and capability of the aircraft carrier.
• Redundancy and Damage Control: The dual hull configuration provides redundancy, which is advantageous in terms of damage control. In the event of a collision or damage to one hull, the other hull can continue operational activities, ensuring continuity of mission capabilities. This redundancy reduces the vulnerability of the aircraft carrier and enhances its survivability in combat scenarios.

Disadvantages:

• Increased Draft: A catamaran design typically has a larger draft than a monohull. The increased draft restricts the capability of the catamaran aircraft carrier to operate in shallow waters, limiting its access to certain areas and potential mission scenarios. This limitation may be a significant disadvantage in certain regions where shallow waters are prevalent.
• Maneuverability: The dual hull configuration of a catamaran aircraft carrier may affect its maneuverability. The wider stance of the twin hulls increases the turning radius and reduces the agility of the ship. This limitation can impact the ability of the aircraft carrier to navigate in confined areas or participate in complex naval maneuvers.
• Cost and Construction: Building an aircraft carrier utilizing a catamaran design can be more expensive and challenging compared to a monohull design. The construction process, including the integration of two separate hulls, requires additional engineering and manufacturing effort, leading to increased costs. Moreover, the specialization and training required to operate and maintain a catamaran aircraft carrier may also add to the overall expenses.

In conclusion, the catamaran design for aircraft carriers offers several advantages such as increased stability, larger deck space, and redundancy. However, it also presents disadvantages including increased draft, reduced maneuverability, and higher construction costs. When considering the implementation of a catamaran design for an aircraft carrier, a careful evaluation of the specific mission requirements and the operational environment is essential. A comprehensive analysis of these factors will help determine whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks and whether a catamaran design is the optimal choice for an aircraft carrier.

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Catamaran aircraft carriers have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their stability and versatility. Unlike traditional aircraft carriers, which have a single hull, catamaran aircraft carriers have multiple hulls or pontoons that provide increased stability and reduce the pitch and roll motions experienced by the ship.

The stability of a catamaran aircraft carrier is largely due to its design. With two or more hulls rather than one, the ship can distribute the weight of the aircraft and other equipment more evenly along its length, resulting in a lower center of gravity. This lower center of gravity helps to prevent the ship from capsizing or rolling excessively in rough seas.

In comparison, traditional aircraft carriers rely on a single hull design, which can make them more prone to rolling and pitching in heavy seas. This is because the weight of the aircraft and other equipment is concentrated in a smaller area, resulting in a higher center of gravity. As a result, traditional carriers may experience more dramatic motions in rough seas, which can be both uncomfortable for the crew and potentially impair flight operations.

To further enhance stability, catamaran aircraft carriers often incorporate advanced stabilization systems. These systems use sensors and computer algorithms to continuously adjust the position and angle of the pontoons, making small corrections to counteract the motion of the waves. This helps to maintain a smooth and stable platform for flight operations, reducing the risk of accidents and improving the overall efficiency of the carrier.

One example of a catamaran aircraft carrier is the USS Independence, which is part of the United States Navy's fleet of Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). The USS Independence features two pontoons that provide excellent stability and maneuverability, even in high seas. The ship's stability is further enhanced by its advanced stabilization systems, which allow it to operate effectively in a wide range of sea conditions.

In addition to their superior stability, catamaran aircraft carriers also offer other advantages over traditional carriers. The increased deck space provided by the multiple hulls allows for a larger flight deck and more efficient use of space for aircraft and equipment storage. This can result in improved operational flexibility and the ability to support a wider range of aircraft and missions.

Furthermore, the multiple hull design of catamaran aircraft carriers can also provide increased survivability in the event of damage. If one hull is damaged or compromised, the remaining hulls can still provide buoyancy and stability, allowing the ship to continue operations and return safely to port.

In conclusion, the stability of a catamaran aircraft carrier is significantly improved compared to a traditional carrier. The multiple hull design, lower center of gravity, and advanced stabilization systems all contribute to a more stable and comfortable platform for flight operations. These advantages make catamaran aircraft carriers an attractive option for naval forces around the world, offering enhanced operational capabilities and improved survivability.

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Catamaran aircraft carriers, also known as "sea bases," are a relatively new concept in naval aviation. Unlike traditional aircraft carriers, which have a single hull design, catamaran carriers have two parallel hulls connected by a strong deck structure. This unique design offers several advantages in terms of stability, speed, and flexibility, but can it accommodate the same number and type of aircraft as a traditional carrier?

