The ships of Project 956 Sarych forever remained the best destroyers created in the USSR. They were developed and built at the peak of the country's economic power and embodied the most advanced technical solutions of that time. Sarych destroyers have taken the place of multi-purpose ships in the fleet, capable of independently solving problems anywhere in the world.
Project Sarych - a ship on a voyage
Artillery light cruiser "Kuibyshev". The predecessor of the Sarych did not have missile weapons and could not be modernized By the end of the 60s, the main combat force of the Soviet Navy - artillery cruisers - had completely exhausted their resources. Their guns were powerless against the missile systems of the American fleet, which upset the balance of power.
To replace them, it was decided to develop modern Russian Sarych destroyers for the far sea zone, installing the latest Soviet anti-ship missiles on them.
The project received code 956 “Sarych”.
The new modern Russian destroyer had to solve many problems at once:
Employees of the Leningrad design bureau were able to give the warship the appearance of a real predator. The swift silhouette brings to mind the squat hulls that the Russian Navy destroyers that fought in the Russo-Japanese War had.
The aggressive appearance was supported by impressive weapons. On the sides there are 2 quadruple Moskit anti-ship missile launchers and two twin 130-mm guns, ready to rain down up to 180 shells per minute on the enemy.
Sarych-class destroyers are armed with artillery, which is still the best in the world. No US Navy destroyer is capable of defeating the 956th in a gunnery battle. “Sarychs” demonstrated the power of Soviet weapons during demonstration exercises and long-distance voyages throughout the World Ocean. Project 956 destroyers are legendary ships of Russia.
A total of 32 Sarychs were planned to be built, but the collapse of the Soviet Union did not allow these plans to come true. Only 17 units were delivered to the USSR/RF fleet. Another 4 ships were sold to China. One building was dismantled. No one knows how many destroyers will remain in Russia in a few years.
3 destroyers
currently in service with the Russian fleet
The Russian fleet currently has three destroyers in service, and three more may be returned from reserve. The remaining 12 Russian destroyers have either already been cut into scrap metal or are awaiting the same fate.
| Draft, m | 6 meters |
| Displacement of the first 11 ships, t | 6500 – 7904 tons |
| Displacement after modification, t | 6600 – 8000 |
| Length, m | 145.2 - 156.6 |
| Width, m | 17.2 |
| Propulsion, number of propellers | 2 |
| Engine | 2 boiler-turbine GTZA-674 |
| Engine power, hp | 100 000 |
| Maximum speed, knots | 32 |
| Cruising speed, knots | 18.4 |
| Peacetime crew, people | 296 (25 officers) |
| Crew during the war, persons | Up to 350 (31 officers) |
| Electronic warfare equipment | Two paired PK2M passive jammers, starting from hull 9, they were supplemented by 4 to 8 (depending on modification) 122 mm PK10 jammers |
| Artillery | 2 twin 130 mm gun mounts |
| Air defense | 4 AK-630 units |
| Anti-submarine weapons | GAS "Platina-S", 2 bomb launchers RBU-1000 |
| Anti-ship missiles | 2 quad Mosquito missile launchers |
| Anti-aircraft missiles | SAM "Hurricane" |
| Torpedoes | 2 two-pipe caliber 533 mm |
| Aviation | Ka-27 helicopter |
Russian destroyer "Sovremenny" Project 956 Sarych destroyers have six decks divided by bulkheads into 16 watertight compartments. The broken bow reduces radio signature, although the destroyer itself is not made using stealth technology. Aluminum alloy was used to create the superstructures.
The ship Sarych is equipped with an air conditioning system, cinema halls and even a collapsible swimming pool. These are one of the best ships of the Russian Navy in terms of comfort for the crew. Reasonable use of internal volumes made it possible to obtain more than 3 m2 of living space for one person.
Installation AK-130, developed in the 70s, remains one of the best to this day. It can fire up to 90 shots per minute, sending 30-kilogram projectiles over a distance of 23 kilometers. Projectiles with radar fuses can shoot down airplanes.
AK-630 guns protect the Project 956 Sarych destroyer from aircraft and missiles flying closer than 2000 m. Firing up to 5000 shells per minute, they can be effective not only against aircraft, but also to sink surface targets. Civilian ships, often used by pirates, such an installation on the Sarych EM can simply be cut in half in one burst.
Mosquito anti-ship missiles, although somewhat outdated, can still eliminate any enemy except an aircraft carrier - which will need 3-4 missiles. Rocket launchers are effective against submarines.
| Project 956E
|
The first example of Russian-Chinese cooperation in the naval sphere. Two unfinished hulls were completed for the Chinese Navy with minimal changes |
Project 956EM
 |
Another pair of 956EM were built specifically for China. A full hangar for a helicopter has been added. GAS was replaced by a more modern one. Moskit missiles have had their strike range increased to 200 km. |
| "Fast" | Russian Pacific Fleet |
| "Admiral Ushakov" | Northern Fleet of the Russian Federation |
| "Persistent" | Baltic Fleet of the Russian Federation |
| "Stormy" | Reserve |
| "Combat" | Reserve |
| "Fearless" | Reserve |
| "Restless" | Reserve |
| "Thundering" | Awaiting disposal |
| "Winged" | Awaiting disposal |
| "Efficient" | Awaiting disposal |
| "Modern" | Dismantled |
| "Desperate" | Dismantled |
| "Great" | Dismantled |
| "Prudent" | Dismantled |
| "Irreproachable" | Dismantled |
| "Persistent" | Dismantled |
| "Impressive" | Dismantled |
| "Exuberant" | Dismantled |
| "Hangzhou" | Chinese Navy |
| "Fuzhou" | Chinese Navy |
| "Taizhou" | Chinese Navy |
| "Ningbo" | Chinese Navy |
Advantages that the Sarych project has:
Flaws:
to Favorites to Favorites from Favorites 8
Apparently the political decision to modernize Project 956 destroyers has been made, and I couldn’t stay away
Text and drawings of the modernization of Project 956 destroyers follow.
The Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation looked intently at the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy. It was snowing outside the window and... two conscripts. The report “On the results of the implementation of the state defense order for 2013 in the direction of the Navy” lay sadly on the polished side table between them.
Yes.. - said the minister. – It’s probably worse, but I haven’t heard of it. Let me summarize what I read: The French are delaying the delivery of the Mistrals, USC has violated the deadlines for all orders without exception. Both corvettes (Sovershenny and Stoykiy) were postponed from 2013 to 2014, despite being laid down in 2006. Frigates 11356 are also lagging behind - Admiral Grigorovich was postponed to 2014, and the rest of the top three were postponed from 2014 to 2015. But it’s unlikely Will they be able to withstand this? According to the estimates of the Main Command, most likely the first three will enter service in 2016. When the first frigate of Project 22350 will enter service, not to mention the subsequent ones, is not at all clear. But it’s clear that not even in 2014 or 2015. As for new weapons, it’s even worse. Universal artillery mounts (like the A-190 and A-192) do not fire in bursts. There is no air defense - there is no long-range naval air defense system in the project, from the medium-range naval air defense system there is only the name Redut air defense system, but the complex has never hit a single target, and the short-range air defense complex (neither based on There is no shell, nor any other) and there won’t be in the foreseeable future. The only functional ones are Gibka (turret with MANPADS) and the good old AK-630. There are no torpedoes comparable in characteristics to their world counterparts. There is no electronic warfare. There are no non-nuclear modern submarines. There is no air-independent propulsion system, and the deadline for when it will be submitted for state testing is not clear. There are nuclear submarines, but they have nothing to fire (except Caliber). Bulava failed 50% of its launches in 2013. And even a trivial repair rarely goes without a fire. I'm right?
- in general, yes. confirmed the Commander-in-Chief.
How long will it take to repair Peter the Great?
About five years. If the deadlines are not missed
What if it’s the same as always?
That's ten. And according to Kuznetsov, too.
Well, how will you carry out the order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief to strengthen the presence in the Mediterranean Sea. Arctic and Pacific Ocean?
If they order, we will do it. I will send minesweepers and MPKs.
