Why are the icebreaker “Ivan Papanin” armed with cruise missiles “Caliber-K”? The project 23550 Ivan Papanin, an Arctic dual-use ship, may become the carrier of the Kalibr-K cruise missiles. To do this, it is enough to place three special containers with mobile launchers on the deck.
Trump card in the arctic war
On board the “Ivan Papanin” can be placed a mobile missile system “Caliber-K”. The launchers are housed in three standard cargo containers that are installed on board the ice drift. Experts believe that if the Russian army equips the icebreakers with “Caliber”, then these ships will become a formidable weapon in the Arctic conflict. After all, the range of the sea-based Kalibr cruise missiles is 1400 km. Container placement will allow unloading the complex ashore to form a battery in any part of the Arctic. The range of the sea-based Kalibr-NK missile in case of transfer to land will be up to 2.6 thousand km.
Project “Arctic”
Project 23550 ice-class patrol ships (also called “Arktika” or “Ermak”) have been developing since 2016 after the closure of the military icebreaker project 21180, on which only one ship was built: “Ilya Muromets”. The military decided they needed more versatile ships. The new project was developed at the Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau, and the construction was entrusted to the Admiralty Shipyards. “Ivan Papanin”, the lead ship, was laid down in St. Petersburg in 2017 for the Russian Navy, and in 2019 it was launched. Currently, the Ministry of Defense has plans for two patrol icebreakers under the project 23550, the second ship “Nikolai Zubov” is planned to be launched in 2024.
Universal ship
“Ivan Papanin” belongs to the class of universal patrol ships of the Arctic zone, unique for the Russian Navy. Its main task is to work in the harsh conditions of the northern seas, therefore it has a special design. In fact, this is a patrol ship with the functions of an icebreaker and a tug. From the icebreakers, the new patrol ship received a reinforced hull and other design features that ensure operation in the Arctic. The ship's ice class is Arc7. “Ivan Papanin” is able to overcome ice up to 1.7 m thick. Ice 1 m thick breaks through on a continuous run. The design of the ship as a whole and of its individual systems is adapted to the harsh northern conditions.
Project 23550 combines a combat ship and a support ship. They have sufficiently developed detection and destruction systems, including a set of various electronic systems for monitoring the situation, searching for targets and targeting weapons. It is reported about the use of radar detection and guidance “Positive”, navigation locator and shipborne electronic warfare system. There is also special equipment that is used by rescue vessels and tugs.
Patrol for the Northern Sea Route
A multipurpose patrol ship must operate in northern latitudes. First of all, he is a patrol, during the war his main task will be to search for and hit surface or air targets. For this, the ship is armed with an AK-176 artillery mount. Icebreaking capabilities can be used for their own benefit or for pilotage of other vessels. For the same ship, project 23550 needs towing equipment.
In peacetime, “Ivan Papanin” is able to make shuttle voyages along the Northern Sea Route, it can also play the role of an expeditionary vessel. Thanks to the ice reinforcement of the hull, the Azipod electric propulsion system and the ice radar station, it will be able to move in difficult ice conditions without being accompanied.
The transport will promptly deliver modules with repair shops, medical and residential units to scientific and military bases in the Arctic, as well as transport groups of specialists. The refrigerator can be used to transport seafood.
Design features
The ships of the project 23550 have a total displacement of about 9 thousand tons with a length of 114 m and a width of 20 m. There are characteristic rounded bow contours. The multi-tiered superstructure is shifted back. In its aft part there is a hangar for a helicopter. For the use of which the stern of the ship forms the take-off area. The crew of the ship is 60 people. It is possible to take on board another 50 people. Autonomy for reserves – 70 days.
Information source: https://www.19fortyfive.com/2021/10/russian-arctic-patrol-ships-will-carry-containerized-cruise-missiles/
