Destroyers are a universal combat ship. Destroyer "combat" A short retreat. Why a destroyer?

A destroyer (destroyer) is a class of multi-purpose fast combat ships. Such combat units are designed to fight the enemy on water, under water, in the air, as well as destroy ground targets. The term "destroyer" comes from the old name for torpedoes - "self-propelled mines." The designation “squadron” indicates the ability of ships of this class to operate as part of squadrons. The first “harbinger” of destroyers is considered to be the British ram destroyer Polyphemus, launched in 1881. It reached speeds of up to 18 knots and could fight enemy ships using rams and torpedoes. Modern destroyers are radically different from their 19th-century ancestors; they are fast, stealthy, carry mainly missile weapons, and are also equipped with standard aircraft (helicopters).

The editors of the weapons blog Full Afterburner assessed the capabilities of destroyers in service with various navies around the world and named the Top 10 most prepared for modern combat operations.

1st place
Zumwalt-class destroyers (USA)
Length – 182 m, displacement – ​​14,500 tons. The main weapons of destroyers of this series are 80 cruise missiles Tomahawk and artillery systems with a fire range of up to 120 km
jeffhead.com

Despite the fact that the ships are experimental and are only preparing to receive combat readiness status, their capabilities are significantly ahead of all previous and current developments
thebrigade.com

2nd place
Kolkata-class destroyers (India)
Length - 163 m, displacement - 7300 tons. The main armament of the new destroyer is Russian-Indian BrahMos anti-ship cruise missiles
engie-axima.fr

Kolkata guided missile destroyers have two subtypes - Project 15A and Project 15B (Viskhapatnam class). The 15B ships are an upgraded version of the 15A and have a lower radar signature
engie-axima.fr

3rd place
Type 052D destroyers (China)
Length – 156 m, displacement – ​​7500 tons. By 2018, the Chinese Navy plans to receive 12 ships of type 052D
flickr.com

The destroyer is armed with a 130-mm artillery mount, a 30-mm anti-aircraft gun, missiles capable of hitting air, surface and ground targets, as well as mines and torpedoes
quora.com

4th place
Sejong/KD-III type destroyers (South Korea)
Length – 165 m, displacement – ​​11,000 tons. The ships are equipped with the Aegis combat system and are analogous to American Arleigh Burke-class destroyers
navy.mil

Each of the Sejong-class ships carries 16 anti-ship missiles, 128 air-defense missiles, as well as cruise missiles and anti-submarine torpedoes
wikiwand.com

5th place
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers (USA)
Length - 155 m, displacement - 9800 tons (dimensions of the latest series of ships). Destroyers have been built for the US Navy since 1988. A total of 76 ships have been ordered, 62 of which have already entered service with the fleet.
navaltoday.com

Each of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers carries more than a hundred missiles of various types (including cruise missiles), 6 torpedo launchers, as well as several types of artillery weapons
navaltoday.com

6th place
Atago-class destroyers (Japan)
Length – 170 m, displacement – ​​7750 tons. Atago-class ships are built on the basis of Kongo-class destroyers, the prototype of which is the American Arleigh Burke-class destroyers
reddit.com

Atago-class destroyers are designed to detect and destroy ballistic missiles, aircraft and other flying objects
navaltoday.com

7th place
Daring/Type 45 destroyers (UK)
Length – 152 m, displacement – ​​8500 tons. The main task of these ships is to protect the fleet from air attacks
ukdefencejournal.org.uk

The PAAMS anti-aircraft missile system with the Sylver launcher is capable of protecting ships from both individually flying missiles and missiles fired in a salvo
ukdefencejournal.org.uk

8th place
Horizon-class destroyers (France/Italy)
Length - 153 m, displacement - 7000 tons. Horizon-class ships are classified by the manufacturer as frigates, although in terms of their dimensions and combat capabilities they fully correspond to the class of destroyers
military-today.com