“You’ve sent the tugs yet,” the minister was indignant.
So what to do? - asked the Commander-in-Chief
Finally, having made up his mind, the minister took a letter from the top drawer of his desk on a fancy letterhead with hieroglyphs and handed it to the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy.
South Korean shipbuilding concern Hanjin Heavy Industries & Constructions Co. proposed to modernize the Project 956 destroyers .. 14 calendar days to a helicopter destroyer version close to the Japanese DDH-143 Shirane
F**k or provocation - the Commander-in-Chief immediately responded
Not in the barracks - the minister frowned, disapproving of profanity - read on!
Further in the text of the letter, the Koreans reported that they were ready to manufacture and assemble new aft sections of the destroyer, including the propulsion system and propellers, within 3 months from the date of receipt of the advance payment, also providing foundations and cable routes for the subsequent installation of air defense systems at Russian facilities. The network schedule provided for the unloading of ammunition at the base point by Pacific Fleet forces, then the passage of the destroyer to Busan, and after docking, the dismantling of the existing stern section and docking of the finished stern section. The duration of this stage was 14 days, including mooring tests, but excluding sea trials. As a result, Russia received an attack helicopter-destroyer on the move, albeit without self-defense air defense. If necessary, the Koreans were ready to keep the rear part for cutting into metal. or seal and tow to Vladivostok.
What a thought. The Uragan air defense missile system and the Moskit anti-ship missile system can be modernized, but in the bow gun mount there is no need to touch anything except the SLA radar - they still won’t do anything better, or they will even break it. We’ll just install anti-torpedo protection, say the same Packet-NK, and off we go. “We’ll be able to do this in a year,” the Commander-in-Chief smiled timidly.
I won't give you a year. If at the end of 2014 you do not put at least two ships into operation, I will remove you from your post,” the minister ended the conversation unexpectedly harshly and with pressure.
The High Command of the Navy examined the Korean proposal in detail and, with regret, rejected it. Firstly, there was a need for new hydroacoustics, both towed and active, and its production was not yet clear. Except, of course, that it was impossible to manage to design, produce, and debug hydroacoustics in 2014. And in general, the Russian Navy still had enough anti-submarine capabilities, unlike aircraft carriers. And to be honest, I didn’t want to admit it, but the officers didn’t understand where the chimneys went
But the idea of transforming the destroyer into a destroyer-helicopter carrier seemed to the High Command of the Navy not without a certain meaning.
Firstly, it can be used for training purposes: the Navy has already received part of the air group on the Mistral, the helicopters are in hangars, and helicopter pilots do not have enough experience in flying over the sea.
Secondly, a helicopter destroyer is quite suitable for the role of fire support for an assault force: a trio of Ka-52K helicopters will be much better at reinforcing the landing marines than a small artillery ship with a 100 mm caliber cannon, or even with a multiple launch rocket system. For the actual transportation of Marines, the fleet already has a sufficient number of specialized landing ships, and when landing, a helicopter destroyer will successfully operate with them.
Thirdly, a helicopter destroyer with a strike missile system would be entirely in its place if there is a political need to ensure the presence of the Russian fleet off the coast of Syria or in the Kuril Islands area.
During the discussion, the name of the resulting class of ships was formed - attack helicopter carrier.
The tender for the preliminary design of an attack helicopter carrier was held in three weeks, and for some reason it was won by the Bauman Moscow State Technical University Design Bureau, which presented the finished sketch to the Customer a week after signing the contract. Such a record time was due to the fact that the Bauman team actually drew the project from the moment the competition was announced, and after signing the contract they only added a few touches to the drawing. The ship received two AK-630M-2 “Duet” gun mounts and 8 drum launchers of the Kinzhal air defense system, as well as the Paket-NK PLO/PTZ complex
The author considered the advantage of the project to be its low cost and speed of implementation (all weapons were stored in arsenals, where they were transported at the time of the disarmament of naval ships in the 90s). At the same time, arms manufacturers gladly began to modernize the Uragan air defense system, the Moskit anti-ship missile system, and the Kinzhal air defense system, promising new electronics with increased reliability and lower power consumption and new missiles with noise-resistant seekers and increased range for relatively modest money.
Like the Japanese destroyer-helicopter carrier DDH-143 Shirane, Project 956B assumed a permanent air group of 3 helicopters (for example, Ka-52K or Ka-29), or could instead carry 3..4 containers with launchers of universal missiles of the Caliber family (for them rails were used for transportation).
“Altair” begged to be allowed to replace the “Hurricane” with Shtil-1 with VPU, and “Moskit” to the level of “Moskit-MVE”. Kupol went the furthest, and promised not only to modify the Kinzhal air defense system to the level of the Tor-M2, but also to replace the outdated below-deck drums with a modern vertical launcher, although, of course, not in 2014.
Unfortunately, the tight deadline did not provide the opportunity to carry out a serious modernization - they limited themselves to new missiles and new fire control systems for all three systems, but at the same time paid for the development of a vertical launcher for Kupol. In the end, it was the Tor-2 family that earned respectful reviews from ground missilemen, and by 2015 the fleet could well hope for a new air defense system based on it.
In March 2014, according to the approved preliminary design (it was called 956B), the WWII Main Command held a tender for the detailed design and modernization of the two lead ships. The tender was won by a well-known shipbuilding company in April. By the end of April, “Boevoy” and “Burny” arrived there in tugboats. On June 1 (a month after the signing of the contract), an officer of the General Inspectorate under the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy unexpectedly visited the enterprise and reported that the enterprise had received an advance, but had not actually started work on either detailed design or reconstruction. We limited ourselves to sandblasting a small fragment of the body.
A scandal broke out, as a result, the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy held a repeat tender, but not among shipbuilders, but among ordinary construction companies, which was won by a Moscow LLC, widely known in narrow construction circles.
In July, Muscovites promptly brought an international team of builders to the shipbuilding enterprise (the dock of which was transferred to them for operational management by order from above) (a Macedonian foreman managed Belarusian slingers, Ukrainian welders, Tajik mechanics and Moldavian painters). The chief (who has a fashionable in Moscow circles, but incomprehensible title, project manager) quickly agreed with the crane operators of the local shipyard about part-time work for a hefty increase in pay, with the checkpoint and the First Department - about the passage of people at night and scheduled a schedule for the receipt of cylinders with oxygen and propane . The “Muscovites” did not have any super-sophisticated shoulder welding units, but had ordinary gas cutting machines. But there were many of them, and the workers worked 12 hours a day, seven days a week. By the end of the third week, dismantling work on the ship was completed. They cut off everything that was needed from the destroyer, and some extra bulkheads. However, having found out from the customer’s representative what the mistake was, they quickly welded it back.
The observer from the Navy, having examined the quality of the welding, thought about the topic “shouldn’t we offer Muscovites, in addition to dismantling, also reconstruction, but then a new factor came into play.
In July, the chief engineer of the shipyard was firmly convinced that the Muscovites would screw it up and the fleet would crawl to him on its knees. But at the beginning of August he felt... masculinely offended. How is it that illiterate Uzbeks can do so quickly, but he is weak? The chief engineer followed the principle and achieved his goal - by September the propulsion systems were replaced (they began to be manufactured back in January 2014 under a separate contract), by October the chimneys and helicopter hangars were completed, the Package-NK was installed and the ships were lowered into the water.
Finally, in November 2014, the installation of the Kinzhal air defense system and 30-mm artillery guns was completed.
On the last day, when the ice conditions still allowed for sea trials, they were successfully carried out, and “conditionally” the “Combat” and “Burny” were accepted into service with incompletely adjusted systems.
In fact, in the winter of 2014/2015, commissioning continued on the formally commissioned ships, but in the spring of 2015, both attack helicopter carriers went to sea and began tasks K-1 and K-2.
During 2015, “Bystry” and “Rastoropny” were modernized using proven technology.
By the beginning of 2016, happiness came - the rocket scientists modified the vertical launcher of the Kinzhal air defense system and convinced the fleet to replace the Uragan air defense system with Shtil-1. The honor of becoming the first attack helicopter carriers with vertical launchers of both air defense systems was given to the "Fearless" and "Thundering".