To answer this question, we need to understand the key limitations and capabilities of catamaran carriers. One of the main advantages of the catamaran design is its increased stability. The wide base provided by the parallel hulls minimizes the pitch and roll of the vessel, allowing for more stable operations in rough seas. This enhanced stability means that catamarans can potentially support larger and heavier aircraft compared to traditional carriers.

Additionally, the two-hull structure of a catamaran carrier can provide more deck space for aircraft operations. This additional space allows for increased aircraft parking and movement, reducing the likelihood of accidents and collisions during flight operations. Furthermore, the deck can be designed to accommodate various aircraft configurations, including fixed-wing planes, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This flexibility makes catamaran carriers highly adaptable to changing mission requirements.

However, there are some potential limitations to consider. The overall size of a catamaran carrier may be slightly smaller than a traditional carrier due to the complex hull design. This could affect the number of aircraft that can be accommodated and the size of the aircraft that can be operated. Nonetheless, advancements in engineering and design techniques can mitigate this limitation to a certain extent.

Another factor to consider is the deck layout and configuration. The unique design of catamaran carriers allows for the integration of multiple flight deck sections, allowing for simultaneous takeoffs and landings. This can significantly increase the effectiveness and efficiency of air operations. Additionally, the increased deck space can also be utilized for additional features such as hangars, maintenance facilities, and even secondary runways for UAV operations.

In terms of aircraft type, catamaran carriers are not limited to any specific type of aircraft. They can accommodate various aircraft ranging from fighter jets and bombers to surveillance planes and helicopters. The adaptability of the deck design allows for rapid reconfiguration based on mission requirements, making catamaran carriers a versatile platform for both offensive and defensive operations.

In conclusion, catamaran aircraft carriers have the potential to accommodate the same number and type of aircraft as traditional carriers, if not more. The stability, increased deck space, and flexibility offered by the catamaran design make it a viable alternative to traditional carriers. As technology and design continue to advance, catamaran carriers are likely to become even more capable and efficient in supporting naval aviation operations.

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Catamaran aircraft carriers are a unique type of carrier that utilize two parallel hulls instead of a traditional single hull. This design offers several advantages, including increased stability, maneuverability, and the ability to carry more aircraft. Over the years, there have been several notable examples of catamaran aircraft carriers that have been built or planned, each with its own distinctive features and capabilities.

One of the most well-known examples of a catamaran aircraft carrier is the USS Gemini. The Gemini was a proposed design for a supercarrier that was intended to be the successor to the Nimitz-class carriers. With a length of over 1,200 feet and a displacement of 110,000 tons, the Gemini would have been the largest carrier ever built. Its twin-hull design would have provided increased stability and reduced drag, allowing for higher speeds and greater maneuverability. The Gemini was never constructed, but its design elements have influenced future catamaran carrier concepts.

Another notable example of a catamaran aircraft carrier is the French ship Le Bretagne. Le Bretagne was a hydrofoil-assisted catamaran that was built in the 1990s as a proof-of-concept for a new generation of aircraft carriers. The ship was designed to be highly maneuverable and capable of operating in rough seas, thanks to its twin-hull design and advanced hydrofoil technology. Although Le Bretagne was never intended to be a fully operational carrier, it demonstrated the potential of the catamaran design for future military applications.

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the development of catamaran aircraft carriers by various countries. For example, China has shown plans for the Type 076 landing helicopter dock (LHD), which features a catamaran hull design. The Type 076 is expected to be capable of carrying a large number of helicopters, as well as vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Its catamaran design allows for increased stability and reduced draft, enabling it to operate in shallow waters close to shore.

Australia has also been exploring the possibility of building a catamaran aircraft carrier. The Australian government has commissioned studies to evaluate the feasibility of constructing a large amphibious assault ship with a catamaran hull. This proposed carrier would be capable of carrying a range of aircraft, including helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, and would provide increased stability and operational flexibility.

Overall, catamaran aircraft carriers offer numerous advantages over traditional single-hull carriers. Their twin-hull design provides increased stability, maneuverability, and the ability to carry more aircraft. While there have been notable examples of catamaran carriers in the past, such as the USS Gemini and Le Bretagne, it remains to be seen how this design concept will be implemented in future military vessels. However, with countries like China and Australia exploring the potential of catamaran carriers, it is clear that this unique design will continue to be of interest in the naval warfare community.

The Distance from the Flight Deck to Water on an Aircraft Carrier

Frequently asked questions.

A catamaran aircraft carrier is a type of aircraft carrier that has a hull design consisting of two parallel hulls joined by a deck structure.