Navaltoday.com 10th place
Destroyers type 956 "Sarych"
Length - 156 m, displacement - 8000 tons. The last of the destroyer class ships developed and built in the USSR
dodmedia.osd.mil

Each of the Sarych-class destroyers is armed with 48 missiles to engage air targets, 8 anti-ship missiles, as well as torpedoes and mines
dodmedia.osd.mil

The destroyer "Boevoy" was included in the list of Navy ships on December 3, 1947 and on December 21, 1949, it was laid down at plant No. 445 (serial number 1106). Launched on 04/29/1950, entered service on 12/19/1950 and on 01/11/1951, having raised the Naval flag, became part of the Black Sea Fleet.

Displacement: 3101 tons.

Dimensions: length - 120.5 m, width - 12 m, draft - 4.25 m.

Maximum speed: 36.6 knots.

Cruising range: 3660 miles at 15.5 knots.

Powerplant: GTZA type TV-6, two-shaft, 60,000 hp.

Armament: 2x2 130-mm deck-turret artillery gun mounts B-2-LM, 2x2 85-mm turret gun mounts 92-K, 7x1 37-mm deck-mounted automatic anti-aircraft gun mounts 70-K (since 1951, re-equipped with B-11 anti-aircraft guns ), 2x5 533-mm torpedo tubes, 10 torpedoes, 2 BMB-1 or BMB-2 bomb launchers, 2 stern bomb releasers, 74 depth charges, overload up to 60 minutes.

Crew: 286 people.

Ship history:

Project 30 bis destroyer.

When starting to create Project 30-bis destroyers, Soviet naval specialists had experience in the creation and combat use of destroyers (Projects 7 and 7-u) and leaders (Projects 1, 20-i and 38). Work on the destroyer Project 30-bis was initially entrusted to the Central Design Bureau No. 17 (TsKB-17) of the People's Commissariat of the Shipbuilding Industry. The basis for this was the joint decision of the NK Navy and the NKSP dated 10/08/1945. However, less than two months had passed before a letter from the Navy NK dated 11/28/1945 finally approved the armament composition of the new destroyer of the “second series” (Project 30-bis ) and the executors of the latter project were reassigned - a new TsKB-53 was formed, A.L. Fisher was approved as the chief designer of this project. Soon, by resolution of the USSR Council of Ministers N3 149-75 dated January 28, 1947, the technical project 30 bis, finally developed at TsKB-53, was approved.

Some changes were made to project 30 bis compared to the “parent” project (destroyer “Ognevoy” pr. 30): the main dimensions (length, width and side height) were slightly increased, the hull was made completely welded for the first time, and its design made it possible to use new, more advanced technology. The strength characteristics of hull structures met the then existing in military shipbuilding "Requirements for performing strength calculations of hull structures of surface ships", published in 1944, as well as, in particular, the "Temporary Methodology for Calculating the Strength of Aft End Structures".

The onboard weapons and armament included 2X2-130/50 mm/cal, deck-turret artillery gun mounts "B-2-LM" (with 150 rounds of ammunition per barrel); 2X2-85/52 mm/cal, "92-K" turret gun mounts (ammunition - 300 rounds per barrel), as well as 7X1-37/63 mm/cal "70-K" deck-mounted automatic anti-aircraft guns. Since 1951, the destroyers of Project 30-bis were, instead of the latter, re-equipped with new anti-aircraft guns of the same caliber "B-11". The ammunition included 1200 shells per barrel. The torpedo armament consisted of two deck-based guided five-tube torpedo tubes of 53 cm caliber type ША-53-З0-bis (ammunition load - 10 torpedoes) and the Mina-30-bis launcher system. Anti-submarine weapons were provided by two bomb throwers of the BMB-1 type "or "BMB-2", as well as two stern bomb releasers with ammunition for large depth and small depth charges - 22 and 52 pieces, respectively. The destroyers could also take barrage mines for overload: 52 pieces of the "KB" type ("KB-KRAB" ) or 60 pieces of the "M-26" type. As on the Project 30-k EM, radio-technical weapons were provided: air target detection radar "Guys-1M" (on Project 30-k - "Guys-1B"), Surface target detection radar "Rif-1", artillery radars "Redan" (for the main caliber) and "Vympel-2" (for the anti-aircraft caliber). The Rym-1 station was used as a navigation radar. The destroyers' crew consisted of 286 people , including officers.

