Which ship is the strongest? The world's largest warship. Russian warships. Newest warships

In 1945, after the expulsion of the Japanese colonialists, Koreans lived poorer than the natives of New Guinea. There was not a single person in Seoul with a higher education, and the American provisional authorities could not find a Korean capable of driving a tram. The fratricidal war that broke out finally turned the south of the Korean Peninsula into a land of total chaos and devastation. The country was tormented by an acute energy crisis - all hydroelectric power plants remained on the territory of the DPRK. By the end of the 50s, a third of the country's working population was unemployed, and per capita GDP was $79 - less than in African and Latin American countries.

Now, looking at the shining skyscrapers of Seoul, it’s hard to believe that half a century ago everything was different here. The remote outskirts of the world have become the world's leading exporter of marine, automotive, electronics and consumer goods.

Shipbuilding is considered one of the locomotives of South Korean industry. For example, Hyundai is known in the world not only as a manufacturer of cheap cars, but also as a leader in large-tonnage shipbuilding - ocean-going linear container ships, supertankers, ferries... In total, Hyundai Heavy Industries accounts for 17% of the total world shipbuilding volume and 30% of the volume production of marine engines!

The Koreans are not sitting still and are aggressively conquering new markets, absorbing their competitors. It is no secret that the Russian Mistral is de facto being built by the South Korean corporation STX, which owns the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.

The inhabitants of the Korean Peninsula provide marine technology for a good half of the world. At the same time, they never forget about their own interests: the Navy of the Republic of Korea is the fourth most powerful in the Asia-Pacific region. “Advanced” technologies were chosen as the key vector of development - without compromising the number of ship personnel. The fleet is powerful, modern and numerous. Unlike the Japanese, who adhere to a strictly defensive concept for the development of their Navy, South Korean sailors are actively experimenting with sea-based cruise missiles. Work is underway in the field of creating anti-ship missiles and anti-submarine missile torpedoes; a vertical launch installation of its own design and an analogue of the Tomahawk (Hyunmoo-IIIC SLCM) have been put into service.

The efforts of the Koreans were generously rewarded - in 2008, the South Korean Navy accepted a ship that is considered the most heavily armed ship in the world.

Sejong the Great (DDG-991). Korean Destroyer eXperimental-III (KDX-III) Project

Of course, from a strategic point of view, the destroyer Sejong the Great must be compared with the ships of the DPRK, the main geopolitical enemy of South Korea. For obvious reasons, making such a comparison is difficult. The South Korean super destroyer is categorically different from the wooden feluccas and patrol boats built in the 60s.

In terms of the number of missiles installed on it, Sejong the Great makes sense to compare with another sea monster - the nuclear-powered cruiser Peter the Great (both ships undoubtedly deserve the prefix “great”).

144 missiles for various purposes versus 124 Petra missiles (not counting the ammunition of the self-defense air defense systems - "Dagger", "Dirk", RIM-116). If we take into account all the short-range anti-aircraft missiles, then the ratio will be 165 missiles for the “Korean” versus 444 missiles for our cruiser.

Of course, comparing ships by the number of missiles looks like a curiosity. How can you put on a par the 7-ton P-700 Granit and the subsonic Hae Sung anti-ship missile, which has a launch weight 10 times less?

However, the South Korean ship's ammunition load is a third higher than that of any American or Japanese Aegis destroyer. And in terms of the number of long-range anti-aircraft missiles, anti-submarine torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and SLCMs, Sejong the Great leaves even the Russian supercruiser behind. In fact, according to this indicator, it has no equal in the world (before the modernized TARKR Admiral Nakhimov came into operation).

Unlike the Russian ship, Sejong the Great is capable of carrying high-precision weapons to strike targets deep in the coast. The second advantage of the Sejong is that, like any Aegis destroyer, it is equipped with a powerful AN/SPY-1 radar (the most modern “D” modification), ideal for monitoring airspace at long distances, incl. at extra-atmospheric altitudes. However, unlike the Japanese Navy, the Koreans do not yet plan to equip their destroyers with SM-3 space interceptor missiles.

