Alternative Soviet Navy during World War II.

[Aley]

Is this TL truly positing a Finnish attack on the USSR in 1939 or is this just written in mock Soviet style? If the latter, then you have captured it quite well.

How about Finnish and German naval actions during the war, do they have any discernible effect on Soviet naval dominance? I assume the Finns and Germans would also ITTL try to put the Western Gulf of Finland full of minefields, build submarine nets across it and use Finnish and formerly Estonian coastal guns and forts to keep the Red Navy in check. As the Red Navy is more aggressive ITTL than IOTL, seeing as both Finnish coastal armored ships get destroyed, it would be plausible to expect more Soviet casualties to Finnish and German mines, etc, too.

Keeping with your general theme, "Soviets do (a lot) better", there would be no such disasters like the OTL evacuation of Tallinn in August 1941 for the Red Navy ITTL, either I presume?

Well, it's a joke. A parody of Soviet officialdom of the time. The Communists seriously argued that Finland would attack the USSR and so they launched a preemptive strike. Even though Churchill said that the Soviet Union has the right to move abroad, the second largest city in the country.
During the 1939-1940 war, the Soviet fleet entirely disgraced after failing to destroy not a Finnish ship. The command was totally incompetent. The truth and the Finnish Navy of the USSR did not bother much.
The Germans and Finns really dammed Gulf, although it completely blocked only in 1943 (this year not a single Soviet submarine was unable to go to sea - all died).
The main difference between this alternative from the real stories - the presence of a small squadron in the Pacific. which would go to the Northern Fleet. Since the presence of a squadron is only possible at higher saturation of the ships of the Baltic and Black Sea Fleets, I had to speed up the construction of the ships, and for them, although little influence on the course of hostilities, they do not have. So that the transition from Tallinn hosted here and also with heavy losses.
I would like to add a few words about the battleships: I have them there only because the rejection of the battleships built in the 30s quite incredible. But it turned out that the low efficiency shown by the battleships could get Stalin to give up their buildings after the war and open the way Kuznetsov with its plans to build aircraft carriers.

 

[Aley]

Soviet leaders 20's projects.

At dawn on September 27, 1941, Rear Admiral V. Drozd led the second division fleet of light forces of the Baltic Fleet from base in Hanko, intending to shoot at the position of the German troops in the peninsula Syrve. As part of division remained only four leaders: "Besstrashnyy", "Petrozavodsk", "Bedovyy" and "Bditelnyy", which joined on the eve of the leader "Leningrad" of the 4th Division. Provide cover the heavy cruiser "Dzerzhinsky" and two old-destroyer Noviks.
Finding raking the coast of the German cruiser "Leipzig" and "Emden", Drozd did not hesitate. Turning around a huge arc, the Soviet leaders rushed to the German ships, which, in turn, stopped firing on the shore and headed towards Drozd squad, that was clearly a mistake.
Apparently, Rear Admiral Drozd (Don Ramon, as it is called in Spain) was hoping to repeat the successful sinking of the heavy cruiser Franco "Baleareas" but now in front of its leaders was not a single ship with six 203-mm guns, and two light cruisers with seventeen much better suited to deal with the destroyers, 150-mm quick-firing gun.
Rear Admiral Drozd, along with his staff and division commander, was on the bridge of the leader of "Besstrashnyy," which did little to improve the management division, and could lead to a simultaneous withdrawal of all system management unit. And so it happened: the 150-mm high-explosive German shell, please do the wheelhouse, "Besstrashnyy", all of which are killed on the bridge and lost control of the leader began to circle round, substituting board the enemy. "Leipzig", who had concentrated fire all the guns of the main fire to "Besstrashnyy", apparently believing his most dangerous opponent was quick to seize the opportunity, and it is literally riddled with guns aboard a Soviet ship.
Leaving the rest of the sinking, "Besstrashnyy", "Leipzig" suffered a fire tower on the nose "Bedovyy" and fodder for breaking away, "Petrozavodsk", who managed to release only one torpedo before German shells caused him to lose speed. Now the "Leipzig" tried to concentrate fire on the "Bedovyy", but did not have time to deploy feed to the opposite side of the tower, undertaken as an attempt to tighten its commander led his cruiser directly under attack by Soviet torpedoes issued leaders dodge the German ship that was not possible. In the "Leipzig", almost at the same time, with an interval of only a few seconds, hit three torpedoes, and a minute later a fourth, breaking stem. Perhaps it was a torpedo fired "Petrozavodsk".
Meanwhile, the "Emden" quite successfully fought off his attackers, "Bditelnyy" and "Leningrad". "Bditelnyy" is already sinking, having to release a few torpedoes at too great a distance, but shrouded in the smoke of fires "Leningrad" stubbornly went ahead.
Reaching distance firing range, "Leningrad" began to unfold, and, by some accounts, has released one torpedo before it was an explosion of food artillery cellars. The leader broke in half and sank, released earlier than they torpedo hit in the side "Emden".
It was over. "Leipzig" and all the Soviet leaders sank, "Emden", which was flooded one of the turbine units on the move trying to start a band-aid, was moving slowly to the south-west, directly under the muzzle of a 180-mm guns the heavy cruiser "Dzerzhinsky".
This battle, which took place in front of the Red Army, defending Moonzund caused them tide of cheerfulness, and the knowledge that their fleet is in trouble will not leave. As a result, the Soviet troops on the peninsula Syrve lasted until early November, overlapping Irbe Strait, and not allowing the Nazis to use the Gulf of Riga and Riga port to supply its army.