The creation of destroyers along Project 30-bis became an extraordinary phenomenon for Soviet shipbuilding, never seen before. In the entire history of the Russian fleet and shipbuilding, it was planned to build the largest number of units in a series of large surface ships (in total, EM Project 30-bis was built and introduced into the Navy 68 units). The main technological processes, characterized by their own characteristics during the construction of the EM Project 30-bis, were plaza work, processing of the hull metal, as well as assembly and welding of the ship’s hull on the slipway and outfitting work. During construction, the building was technologically “broken” into 101 sections; assembly and welding of sections were carried out in the assembly (hull) shop in special “beds”, after which the sections were transported to the slipway shop, where assembly and welding of the hull was carried out according to a given technology. The length of the welds was approximately 16,000 m; For welding work on one such ship, approximately 17 tons of welding electrodes were required.

The composition and layout, placement of the power plant and auxiliary mechanisms were approximately the same as on EM pr. 30. The location of the boiler rooms and engine rooms is also echelon: two bow boiler rooms - one engine (bow) room; two aft boiler rooms - one (aft) engine room. The main steam boilers of the KV-30 type were water-tube four-collector boilers. They had a radiation-convective heating surface and air heaters with fan blowing air into the boiler room. GTZA type TV-6 was used as the main turbo-gear units on the destroyers of Project 30-bis. They developed forward power up to 60,000 hp. To transmit torque to the propellers, two propeller shaft lines were provided.

After the completion of the construction of the Project 30-bis destroyers, some of the ships underwent modernization, during which a number of individual models of combat and technical equipment were replaced with more modern ones or were removed from the ship altogether. The main directions of modernization work carried out on the "thirty-bis", which were part of our fleet at that time, were strengthening the radio-technical weapons, combat equipment of ships that solved air defense and anti-aircraft defense missions, as well as improving the living conditions for the destroyers' personnel.

The sailors who served on the "thirty-bis" loved them for their simplicity and reliability. And it was these destroyers who had the opportunity to begin the exploration of the World Ocean, where they subsequently transferred the tasks of combat service to their more modern brothers.

The destroyer "Boevoy" was included in the list of Navy ships on December 3, 1947 and on December 21, 1949, it was laid down at plant No. 445 (serial number 1106). Launched on 04/29/1950, entered service on 12/19/1950 and on 01/11/1951, having raised the Naval flag, became part of the Black Sea Fleet.

08/03/1961 was withdrawn from combat service and reclassified to the TsL, but on 11/25/1964 it was returned to the EM class and expelled from the USSR Navy in connection with the upcoming transfer to the Indonesian Navy.

Subsequently, it was part of the Indonesian Navy, and in 1973 it was disarmed and sold for scrap.

In the domestic fleet today there is a steady confrontation between two different concepts of fleet development. One group of military sailors from among tacticians and strategists is focused on creating universal ships of small and medium displacement for the fleet. Based on the composition of their weapons and their tactical and technical characteristics, such ships can perform a huge amount of work, from conducting strike operations to carrying out search and patrol operations. The main argument of supporters of this concept is the low cost of building such ships and the real opportunity to master mass production. The Russian Navy today really needs modern ships, and in large quantities.