In general, the capabilities of the air defense system of Aegis destroyers are noticeably exaggerated. The universal AN/SPY-1 radar and low antenna arrays are a fatal drawback of all Eagle Berks and their Japanese and South Korean clones. The radar, as it turned out, is not at all “universal” and does not distinguish low-flying missiles well.

The fire control systems raise no less doubts - the Sejong is equipped with a standard set of three AN/SPG-62 backlight radars with mechanical scanning in azimuth and elevation. The system is reliable, but 30 years have passed since its creation. Many fleets now have much more advanced control systems based on phased array radars and active radar seeker systems for anti-aircraft missiles. Only the Yankees and their allies continue to “turn the old barrel organ.”

In addition to standard radars, the Sejong detection system includes the French Sagem IRST infrared detection system.

The Sejong anti-aircraft ammunition consists of 80 long-range SM-2MR Block IIIB missiles made in the USA. A comparison of these ammunition with the Petra anti-aircraft missiles gives the following result: the SM-2MR is superior in firing range to the S-300F and is approximately equivalent to the S-300FM in this parameter. The American missile is more compact and has half the mass, as a result - its flight speed is almost half that of the domestic 46H6E2 missile; moreover, the SM-2MR is equipped with a warhead of less mass. At the same time, SM-2MR Block IIIB, in addition to the usual radar seeker, has an active guidance mode in the IR range (the mode is intended for firing at “stealth” and other targets with low RCS).

Among other anti-aircraft weapons on board the Sejong there is a RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile self-defense air defense system - a 21-round launcher on a movable carriage, in the bow of the superstructure. Technically, RAM missiles are short-range airborne Sidewinder missiles with infrared seekers from the Stinger MANPADS. Max. launch range - 10,000 meters. It is curious that Sejong became the first of the Aegis destroyers to receive such a system.

The stern corners are covered by another self-defense system - the seven-barreled automatic gun "Goalkeeper". Thanks to high-quality drives and fire control devices, high rate of fire and the power of 30 mm projectiles, the Dutch “Goalkeeper” is considered one of the best systems for this purpose.

Structurally, the Sejong is an enlarged Burke series IIA with increased ammunition and expanded combat capabilities. The South Korean destroyer is 10 meters longer and one meter wider than its American “progenitor”. The total displacement of the Sejong has reached 11 thousand tons and corresponds to the military-grade missile cruiser Moskva!

External appearance with elements of stealth technology, layout, weapons and a power plant consisting of four LM2500 gas turbines - Sejong inherited most of the features of a typical Aegis destroyer. With all its undoubted advantages and disadvantages.

The displacement reserve was rationally spent on increasing the ammunition load and fuel supply on board: the Sejong's cruising range at cruising, 20-knot speed increased by 600 miles (5,500 miles versus 4,890 for the most modern Burks).

Of particular interest are below-deck vertical launch units (UVP/VLS). Compared to the original design, the nose section of the UVP was increased from 32 to 48 Mk.41 cells. The stern missile launch complex has also undergone major changes - the number of Mk.41 cells has been reduced to 32 units. Instead, a little further aft, 48 UVP K-VLS cells of our own Korean production were located. Thus, the total number of UVP cells on the missile destroyer has reached 128 units.

The ammunition is placed as follows: according to open sources, all 80 original Mk.41s are used to store and launch SM-2MR anti-aircraft missiles. In the cells of the Korean K-VLS, 32 Hyunmoo IIIC cruise missiles and 16 Red Shark anti-submarine missiles (also known as K-ASROC) were deployed in front.

"Red Shark" is a typical anti-submarine missile with an anti-submarine torpedo as its warhead. The main difference from the American ASROC-VL is the small-sized torpedo: instead of the Mk.50, a 324 mm torpedo of its own design, the K745 “Blue Shark,” is used.

The Hyunmoo IIIC SLCM is an analogue of the Tomahawk. According to the Koreans, the missile is capable of launching at a range of 1000...1500 km. It is equipped with a 500-kg warhead, but, unlike the Ax, it is capable of reaching supersonic speed (1.2M). March flight altitude - 50...100 m. Guidance - INS and GPS.

