The Nevsky Design Bureau (PKB, part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation) has developed two new projects of universal ships, in particular the Varan universal sea ship (UMK) and a new universal landing ship (UDC). The company said in a booklet released on the occasion of its 90th anniversary on 18 January. Nevskoe PKB is one of the largest domestic developers of universal ships and the only designer of aircraft carriers and training complexes in Russia.
UMK “Varan” is an aircraft-carrying complex, characterized by a high degree of automation and the possibility of using robotic systems. The ship’s displacement is about 45 thousand tons, length – about 250 m, width – 65 m, draft along the constructive waterline – 9 m. “Varan” is capable of speeds up to 26 knots. It can carry 24 multipurpose aircraft, six helicopters and up to 20 unmanned aerial vehicles. The new UDC is capable of developing a speed of about 24 knots.
Russia’s current aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov is out of service for a refit. The ship was 71% complete by mid-1989, only from 1993 on did she receive aircraft. In November 2018, it suffered a collision with a 70 ton crane of PD-50 floating dry dock and a fire that killed two during the refit. The dock sank after a power outage while holding the Admiral Kuznetsov.[10] The dock was vital to repairing the Admiral Kuznetsov. It is currently not expected to re-enter service until 2022 at the earliest.