The period has come when the rich heritage of the Soviet Navy has really exhausted its service life and a full replacement of the ship's personnel is required. Another group of naval strategists is gravitating towards creating a powerful ocean-going fleet in Russia, equipped with large warships. In this case, the naval leadership’s desire for gigantomania, preserved from the Soviet period, is reflected. The main argument of the supporters of this concept is banally simple and relies more on ideological motives. A large country means you need to have a large fleet equipped with large combat vessels. The destroyer project 23560 is a clear confirmation of this. The history of the birth of the project and subsequent events clearly showed how ready the domestic shipbuilding and defense industry is to implement such large-scale plans. The designed ship should be the response of the domestic fleet to the appearance in the ranks of Western fleets of similar ships, the American destroyer Zamvolt and the British destroyer Daring.

The new ship is a kind of test of suitability for the Russian defense industry. The performance characteristics included in the project are the most advanced for military vessels today. Is the domestic industry capable of mastering the construction of new promising ships for the fleet in the required quantities, or will the Leader-class destroyer become another leviathan in the Russian navy?

The birth of project 23560 “Leader” - where the legs grow from

The Russian Supreme Naval leadership has set an ambitious task for Russian designers to create a large warship, the design of which will embody all the advanced concepts and the most modern technologies. The new destroyer should be smaller than domestic heavy cruisers of the Kirov class, but larger in size than the American destroyer Zamvolt.

It is planned to use a nuclear power plant on the ship, which will significantly increase the range and operational life. The American ship has a conventional power plant. In terms of technical equipment, power supply and combat equipment, the Russian ship should become more powerful than its American counterpart. Already assessing the preliminary tactical and technical characteristics included in the project, we can safely say that typical elements of the next arms race are visible. Project 23560 is another attempt to catch up and technically surpass Western military fleets. How successful this idea is is difficult to judge now, but there are reasons why the construction of a vessel of this class for the Russian fleet remains open.

It should be noted that such large military vessels have not yet been built at Russian shipyards under modern conditions. There is experience in modernizing large Soviet-built ships, which they are trying to use for the development and construction of a new destroyer. A promising ship may surprise even a specialist privy to the intricacies and details of the development of modern military fleets. The ship's design incorporates a number of advanced technical innovations. Providing the ship with radar and navigation equipment deserves a separate discussion. Stealth technology dominates the entire project. On top of that, the Russian Leader-class destroyer must be armed with the most advanced and powerful types of weapons, surpassing all domestic ships in combat capabilities.

The multi-purpose destroyer was developed for operations in the far sea zone. The ship's functions included combating land ships of all classes, providing anti-submarine and air defense for the formation of ships, and fire support for landing operations. Assessing the functionality of the ship, its technical characteristics and combat capabilities, a reasonable question arises - why a destroyer. In terms of displacement and size, the designed ship is more reminiscent of a cruiser. All of the above functions were previously assigned to the cruiser.

A small digression. Why a destroyer?

When creating a new promising destroyer, Russian designers followed a well-trodden path that had been successful in other countries. The “small fleet effect”, which Japan has been implementing for 50 years, probably worked here. After defeat in World War II, Japan lost its entire battleship and cruiser fleet. In the process of reviving the fleet, the concept of building small-displacement military vessels was adopted. The main combat vessel of the Japanese Self-Defense Navy was considered a destroyer-class ship. Over time, Japanese designers and sailors developed the destroyer concept, turning it into a completely different ship. Today, the Japanese Navy has aircraft carrier destroyers and landing craft destroyers. The displacement of these combat units has far exceeded the threshold that was established for ships of this class. Currently, destroyers have a displacement of 10-15 thousand tons.

Thus, the Japanese military decided to circumvent restrictions on the military budget. It is much easier to obtain funding for the construction of a destroyer than to provide funding for a cruiser under construction, much less an aircraft carrier. It doesn’t matter that during the construction process, a modest destroyer turns into a warship comparable in combat power and size to a battleship. This practice bore fruit and in a short time Japan was able to acquire an entire squadron of large ships of various classes, which, with a stretch, can be called destroyers.