Launch of the Hyunmoo SLCM from one of the ships of the Republic of Korea Navy

The Korean destroyer's weapons also include:

16 SSM-700K Hae Sung anti-ship missiles. Small-sized subsonic anti-ship missile, another “national” clone of the American Harpoon. The missiles are placed in quad launchers in the middle part of the ship;

127 mm universal gun Mk.45 (the latest Mod.4 modification with a barrel length of 62 calibers);

Two anti-submarine systems with small-sized Blue Shark torpedoes (six units in total);

Helipad, hangar for two helicopters - British Super Lynx or Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk are used.

Epilogue

The phenomenon of transforming a backward agricultural country into one of the leading economies in the world was called the “Miracle on the Han River.” Another fact will sound no less surprising: in the period from 2007 to 2012, the Koreans managed to build three super destroyers!

Sejong the Great (DDG-991) and Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong (DDG-993) were built at the facilities of Hyundai Heavy Industries.

Yulgok Yi I (DDG-992) was built by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering.

In the near future, the Koreans plan to build six more Aegis destroyers under the KDX-IIA project. Unlike the large Sejong ships, the new ships will have a total displacement in the range of 5500...7500 tons and will be focused on conducting combat operations in the coastal zone. The transfer of the ships to the fleet will take place between 2019 and 2026.

1 place:

Enterprise, USA – 342 m

Aircraft carrier. The ship was launched in the early 60s. She was one of the largest aircraft carriers planned for construction. However, due to the high cost of the Enterprise ($450 million), the project was stopped. This largest warship in the world, the only one in the group of giants who saw the world.

2nd place:

Nimitz, USA – 330 m

Aircraft carrier class. They are the world's second largest warships and the largest active aircraft carriers. The group includes ten ships that have been created since 1975. They are equipped with nuclear power plants and can transport 90 aircraft.

In the arsenal of the American fleet there are other groups of aircraft carriers with similar sizes: Kitty Hawk, Forrestal, John F. Kennedy, Midway.

3rd place:

“Admiral Kuznetsov”, Russian Federation – 305 m

Aircraft carrier. The famous ship includes heavy defensive and offensive weapons: missiles, anti-aircraft guns, anti-submarine guns. It can transport dozens of aircraft. Due to its high defense capability, the ship is called an aircraft-carrying cruiser.

4th place:

"Liaoning", China - 304 m

Aircraft carrier. Initially, the ship was part of the Admiral Kuznetsov group of aircraft carriers. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the ship was decommissioned into the ownership of Ukraine, which later sold it to China for $25 million. The Chinese bought a warship under the pretext of converting it into a casino on the water. However, the aircraft carrier, having received a different name, became the first in the Chinese navy.

5th place:

“Krechet”, India – 283 m

Group of cruisers. The Indian Navy operates two aircraft carriers. The largest of them is called "Vikramaditya", which used to be the property of the USSR and was called "Baku". India purchased the ship for $2.5 billion. It was equipped with Russian aircraft, heavy weapons were removed and a new take-off ramp was installed. Thus, the Soviet cruiser became an improved aircraft carrier.

6th place:

Clemenceau, Brazil – 264 m

Aircraft carrier. Brazil bought it from France. The ship, renamed São Paulo, remained the last aircraft carrier of this class to enter service. It was equipped with new defensive systems, engines and sensors. The ship can transport 39 aircraft simultaneously.

7th place:

“Charles de Gaulle”, France – 261 m

The first European nuclear-powered surface aircraft carrier. It is equipped with offensive weapons, defensive missile launchers and carries forty aircraft at a time. The ship can remain without refueling for twenty years.

8th place:

“America”, USA – 257 m

Landing ships. These vessels are universal, as they can transport aircraft of all classes (including tiltrotors and fighter-bombers), tanks, all types of artillery and various groups of transport.

9th place:

“Orlan”, Russian Federation – 252 m

They are nuclear-powered cruisers for defensive and offensive purposes. Created in the 70s - 90s. There are four vessels in the Orlan group, but one is in operation. The ship is equipped with various types of long-range missile launchers, anti-submarine weapons and other heavy weapons.