In 1934 TsKBS start designing the new leaders of three types: 6-gun Project 24, 8-gun project 25 and 26 armored project, which was to be armed with a 10 130-mm guns.

Project 24.

The high cost of the leaders project 14 bis, caused the need for a cheaper ship, what was supposed to be the leader of the project 24. According to the calculations of designers transition to a twin-turbo arrangement can reduce the size and therefore the cost of displacement and leaders. For this purpose were selected turbines of 27 thousand horsepower applied to the already constructed of heavy cruisers of the project 11. Alas, the requirement of the customer to install four boilers for a more reliable distribution of steam between the turbines, quickly "eaten" almost all saved displacement and the length of the ships has decreased only a meter. In addition, the start of the test, "Dzerzhinsky" shown a lack of reliability of MAL, forcing them to start trouble, with a decrease in the nominal power for cruisers Project 11 bis. Not this cup and the leaders of the 24-project.
As a result, the total power of their machines had dropped to 50 thousand hp, but the displacement, due to the full contours of the stern, decreased by only 30 tons (Standard - 1880, total - 2518 t). The maximum speed achieved on tests was 37,1-37,3 knot.
The head leader, laid on the slipway Putilov shipyard supposed to call "Batum", but started with Stalin passion history Russian-Japanese war, led to his decision to call intended for Pacific leaders "Steregushchiy" and "Strashnyy." In the future, these names have become a tradition.
There were built nine leaders of this type, five of which are in the Pacific Fleet, two - the Baltic, the one - the Black Sea, and one - the North.

1. Steregushchiy 1935-1935-1937 Put. Shipyard PF
2. Strashnyy 1935-1936-1937 Put. Shipyard PF
3. Bedovyy 1935-1936-1937 Put. Shipyard BF
4. Smelyy 1935-1936-1937 Naval Pacific Fleet
5. Svirepyy 1935-1936-1937 Naval Pacific Fleet
6. Bditelnyy 1935-1936-1937 Put. Shipyard BF
7. Smetlivyy 1935-1936-1937 Naval Pacific Fleet
8. Vlastnyy 1935-1936-1938 Nawal BSF
9. Groznyy 1935-1936-1937 Put. Shipyard NF


Project 25.

"8-guns" leaders, who had naturally four twin 130-mm gun mount, designed a three-shaft, with a design capacity GTZA - 81 thousand hp Number of boilers remained at four, but the increased width of the ships allowed to increase their capacity without unduly lengthening the leaders of a length on waterline was 126.1 meters. Width at the waterline was 12.3 m, draft of the normal displacement - 3.64 m Standard displacement was 2,530 tons, total - 3485 m
The plan was to lay the early leaders of this type at the end of 1935, but it turned out that due to the greater width they do not fit on the side slip, the stocks Nawal and Putilov yard, so them had to wait until free a large sloping slip.
After a bookmark in 1937, destined for the Pacific leader of the "Slavnyy", the construction of ships of this type first postponed and then canceled altogether, as their cost was deemed excessive. "Slavnyy" due to the outbreak of war in Europe, and has not been sent to the Pacific Fleet, left the Black Sea Fleet.
Sea trials 25 project leaders showed speed in excess of 38 knots and a good seaworthiness. As a major drawback noted the lack of their own cellars in 76-mm guns, the supply of ammunition which was carried out from nasal artillery cellar, using the paternoster. Recommended as well to spread these guns on the diagonal, to increase the angle of fire, it is easy to let the size of the superstructure. However, before the war it had not been done.

1. Sokrushitelnyy 1936-1937-1938 Russud PF
2. Silnyy 1936-1937-1938 Russud PF
3. Besstrashnyy 1936-1937-1938 Put. Shipyard BF
4. Besshumnyy 1936-1937-1938 Put. Shipyard BF
5. Slavnyy 1937-1938-1939 Russud BSF


Work on the project leadership armored 26, TsKBS was conducted for almost four years, to put it mostly in the fight between designers, who tried to justify the reduction of the thickness of the armor belt to 20 mm, and the military insists on maintaining its thickness of 50 mm. As a result, the standard displacement of the projected "leaders" reached 5,500 tons, which caused a regular requirement to bring their weapons to 6 152-mm guns in the two-gun turrets, as well as those of the project at that time was out, apply the two-gun turrets MK-2-180, designed even for cruisers 11-project, "several reducing them." Now, the standard displacement of monstrous leader reached 7,000 tons, which is not in any way not satisfied with the military.
The last attempt to revive the project, was created based on this project in 1938, the light cruiser number 70. These ships are armed with 9 152-mm guns and armor protected of 70 mm, according to some historians, may be worthy of a palliative British "colonies". It was supposed to lay the first two of these cruisers in 1939, the stocks of the Baltic plant and Russud, but the outbreak of the Second World War the virtual elimination of restrictions the Treaty of London, and it was decided continue to build heavy cruisers of project 55.