They decided to take a similar route to the USA, where they decided to build the latest ships in a similar way. Having included in the draft military budget the construction of a new destroyer, the Americans ended up with a combat vessel comparable in size and combat power to a cruiser. The British also managed to build a new ship of type 45, which is considered a destroyer, but in fact is quite comparable to a full-fledged cruiser.

The domestic fleet did not reinvent the wheel and relied on creating a project for a promising warship. The Project 23560 destroyer is a completely different type of combat vessel, which was previously built at domestic shipyards. In terms of armament power and combat equipment, this ship is comparable to the domestic Kirov-class nuclear-powered heavy cruisers. The design cost in this case is significantly lower, which makes it possible to build such ships in a large series.

The fate of Project 23560 Leader-class destroyers

From all the enormous amount of information about the project that is currently circulating in the press, on the Internet and on television, only a few details can be gleaned. It is planned that the newest Russian ship will be completely manufactured taking into account stealth technology. This concerns the use of composite materials in the construction of the main superstructures to give the vessel hull optimal contours. The Project 23560 destroyer will be characterized by a high degree of automation of all major technological and combat processes. The nuclear power plant and large dimensions of the vessel will provide it with unlimited seaworthiness and cruising range. The newest ship should reach a speed of up to 30 knots. In addition to strike and defensive weapons, it is planned to install hangars and take-off pads on the ship for basing and receiving two helicopters.

With such technical characteristics and parameters, the ship's displacement inevitably increases, which, in accordance with the design data, can be about 9 thousand tons.

Initially, the state of the newest ship looked like this. Even in the high offices of the Navy General Staff, there was a debate about what the new generation destroyer should become, and in the depths of the Northern Design Bureau, preliminary work on the development of the project was already underway. The idea of ​​building such a ship for the domestic fleet appeared back in 2009, and only in 2013 was the preliminary design of the new vessel approved.

The reason for this delay was that there was no consensus among either the sailors or the designers regarding the type of power plant for the new combat unit. Two concepts were fought: to give preference to a nuclear power plant or to concentrate efforts on building ships with a conventional gas turbine engine. Accordingly, the choice in favor of one or another option inevitably led to a change in the basic parameters of the vessel. With a nuclear power plant, the ship's displacement increased significantly. We were talking about 12-14 thousand tons. With a conventional engine, the ship could theoretically fit into the design parameters, about 9 thousand tons.

It should be noted here that time has put everything in its place. While they were deciding what engines the new destroyer would be equipped with, the military-political and economic situation in the world changed. Ukraine’s refusal to supply gas turbine units for the construction of Russian ships led to the decision to orient the project of a Leader-class destroyer to a nuclear power plant. The project was planned to be prepared taking into account the new requirements in 2019, but during this time it was only possible to begin full-fledged design work.

Despite this, already in 2019 at the International Salon, where samples of naval weapons were presented, Russia presented a model of the Project 23560E ship, a promising destroyer in an export version. At this salon, the tactical and technical data that the new ship will have to have were only announced. As for the external appearance, it turned out that the model of the ship presented at the exhibition only conditionally reminds of a new development of the Russian defense industry.

In the export version, the promising ship should carry 64 launchers for Brahmos, Kalibr-NK or Zircon anti-ship missiles. 56 launchers of the naval version of the S-400 air defense system or a more modern modification of the S-500 Prometheus were responsible for the air defense on the ship. Further, the ship's firepower was enhanced by the installation of launch containers for the Redut anti-aircraft missile system.

In terms of combat power, the Russian project surpassed all currently existing military vessels. The strike complex, combined with a powerful air defense system, made such a ship the most formidable enemy at sea. As befits a ship of this class, the Leader-class destroyer was also equipped with torpedo weapons. Traditionally, they decided to leave artillery on the ship, which is represented by an automatic 130 mm cannon in a turret.