10th place:

“Izumo”, Japan – 247 m

Destroyer-helicopter carrier. Today there is only one ship of this type, but another one is planned. The destroyer is focused on identifying underwater vessels and destroying them. It simultaneously transports 15 helicopters, several hundred infantrymen and dozens of vehicles. There are no offensive weapons in his arsenal, as this is contrary to the country's constitution.

Largest warships

Below are photographs and main technical characteristics of the largest ships of the world's fleets. In this selection, the main indicator is the length of the ship. It is by the length of the ship, and not by displacement or carrying capacity, that all warships in this “TOP” are ranked

10. Aircraft carrier Shinano (Japan) - length 266 meters.

Options	Meaning
Country of Origin	Japan
Commissioning	1944
Type	Aircraft carrier
Launched	October 5, 1944
Length	266 meters
Width	36.9 meters
Total displacement	71,890 t
Side armor thickness	up to 205 mm
Power plant power	153,000 hp
Travel speed	27 knots
Crew	2400 people
Armament	16 × 127 mm guns 12 × 120 mm guns 45 × 25 mm anti-aircraft machine guns 22 × 13 mm anti-aircraft machine guns 12 × 120 mm unguided anti-aircraft missile launchers 18 A7M2 Reppu fighters, 12 B7A Ryusei attack aircraft 6 C6N1 Saiyun reconnaissance aircraft
Incapacitated	November 29, 1944, sank as a result of a torpedo attack by a US submarine

During World War II, the aircraft carrier Shinano (Japan) was the largest aircraft carrier in the world.

9. Iowa class battleships - 270 meters

Options	Meaning
Country of manufacture	USA
Commissioning	1943
Ship type	Battleship
Displacement	50,000 t
Ship length	270 meters
Width	33 meters
Engine power (total)	200,000 hp
Travel speed	31 knots
Cruising range	15,000 nautical miles
Crew	1943 - 2800 people 1980 - 1800 people
Armament	4 × 4 anti-ship missile systems "Harpun", 32 Tomahawk missiles (upgraded) 3 × 3 - 406 mm guns 10 × 2 - 127 mm guns 4 installations "Vulcan MK 15"

Iowa-class battleships were used by the US Navy in all wars and armed conflicts, from World War II to the Gulf War. A total of 6 ships were planned, but in practice 4 ships were produced. Construction of 2 more was canceled after their bookmarks. At the moment, all ships of the Iowa type are out of action.
The main armament of the ships is 406 mm guns. Currently, the US Navy does not have warships with such powerful guns. The length of time these battleships remained in service was determined by the economic efficiency of using these particular guns, since the cost of a missile in relation to the cost of a projectile is hundreds of times higher.

8. Lexington class aircraft carriers - 271 meters

Options	Meaning
Country of manufacture	USA
Commissioning	1929
Ship type	Aircraft carrier
Length	271 meters
Width	32.2 meters
Hull armor thickness	127-178 mm (side)
Engine power	212,000 hp
Travel speed	34.6 knots (maximum)
Cruising range	12,000 nautical miles
Crew	3000 people
Armament	4x2 203 mm guns 12×1 127 mm anti-aircraft guns 4 × 57 mm saluting cannons 63 aircraft

The Lexington-class warships were the first full-fledged heavy attack aircraft carriers of the US Army, the first ship was launched on October 3, 1925, and in 1927 it entered service with the US Navy. Initially, 2 battleships were laid down, but they were converted into aircraft carriers Lexington and Saratoga. The first was sunk by Japanese aircraft in 1942, and the second was deliberately sunk during nuclear weapons testing in 1946.

7. Aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov" (Russia) - 302 meters

Options	Meaning
A country	Russia
Commissioning	1990
Ship type	Aircraft carrier
Total displacement	59 100 t
Length	302 meters (270 meters at the waterline)
Width	33.41 meters (waterline), 71.96 meters (deck)
Engine power	200,000 hp (general)
Travel speed	29 knots maximum
Cruising range	up to 8000 nautical miles
Crew	1980 people
Armament	12 × launchers of the Granit anti-ship missile system 4 × 2 anti-aircraft missile artillery complex "Kortik" (256 missiles, 48,000 shells) 4 × 6 modules of the Kinzhal anti-aircraft missile system (192 missiles) 2 × 10 RBU-12000 anti-torpedo missile system (60 bombs) 50 planes and helicopters According to the project: 26 × MiG-29K or Su-27K 4 × Ka-27RLD 18 × Ka-27 or Ka-29 2 × Ka-27PS Actually: 10 × Su-33 2 × Su-25UTG
Status	in the fleet

