Nikolay Kamov, the lead ship of the Project 14400 class, has entered the sea testing phase of production, russian naval-themed media report adding a photo of this vessel on trials. No other details have been disclosed.
What's interesting with this project is that the russians built a vessel the size of a corvette, which, however, can only perform one function: to carry one helicopter, such as the Ka-52 or Ka-27/29/31, used in the aviation component of the russian Navy. The ship has no weapons whatsoever, and its primary role is to host personnel training.
Read more: Endless Repairs of Admiral Kuznetsov Aircraft Carrier in russia Reach Logical Conclusion
Here's a rundown of its construction history. Formally, it was laid down in June 2018, but the work actually started only in October 2019. The reason for delay is simple: after placing the order, the russian defense ministry spent almost 1.5 years sorting out the paperwork.
Nikolay Kamov's roll-out from the shipbuilding hall took place in October 2021, followed by launch in April 2024. Overall, 4.5 years have passed since de-facto start of work on the ship till its completion.
Next, let's outline the vessel's specifications:
- hull length: 66.9 meters,
- width: 12.7 meters,
- draft: 2.1 meters,
- displacement: 842 tons,
- cruising speed: 12 knots, range and endurance: 500 miles, 2 days,
- equipment: one helipad to receive one helicopter of the types Ka-27, Ka-29, Ka-31, or Ka-52.
Notably, the delivery of Nikolai Kamov to the customer, i.e. the russian Ministry of Defense, was planned for the end of 2024, with subsequent deployment in the port of Yeisk on the coast of the Sea of Azov. That is where the 859th Naval Aviation Pilot Training Center of the Russian Navy is located. However, despite the relative low scale of the project, the russian military-industrial complex failed to adhere to the schedule.
Another seemingly illogical aspect of this construction is why the russian defense department decided to spend resources on such a narrow-specialty naval asset in the first place. Most likely reason, Defense Express presumes, is to upkeep the prestige of russian navy.
After all, the news of a brand-new warship entering service and starting the Project 14400 lineage may serve as a distraction from recent problems with large projects, like the endless repairs of Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, which is currently hanging by a thread as the russian military leadership decides whether the ship should be scrapped for good. Despite this, russia still invests in other warships, and Nikolay Kamov's not the only one.
Read more: Turkey Unveils Unique Kamikaze Drone-Ground Effect Vehicle That Flies Inches Above the Sea to Hunt Ships