In 2017, among other things, the remaining three destroyers replaced the Moskit with universal inclined launchers of the Caliber missile system. Thus, “Restless”, “Persistent” and “Admiral Ushakov” were re-commissioned, changing its name to “Fearless”.
Application:
Project 956 destroyer:
Project 11356 frigate:
Project 956 destroyers are third generation destroyers that were built in the USSR from 1976 to 1992. Vessels of this project became the last Soviet destroyers. The series had the code “Sarych”, and according to NATO classification it was called Sovremenny class destroyer - after the name of the first model, the destroyer “Sovremenny”. The construction of the vessels was carried out at the Leningrad plant named after Zhdanov. Today we will get to know the Project 956 destroyers in more detail.
Today, the Russian Navy has 6 Sarych-class destroyers. Three of them are in service, two are in reserve, and another is undergoing scheduled repairs. The destroyer Bystry still serves in the Pacific Fleet. And the ships “Nastoichivy” and “Admiral Ushakov” serve in the Baltic Fleet. The destroyer "Bystry" is the oldest of the ships of the series that is still in service. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the laying of Project 956 ships ceased due to insufficient funding. In 1997-2000, two vessels were completed for sale in China under Project 956-E. The index "E" means "export". A little later, the destroyers of Project 956E were modified, and the export project was named 956EM. The index "M" stands for "modernized".
Initially, it was planned that the Project 956 destroyer would become the most widespread in its class and in the Soviet fleet in principle. In total, it was planned to build about five dozen ships. In reality, only 17 Sarych ships entered service with the USSR (and later the Russian Federation). Now let's get acquainted with the history of the creation of this vessel.
Destroyers are multi-purpose, high-speed maneuverable ships. They can fight submarines, destroy aircraft, confront surface ships, cover formations of ships and, finally, escort convoys. In addition, destroyers can be used for patrol, landing and reconnaissance operations, as well as laying minefields.
The first destroyers appeared at the end of the nineteenth century. They were actively used during the First and Second World Wars. The range of tasks performed by destroyers, expanding every year, has made them very significant for the fleet. With the advent of missile weapons, the role of destroyers in naval battles increased even more.
In the early 1960s, the surface fleet began to develop especially actively. When the Soviet Navy became an ocean-going Navy, new tasks appeared before the ships: protecting patrol areas of missile submarines, tracking enemy submarines, conducting foreign policy actions and controlling water communications. Aircraft carriers would be best suited for these tasks, but they were very expensive to build. Large anti-submarine ships (BODs) were the Soviet alternative to aircraft-carrying cruisers, but they needed an escort, and the USSR was severely short of cover vessels. In addition, the destroyers in service at that time were already obsolete and could not compete with their foreign counterparts on equal terms. The oceanic maneuvers “Ocean”, carried out in 1970, clearly illustrated this. Thus, the Soviet fleet needed a new, well-armed destroyer, capable of operating both independently and as part of naval groups.
The shipbuilding program for 1971-1980 provided for the creation of such a ship. The new destroyer was supposed to participate in landing operations, suppress enemy anti-landing defenses, destroy small targets on the shore and provide air defense in the landing zone. The future ship was called an “landing fire support ship.” The Project 56 destroyer was chosen as a prototype for construction, so the new project received the number 956.
Development of the Project 956 destroyer began in 1971. She moved very slowly. The fact is that the customer changed the intended purpose of the future vessel several times during the design process. The Soviet military was greatly influenced by the design solutions embodied in the American destroyer Spruance, the first truly multi-purpose ship of the American Navy. In addition, the new ships were supposed to be used together with the Project 1155 UAV. The Soviet military believed that such a tandem would be more effective than a pair of American destroyers.
The preliminary design of the new vessel was developed at the Leningrad TsKB-53. As the work progressed, new tasks appeared before the designers, the type of the ship's power plant and its weapon options were constantly changing. In addition, the developers were limited by the capabilities of the Zhdanov plant, where it was planned to build new ships. According to the plant's requirements, the ship's length should be no more than 146 meters and its width - 17 meters. A total of 17 projects were developed, each of which was studied from the point of view of effectiveness and economic feasibility.
Ultimately, it was decided that the future destroyer should have:
At the end of 1972, the preliminary design was approved by Admiral Gorshkov. Despite this clarity, even after approval, changes continued to be made to the project. The steam turbine power plant was replaced with a boiler-turbine one. SJSC Platina was chosen as the main hydroacoustic complex. The more advanced Polynom SJSC could not be installed on a destroyer due to the large dimensions of the complex. Ultimately, the ships of the project did not come close to their American counterparts. The only thing in which they were superior to their competitors was artillery power. The creation of a project for a new destroyer cost the USSR budget 165 thousand, and detailed design - 2.22 million rubles.
In the early summer of 1975, construction began on the first model of Project 956, the Sovremenny destroyer. According to the original plan, up to 50 such vessels were to be built in the future. In 1988, this number was reduced to 20 units. But the USSR could not achieve this figure either - the Navy received only 17 copies of the ship. Each Project 956 destroyer took an average of four years to build.
In order to increase production volume, an attempt was made to organize the construction of destroyers at the Nikolaev plant named after. 61 Communara. However, in 1986, this idea was abandoned, and the two laid down hulls of the ship were mothballed. By the time the USSR collapsed, 14 destroyers had been built. The remaining three were completed in the Russian Federation.
In the construction of the vessels, a sectional hull assembly method was used. At the time of construction of the lead vessel, its cost was about 90 million rubles. The next two ships cost about the same (the last expensive ship was the destroyer Excellent), and subsequent ships fell in price by 20 million. The reason for this was the mastery of technology and the establishment of the production process.
Initially, the warship was created purely for the needs of the Soviet fleet. No one was going to sell the newest ship abroad. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the lack of funding led to the search for third-party customers. Moreover, by the beginning of the 2000s, the Sarych’s weapons began to become obsolete.
All ships created by Severny Design Bureau have a distinctive appearance, and Project 956 was no exception. The vessels of this project are often described as aggressive, sinister and expressive, and this is clearly not a coincidence. Since warships symbolize the power of the state, almost as much attention is paid to their appearance as to their technical parameters.
Project 956 destroyers are built according to a long-deck design with a sheer bow. The hull shape is selected in such a way as to ensure optimal operating angles for artillery weapons and non-flooding of the deck. The hull contours protect the vessel from flooding in seas up to 7 points. The hull is designed to reduce the radar signature of the vessel, but the Sarych is not a stealth ship.
The destroyer's side windage is 1700 m2. The decks are located parallel to the waterline, which simplifies the change of equipment during reconstruction and makes the ship more technologically advanced. The hull is divided into 16 watertight compartments using 15 bulkheads. In total, the destroyer has six decks: 2nd, 3rd, upper, forecastle deck and a pair of platforms, one of which goes into the second bottom. All main hull structures, foundations and reinforcements were made from low-alloy steel. From the engine room to the stern there are two longitudinal partitions that increase the rigidity of the ship. Thanks to the significant camber of the frames, the destroyer is stable. Thanks to pitch stabilizers, destroyers sail stably even in significant seas. With waves of force six, the ship's speed can reach 24 knots.
The superstructures of Project 956 destroyers were made of aluminum-magnesium alloy. They were connected to the hull and deck using rivets. The superstructure is conventionally divided into stern and bow blocks. The aft part is a block with a chimney and a hangar with a mainmast. The bow section is distinguished by the foremast.
The vessel's displacement ranges from 6.5 (standard) to 8.48 (overloaded) thousand tons.
The power plant of the first modifications of Project 956 ships includes two boiler-turbine units of the GTZA-674 brand. Their total power is 100 thousand horsepower. The units are located in the bow and stern engine rooms. Each engine room contains two boilers and one steam turbine. The rotation speed in various operating modes of the installation is regulated by a turbo-gear unit. It is important to note that the Sarychi became the only 3rd generation combat vessels in the world with a boiler-turbine power plant. Starting with the seventh model (destroyer “Stoikiy”), ships began to be equipped with more reliable KVG-3 boilers. Nevertheless, boilers remained the weak point of ships, since they are very demanding on the purity of the supplied water. In addition to the main boilers, the power plant has an emergency boiler, which produces 14,000 kg of steam.