"Admiral Kuznetsov" is a heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser of Project 11435, the only one in the Navy of the Russian Federation. Equipped with modern anti-ship defense weapons. The hull's protection against torpedoes and other sources of damage is unique. The ship has 3-layer armor, the sides of the hull are 4.5 meters thick, but have hollow spaces to absorb explosion energy. Withstands explosions up to 400 kg. And the TNT equivalent.

6. Midway class aircraft carriers - 306 meters

Options	Meaning
A country	USA
Commissioning	1945
Ship type	Aircraft carrier
Displacement	59,901 t
Length	306 meters
Flight reservation	76-193 mm
Engine power	215,000 hp
Travel speed	33 knots
Cruising range	15,000 nautical miles
Crew	up to 4100 people
Armament	14−18×1 127 mm guns 19-21×4 40 mm Bofors guns 0-68×1 20 mm Oerlikon cannons 136-153 aircraft
Status	withdrawn from service

The class of aircraft carriers served in the US Navy from 1945 until 1992, when it was launched, making it the longest aircraft carrier in the world. It could reach a speed of 61 km/h

The Russian Navy has 203 surface ships and 71 submarines, including 23 nuclear submarines equipped with ballistic and cruise missiles. Russia's defense capability at sea is ensured by modern and powerful ships.

"Peter the Great"

The heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser "Peter the Great" is the world's largest non-aircraft-carrying attack ship. Capable of destroying groups of enemy aircraft carriers. The only afloat cruiser of the famous Soviet project 1144 Orlan. Built at the Baltic Shipyard and launched in 1989. Put into operation 9 years later.

Over 16 years, the cruiser covered 140,000 miles. The flagship of the Northern Fleet of the Russian Navy, home port is Severomorsk.
With a width of 28.5 meters, it has a length of 251 meters. Total displacement 25860 tons.
Two nuclear reactors with a capacity of 300 Megawatts, two boilers, turbines and gas turbine generators are capable of providing energy to a city with a population of 200 thousand. It can reach speeds of up to 32 knots, and its cruising range is unlimited. The crew of 727 people can sail autonomously for 60 days.
Armament: 20 SM-233 launchers with P-700 Granit cruise missiles, firing range - 700 km. Anti-aircraft complex "Reef" S-300F (96 vertical launch missiles). Anti-aircraft system "Kortik" with a reserve of 128 missiles. AK-130 gun mount. Two Vodopad anti-submarine missile and torpedo systems, and an Udav-1M anti-torpedo system. Bombing rocket launchers RBU-12000 and RBU-1000 “Smerch-3”. Three Ka-27 anti-submarine helicopters can be deployed on board.

"Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Kuznetsov"

Heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser "Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Kuznetsov" (project 11435). Built at the Black Sea Shipyard, launched in 1985. He bore the names “Riga”, “Leonid Brezhnev”, “Tbilisi”. Since 1991 it became part of the Northern Fleet. Carried out military service in the Mediterranean, participated in the rescue operation during the sinking of the Kursk. In three years, according to the plan, it will go for modernization.
The length of the cruiser is 302.3 meters, the total displacement is 55,000 tons. Maximum speed - 29 knots. A crew of 1,960 people can stay at sea for a month and a half.
Armament: 12 Granit anti-ship missiles, 60 Udav-1 missiles, 24 Klinok (192 missiles) and Kashtan (256 missiles) air defense systems. It can carry 24 Ka-27 helicopters, 16 Yak-41M supersonic vertical take-off aircraft and up to 12 Su-27K fighters.