Mysteries of Project 23560 and the real state of affairs

In order to imagine the full scale of the construction underway, you need to understand one nuance. Why did a ship that was supposed to become a destroyer manage to turn into a ship comparable to a missile cruiser even at the design stage? The tasks that such a ship must solve seem excessive for one ship. In this case, the situation that arose in Japan with the construction of the battleships Yamato and Musashi, the largest military ships of this class, is comparable. An attempt to concentrate colossal firepower on one or two warships can result in disaster for the fleet.

The attempts of Russian naval sailors to create one or two large warships capable of gathering on board the firepower of an entire fleet look similar. Time will tell whether this will be justified from a tactical and operational point of view. The situation is still in its infancy and the contract amounts that could result in the construction of Leader-class destroyers look exorbitant.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 BOD " 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Destroyers are fast multi-purpose ships that can perform a range of combat and border missions. They are equipped with guns mounted on board to combat submarine, surface and air forces. Destroyers are part of the escort of aircraft carriers and heavy cruisers, provide fire support for landing forces, and engage in patrolling and reconnaissance. If necessary, they place minefields and perform other operations.

Such a variety of tasks performed makes a modern destroyer a universal vessel. It is one of the fastest among all specimens that swim long distances. At the same time, destroyers have the ability to create a smoke screen, thanks to which they can hide from the enemy. The sizes and set of weapons of such ships in different countries are quite varied. These can be quite large ships with nuclear installations on board. At the same time, some armed forces call destroyers small maneuverable ships that can deftly bypass any obstacles.

Thus, the Israeli destroyer Eilat, which previously belonged to the British, had a displacement of no more than two tons. During the Second World War, the main purpose of the ship was the Arctic convoy of important military installations from Britain to the USSR in the northern seas. However, even for those years, this size was too small for this class of combat vessel. It is not surprising that in 1967 it became the first ship in history to be sunk by anti-ship missiles. Egyptian boats fired 4 missiles at it, as a result of which the Eilat sank, killing 47 crew members.

The destroyer got its name due to the fact that in pre-revolutionary Russia torpedoes (which are the main armament of the ship being described) were called “self-propelled mines.” In English-speaking countries, this class of warships is called Destroyer, which means “fighter.”

History of the creation of destroyers

The first attempt to create a ship with a self-propelled mine on board was the American submarine Turtle, which was built at the end of the 18th century during the American War of Independence. However, the predecessor of the torpedo was never able to be attached to the bottom of the ship. In the mid-19th century, Russian shipbuilders also tried to install mine weapons on a steam boat. But it also sank during the testing phase. After unsuccessful attempts to install prototypes of future torpedo launchers on a warship, the main goal became to improve the survivability of the ship.

Only in 1877 did the first operational ships with torpedo launchers appear. They were two ships at once: the British destroyer Lightning and the Russian Vzryv. Both were equipped with Whitehead torpedoes, which are designed to sink any type of ship. Successful tests made it possible to produce another 11 similar ships for England just two years later. During the same period, 12 French destroyers were built, as well as 1 each for Austria-Hungary and Denmark.

The first combat experience of destroyers was the battle between the Russian Empire and Turkey: on January 14, 1878, two boats with mines on board sank the steamship Intibakh, which was of Turkish origin. News of the rapid flooding spread throughout Europe. It became clear that, along with the construction of bulky battleships, it was necessary to produce light and maneuverable destroyers. The latter were easy prey for heavy enemy ships during the day, but at night they could quietly sail to critically close distances to the enemy and fire deadly torpedoes. Thus, less than 10 years after the construction of the first destroyers, most European navies already had many similar ships in service. The leaders were the following countries:

• England - 129 ships;
• Russia - 119 ships;
• France - 77 destroyers.