The destroyer has a pair of low-noise propellers. The steering unit includes a hydraulic machine and a semi-balanced steering wheel. The ship can reach a speed of 33.4 knots. Thanks to the fuel reserve of 1.7 thousand tons, the maximum cruising range of the vessel is 3,900 nautical miles.
Project 956 destroyers are provided with electricity through two steam generators (total power is 2500 kW) and two diesel generators (total power is 1200 kW).
In peacetime conditions, the destroyer's crew number is 196 people, including 48 midshipmen and 25 officers. In wartime, the crew increases to 358 sailors. Officers live in single and double cabins, midshipmen - in double or quadruple cabins, and sailors - in cabins for 10-25 people. In any case, each crew member has at least 3 m2 of living space.
There are two wardrooms on board for feeding officers and midshipmen, as well as several dining rooms where sailors eat. For swimming, the ship has several showers and a sauna. In addition, the crew has at their disposal a library, a cinema hall, and even a swimming pool.
The living and working areas of the vessel are equipped with an air conditioning system. In terms of living conditions for the crew, destroyers of this model compare favorably with other Soviet ships.
The standard supply of provisions is enough for the ship to exist autonomously for 30 days.
The anti-aircraft missile armament of the Sarych ships includes the M-22 Uragan complex, which is a naval modification of the Buk complex. The warship has two anti-aircraft missile launchers: the first is located in the forecastle superstructure, and the second is behind the runway. The weight of the Uragan air defense system is 96 tons. Its ammunition consists of 48 guided missiles, which are stored in cellars. The Uragan air defense system can simultaneously attack up to 6 targets at an altitude of 10 m to 1 km, at a distance of up to 25 km.
Starting from the 14th ship (“Bezuderzhny”/“Gremyashchiy”), the destroyer began to be armed with the “Uragan-Tornado” air defense system. It can hit targets located at a distance of up to 70 km. It takes a maximum of 12 seconds to launch one rocket. A salvo of two missiles hits an aircraft with a probability of 0.81-0.96, and a cruise missile with a probability of 0.43-0.86.
The artillery armament of the destroyer "Sarych" consists of two twin AK-130 installations and anti-aircraft artillery, which is the last frontier in the air defense of ships. In addition, the ships' artillery armament includes a fire control system (FCS) MR-184, consisting of a radar station, a laser range finder, a ballistic computer and a thermal imager. The mechanized supply of ammunition allows firing from the gun mount at a rate of up to 90 rounds per minute at a distance of up to 24 kilometers. Each barrel has an ammunition capacity of 500 rounds, 180 of which are always ready for use. The installation weighs 98 tons.
The fast-firing anti-aircraft artillery of destroyers includes two batteries of AK-630M automatic systems. They are located on the sides of the ship and are responsible for destroying enemy cruise missiles at low altitude. Each battery contains two six-barrel installations with a Vympel control system and a rotating block of barrels. The AK-630M fires 4,000 rounds per minute and can hit targets at a distance of up to 4 km.
The main anti-ship weapon of the Sarych is the Moskit missile system. Starting with the Bespokoiny ship, they began to install the Moskit-M complex instead. Four anti-ship missiles are placed in two fixed launchers. The Moskit missile can hit targets at a distance of up to 140 km, and its upgraded version can hit targets at a distance of up to 170 km. The ship can fire all 8 missiles (each weighing 300 kg) in just 30 seconds.
On the upper deck of the ship there is a pair of twin-tube torpedo tubes with a caliber of 533 mm. As for mine weapons, they are represented by a pair of RBU-1000 model rocket-propelled mortars, capable of attacking targets at a distance of up to a kilometer. At the stern of the Sarych there are bomb launchers, which are responsible for destroying enemy submarines at shallow depths, in close proximity to the side of the ship. Barrage mines can also be installed on destroyers.
The K-27 helicopter is based in the ship's temporary retractable helicopter hangar. Since the helicopter platform is located almost in the center of the vessel, it is minimally affected by pitching. The helicopter can be used both to combat enemy boats and for reconnaissance and target designation work.
The Project 956 destroyer has a serious survivability system. Potentially hazardous areas of the vessel (engine room and cellars) are fenced off with fire-resistant compartments with reinforced steel walls.
To combat fires, the ship is equipped with a fire main, a volumetric fire extinguishing system, a foam extinguishing system, as well as a water spray system for bulkheads and gangways. In addition, to protect the cellars there are separate irrigation and flooding systems.
Drainage, tank balancing and drainage systems can save a vessel from a water threat. To protect the external surface of the vessel from contamination, a washing system is provided.
Only artillery mounts and launchers of the Moskit anti-ship missiles are provided with armored anti-fragmentation protection.
During the production of a series of ships, their design was amenable to partial modernization. From the 6th Corps (destroyer "Boevoy") the ships received the Fregat-M2 radar with two flat antennas. Starting from the seventh hull (“Stoikiy”), the ships were equipped with more advanced KVG-3 boilers. The production of version 956A began with the 14th corps (destroyer "Gremyashchy", formerly "Leading"). It featured the Hurricane-Tornado anti-aircraft gun, as well as new radar and navigation equipment.
Ship name | Year of issue | |
"Modern" | ||
"Desperate" | ||
"Great" | ||
"Prudent" | ||
"Irreproachable" | ||
"Combat" | ||
"Persistent" | ||
"Winged" | ||
"Stormy" | Under repair |
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"Thundering" | ||
"Fast" | As part of KTOF |
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"Efficient" | ||
"Fearless" | In reserve |
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"Rampant" ("Thundering") | ||
"Restless" | In reserve DKBF |
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"Persistent" | As part of the DKBF |
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"Admiral Ushakov" | As part of the KSF |
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"Impressive" | Cut to metal |
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"Hangzhou" ("Important") | As part of the Chinese Navy |
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"Fuzhou" | ||
"Taizhou" ("Impressive") | ||
"Ningbo" ("Eternal") |
The table above will help you briefly get acquainted with the chronology of the creation of Project 956 destroyers and their current status.
Project 956 destroyers.
Project 956 destroyers (Sarych class, NATO code - Sovremenny class destroyer). The main purpose of the ship was considered to be to provide fire support to the landing force in the landing area, destroy anti-landing defenses, equipment and manpower, and carry out artillery strikes on enemy warships and vessels. Lead ship "Modern". Project 956 destroyers, officially classified as 1st rank ships.
Currently in the Russian Navy:
- KTOF - "Stormy" (repair), "Bystry", "Fearless" (reserve)
- KSF - "Admiral Ushakov".
- DKBF - "Restless" (reserve), "Moskovsky Komsomolets" / "Persistent".
Total: operating Project 956 destroyers for 2013 - 3 units
Destroyer Modern.
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Destroyer Modern- Launched on November 18, 1978, and entered service on December 25, 1980. and already on February 3, 1981. became part of the Northern Fleet (SF - 56 armored vehicle 7 opesk).
In April 1984 took part, as part of the KUG, in as many as 3 exercises of the Northern Fleet - “Atlantika-84”, “Zapolarye-84”, and in May “Squadron-84”.
From January 15 to June 4, 1985 combat service in the Mediterranean Sea with the Kyiv aircraft carrier, the cruiser V Ice Admiral Drozd", BOD " Marshal Timoshenko", "Slender" and the destroyer "Desperate".
August 28 - September 26, 1988 exercised control, together with the Stroyny BPK and the Unstoppable EM, over the NATO exercise Team Work 88 in the Norwegian Sea with tracking of the US Navy aircraft carrier Forrestal.
Board numbers: 670(1980), 760(1981), 618(1982), 680(1982),402(1982), 441(1984), 431(1988), 420(1990), 402(1992), 431( 1998), 753
Decommissioned: 1998
Destroyer Restless.