"Moscow"

"Moskva", guards missile cruiser. Multipurpose ship. Built at the shipyards of the plant named after 61 Communards in Nikolaev. Initially it was called “Slava”. Commissioned in 1983. The flagship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.
Participated in the military conflict with Georgia, in 2014 he carried out a blockade of the Ukrainian Navy.
With a width of 20.8 meters, it has a length of 186.4 meters and a displacement of 11,490 tons. Maximum speed 32 knots. Cruising range up to 6000 nautical miles. A crew of 510 people can stay in “autonomy” for a month.
Armament: 16 P-500 “Basalt” mounts, two AK-130 artillery mounts, six 6-barreled AK-630 artillery mounts, B-204 S-300F “Reef” air defense systems (64 missiles), “Osa-MA” air defense system launchers (48 missiles), torpedo tubes, RBU-6000 rocket launchers, Ka-27 helicopter.
A copy of the Moscow, the cruiser Varyag is the flagship of the Pacific Fleet.

"Dagestan"

The patrol ship "Dagestan" was commissioned in 2012. Built at the Zelenodolsk shipyard. In 2014, transferred to the Caspian Flotilla. This is the second ship of Project 11661K, the first - Tatarstan - is the flagship of the Caspian Fleet.
“Dagestan” has more powerful and modern weapons: the universal Kalibr-NK missile launcher, which can use several types of high-precision missiles (the firing range is more than 300 km), the Palma air defense missile system, and the AK-176M AU. Equipped with stealth technology.
With a width of 13.1 meters, the Dagestan has a length of 102.2 meters and a displacement of 1900 tons. Can reach speeds of up to 28 knots. A crew of 120 people can sail autonomously for 15 days.
There are four more such ships laid down at the shipyards.

"Persistent"

The flagship of the Baltic Fleet, the destroyer Nastoichivy, was built at the Zhdanov Leningrad Shipyard and launched in 1991. Intended for the destruction of ground targets, air defense and anti-ship defense formations.
With a width of 17.2 meters, it has a length of 156.5 meters and a displacement of 7940 tons. The crew of 296 people can sail without calling at a port for up to 30 days.
The destroyer is carrying a KA-27 helicopter. Equipped with twin AK-130/54 gun mounts, six-barreled AK-630 mounts, P-270 Moskit mounts, six-barreled rocket launchers, two Shtil air defense systems and torpedo tubes.

"Yury Dolgoruky"

The nuclear submarine “Yuri Dolgoruky” (the first submarine of Project 955 “Borey”) was laid down in 1996 in Severodvinsk. Commissioned in 2013. Home port - Gadzhievo. Part of the Northern Fleet.
The length of the boat is 170 meters, the underwater displacement is 24,000 tons. Maximum surface speed is 15 knots, underwater speed is 29 knots. Crew 107 people. It can carry out combat duty for three months without entering a port.
“Yuri Dolgoruky” carries 16 Bulava ballistic missiles, is equipped with PHR 9R38 “Igla”, 533-mm torpedo tubes, and six REPS-324 “Barrier” acoustic countermeasures. In the coming years, six more submarines of the same class will be built on the Russian shores.

"Severodvinsk"

The multipurpose nuclear submarine Severodvinsk became the first submarine of the new Russian project 855 Yasen. The quietest submarine in the world. Built in Severodvinsk. In 2014, it became part of the Northern Fleet of the Russian Navy. Home port – Zapadnaya Litsa.
With a width of 13.5 meters, a length of 119 meters, an underwater displacement of 13,800 tons,
The surface speed of the Severodvinsk is 16 knots, and the underwater speed is 31 knots. Navigation autonomy – 100 days, crew – 90 people.
It has a modern, silent nuclear reactor of a new generation. The submarine is equipped with ten torpedo tubes, P-100 Oniks, Kh-35, ZM-54E, ZM-54E1, ZM-14E cruise missiles. It carries Kh-101 strategic cruise missiles and can hit targets within a radius of up to 3,000 kilometers. By 2020, Russia plans to build six more Yasen-class submarines.

Since ancient times, a powerful and well-organized navy was crucial for any country that fought for world domination and cared about its own security. Therefore, over the past 100 years, thousands of powerful battleships and aircraft carriers have been built in different countries around the world. This review is about the largest warships in the world.