Destroyer - prerequisites for creation, purpose of the ship

The development of the construction of destroyers threatened the existence of much more expensive heavy cruisers and battleships. It was necessary to create ships that were capable of going out to sea together with heavy vessels. At the same time, they must carry weapons to destroy enemy small and maneuverable mine boats, as well as artillery that will not allow the destroyers to approach the distance required for an attack. The shipbuilders were given the task of building destroyer destroyers.

The first of these vessels was the ram destroyer Polyphemus, manufactured in Britain. Its length was over 70 meters. On board there were five torpedo launchers and 6 rapid-fire guns. Another weapon was the stem - an elongated keel in the shape of a ram, inside of which a torpedo launcher was located. However, this example turned out to be quite unsuccessful due to its low speed and small-caliber artillery. Next, the British created a whole series of torpedo cruisers and boats, among which the Scout, Archer, Swift and others were considered the most significant. It should be noted that the British and French became the leaders in the construction of the predecessors of the destroyers.

Not only Great Britain was looking for options for building a new class of ship. The Japanese also received a ship resembling a destroyer, the Kotaka torpedo gunboat. To be fair, it should be noted that the ship was also built by the British. It was an armored destroyer - all the main elements were protected by an armored 25-mm layer of metal. The keel also had the shape of a ram. On board there were 4 artillery guns and 6 torpedo tubes. The ship gained combat experience in the Sino-Japanese War at the end of the 19th century. On February 5, 1895, Kotaka torpedoes sank the Chinese cruiser Lai Yuan.

The first destroyers

French designs were considered the most successful and maneuverable destroyers at the end of the 19th century. The British shipbuilder Alfred Yarrow, famous in those years, went to France to study their new ships. Upon arrival home, he designed a new type of combat ships, which he gave the name Torpedoboats Destroyers - destroyer destroyers. In 1893, six new ships were launched, which became the first examples of a new class of ships - destroyers. Two of them were built by the Alfred Yarrow Company. Their speed was about 26 knots. Artillery included 67 mm and 57 mm cannons, as well as three 457 mm torpedo launchers. These destroyer samples had an elongated shape: with a length of almost 50 meters, the width of the vessel did not exceed 6 meters. Tests carried out at sea showed that the bow torpedo tube was not suitable for work - self-propelled mines fired from it at full speed could easily be destroyed by the ship itself; it literally rammed them.

Britain's ubiquitous competitor, France, built its first destroyer in 1894. In the first year of the 20th century they also became owners of a new class of ship. And after 4 years, America had 16 similar ships in service.

US Bainbridge-class destroyers

The United States launched the destroyer program after analyzing military clashes between the Chileans in 1894 and the Sino-Japanese War of the same year. During naval battles, maneuverable and economical destroyers managed to sink several heavy and expensive cruisers. In addition, the war between America and Spain in 1898 made it clear to the Americans that Europe is already actively using destroyers, which easily cope with their assigned tasks - preventing attacks by American torpedo boats, while not inferior to them in speed. It was necessary to speed up the development and construction of our own destroyers.

The first 13 Bainbridge-class vessels were built in four years. Their length was 75 meters, the design speed was 28 knots. Armament included 2 75 mm and 6 57 mm guns, as well as two Whitehead torpedo tubes. Subsequent operation showed that these ships cannot sail long distances and do not maintain the promised speed. However, they were widespread in the Pacific Fleet and even participated in the First World War.

Destroyers of the Russian Imperial Fleet

The first Russian destroyers were smaller in size compared to similar ships from their European neighbors. Their speed did not exceed 25 knots. On board, as a rule, there were 2 light guns and no more than two rotary torpedo tubes. In addition, another torpedo launcher was located in the bow of the hull. The class of destroyers appeared in the Russian fleet only after the end of the war with Japan.