The first victim of war, which began on June 22 was the "Besshumnyy", blown up by a mine in the Irbe Strait and finished off the Luftwaffe in early July 1941. September 27 in a battle with the German cruisers were killed, "Besstrashnyy", "Bedovyy" and "Bditelnyy".
"Sokrushitelnyy" and "Silnyy" in the squadron of the Pacific Fleet made the transition from Kamchatka to Murmansk, through the Panama Canal. Already on the way to the Kola Bay, covering the transports convoy PQ-17, "Sokrushitelnyy" was sunk by a German submarine.
In September 1942, during the second raiding operations against Constanta German aircraft sank "Slavnyy."
The last died in the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet leader was the North Sea "Groznyy", sunk in November 1944 acoustic torpedoes German submarine.

 

[Aley]

The heavy cruiser of the "Frunze". (Alternatively the Soviet Navy).

To build a new heavy cruisers started only in 1935, after the comprehension of the experience obtained in the tests "Dzerzhinsky" and "Sverdlov." Deficiencies identified during testing of the first pair of cruisers required the development of a new, more perfect project. Such was the project number 55.
The first two cruisers of this type have been laid down at the Leningrad plant them. Marty (former Adm. Plant) and Nicholas plant them. 61 Communards (former Russud). They got the name "Frunze" and "Zhelezniakov." In 1936, in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, still under construction at the plant were laid the same type of "Chapaev" and "Ordzhonikidze". In 1938, after the descent of the head ship, to plant them. Marty was laid cruiser "Maxim Gorky", in 1939 at the Baltic Shipyard "Voroshilov", and to plant them. 61 Communards - "Shchors." Last cruiser of this type, "Lazo" was aid down in Komsomolsk in 1941, immediately after the conclusion of the as-built dock cruiser "Chapaev". "Lazo" was to get the German twin-stabilized 105-mm gun mount universal, but they have not been received prior to the start of the war, the construction of the same cruiser was stopped almost immediately after the start of construction, due to difficulties with the withdrawal of large ships from the mouth of the Amur, manifested in passing cruisers "Chapaev" and "Ordzhonikidze".
From the previous cruisers ships of the project 55 different new engine and boiler installations, made by twin-turbo scheme with multi-layered arrangement of boiler and turbine units and increased up to 110 mm thick armor belt. By increasing the length of the hull, bow pair of towers of the main fire was pushed from the stem, which facilitated the nose and removed her wave of flooding, often suffered from what the previous generation of cruisers. New catapult projected for reconnaissance planes KOR-2 had a longer length. Was improved layout 102-mm gun mounts, they were separated by a greater distance from each other, increasing their survivability (as the practice is not enough), and facilitated the work of the calculations.

"Frunze" entered service in 1940. In the early days of the war cruiser struck a mine, got a hole in the turbine section of the nose, with the damage of the MAL, which required a long repair the ship. Being at the wall of the Baltic plant cruiser took part in the defense of Leningrad, leading fire besieging the city by German troops. In the final phase of the Second World War, in the squadron of the Baltic Fleet, participated in the bombardment of Pillau. In the spring of 1945 made the transition to the Pacific, where he took part in the war with Japan. After the war, remained a part of the Pacific Fleet, the composition of which was launched in 1970.

"Zhelezniakov" went into operation in the spring of 1941. He participated in the defense of Odessa and Sevastopol. In September 1942, after raiding operations against Constanta was sunk by German aircraft. According to the testimony of the rescued crew members cruiser, his death was a result of the scrapping of all the 102-mm gun mounts, hit just destroyed by a German bomb.

"Chapaev" came into operation in autumn 1941, as part of the Pacific Fleet squadron made the transition to Murmansk, where he became part of the Northern Fleet. He took part in the sinking of the German battleship "Scharnhorst" and, according to his gunners, has made several hits in the German battleship 203-mm shells. In early 1945, along with the aircraft carrier "Gromov" and the heavy cruiser "Kuibyshev" returned to the Pacific Ocean, it is done so circumnavigation. He participated in the war with Japan. From the Pacific Fleet was launched in 1969.
"Ordzhonikidze" finally went into operation in the spring of 1942, becoming a member of the Pacific Fleet. In 1945 he took part in the war with Japan. From the Pacific Fleet was launched in 1974.

Cruisers "Maxim Gorky", "Voroshilov" and "Shchors" when the war had not yet been finished construction. "Maxim Gorky", which has already been mounted one (nasal) tower of the main fire, along with the unfinished cruiser "Lenin" was involved in the defense of Leningrad as a floating battery. The cruiser "Shors" was towed first to Novorossiysk, and then in Poti, where he remained until the end of the war.
After the end of World War II, all three cruisers were built on the adjusted draft 55-K, with the strengthening of anti-aircraft weapons.

1. Frunze 1935-1938-1040 Adm. plant
2. Zhelezniakov 1935-1938-1941 Russud
3. Chapaev 1936-1941-1941 Komsomolsk
4. Ordzhonikidze 1936-1941-1942 Komsomolsk
5. Maxim Gorky 1938-1940 - (1948) Adm. Plant
6. Voroshilov 1939 - (1941-1949) Balt. plant
7. Shchors 1939-1941 - (1949) Russud
8. Lazo 1941-X-X Komsomolsk

Design Displacement: 10,580 tons (standard) 13750 tons (full).
Speed: 33 knots, at a power of 110,000 horsepower machines
Weapons upon entry into service: 4x2 203-mm/50 guns, 4x2 102-mm/50 anti-aircraft guns, 9x1 45 mm semi-automatic, 4x1 12.7-mm machine guns, 2x3 533-mm tubes.
Reservations: board - 110 mm, 50 mm deck.
CWL dimensions: 190,0 x 18,5 x 5,8 m.