The main difference between a catamaran aircraft carrier and a traditional aircraft carrier is the hull design. While a traditional aircraft carrier has a single hull, a catamaran aircraft carrier has two parallel hulls.

One of the advantages of a catamaran aircraft carrier is increased stability. The parallel hulls provide a wider base and more buoyancy, which helps to reduce the ship's roll in rough seas. Additionally, the catamaran design allows for more deck space, which can be used to carry a larger number of aircraft.

One disadvantage of a catamaran aircraft carrier is the increased vulnerability to damage from enemy fire. The parallel hulls provide more surface area for projectiles to hit, and if one hull is damaged, it can affect the stability and overall functionality of the ship.

As of now, there are no catamaran aircraft carriers in active service. However, there have been proposals and concept designs for catamaran aircraft carriers, and they continue to be explored as a potential future option for naval aviation.

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Russia prepares catamaran aircraft carrier concept.

The Krylov State Research Centre fundamentally changes aircraft carrier concept. According to the article published at TASS news Agency, new design has already been presented for the first time at the Army-2018 forum at the end of August. Apparently no one noticed the offer.

This new design concept is based on future semi-catamaran but the proposed project has no name yet. It will be a non-nuclear multirole aircraft carrier. “The semi-catamaran design of the ship’s underwater part is the project’s key distinguishing feature,” the spokesman told to TASS.

Normally catamarans have two parallel hulls and a superstructure platform connecting them. The proposed semi-catamaran hull will resemble a dovetail, bifurcating toward the stern.

New semi-catamaran design will provide a large flight deck with smaller displacement.

The Krylov Center said the proposed aircraft carrier’s water displacement will be 44,000 tonnes, length – 304 meters, deck width – 78 meters, draught – 8.5 meters, full speed – 28 knots, and cruising range – 8,000 miles.

The ship will be consisted of 46 aircraft: 12-14 Sukhoi-33 fighters, 12-14 MiG-29K/KUB fighters, four early warning and command aircraft and 12-14 Ka-27 helicopters.

Russia’s only medium class aircraft carrier The Admiral Kuznetsov has 59,000 tonnes displacement and carries up to 52 planes and helicopters.

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Updated: March 4, 2009; April 30, 2011

Catamarans are double-hulled ships. Usually, they are somewhat small designs, which is why I decided to go for something big. An aircraft carrier roughly the size of USS Nimitz, with one clear distinction - a double hull. I was thinking a lot about the feasibility of this concept and could not find anything wrong. Twin hulls meant better stability on rough seas, better redundancy of all critical systems, higher survivability, and whatnot. So I decided to create one. It's another Google SketchUp thingie, lots of clean, straight lines and basic rendering. So if you've liked the others, you'll this one, and if not ... Anyhow, let's rock ... eh ... float.

As always, a nice cozy isometric view to get you comfy with my latest madness. The carrier has two completely identical hulls, connected by gigantic spars, which also double as connection ways between the hulls, allowing people and materials to be shuffled back and forth. The isle is stationed centrally, minimizing the impact on the two V-shaped landing decks.

Looking from above, you can appreciate the grace and beauty of the carrier - and all the classic must-have elements that modern carriers sport. Notice the six aircraft elevators, all mounted inboard to prevent possible damage from missile attacks.

From the bow and stern, the carrier strikes a menacing, solid silhouette. The service cranes toward the rear nicely offset the powerful lines of the twin hulls.

From the side (starboard, if you will), the carrier is the classic example of a floating airbase.

I've paid quite a bit of detail to weaponry. While American carriers carry relatively little weapons, relying on its air wing and the supporting task force of cruisers and destroyers to enforce and impenetrable air defense net, I've made my carrier slightly more Russian and armed with lots of guns and missiles. First, let's take a look at the R2D2-like Vulcan Phalanx-sque CIWS guns, sprinkled about the deck like wild mushrooms. We can see the outboard R2D2 defending the waterline flanks:

Then we have a pair, mounted centrally and facing toward the stern:

A closer look:

There's another pair of guns on the isle, complementing the "low" pair; other domes belong to various radar units. There are more units positioned on the flight deck forward, for a grand total of 12 cute little robots.

I also gave my ship some cruise missiles in vertical launchers, known as VLS, and quad anti-shipping units sporting Harpoon. And there's also a big automatic 127mm dual anti-aircraft anti-shipping gun mounted on fore isle. You must admit the pristine white of the weapon tube hatches and radar domes contrast the dull navy seagull-gray paint scheme in a rather pleasing way.

