The aircraft carriers are the largest warships in the world. They amaze with their size and functionality. On the deck of such a ship can accommodate several dozens of aircraft, among which may be attack aircraft, fighter jets, anti-submarine aircraft, helicopters, etc. In addition, all modern marine structures have a powerful power installation and can make a voyage without refueling for several years.
To date, only 10 countries in the world have aircraft carriers. Most of them belong to the US Navy.
TOP-10 includes the world's largest aircraft carriers in service.
10
Chakri Narubet 183 meters
" Chakri Narubet "( Thailand) - light aircraft carrier opens the ten largest ships in the world that are in service. It is the smallest modern aircraft carrier. The main tasks of the Thai vessel are search and rescue operations and provision of air support. Low combat efficiency of the ship is associated with a lack of funding and infrequent outlets to the sea. The length of the Chakri Narubet is 183 meters. The ship can accommodate more than 600 crew members. Since the aircraft carrier is inactive most of the time, visiting tourists can visit it. In addition, "Chakri Narubet" is nicknamed as the world's largest royal yacht, because during the exits to the sea, on it very often there is a royal family.
9
Cavour 244 meters
" Cavour "( Italy) - the largest aircraft carrier of the Italian Navy. Its name was given in honor of the statesman of Italy, Count K. Cavour. Was introduced into the fleet in 2009.The length of the vessel is 244 meters. The deck accommodated 8 AV-8B Harrier aircraft and 12 helicopters. In addition to flying machines, it can accommodate more than 500 people, 24 tanks or 50 heavy vehicles.
8
Charles de Gaulle 261 meters
" Charles de Gaul "( France) - a large aircraft carrier, part of the French Navy."Charles de Gaulle" came to replace the obsolete aircraft carriers such as "Clemenceau" and is the most combat-capable aveansuyuschim ship in the world, after the American "Nimitz" and the Russian "Admiral Kuznetsov."The vessel with a length of 261.5 meters, is intended for 40 air units and more than 1,500 crew members, including an air group. The vessel actively participated in military operations around the world, including the Afghan war against the Taliban in the 1990s.
7
Sao Paulo 265 meters
" São Paulo "( Brazil) - the only aircraft carrier of the Brazilian Navy. Until 2000, France belonged to the type of ships "Clemenceau".Its former name is "Fosh".The length of the vessel is 265 meters. Aboard the "Sao Paulo" can accommodate more than 1500 people, including flight and technical staff, as well as more than 30 aircraft. Being still part of the French Navy, the aircraft carrier participated in military operations in Bosnia, the Persian Gulf, Lebanon and others.
6
Vikramaditya 283 meters
" Vikramaditya "( India) is a major Indian aircraft carrier that is part of the Navy. Previously, a heavy aveansuyuschy cruiser belonged to Russia and was called "Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov."The ship was completely modernized and handed over to the Indian Navy. The length of the vessel is 283.4 meters. On its deck, Vikramaditya can carry up to 40 flying units and more than 1,500 crew members.
5
Queen Elizabeth 284 meters
Carriers of the " Queen Elizabeth " type( England) are known by the code name CVF.British naval vessels are being built to replace the aircraft carriers of the "Invisible" type. Two ships are the largest of all that were built for the Royal Navy. It is planned that one of them will come into operation already this year, the other will be introduced into the fleet only in 2018.On the deck of "Queen Elizabeth", the area of which is 13 000 square meters, will be able to accommodate more than 40 aircraft and helicopters. Aircraft can simultaneously take off and land on the deck. The capacity for the crew is 1500 people, including the air group. The length of the ship is 284 meters.
4
Liaoning 304 meters
" Liaoning "( China) - Chinese aircraft carrier, which is the first and only in the composition of the Navy of the PLA.It was built in the USSR and belonged to aircraft carriers such as "Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Kuznetsov."In 2012, it was bought by China and reconstructed. The size of the modernized vessel is 304.5 meters in length. On the deck of "Liaoning" can accommodate 40 units of air equipment and more than 2000 people. The Navy uses the aircraft carrier mainly to train pilots for subsequent service on the ship.
3
Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Kuznetsov 305 meters
" Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Kuznetsov "( Russia) - the only aircraft carrying cruiser in the Russian Navy. Its name was given in honor of the Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union N.G.Kuznetsov. Unlike its domestic predecessors, the cruiser is capable of providing take-off and landing of aircraft. The area of the flight deck is more than 14 000 sq.m. Aviation group of the ship can include up to 30 aircraft and 10 helicopters. The crew is designed for 2000 people. The length of the aircraft carrier is 305.1 meters.
2
Nimitz 332 meters
Carriers of the Nimitz type( USA) are the largest warships in the world that are in service with the US Navy. In total, 10 such aircraft carriers were built. Also these are the most expensive sea-going vessels: each costs about $ 4.5 billion. On its deck, "Nimitz" is ready to receive up to 90 aircraft and helicopters - this is the maximum capacity figure among the existing maritime transport. In addition, more than 5,000 crew members can be accommodated on board, including an air group. The length of one such offshore structure is 332.8 meters. The aircraft carriers are actively involved in military operations( Yugoslavia, Iraq), as well as providing humanitarian assistance to the affected countries from natural disasters( tsunami in Indonesia - 2004, earthquake in Haiti - 2010).The average lifetime of such a vessel is 50 years.
1
Gerald R. Ford 337 meters
" Gerald R. Ford "( USA) - the largest modern aircraft carrier, the construction of which has been carried out since 2009.The size of the wheel is 337 meters in length. It was planned that "Gerald Ford" would replace the giant Enterprise. But the latter was already withdrawn in 2012.The operation of the new ship is projected to cost 4 billion less than the Enterprise due to the reduction in the number of crew. The modern aircraft carrier will be able to hold about 4660 people. In 2013, the ceremony of launching the vessel on water took place. Introduction to the US Navy is planned for November this year. The aviation group will be more than 75 aircraft, helicopters and "drones"( UAV).