 

[Aley]

Alternative Soviet leaders of the project 38.

Armament guard ships 30 project in any way not satisfied with the military. Rumors of German rearmament class torpedo boat "Iltis" three 127-mm guns, called the desire to strengthen the arms and Soviet guard ships.
Originally it was to increase the standard displacement SKRs project 30 to 900 tons, with their arms in three 130-mm guns, but soon found out the profitability of installing two paired units of the same caliber. The military also demanded increase the speed of the ship was projected up to 36 nodes to ensure supremacy of the German destroyers and have at least equal to the speed of the German destroyers of the "Leberecht Maas." As a result, the standard displacement of Project 38 (a designation given new TFR) has reached 1,350 tonnes. Such a vehicle could not be classified as the guard ship and was deservedly listed in the class of destroyers.
The further evolution of the 38th was on the thumb track: first, instead of three-tube torpedo launchers appeared four-pipe, and then there was the third 130-mm artillery systems, the required military speed increased to 38 knots. Recent developments almost on the eve of bookmarks lead ship, was the replacement of two 45-mm guns on the same number of 76-mm. As a result, the lead ship of the "Vidnyy" was enrolled in the lists of the fleet is as a leader.

Involves the construction of at least 40 leaders of this type, but in August 1937, following a meeting with Stalin have been subjected to sharp criticism of the concept of a linear arrangement of the power plant under construction ships, the tab 38 project leaders has been discontinued. Only through the active position and persistence I. Tevosyan, which was considered and Stalin, managed to defend the completion of the sixteen leaders have already pledged, to cease construction of which the chief insisted.
The advantages of the new design compared to previous leaders of the 24 projects were significantly lower cost and better seakeeping. Of the sixteen-built four ships joined the Pacific Fleet, eight the North Fleet and four the Black Sea. To the north, the leaders went around the Scandinavian Peninsula, four, followed by a training ship "Komsomolets". Heading to the Pacific leaders to follow their own, but the first to make this transition, "Stremitelnyy" and "Strogiy" in Singapore caught up with the aircraft carrier "Krasnyy aviator" and then walked in the squadron.
In January-July 1942, "Stremitelnyy", "Strogiy", "Surovyy" and "Skoryy" in the squadron of the Pacific Fleet made the transition to the Northern Fleet through the Panama Canal and the Atlantic Ocean. During a stop in New York, leaders of anti-aircraft armament was replaced with two twin machine "Bofors" (subsequently added one) and 4-6 20-mm "Oerlikon". Domestic machine guns were only "DShK."
The leaders of this project were lucky ships during the war have been lost only Black Sea "Veskiy ", who was killed by the mines in the first shelling of Constanta in June 1941.

Design Displacement: 1,815 tons (standard), 2,325 tons (full).
Speed: 38 knots, with the power cars 54000 hp
Weapons upon entry into service: 3x2 130-mm/50 guns, 2x1 76-mm/55 anti-aircraft guns, 2x1 45 mm semi-automatic, 2x1 12.7-mm machine guns, 2x4 533-mm tubes.
CWL dimensions: 111,5 x 11,2 x 3,5 m.

1. Vidnyy 1936-1936-1938 Nawal BSF
2. Stremitelnyy 1936-1937-1938 Naval Pacific Fleet
3. Strogiy 1936-1937-1938 Naval Pacific Fleet
4. Volnyy 1936-1937-1938 Nawal BSF
5. Gnevnyy 1936-1937-1938 Put. Shipyard NF
6. Veselyy 1936-1938-1938 Nawal BSF
7. Gordyy 1937-1937-1938 Put. Shipyard NF
8. Gremyashchiy 1937-1938-1938 Balt. Shipyard NF
9. Grozyashchiy 1937-1938-1939 Balt. Shipyard NF
10. Veskiy 1937-1938-1939 Nawal BSF
11. Surovyy 1937-1938-1939 Naval Pacific Fleet
12. Skoryy 1937-1938-1939 Naval Pacific Fleet
13. Goryachiy 1937-1938-1938 Put. Shipyard NF
14. Gromkiy 1937-1938-1938 Put. Shipyard NF
15. Gromyashchiy 1937-1938-1939 Put. Shipyard NF
16. Grozovoy 1937-1938-1939 Put. Shipyard NF

 

[Robert]

The problem with a larger Soviet Navy is that all that metal has to come from somewhere. Nothing is for free, no even in Communist Russia. For the Soviet Navy to be expanded it would be at the cost of Russian Tank Forces. Making the navy a priority could very well have led to the T-38 Tank never having come into service. Without the T-38, it would have been very hard to keep the Germans out of Moscow before the Winter of 1941/42.

 

[Aley]

The problem with a larger Soviet Navy is that all that metal has to come from somewhere. Nothing is for free, no even in Communist Russia. For the Soviet Navy to be expanded it would be at the cost of Russian Tank Forces. Making the navy a priority could very well have led to the T-38 Tank never having come into service. Without the T-38, it would have been very hard to keep the Germans out of Moscow before the Winter of 1941/42.

I can not agree. If you compare the amount of shipbuilding at me with the former in real history, in my version, it is smaller, just spread out over a longer period. Small destroyers or torpedo boats I built at the expense of reducing the number of submarines around 50.
The T-34 (you probably had in his mind) started production only in 1940 as a heavy tank KV. Thus their production my ships will have no effect.
In principle, it was possible to build in the 30's. 5,000 tanks less, it is still the majority of them had been thrown at the border at the beginning of the war because of the banal lack of fuel.
By the way, Russia was not a communist but socialist, communism only promised in the future (communism differs from socialism lack of money).