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Destroyer Bespokoiny- Launched on June 9, 1990, and entered service on December 28, 1991. and already on February 29, 1991. St. Andrew's flag was raised on the ship.
August 24, 1992 became part of the Baltic Fleet, part of the 128th brigade of surface ships of the 12th division of missile ships.
From October 10 to October 20, 1994 ensured the visit of the English Queen to St. Petersburg, for which he was awarded a diploma from the President of Russia.
In 1995 took part in the Baltops 1995 exercise.
In 1996 was the flagship during Exercise Baltops 96.
In 1997 participated in the Baltops-97 exercises.
In 2001 participated in the Baltops-2001 exercise.
Board numbers: 678(1992), 620(1993).
Currently in the 1st category reserve.
Destroyer Fearless.
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Destroyer Besstrashny- Launched on December 28, 1991, and entered service on December 30, 1993. and already on April 17, 1994. became part of the Northern Fleet (SF - 56 armored vehicle 7 opesk).
In May 1994 paid a visit to Oslo (Norway)
Since December 21, 1994 to March 22, 1996 military service in the Mediterranean. During the service, we visited Tartus (Syria) at the end of January, and Malta in February.
In 2004 received a new name "Admiral Ushakov", the ship inherited the name from the Red Banner heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser of the Northern Fleet, expelled from the Navy in June 2002.
Board numbers: 694(1993), 678(1995), 434(1996).
Destroyer Rampant.
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Destroyer Unrestrained- Launched on September 30, 1989, and entered service on June 25, 1991. and already on July 30, 1991. became part of the Northern Fleet (SF-43rd missile ship division of the 7th operational squadron)
Since December 1991 until December 1994, the destroyer was in Ura Bay, providing security and defense for the TAKR " Admiral Kuznetsov"at the base point.
July 5, 1992 year participated in a joint exercise with a detachment of American ships in the Barents Sea.
From May 26 to May 31, 1993 paid an official visit to the Port of New York to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic, followed by maneuvering and communications exercises with the US Navy.
December 9, 2007 was renamed "Thundering" and the guards flag was raised on the ship.
Board numbers: 682(1991), 444(1992), 435(1993), 406(1994). Decommissioned: 2012
Destroyer Irreproachable.
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Destroyer Impeccable- Launched on July 25, 1983, and entered service on October 6, 1985. and already on January 7, 1986. became part of the Northern Fleet (SF-56 Bram 7 Opesk)
August - December 1986 military service in the Mediterranean.
From March 4 to March 17, 1989 combat service in the Mediterranean, monitoring NATO exercises North Star and monitoring the aircraft carrier America.
January 4 to July 25, 1991 combat service in the Mediterranean Sea (together with the Kalinin TARKR).
Board numbers: 820(1985), 430(1986), 681(1987), 459(1987), 413(1990), 417(1992), 455(1994), 439(1995). Decommissioned: 2001
Destroyer Stormy.
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Destroyer Burny - Launched on December 30, 1986, and entered service on September 30, 1988. and already on November 9, 1988. became part of the Baltic Fleet (BF-76 brrk 12 drk). November 13, 1989 transferred to the Pacific Fleet (Pacific Fleet-193 brplk).
From January 3 to July 20, 1991 combat service in the South China Sea based in Cam Ranh (Vietnam).
In August 1998 participation in Russian-American emergency assistance exercises.
In August 2005 combat service in the Sea of Japan and participation, together with the BOD " Marshal Shaposhnikov"in the joint Russian-Chinese exercises "Peace Mission 2005".
Board numbers: 677(1988), 795(1989), 722(1990), 778(1994). Decommissioned: Since 2005 is under renovation.
Destroyer Fast.
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Destroyer Bystry - Launched on November 28, 1987, and entered service on September 30, 1989. and already on October 30, 1989. became part of the Baltic Fleet (BF-76 brrk 12 drk). November 13, 1989 transferred to the Pacific Fleet (Pacific Fleet - 175 missile ship brigade of the 10th OPEC).
From June 21 to June 23, 1990 participated in the exercises of the Baltic Fleet under the flag of the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy.
From September 15 to November 3, 1990 made an inter-naval transition to the Pacific Fleet together with the cruiser RKR "Cherovna Ukraine".
From April 24 to April 26, 1991 The destroyer participated in exercises to provide air defense and anti-aircraft missile systems for aircraft carriers.
February 17, 1992 assisted in extinguishing the fire on the BOD "Admiral Zakharov" in the Amur Bay.
from April 18 to April 22, 1992 combat service in the Sea of Japan, together with the EM “Fearless”, carried out a search anti-submarine operation.
During the period from December 11 to December 17, 1997. accompanied the nuclear submarine K-500, which was returning from combat service.
from May 17 to May 19, 2010 participated in exercises in the Sea of Japan area, together with the Peter the Great aircraft carrier, the Varyag missile cruiser and the BOD Admiral Panteleev".
In September 2011 participated in the exercises of the Pacific Fleet, as part of the Varyag RKR, the Admiral Vinogradov BOD and the Admiral Tributs BOD.
From June 29 to August 7, 2012 participated in the international naval exercises "RIMPAK-2012".
Board numbers: 676(1989), 786(1991), 715(1993).
In service.
E fast-moving destroyer Combat.
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Destroyer Combat- Launched on August 4, 1984, and entered service on September 28, 1986. and already on November 5, 1986. became part of the Baltic Fleet (BF-76 brrk 12 drk). November 13, 1989 transferred to the Pacific Fleet (Pacific Fleet - 175 missile ship brigade of the 10th OPEC).
Since April 4, 1989 to September 23, 1989 combat service in the Persian Gulf and South China Sea.
from July 31 to August 4, 1990 together with BPK " Admiral Vinogradov"and the tanker "Argun" under the flag of Admiral G. Khvatov made a friendly visit to the naval base of San Diego (USA).
Board numbers: 678(1986), 640(12/20/1987), 728(1989), 770(1990), 720(1993)
Decommissioned: 2010
E fast-moving destroyer Leading.
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Destroyer Leading - Launched on May 30, 1987, and entered service on December 30, 1988. and already on August 7, 1989. became part of the Northern Fleet (SF-56 bram 7 opesk).
August 18, 1988 was renamed "Thundering" and the guards flag was raised on the ship.
From August 26 to August 31, 1991 as a flagship ship, she took part in the anniversary celebrations dedicated to the memory of the 50th anniversary of the first northern convoy “Dervish”.
From June 25 to June 1, 1993 paid an official visit to Liverpool (Great Britain) to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic.
May 9, 1995 took part in the anniversary parade marking the 50th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Board numbers: 680(1988), 684(1989), 605(1990), 420(1990), 739(1991), 439(1991), 429(1995), 404(2005).
Decommissioned: 2006
Esque torpedo boat Winged.
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Destroyer Inspired- Launched on May 31, 1986, and entered service on December 30, 1987. and already on March 26, 1988. became part of the Northern Fleet (SF-56 bram 7 opesk).
From March 4-17, 1989, with the “Inspired”, he monitored the NATO exercises “Nord Star” and monitored the “America”.
From December 21-30, 1988 combat guard of TARKR "Kalinin" to ensure inter-naval transition.
From March 4-17, 1989 in the Norwegian Sea, as part of the KUG, he monitored the NATO exercises “Nord Star” for the aircraft carrier “Ark Royal” and “Intrepid”.
Since December 1, 1989 to June 13, 1990 combat service in the Mediterranean Sea, monitored the aircraft carrier D. Eisenhower."
From January 4-23, 1991 escort of the Kalinin TARKR for combat service in the Mediterranean Sea.
Board numbers: 670(1986), 424(1988), 444(1990), 415(1996).
Decommissioned: 1998
Esque torpedo boat Discreet.
Destroyer Discreet- Launched on April 24, 1982, and entered service on September 30, 1984. and already on December 7, 1984. became part of the Baltic Fleet (BF-76 brrk 12 drk).
August 21 - November 22, 1985 transition from Baltiysk to Vladivostok around Africa as part of the KUG KR. "Frunze" and BOD " Admiral Spiridonov“After which he was enlisted in the 175th brigade of missile ships of the 10th operational squadron - Pacific Fleet.