The big gun:

Airplanes are another important element in this gallery. When I first created the carrier, it was a bit boring, especially due to its unique symmetry. So I imported my Su-35 wannabe model and placed some four units on the landing deck, breaking the boredom. The planes are positioned randomly on the deck and their bright yellow-brown camouflage is a good addition to the dreary palette. Oh, they are another Ruskie element here, being Su-27 lookalikes.

A more intimate look of the elevators supported to service aircraft in and out of the belowdeck hangars.

And a wild shot of the various radar domes. Mushrooms, indeed. But if you take a look at a few real images of combat warships, you'll notice I have not exaggerated that much.

I've also created a few screenshots of the complex flight deck. The actual landing strip is painted gray so that it can be more easily spotted from the air. I believe it's too narrow, but it does not matter really.

Another angle:

And a daring, sharp look of the catapult rails and the jet exhaust deflectors, currently lowered. Notice the two R2D2s framing the TO section.

I've noticed that real carriers have messy, crowded sterns, so I tried to recreate this. I've added the service cranes to make things look busier. I think the overall effect is nice.

Connecting the two hulls is a massive mid-section, almost a third hull, with powerful spars that also counter-act against any bending forces on rough seas, as the two hulls might not be experiencing the exact same strain. I do not know if this could work in reality, but it sounds better than a rigid link.

Lastly, a few screenshots of the isle - or the tower if you will. Lots of wires, lots of activity.

This one is pretty decent, you must agree:

A long shot, with command bridge windows adding life to the model:

And just before we part ways, one last bird's eye view from amidst the many lines of antennae high in the electronic forest on top of the isle.

I guess that's it. I think this is a quite decent 3D model. Hopefully, you've enjoyed it watching as much as I did creating it. Took me some 10 hours, I think - and it's definitely better looking than my first model: DD 71 .

Kerkythea images

Time for proper fun ... This is madness, Sparta, uh ... realistic rendering. Here's the same model, only re-created using Kerkythea , after exporting the model using SketchUp Importer for Google SketchUp and rendered with photons and ray tracing and magic and whatnot. You will like this. My dream of making near-realistic models is coming true, finally. Nirvana. Spledidski.

OK, so here's a nice isometric shot. The skin is rendered in between plastic and metal, with a sort of thick mat anti-reflective paint used for military ships. No background yet, but this is just a warmup.

And another one, a little more zoom and a shallow angle:

Now, the real deal, with authentic sea and some extra clouds added in GIMP, so it appears like a photo taken by an overhead scout plane. And yes, that is a real sea, even if it looks like a pimpled teenager's back. The carrier skin is also more bumpy, so it appears like aluminum and steel sheeting beaten with wear. The sea shadows might need a sharper outline, but don't mind that.

A few more rather lovely renders, showing the carrier bathed in early sunrise. The water is calm and gray. If this does not stir a feeling deep in your artistic soul, nothing will. Rendered in about 10 minutes of CPU time with four threads on my HP laptop.

Notice the smooth metallic sheen on the gun turrets and radomes. Notice the slightly grainy feel to the landing deck. I'm really pleased with the output, although yet more quality can be milked from these renders. But that's what sequel articles are for, right.

That's amazing, I have to say. Self-flattery is stupid, but sometimes well deserved. Oh, more good stuff coming, including POV-Ray renders, extra galleries and suchlike. Stay tuned for updates.

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China Builds World’s First Dedicated Drone Carrier

China has built the world's first dedicated drone carrier. the ship has not been reported however and many of the circumstances surrounding it remain a mystery..

H I Sutton 15 May 2024

Hidden away in a shipyard on the Yangtze, far upriver from the major yards at Shanghai, is a new aircraft carrier. It’s China’s fourth, a ship whose mere existence has not been reported before. Only China can build an aircraft carrier in relative secrecy.

This ship, launched in December 2022 but not reported until now, is surrounded by mystery. Naval News, together with J. Michael Dahm, Senior Resident Fellow at the Mitchell Institute , have been analyzing it.

Mysterious Drone Carrier

The world knows about China’s first three carriers; the largest and most capable, the Type-003 Fujian, is currently undergoing sea trials . This new carrier is very different. Its claim to fame will not be that it is larger. Instead, we are confident that this ship is the world’s first dedicated fixed-wing drone carrier.

The design is smaller than the regular aircraft carriers, with a flight deck approximately one third the length and half the width of a U.S. Navy or Chinese Navy (PLAN) super carrier. For comparison, it is slightly shorter but wider than a World War Two escort carriers. It would be possible to operate fixed wing aircraft from it, but its straight deck arrangement would be anachronistic, not allowing aircraft to take off and land at the same time. Additionally there doesn’t appear to be space for a typical aircraft hangar, so the number of aircraft would be greatly limited. It does make sense as a drone carrier however.