 

[Some Bloke]

With the Soviet Union in the Carrier game how does this affect the other Naval Powers in Europe?

 

[Aley]

With the Soviet Union in the Carrier game how does this affect the other Naval Powers in Europe?

Before the war - in any way. One aircraft carrier will not have a major impact, and in 1938 it will be in the Far East. But since 1942, while in the north, he would release one or two British aircraft carrier for other theaters of war. Accordingly, the British aircraft carriers can release from the Mediterranean American.

 

[Some Bloke]

On the other hand it may encourage the Germans to go ahead with the Graf Zeppelin.

With the Soviets going for quantity of aircraft it might affect British designs.

Armoured deck only rather than sides for the Illustrious, freeing up tonnage for 48 aircraft as opposed to OTL's 36?

 

[Aley]

On the other hand it may encourage the Germans to go ahead with the Graf Zeppelin.

With the Soviets going for quantity of aircraft it might affect British designs.

Armoured deck only rather than sides for the Illustrious, freeing up tonnage for 48 aircraft as opposed to OTL's 36?

I do not think it will affect. The Germans in the Soviet Navy did not take seriously, considering that the outcome of the war will be decided on the ground. I have unfinished when the war began a new aircraft carrier of the war in Kronstadt is idle, and the Germans on it do not pay attention, they are interested in artillery ships bombard their troops.
The British had, as an example, American and Japanese carriers had no side armor hangars.

 

[Aley]

Carriers of the project 54.

The design of new aircraft carriers began immediately after the trial of the "Krasnyy aviator." The project, number 54, was originally supposed to unify the hull and the ISU with projected simultaneously with the heavy cruiser Project 55, but the required military air group in the standard displacement of 10,000 tons to place failed. In the end, it was increased to 15,000 tons, but is considered unacceptable decrease in speed caused the move to a three-shaft power plant, which in turn will increase again forced displacement.
Artillery weapons, on the conceptual design, consisted of a 4x2 152-mm and 4x2 102-mm tower plant located at the board, but soon the 152-mm guns were replaced by 102-mm, which is in support of aircraft carriers, artillery ships, it was considered sufficient to repel torpedo attacks . The original intention of the upper deck book refused, not to increase, and so the increased displacement.
Planes were located in three connected sliding hangar doors, and for their ascent and descent were two elevators.

Displacement: 18,500 tons (standard) 23,860 tons (full).
226,5 (240,0 on the deck) x23,0 (33,0 deck) x 6,6 m.
Armament project: 8x2 102-mm/55, 8x4 37 mm.
Reservation: 80 mm belt, deck (above the citadel) of 50 mm.
165000 hp 34 knots.

The first aircraft carrier of the new project, called "Chkalov", was laid down at the Admiralty Shipyard in the summer of 1937. A year later, of Russud was laid the same type "Rychagov" and the fall of 1938, in Molotovsk, "Gromov."
The program of construction of new aircraft carriers was nearly torn off when the project 54 was heavily criticized due to the lack of protection from bullets hangars attack aircraft, to identify because of the experience gained during the Civil war in Spain. Asked to stop their construction, and start development of a new, better armored project. However, the persistence of N. G. Kuznetsov, who wanted to get a new aircraft carriers as soon as possible, and took over construction of the "fifty-fourth" was continued after a short break. The decision proved to be correct - the aircraft carrier project 95 "Levanevsky", was founded in Molotovske only in 1940, after the outbreak of war on the stocks analyzed.
Due to unavailability of regular artillery weapons, aircraft carriers to project 54, with completion were established twin-mounted 102-mm universal settings that after making the towers were to be transferred to the patrol boats under construction, and a twin 37mm automatic.

"Chkalov".
The aircraft carrier was launched in the spring of 1939 and went into operation in the spring of 1941. There were negotiations with Germany about the passage "Chkalov" through the Danish Straits to the Northern Fleet, but the war prevented their completion. Until the fall of 1944 the aircraft carrier stood disguised in Kronstadt, and only after the war Finland was able to start combat training. Anti-aircraft weaponry, by the time it was reinforced by the installation of four twin 37-mm units and sixteen machines "Oerlikon". Air group consisted of 12 torpedo "Avenger", 24 dive bombers, "Dauntles" and 24 fighters in "Corsaire". Having more severe than anticipated for the project aircraft, some downgraded the stability of the ship, and jet fuel supplies were already inadequate.

In February-March 1945, "Chkalov" in the squadron which included a heavy cruiser "Frunze", and six leaders made the transition through the Panama Canal to the Pacific Fleet, where he took part in the war against militarist Japan. Air Group "Chkalov" supported the landing of Soviet landings on Hokkaido and the Kuril Islands. After the war, the aircraft carrier made the transition through the Suez Canal to Murmansk and joined the Northern Fleet. In 1955, "Chkalov" was renamed "Arkhangelsk".

"Rychagov".
Launched in the summer of 1940 the aircraft carrier, had the top of the hangar deck and the bow almost to the cutting-island since due to lack of height Russud boathouse, building it on the slipway was impossible. As a result, by the early completion of the war "Rychagov" was far from over. The unfinished aircraft carrier was towed to Novorossiysk and from there to Poti and stood before the end of the war. Completion resumed only in 1947, and in order "Rychagov" came in 1949 and was immediately sent to the Pacific Fleet.