In mid-1986 combat service in the South China Sea.
From February 15 to September 9, 1988 military service in the Persian Gulf, where he escorted and escorted ships.
Board numbers: 672(1984), 780(1986), 755(1986), 730(1992), 735(1993), 730(1997).
Decommissioned: 1998
Esque torpedo boat Great.
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Destroyer Excellent- Launched on March 21, 1981, and entered service on September 30, 1983. and already on December 15, 1983. became part of the Northern Fleet (SF - 56 armored vehicle 7 opesk).
January 17-24, 1985 joint exercise "Moncada-85" with the Cuban Navy tracking the aircraft carrier "Eisenhower".
From January 20 to April 30, 1986 he carried out combat service in the Mediterranean Sea. During his combat service, he participated in the anti-submarine search operation "Molizite", took part in the Dozor-86 exercises of the DKBF, and also monitored the aircraft carriers "Saratoga", "America", and "Enterprise".
From May 26 to December 18, 1988 combat service with the Baku aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean Sea. During his service, he monitored the aircraft carrier Eisenhower, and also took part in joint exercises with the Syrian Navy.
Board numbers: 671(1983), 403(1985), 434(1988), 408(1990), 151(1991), 474(1992).
Decommissioned: 1998
Esque torpedo boat Desperate.
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Destroyer Desperate- Launched on March 29, 1980, and entered service on September 30, 1982. and already on November 24, 1982. became part of the Northern Fleet (SF - 56 armored vehicle 7 opesk).
From October 17 to November 6, 1983 combat service in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
In April 1984 took part, as part of the KUG, in as many as 3 exercises of the Northern Fleet - “Atlantika-84”, “Zapolarye-84”, and in May “Squadron-84”.
From January 15 to June 4, 1985 military service together with the TAVKR "Kyiv", BOD " Vice Admiral Drozd", BOD " Marshal Timoshenko", "Slender" in the Mediterranean Sea.
From September 3 to September 23, 1987 combat service in the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, monitored the aircraft carrier Forrestal.
March 9-17, 1987 combat service in the Atlantic Ocean with provision of inter-naval transition from the Baltic to the Northern Fleet of the BOD "Marshal Ustinov".
September 3-23, 1987 combat service in the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, monitored the aircraft carrier Forrestal.
Board numbers: 431(1981), 684(1982), 460(1984), 405(1987), 417(1990), 433(1990), 475(1991), 441, 417(1998).
Decommissioned: 1998
Esque torpedo boat Efficient.
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Destroyer Rastoropny- Launched on June 4, 1988, and entered service on December 30, 1989. and already on July 7, 1990. became part of the Northern Fleet (SF - 56 armored vehicle 7 opesk).
From August 26 to August 31, 1991 took part in the anniversary celebration dedicated to the memory of the 50th anniversary of the first northern convoy “Dervish”.
Board numbers: 447(1989), 673(1990), 633(1990), 400(1992), 420(1993).
Decommissioned: 2012
Esque torpedo boat Persistent.
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Destroyer Stoykiy - Launched on July 27, 1985, and entered service on December 31, 1986. and already on February 24, 1987. became part of the Pacific Fleet (Pacific Fleet - 175 brrk 10 opesk).
Since October 1987 to April 1988 combat service in the Persian Gulf, convoy escort during the Iran-Iraq conflict.
From January 15 to July 1990 military service in the South China Sea, Indian Ocean, passage through the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean Sea.
Board numbers: 679(1986), 645(1987), 719(1989), 727(1990), 743(1993).
Project 956 destroyers are third-generation Soviet destroyers, whose construction lasted from 1976 to 1992. The ships of this project became the last destroyers built in the USSR. Project code 956 is “Sarych”, in NATO they were called Sovremenny class destroyer - after the name of the first ship of this series, the destroyer “Sovremenny”.
The construction of Project 956 ships was carried out at plant No. 190 named after. Zhdanov in Leningrad, the customer of the latest ships of the series was already the Russian Navy. Today, the Russian fleet includes six Sarych destroyers: three in service, two in reserve, and another ship undergoing scheduled repairs.
After the collapse of the USSR, the laying of new ships of Project 956 "Sarych" was stopped due to insufficient funding, two ships were completed for the Navy of the People's Republic of China under the export project 956-E (1997-2000), and in the 2000s more were manufactured for the Chinese two Sarychs according to the modernized project 956-EM.
Initially, it was planned that Project 956 destroyers would become the most popular not only in their class, but also in the entire Soviet fleet. In total, they planned to build about fifty of them. In total, 17 destroyers of the Sarych project entered service with the USSR Navy (and then Russia).
A destroyer (destroyer) is a class of multi-purpose, high-speed maneuverable ships capable of solving a large number of combat missions: fighting submarines, destroying enemy aircraft (including missiles), working on enemy surface ships, covering formations of ships and escorting convoys. Destroyers can also be used in landing operations, patrol and reconnaissance duties, and laying minefields.
The first destroyers appeared at the end of the 19th century. At that time, their main task was to destroy enemy destroyers using powerful artillery weapons. The prefix “squadron” meant that these ships could operate as part of a naval formation in the sea or ocean zone.
Destroyers were actively used during the First and Second World Wars. The wide range of tasks that these ships could solve significantly increased their importance in the fleet. The displacement of modern destroyers is approximately equal to the cruisers of the Second World War, but is much more powerful than them. The role of destroyers grew even more after the advent of missile weapons.
In the early 60s, the active development of the surface fleet began in the USSR. In the 50s, a large number of large surface ships were disposed of, and the main emphasis was placed on the submarine fleet and missiles. This was a clear mistake.
In the 60s, the USSR Navy became an ocean-going one; it was given a number of new tasks: protecting patrol areas of Soviet missile submarines, tracking enemy strategic submarines, detecting and reconnaissance of enemy aircraft carrier groups, controlling sea communications, and conducting foreign policy actions.
Aircraft-carrying ships would be best suited to perform such tasks, but their construction was very expensive. Large anti-submarine ships (BODs) became the Soviet alternative to aircraft carriers, but they had to be covered by escort ships, which were sorely in short supply. In addition, the destroyers that were in service with the USSR Navy at that time were already considered obsolete. The ships of projects 3-bis, 56, 68-K and 68-bis did not have missile weapons and could not compete on equal terms with their foreign counterparts. All of the above was especially clearly demonstrated by the large ocean maneuvers “Ocean”, carried out in 1970.
The Soviet fleet needed a modern destroyer, equipped with powerful artillery and missile weapons and capable of operating both as part of naval groups and independently.
The creation of such a ship was provided for in the shipbuilding program for 1971-1980, which was adopted in 1969. The military wanted the new destroyer to be able to take part in landing operations, destroy small targets on the shore, suppress enemy anti-landing defenses, and provide air defense in the landing zone. The future destroyer was called a “landing fire support ship.” The Project 56 destroyer was chosen as its prototype, so the new project was assigned the number 956.
Work on the creation of a new destroyer started in 1971 and progressed rather slowly.
The fact is that customers changed the purpose of the ship several times right during the design process. The program to create the American destroyers Spruance, the first truly multi-purpose ships of the US Navy, had a strong influence on the Soviet military. It was the emergence of such a program among the Americans that contributed to the transformation of the “landing fire support ship” into a multi-purpose destroyer.
In addition, the Project 956 destroyers were planned to be used in conjunction with the Project 1155 BOD. Soviet strategists believed that together they would be more effective than a pair of American Spruance destroyers.
The preliminary design of the new ship was developed by the Leningrad TsKB-53 (Northern PKB). As the work progressed, the designers were given more and more new tasks, the ship's armament options and the type of its power plant were constantly changing. The developers were limited by the capabilities of the shipbuilding plant named after. Zhdanov, where they planned to build new destroyers: its length should not exceed 146 meters and width - 17 meters.
A total of thirteen versions of the pre-design designs were produced, all of them were carefully studied from the point of view of combat effectiveness and cost.