• The "Kit" class destroyers were launched in the amount of 4 units. One of them was blown up during the Russo-Japanese War, the rest took part in the First World War and were decommissioned only in 1925.
• Five Forel-class destroyers were produced for the Russian Empire in France. However, a number of inconsistent points revealed discrepancies between the planned and actual indicators. All ships took part in the Russo-Japanese War, 3 of them sank during the battles. The remaining ones were reclassified as destroyers in 1907. The destroyer's armament included 75 mm and 47 mm cannons, as well as two rotating 380 mm torpedo launchers.
• The most numerous type of destroyer class ship in Russia was the Sokol. A total of 27 units were launched. They were considered classic destroyers, but naval battles with Japan showed that all the equipment on board the ship was outdated.
• 10 destroyers of the Buiny type were built on the shores of Lake Ladoga. The basis for them was the project of the Yarrow company, which built the first serial destroyers for the Japanese Imperial Navy.

By the beginning of the First World War, Russia already had 75 destroyers in service. However, in reality, most of them did not have modern weapons.

Sokol-class destroyer

Another destroyer of the Russo-Japanese War of the “Grozny” type became a continuation of the “Buiny” destroyer series. The first ship of this series was put into operation in September 1904. Six months later he took part in the Battle of Tsushima. After the crushing defeat of the Russian fleet, the Grozny, together with another destroyer, set sail for Vladivostok. However, Japanese destroyers and fighters discovered the ships and began an attack. The second destroyer, Bedovy, raised a white flag and surrendered to the enemy. At this time, the pursuit of “Grozny” began. The Japanese destroyer Kagero was located less than 4 kilometers from the Russian ship. After a lengthy firefight, having received multiple wounds, both ships separated. Thus, “Grozny” became one of the three surviving ships of the Pacific squadron that managed to get to Vladivostok. On the way, he ran out of fuel, as a result of which all the wooden structures, including the lifeboats, went into the furnace.

Changes in destroyer design in the early 20th century

The beginning of the 20th century was marked by the construction of ships with steam turbines, thanks to which the speed could be increased. The first destroyer with a steam installation was the British Viper, its speed reached 36 knots. During a storm, the ship split into two parts, but this did not stop the British and soon new steam destroyers appeared in their arsenal.

Since 1905, the British again became the founders of a new type of fuel. Now ships ran not on coal, but on oil. The destroyers' displacement was also increased from 200 to 1000 tons.

During numerous tests, all countries abandoned stationary underwater torpedo tubes, leaving only rotary deck tubes. The size of the torpedo was also increased to 600 mm in diameter, the weight reached 100 kg.

It is worth noting that despite the significant number of destroyers built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, their armament was still at an insufficient level. The world leaders of the Navy did not have enough combat experience; the warring countries did not have the time and funds to develop new models. However, the First World War awaited the world ahead, where each country had to show its skills and dedication.

World War I

On the day Britain declared war against Germany, the English destroyer Lance fired the first torpedo aimed at the German ship Königin Louise. It was from this minelayer that a mine was fired that blew up the first English ship.

British destroyers of World War I

The Lance-class destroyer was launched shortly before the start of the war - in February 1914. On board were 3 light 102 mm cannons, 1 anti-aircraft gun and two 533 mm torpedo tubes. While on patrol in the North Sea, the ship's crew discovered a German ship laying mines in the path of British merchant ships. The order was immediately given to fire at the enemy from a 102 mm cannon. There was no hope of salvation - the captain of the German “Queen Louise” ordered the ship to be sunk.

Chinese Type 052D destroyers

Since 2014, China has had new Type 052D destroyers in service. 13 ships are planned, as of January 2018 there are 6 ships in service. On board there is a 130-mm H/PJ-38 artillery mount, various types of missile weapons, torpedo tubes, and 1 helicopter. There is no information about the presence of anti-ship weapons in open sources.

It should be noted that the largest number of new destroyers are located in Asia. India and Japan also have new vessels of this class. This behavior of the navies of Asian powers is not accidental. One of the most unpredictable states is located there. What North Korea's actions will be and how the United States and NATO countries will react to this can only be guessed at.