"Gromov".
The aircraft carrier was brought out of a hangar in November 1940 and in July 1942 became a member of the Northern Fleet. Its original air group consisted of 18 received under the Lend-Lease torpedo "Devasteytor", 21 dive-bomber "Dauntless" and 21 fighter "Wildcat." Subsequently, "Devasteytors" were replaced by "Avengers" and "Wildcats" to "Hellkety." With this aircraft carrier air group and was involved in the sinking of the German battleship "Scharnhorst".
In February 1945, the "Gromov" in the squadron of the Northern Fleet made the transition to Kamchatka and took part in the Russo-Japanese War.

The rapid growth of the size and weight of the new deck jets, has led to a sharp reduction in air group of ships of the 54th of the project, and by the end of the 50s. it consisted of only 28 + cars. Since the fleet of new aircraft carriers were already larger sizes in the early sixties, during the early part of the fleet reduction, all three ships were decommissioned and scrapped. Subsequently, the sailors much regretted this decision Khrushchev, as ships could still serve as helicopter carriers.
(In creating this image was taken as the basis of the site: http://www.shipbucket.com/ )

 

[Grey Wolf]

I'm interested in the names for these carriers. Are they named after Communists who were big at the time, but which posterity has since forgotten? Or do the names mean something in Russian?

Best Regards
Grey Wolf

 

[Aley]

I'm interested in the names for these carriers. Are they named after Communists who were big at the time, but which posterity has since forgotten? Or do the names mean something in Russian?

Best Regards
Grey Wolf

Carriers are named after the famous Soviet pilots.
Valery Chkalov in 1937 made ​​the first flight over the North Pole to Vancouver. Crashed in 1938, when testing of the new fighter I-180. In the true story of his name was given build cruiser, later renamed the "Komsomolets", which was said to dislike due to Chkalov Nikita Khrushchev.
Mikhail Gromov in 1937, the second after Chkalov flew over the North Pole to San Jacinto. He died in 1985.
Paul Rychagov, Soviet ace, fought in Spain. In real history, was arrested in June 1941 and shot. In my alternate history, killed in action on Khalkhin gol.

 

[Aley]

By the way, ladies and gentlemen, keep forgetting to ask: on Russian Alternative History of me constantly sawing for the fact that I exceeded the capacity of the United States.
In your opinion, would be able to pass the U.S. in June 1942 Russia 16 - F4F4 and install on Russian ships 30 Bofors?

 

[eltf177]

Given the amount of Lend Lease I can't see why such a small request wouldn't be filled. However, those planes won't have a lot of spare parts once those sent with them are gone. Also, they will need to be modified for Soviet pilots. Same with the Bofors, more ammo will need to be sent and frequently.

 

[Aley]

Given the amount of Lend Lease I can't see why such a small request wouldn't be filled. However, those planes won't have a lot of spare parts once those sent with them are gone. Also, they will need to be modified for Soviet pilots. Same with the Bofors, more ammo will need to be sent and frequently.

My critics argued that it was at this point the United States themselves in need of arms, and each aircraft was on the bill.

 

[eltf177]

My critics argued that it was at this point the United States themselves in need of arms, and each aircraft was on the bill.

True, but keeping Russia in the war at this time was a priority. Thus I see this being fulfilled, although maybe not as many as Russia would like.

 

[Aley]

True, but keeping Russia in the war at this time was a priority. Thus I see this being fulfilled, although maybe not as many as Russia would like.

I do not need much. Total complement one aircraft carrier.

 

[Aley]

Battleships of the "Sovetskaya Rossiya."