As a result, the following requirements were put forward for the future destroyer:
The preliminary design was approved by Admiral Gorshkov at the end of 1972. However, even after this, changes continued to be made to the project. The steam turbine power plant was replaced by a boiler-turbine power plant, which is recognized by many experts as a rather unfortunate decision.
The Platina State Joint Stock Company was chosen as the main sonar system of the future destroyer. It was not possible to install the more advanced Polynom complex on the Sarychi due to the significant weight and size characteristics of the latter.
For this reason, the Project 956 ships were never able to approach the anti-aircraft defense capabilities of the American destroyer Spruance, but the Soviet ship was significantly superior to its opponent in terms of artillery power.
The result of all the improvements and changes was an increase in the ship's displacement by a thousand tons. The development of the destroyer 956 project cost the Soviet budget 165.6 thousand rubles.
On November 1, 1973, the design of a new ship began, the following year with the shipyard named after. Zhdanov, an official contract was concluded for the construction of ships. The cost of detailed design was 2.22 million rubles.
In June 1975, construction began on the first ship of Project 956, the destroyer Sovremenny. The Sarych project was completed in 1993, when the last ship from this series was accepted by representatives of the Russian Navy.
Initially, in 1976, it was planned to build from 32 to 50 Sarych destroyers, that is, Project 956 was to become one of the most massive in the history of the Soviet fleet. In 1988, the number of ships was reduced to twenty units. However, a total of 17 destroyers of this project were transferred to the Soviet and Russian fleets. On average, each Project 956 destroyer took four years to build.
There was an attempt to establish production at the 61st Communard shipyard in Nikolaev. They even began to build a new boathouse there and received documentation from the Northern Design Bureau, but in 1986 this idea was abandoned, and the two destroyer hulls that had already been laid down were mothballed.
Before the collapse of the Soviet Union, 14 destroyers of Project 956 were transferred to the navy, and three more ships were being completed for the Russian Navy (“Restless”, “Nastoichivy” and “Fearless”).
The construction of Project 956 Sarych ships was carried out using a sectional hull assembly method. The cost of one destroyer (at the time of construction of the lead and two subsequent ships) was more than 90 million rubles. The cost of building subsequent ships dropped to 71 million rubles.
The destroyer project 956 was created exclusively for the needs of the Soviet Navy. It was the newest ship, and no one was going to sell it abroad. However, after the collapse of the USSR, the situation changed: insufficient funding forced them to look for customers outside. In addition, by the beginning of the 90s, the Sarych’s weapons were somewhat outdated.
In the mid-90s, an export modification of the destroyer, 956E, was created. In 1999, the first Sarych entered the Chinese Navy. It is armed with anti-ship missiles with a slightly longer range (up to 200 km), instead of four AK-630s, it is equipped with two Kashtan missile and artillery systems, there is no aft artillery installation, but it is equipped with a full-fledged helicopter hangar. The ship's displacement has been slightly increased. Until 2006, four destroyers of Project 956E and 956EM were built for China.
Domestic and foreign researchers of naval history note that almost all warships created at the Northern Design Bureau have a characteristic “spectacular” appearance. Project 956 is no exception. In descriptions of the appearance of destroyers of this project, the terms “aggressive”, “sinister”, “expressive” are often used. And this can hardly be considered an accident.
Warships are not only a tool for conducting combat operations at sea, they are also a serious geopolitical instrument, a symbol of the power of the country whose flag they represent. The navy is a means of political persuasion and influence, a demonstration of the achievements of the country's scientific and technological development and the power of its economy.
Naturally, the “expressiveness” of the ship’s external appearance should not reduce its combat effectiveness. However, the Project 956 ships are fine with this: most experts believe that the destroyers of this series are an example of an excellent combination of high functional qualities and aesthetic perfection.
The Sarych destroyers have a long-deck design with a sheer bow. The shape of the hull reliably ensures that the deck does not flood and provides optimal firing angles for the ship's artillery weapons. The contours of the hull ensure non-flooding in seas up to 6-7 points. The deck aspect ratio is 8.7. The hull of the ship is made taking into account the requirements of reducing the radar signature of the ship, although it should be noted that the Sarych destroyers are not classified as “stealth ships”.
In the bow of the hull, in the keel bulb, there is the antenna of the Platina State Joint Stock Company.
The destroyer's side sail area is 1,700 m2. The decks are placed parallel to the waterline, which simplified the installation of equipment during construction and made the Project 956 destroyers more technologically advanced.
Fifteen main bulkheads divide the ship's hull into sixteen watertight compartments. Project 956 ships have six decks: the second, third and upper decks, the forecastle deck, two platforms, one of which smoothly passes into the second bottom flooring. The main hull structures, reinforcements and foundations are made of low alloy steel. There are two longitudinal bulkheads located from the stern to the engine room; they provide additional rigidity to the aft part of the ship. The destroyer's frames have a significant camber, which increases the stability of the ship.
Project 956 destroyers have high seaworthiness (unlimited seaworthiness). Sailors can use onboard weapons systems in sea conditions up to five. The vessels are equipped with heave stabilizers. When the sea state is six, the destroyers are capable of developing a speed of up to 24 knots.
The superstructures of Project 956 ships are made of aluminum-magnesium alloy; they are connected to the hull and decks using rivets.
The ship's superstructure can be divided into two large blocks: bow and stern. The bow ends with a foremast, and the stern consists of a block with a chimney and a movable hangar on which the mainmast is located.
The standard displacement of the destroyer is 6500 tons, the total displacement is 7940 tons, with overload - 8480 tons.
The power plant of Project 956 destroyers consists of two GTZA-674 boiler-turbine units (total power 100 thousand hp), located in two engine rooms - bow and stern. It should be noted that the Sarychi are the only third-generation warships in the world with a boiler-turbine power plant.
The turbo-gear unit has a control system that is capable of adjusting the rotation speed in different operating modes of the installation. Each engine room contains two boilers and a steam turbine. All destroyers, starting with the seventh (“Stoikiy”), were equipped with more reliable KVG-3 boilers. Despite this, the boilers are called the weakest point of the ships of this series. They are very demanding on the water supplied and quite often fail.
The water treatment system installed on the project ships does not properly ensure water quality, which led to rapid wear of the boilers. Unlike nuclear submarine missile carriers, it is open, that is, it communicates with atmospheric air.
Experience in using high-pressure boilers has shown that the domestic fleet (both Soviet and Russian) is not yet ready to switch to such power plants.
In addition to the main ones, the ship’s power plant also includes an additional emergency boiler, which can produce 14 thousand kg of steam. The destroyer has two shafts and two low-noise propellers. The maximum speed of ships of this project is 33.4 knots. The fuel reserve is 1.7 thousand tons, which provides a cruising range of 3,900 nautical miles.
The steering unit consists of a hydraulic machine and a semi-balanced steering wheel.
Project 956 destroyers are equipped with two steam generators (total power 2500 kW) and two diesel generators (600 kW each), which provide the ships with electricity.
Under normal conditions, the crew size is 296 people, including 25 officers and 48 midshipmen. In wartime, the ship's crew increases to 358 people. The Sarych destroyers have created comfortable living conditions for the crew: single and double cabins are equipped for officers, and double and four-berth cabins for midshipmen. Sailors are accommodated in sixteen cubicles of 10-25 people each. There are more than three square meters of living space per person.
On board there is a separate wardroom for feeding officers, another one is intended for feeding midshipmen, and several dining rooms where sailors eat food. There are several showers and a sauna on board. The crew has a library, a cinema room, cable TV, and there is even a prefabricated swimming pool.
All living and working areas of the destroyer are equipped with an air conditioning system; it provides comfortable working conditions for the crew in the temperature range from −25°C to +34°C. It should be noted that Project 956 destroyers compare favorably with other Soviet and Russian-built ships in terms of living conditions for the crew.
The autonomy of the Sarych destroyers in terms of provisions is 30 days.