1. "Akagi"

Akagi is an aircraft carrier that was built for the Imperial Japanese Navy. She was in service from 1927 to 1942 and took part in the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Then the Akagi was heavily damaged during the Battle of Midway in June 1942 and was then deliberately scuttled. The length of the ship was 261.2 m.

2. "Yamato"

The Yamato-class battleships were built for the Imperial Japanese Navy and served during World War II. With a displacement of 73,000 tons, they were the heaviest battleships in history. The length of such a ship was 263 m. Although it was originally planned to build 5 Yamato-class ships, only 3 were completed.

3. "Essex"

The backbone of the US Navy's combat power during World War II was the Essex-class aircraft carrier. There were once 24 of these ships, but today only 4 survive and are used as museum ships.

4. "Nimitz"

Nimitz-class supercarriers are 10 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers built for the US Navy. These ships, 333 m long and weighing more than 100,000 long tons when fully loaded, were the largest warships in history. The ships have participated in many battles and operations around the world, including Operation Eagle Claw in Iran, the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan.

5. "Shinano"

Shinano is a 266.1 m long, 65,800 ton ship that was the largest aircraft carrier built for the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. However, with deadlines pressing, the warship was sent into battle without correcting several serious design and construction flaws. She eventually sank just 10 days after she was commissioned on November 29, 1944.

6. "Iowa"

In 1939-1940, the US Navy commissioned 6 Iowa-class battleships, but ultimately only 4 were completed. They served in several major American wars, including World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam. The length of these battleships was 270 m, and the displacement was 45,000 “long” tons.

7. Lexington

Two Lexington-class aircraft carriers were built for the US Navy during the 1920s. The warships proved extremely successful and served in many battles. One of them, the Lexington, was sunk in the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942, and the other, the Saratoga, was destroyed during an atomic bomb test in 1946.

8. "Kyiv"

Also known as Project 1143 Krechet, the Kyiv-class aircraft carriers were the first aircraft-carrying anti-submarine cruisers built in the Soviet Union. Of the 4 Kiev class vessels that were completed, 1 was decommissioned, 2 were mothballed, and the last one (Admiral Gorshkov) was sold to the Indian Navy, where it is still in service today.

9. "Queen Elizabeth"

The Queen Elizabeth is a 2 aircraft carrier currently under construction for the British Royal Navy. The first, Queen Elizabeth, will be ready for use in 2017, and the second, Prince of Wales, is scheduled for completion in 2020. The length of the ship is 284 meters, and the displacement is about 70,600 tons.

10. “Admiral Kuznetsov”

The Kuznetsov class ships are the last 2 aircraft carriers built in the Soviet Navy. Today, one of them, Admiral Kuznetsov (built in 1990), is in service with the Russian Navy, and the second, Liaoning, was sold to China and completed only in 2012. The length of the ship is a staggering 302 m.

11. "Midway"

The Midway-class aircraft carriers were among the longest-serving aircraft carriers in history. The first one entered service in 1945 and was decommissioned only in 1992, shortly after participating in Operation Desert Storm.

12. "John F. Kennedy"

Nicknamed "Big John", the USS John F. Kennedy is the only ship in her class. It was a 320 m long aircraft carrier that was even capable of effectively fighting submarines.

13. "Forrestal"

In the 1950s, 4 Forrestal-class aircraft carriers (Forrestal, Saratoga, Ranger and Independence) were designed and built for the US Navy. It was the first supercarrier to combine high tonnage, aircraft lifts and a corner deck. The ships were 325 m long and had a displacement of 60,000 tons.

14. "Gerald R. Ford"

The Gerald R. Ford is a supercarrier that is being built to replace some of the existing Nimitz-class carriers. Although the new ships have a hull similar to the Nimitz aircraft carriers, they have introduced new technologies, such as an electromagnetic aircraft launch system, as well as other design features intended to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs. Also, the Gerald R. Ford warships will be slightly larger than the Nimitz (their length will be 337 m).

15. "USS Enterprise"

The world's first ship to carry nuclear-armed aircraft, the Enterprise (342 m long) was the longest and perhaps also the most famous warship in history. She remained in service for 51 consecutive years, longer than any other American warship, and was used in numerous battles and wars, including the Cuban Crisis, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and more.