Design of the first (and as it turned out last) Soviet Navy battleships began in 1934, along with the work on the project of modernization of the heavy cruisers of project 11 (Project 11 bis). Originally it was planned to create two types of battleships: large project 27 for the Pacific Ocean and the "small" project 28, the Baltic and Black Sea fleets. In the final version of the program it was decided to build another type of ship, intermediate-type, based on the project which was based on previous studies for both developments. Specifically decrease in rainfall battleships, at full displacement, to 8.8 m, with a simultaneous increase of the width. When you create a new project, a thorough study of the possibilities of shipbuilding, artillery, armor and turbine industries to minimize their restructuring. Important in this regard has been no new stocks in the Baltic plant and plant them. Marty.
Another of the most important findings was the adoption of a standard type turbine unit, with a capacity of 55,000 hp, to be installed on all projected ships (battleships Project 34, aircraft carriers of project 55 and heavy cruisers of project 54).
Particular difficulties led to the creation of tower installations. The only surviving wonder of tower workshop designed to build 406-mm three-gun turrets, who was at the "Bolshevik" (in the early 30's., pretext of expansion nearly destroyed by the Directorate of the plant), could not provide assembly of the nine towers in the acceptable terms. I had to go to the big expenses, buying equipment in the United States for a new tower under construction workshop in Nikolaev. In the end, the construction of the towers were distributed as follows: 6 towers were manufactured in Leningrad, and 3 in Nikolaev. By reducing the length of the pieces, from the original 50 to 47 caliber, managed to reduce the width of running laps towers up to 11 meters, which should be considered a great success of designers, will facilitate the construction of tower installations.
By the spring of 1936, design work on the project 34 have been basically completed, and in the summer of that year in Leningrad on the Baltic plant was laid down the lead ship of "Sovetskaya Rossiya", and in Nikolayev on plant them. Marty the same type of “Sovetskaya Ukraina” In autumn 1937, was founded in Molotovsk third building, known as the "Sovetskaya Belorussiya". In 1940, the newly independent stocks were established, respectively, "Sovetskaya Latviya", "Sovetskaya Gruziya" and "Sovetskaya Estoniya", but work on these ships were carried out very slowly and with the beginning of the Great Patriotic War were terminated and the exposed metal on the stocks analyzed.
The standard displacement of new ship was 40,000 tons, total - 47,300 tons, with dimentions on waterline 240,0x37,4x8,8 m. Speed 28 knots assumed power at ICE 165000 hp The six main boilers located in the three boiler rooms of longitudinal and three turbine unit in three transverse engine. To eliminate the bank in case of flooding of one of the side branches turbine was developed automatic counter flooding compartments of the opposite side.
Project 3x3 arms consisted of 406-mm and 6x2 152-mm, 4x2 102 mm tower installation and 6x4 37mm automatic installations in stable towers that have replaced during the construction of a ten-panel-mounted twin 37 mm machine designed to equip heavy cruisers and leaders. The main armor belt near the citadel had a thickness of 356 mm in the area artillery cellar and 330 mm in the engine and boiler room. The thickness of the armored deck was 150 mm, with a thickening of the cellars up to 195 mm, end plates towers - 450 mm. The width of mine protection, made by the American scheme, was amidships 7.4 m

Project an image of the battleship Project 34.

Already at completion of the first two ships, became clear full unavailability of the towers universal caliber anti-aircraft guns, which necessitated the temporary weapons battleships four twin 102-mm universal settings with shields. With such weapons, and they were put into operation. Construction overload was about 2000 tons


The battleship "Sovetskaya Rossiya" was launched in autumn 1939 and the beginning of the war ended mooring trials. Projected feed catapult and cranes are designed to lift seaplanes, so have not been established. Until the summer of 1944 in Kronstadt was included in the defense of Leningrad artillery and air defense of Kronstadt. Anti-aircraft weaponry battleship constantly intensified, primarily supplied by Lend-Lease guns "Oerlikon" and heavy machine guns. It was identified as the latest radar equipment. It is believed that during a German air raid September 23, 1941, it was anti-aircraft gunners "Sovetskaya Rossiya" was shot down plane by German ace Hans-Ulrich Rudel.

In autumn 1944 the battleship "Sovetskaya Rossiya" twice went to sea in the squadron of the Baltic Fleet, the first time they had shelled the port Pillau, the second output was driven by the need to demonstrate to the border of Swedish territorial waters. After the war the battleship made the transition to the Pacific Ocean, where the composition of the fleet of the same name remained until 1957, and then was put in reserve. In 1963, the battleship "Sovetskaya Rossiya" has been deleted from the lists of the Soviet Navy.

The battleship “Sovetskaya Ukraina” was launched in autumn 1939 and June 22, 1941 was a high degree of readiness. The attack German troops forced the move almost finished battleship in Sevastopol, and then in Novorossiysk, where he completed sea trials.
In September 1942, the battleship took part in the bombardment of the Romanian port of Constanta, in which the port was permanently incapacitated, which created considerable difficulties for the fuel supply German troops. However, during the withdrawal, as a result of a German air raid, the battleship received significant damage and was actually put out of action until the end of the war. In the summer of 1943 the battleship was transferred from Poti to Novorossiysk, where he was acquitted of all instruments of the main fire, four of which were sent to Molotovsk.
In order to restore “Sovetskaya Ukraina” came only in 1949, re-entered the Black Sea Fleet. In 1955, while in Sevastopol Bay, the battleship was blown up by a German mine and the bottom again permanently out of order. Repair work was carried out very slowly, and in 1961 and has not recovered the ship was decommissioned Soviet Navy.

The battleship "Sovetskaya Belorussiya" was removed from the shop number 50 Molotov plant in the autumn of 1939. By the beginning of the war the ship was about 95% complete, but after the beginning of the siege of Leningrad, which remained in the factories of the required components, the construction of the battleship almost froze. To complete the construction of the two towers middle the caliber and four guns of the main, 406-mm caliber. Only in 1943 the guns were taken from Novorossiysk and the summer of 1944 the battleship "Sovetskaya Belorussiya" entered into service of the Northern Fleet. Instead of the average of towers 152-mm caliber, in their barbettes were two additional twin 102-mm gun mount shield universal. The four barbettes intended for and not made quad 37mm machines were installed quad setup "Bofors".
In 1957, the battleship "Sovetskaya Belorussiya" was put in reserve, and in 1962 removed from the lists of the Soviet Navy.

 

[Aley]

Patrol ships (SKR) of the project 32.