Drones are an increasing part of naval warfare. Leading navies are already trialing them from regular aircraft carriers. And some navies, notably Iran and Turkey, are working on plans for ‘drone carriers’. But this space is still in its infancy.

Analysis of the ship

It is immediately apparent that it is, in general arrangement, an aircraft carrier of some sort. It has a marked runaway running along the port (left side) with an island superstructure on the starboard (right) side. 

Beyond this, it is unusual in every respect. The hull is a widely spaced catamaran. While catamarans are often featured in aircraft carrier concepts because they allow a large deck area, no one has actually built one before. Additionally, analysis of satellite imagery shows that the flight deck is very low. It appears unlikely there is a hangar deck below the flight deck. If there is, its ceiling is very low. Therefore, it does not appear designed to support high tempo or prolonged flight operations. 

The flight deck is wide enough to comfortably operate aircraft or drones with a wingspan of around 20 meters (65 feet) such as Chinese equivalents of the Predator drone. 

However, the mere existence of a flight deck suggests that aircraft intend to land on it. A catapult or launch rail of some form would be sufficient for launch if recovery wasn’t necessary.

Potential roles for this ship

J. Michael Dahm notes that the shipyard where it is being built, Jiangsu Dayang Marine, has previously built simulated enemy ships for the PLAN. China has an extensive program of simulating Western and Western-leaning navies’ ships in its weapon testing program. Its anti-ship ballistic missiles are tested on full-size outlines of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers .

Several high-tech target barges and two large dr one motherships have already been built at this shipyard. All these perform as opposing forces in training, a role known as ‘Electronic Blue Force’. So it is possible that this ship too is designed to support that mission.

Whether it is intended for Blue Force simulation or purely research and development remains to be seen. Similarly, we question whether it is an official PLAN program or a speculative commercial project. The new drone carrier remains something of a mystery. Watch this space.

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So, What's the Deal With the Drone Carrier

Mindset over material.

Like I said on Sunday’s Midrats , the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) “drone carrier” is, if nothing else, cute.

The good folks over at Naval News put out a nice explainer for the overhead shot that got everyone in a tizzy over the weekend.

Their description is all you really need to know detail wise;

It is immediately apparent that it is, in general arrangement, an aircraft carrier of some sort. It has a marked runaway (sic) running along the port (left side) with an island superstructure on the starboard (right) side. Beyond this, it is unusual in every respect. The hull is a widely spaced catamaran. While catamarans are often featured in aircraft carrier concepts because they allow a large deck area, no one has actually built one before. Additionally, analysis of satellite imagery shows that the flight deck is very low. It appears unlikely there is a hangar deck below the flight deck. If there is, its ceiling is very low. Therefore, it does not appear designed to support high tempo or prolonged flight operations. The flight deck is wide enough to comfortably operate aircraft or drones with a wingspan of around 20 meters (65 feet) such as Chinese equivalents of the Predator drone. However, the mere existence of a flight deck suggests that aircraft intend to land on it. A catapult or launch rail of some form would be sufficient for launch if recovery wasn’t necessary.

What they may or may not do with it really isn’t the story here. This is a datapoint of something more important.

One of the coping mechanisms, especially since the PLAN became larger than the USN, is to tell ourselves that we are more sophisticated, that the PLAN is like China - what it has it steals or copies, they are rote and predictable while we are imaginative and innovative, etc, etc.

What we see here with the PLAN is an organization that is actively experimenting and exploring. Somewhere the observation was made, “Drones are showing their worth both at sea and ashore in the Russo-Ukrainian War. We have some ideas how to make this expeditionary, but we really need to try the concept out at sea.”

After that, a more senior person with access to funding and levers of power said, “OK, have a plan to me in X-weeks and I’ll find the money.”

I don’t think you will see a fleet of these cute little flat-tops, and that is not what should focus your mind. Neither should PLAN drones at sea be your focus.

No, what you need to do is adjust your assumptions. Check your ingrained biases. Tear down your coping mechanisms that keep you from seeing the PRC and PLAN for what they are.

They are not a “pacing threat” - a phrase no serious person should still be using unless they enjoy half the people hearing it rolling their eyes - they are a peer adversary. They are very serious - and better than most of the myopic people stuck in DC games think.

Give them a nod of respect, and then look to our military. Wonder what is standing in the way of a nimble capability development culture. Wonder if, really, we are more imaginative and innovative.

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