The anti-aircraft missile armament of the Sarych destroyers consists of the M-22 Uragan air defense system, which is a naval modification of the Buk complex. On ships of later construction, the Hurricane-Tornado air defense system was installed. Two anti-aircraft missile launchers are located at the bow (forecastle superstructure) and at the stern (behind the runway) of the ship. The mass of each air defense system is 96 tons, the total ammunition load is 48 guided missiles, which are located in the cellars on special drums.
The characteristics of the Uragan air defense system allow you to simultaneously fire at 4-6 targets at altitudes from 10 to 1 thousand meters and at a distance of up to 25 km. The capabilities of the Uragan-Tornado air defense system are even more impressive: the maximum destruction range is 70 km. The rate of fire is one missile launch every 6-12 seconds. The probability of hitting an aircraft with a salvo of two missiles ranges from 0.81-0.96, a cruise missile - 0.43-0.86.
Destroyers of the Sarych project have powerful artillery weapons, consisting of two twin AK-130 artillery mounts (130 mm caliber) and rapid-fire anti-aircraft artillery, which is the last line of ship air defense. The artillery armament of the destroyers also includes the MP-184 multi-channel fire control system, consisting of a radar, laser range finder, television and ballistic computer.
Each gun mount has a mechanized supply of ammunition, which allows it to fire at a rate of 30 to 90 rounds per minute at a range of over 24 km. The ammunition capacity for each barrel is 500 rounds, of which 180 are always ready for use.
Automation of the processes of loading and supplying ammunition allows you to fire until the ammunition is completely exhausted.
The weight of one gun mount is 98 tons.
The rapid-firing anti-aircraft artillery of Project 956 destroyers consists of two batteries of AK-630M automatic systems. The batteries are located on each side of the ship and are designed to destroy cruise missiles at low altitudes. Each battery includes two six-barreled gun mounts with a rotating barrel block and a Vympel control system. The firing range of the AK-630M is 4 km, the rate of fire is 4 thousand rounds per minute.
The main anti-ship weapon of the destroyer "Sarych" is the "Moskit" anti-ship missiles. The Bespokoiny and all subsequent ships of the project are equipped with the modernized Moskit-M complex. Project 956 destroyers have two fixed launchers, each of which houses four Moskit anti-ship missiles.
The target engagement range of the Moskit is 140 km, and that of the Moskit-M is 170 km. The missiles have a combat mass weighing 300 kg and develop flight speeds of up to M = 2.5-3. The ship can fire all eight missiles in just 30 seconds.
On the upper deck of the destroyers there are two twin-tube torpedo tubes of 533 mm caliber. Mine weapons are represented by two RBU-1000 rocket launchers, which can fire at a distance of 1 thousand meters. Bomb launchers are located at the stern of the ship. Their main task is to destroy enemy submarines at shallow depths in the immediate vicinity of the ship. The warhead of each rocket bomb is 98 kg. Project 956 destroyers can lay barrage mines (up to 22 mines can be taken on board).
Project 956 destroyers do not have a permanent helicopter hangar, but a temporary, removable one is provided. The Ka-27 helicopter can be based there. The helipad is located almost in the center of the ship, so it is less affected by pitching.
The helicopter can be used for anti-submarine warfare, and it can also conduct reconnaissance and provide target designation for anti-ship missiles.
The destroyers "Sarych" are equipped with several types of radar stations: "Fregat", "Fregat-M" and "Fregat-MA". For over-the-horizon detection of enemy objects and target designation, the “Bridge” system is used; it can search at distances of up to 200 km. Target designation for the anti-ship missile system is provided by the Mineral system; it has both an active and passive radar channel. The ship can receive target designation from airplanes or helicopters.
Project 9566 destroyers do not have an onboard information and control system; its functions are performed by the Sapphire-U situation tablet.
Project 956 ships are equipped with a complex of electronic warfare equipment, which includes electronic reconnaissance equipment and a jamming system, as well as passive and active countermeasures.
Project 956 destroyers have a well-thought-out survivability system. Fire compartments have been created around potentially dangerous areas of the ship (cellars, engine rooms) by strengthening the hull with steel structures.
There is a fire main with several pumps, volumetric fire extinguishing systems, foam extinguishing systems, and water spraying of decks and bulkheads. The ship also has systems for rapid irrigation and flooding of cellars.
To eliminate the water threat, the ships of the project have: drainage, dewatering and tank balancing systems. There is an external washing system in case of contamination of external surfaces.
Only artillery mounts and the Moskit anti-ship missile launcher are provided with armor protection (anti-fragmentation).
| Ship name | Launch date | Write-off date | Notes |
| "Modern" | 18.11.1978 | 30.09.1998 | |
| "Desperate" | 29.03.1980 | 30.09.1998 | |
| "Great" | 21.03.1981 | 30.09.1998 | |
| "Prudent" | 24.04.1982 | 30.09.1998 | |
| "Irreproachable" | 25.06.1983 | 20.07.2001 | |
| "Combat" | 4.08.1984 | in 2010 | |
| "Persistent" | 27.07.1985 | 30.09.1998 | |
| "Winged" | 31.05.1986 | 30.09.1998 | |
| "Stormy" | 30.12.1986 | Under repair | |
| "Thundering" | 30.05.1987 | 18.12.2006 | |
| "Fast" | 28.11.1987 | As part of KTOF | The ship "Bystry" is the oldest ship of the project in service |
| "Efficient" | 4.06.1988 | Decommissioned | On disposal |
| "Fearless" | 18.02.1989 | In reserve | |
| "Thundering" | 30.09.1989 | Decommissioned | |
| "Restless" | 9.06.1990 | In reserve DKBF | |
| "Persistent" | 19.01.1991 | As part of the DKBF | Flagship of the Baltic Fleet |
| "Admiral Ushakov" | 28.12.1991 | As part of the KSF | |
| "Impressive" | 17.10.1987 | Cut to metal | |
| "Hangzhou" "Important" |
27.05.1994 | Part of the Chinese Navy | |
| "Fuzhou" "Thoughtful" |
16.04.1999 | Part of the Chinese Navy | |
| "Exuberant" | - | Construction stopped | |
| "Taizhou" "Impressive" |
27.04.2004 | Part of the Chinese Navy | |
| "Ningbo" "Eternal" |
23.06.2004 | Part of the Chinese Navy |
| Displacement, t: | |
| Standard | 6500 |
| Complete | 7940 |
| Dimensions, m: | |
| Length | 156,5 |
| Width | 17,19 |
| Draft | 5,96 |
| Max. speed, knots | 33,4 |
| Cruising range, miles: | |
| at a speed of 32.7 knots | 1345 |
| at a speed of 18 knots | 3920 |
| Autonomy, days | 30 |
| Crew, people | |
| peacetime | 296 |
| wartime | 358 |
| Main power plant | 2xGTZA-674 |
| Total power, l. With. | 100000 (2x50000) |
| Armament | |
| Impact missile | Anti-ship missile "Mosquito" |
| Anti-aircraft missile | M-22 "Hurricane" |
| Artillery weapons | AK-130 |
| Artillery anti-aircraft weapons | AK-630M |
| Anti-submarine | 2xDTA-53, 2xRBU-1000 |
Project 956 Sarych destroyers were created during the Cold War era, and their main opponent in the oceans was the American ship of a similar class, Spruance. This US Navy destroyer and its characteristics had a great influence on the future appearance of the Buzzards. There was a competition between the two superpowers and the Soviet admirals demanded that our ship be no worse.
The first thing that catches your eye is the difference in the power plants of the two ships. Moreover, the Spruance gas turbine power plant looks much more preferable both in terms of characteristics and reliability. An American power plant can reach full power in twelve minutes; a Soviet destroyer needs an hour and a half for this.
The artillery armament is, of course, more powerful than the Soviet ship (it was originally designed as a landing support ship), but the American destroyer is superior to it in anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Initially, the Sarych had more powerful missile weapons, but after modernization, universal launchers for Tomahawk missiles were installed on the Spruance, which gave a significant advantage to the American.
However, currently the main US destroyer is the Arleigh Burke class. This ship was designed in the mid-80s and is significantly superior to Project 956 ships in almost all respects. "Arleigh Burke" is a fourth-generation destroyer, so comparing it with "Sarych" is not very correct.
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