Eskaers entered the orders of German convoy literally like ferrets in a chicken coop. Passing along the Turkish coast, "Obraztsovyy", "Otvetstvennyy", "Ostorozhnyy", "Otmennyy" and "Okrylennyy", took to traverse the Sevastopol bay on the south-west, so that the command of the guard took them for Romanian ships. Being escorted by transports and high-speed landing barges, with evacuees from the Crimea by German troops, destroyers "Regina Maria" and "Marasesti" fled immediately, without even opening fire on Soviet ships. The only one who tried to resist, was an Italian vedette, attempted to carry out a torpedo attack, but he was almost immediately torn to pieces by the fire 102-mm guns patrol.
Then started beating. Exhibited at the minimum recess torpedoes, shells 102 mm guns and 37-mm automatic, fast and methodically destroyed the German court. According to the accounts of Soviet sailors, water infested with sinking Germans, and their cries were heard even over the roar of ship turbines, crack the 102-mm guns and choking barking a 37-mm machine guns.
It is still unknown how many German ships were sunk that day. According to reports of Soviet commanders, they sank the destroyer, twelve large transports, and about thirty high-speed landing barges, not counting the smaller boats, that should still be considered a gross exaggeration. For the destroyer, apparently was adopted minelayer "Amiral Murgescu."
Having finished the rout convoy Soviet ships had gone to the south, the Luftwaffe, they were not found, however, now that the Germans probably have better things to do than chasing five patrol. No more than one convoy in Crimea German command decided not to send, and the evacuation of German troops from the peninsula was completely disrupted.

Designing “bolshoy universalnyy kater” (great versatile boat) began in 1933 was supposed to create a cheap motor vehicle capable of performing the function of long-range torpedo boat and a big anti-submarine.
Displacement boats supposed to "no more than 200 tons," but he had a speed of 35 knots and have the armament consisted of one 76-mm and two 45 mm guns and one three-tube 450-mm torpedo tube. Since the speed of 35 knots in a given displacement engines require power at least 5,000 hp already in 1934 it was decided to go to the steam turbine installation, at the same time strengthening the arms replacing the 76mm gun on the 102-mm and 450-mm torpedo at 533 mm.
The construction of the German destroyers of the "1935" has stimulated the further strengthening of the arms of the Soviet project and came close in size to the already under construction SKR "thirty". Now it consisted of a stern twin 102-mm universal installation, and two 45-mm guns, mounted in the bow of the sublime. Number three-tube torpedo tubes increased to two. Naturally, such a ship, almost duplicating the project 30, the fleet has not been claimed, but helped unhappiness.
Decision to close the tabs patrol ships 30 project has breathed new life into the "thirty-second", which had the echelons of power plant scheme. The final touch, finally convinced the management of the fleet in the prospects of the new SKR was the replacement of the nasal 45-mm guns for the second paired 102-mm gun mounts. Trawl equipment, which had on previous projects, on the new SKR has not been established, since the plans in the near future, was to begin construction of steam power squadron of minesweepers.
The construction of the first patrol ships of the project 32 began on Mid-Nevsky Shipyard in summer 1938. Soon, the same type of patrol began laying the Sevastopol Marine Plant, Putilov shipyard, Russud and Komsomolsk (Amur) plant. Unfortunately, due to delays in the delivery of the 102-mm gun mounts, which were transferred to constructed and modernized cruisers, only one SKR came into operation before the end of 1940. 9 more ships were commissioned in the spring and summer of 1941, adding to the Baltic and Black Sea fleets, which were not originally intended.
In tests with a moderate ratio of length to width of hidden demonstrated excellent seaworthiness, surpassing not only its predecessors "thirty", but much larger in size leaders.
The problem was worsening conditions of habitability of the crew, due to the lack of forecastle. Another serious drawback was their lack of anti-aircraft weapons. Since the four 102-mm universal guns seemed sufficient to repel any air attack on the new SKR installed only heavy machine guns DShK, generally refusing to small-caliber guns. Viciousness of this concept has been demonstrated on the third day of the war, when being on patrol in the Irbe Strait TFR "Razyashchiy", was just a few minutes sunk by German dive bombers Ju-87. I had to urgently additional arm patrol two 37-mm machine guns, laid down in the second chimney.
Already during the war in the Baltic fleet entered the TFR "Revnostnyy", and in the Black Sea "Otvetstvennyy", "Ostorozhnyy", "Otmennyy" and "Okrylennyy". The building located on the stocks Middle Nevsky Plant SKR "Razumnyy" has been discontinued. Corps "Ozhivlennyy" and "Ozhestochennyy" remained on the stocks of Sevastopol Marine Plant and was scrapped by the Germans seized the city. Construction was halted and were in a small degree of readiness of five patrol vessels laid down by the Amur plant in the spring of 1941.
However, after the victory, building a successful SKR was continued for upgrade projects 32 bis.


Design Displacement: 898 tons (standard), 1090 tons (full).
Speed: 32 knots, at a power of 21,000 hp machines
Armament: 2x2 102-mm/55 guns, 4x1 12.7-mm machine guns, 2x3 533-mm tubes.
Dimensions on waterline: 84,4x9,6x2,9 m.

1. TFR Rezvyy 38-39-41 Average Nevsky BF
2. TFR Redkiy 38-40-41 Average Nevsky BF
3. TFR Reshitelnyy 38-40-41 Average Nevsky BF
4. TFR R'yanyy 38-40-41 Average Nevsky BF
5. TFR Otvazhnyy 38-40-41 Sevastopol BSF
6. TFR Obraztsovyy 38-40-41 Sevastopol BSF
7. TFR Razyashchiy 38-39-40 Put. shipyard BF
8. TFR Rastoropny 38-40-41 Put. shipyard BF
9. TFR Otvetstvennyy 39-41 - (41) Sevastopol
10. TFR Ostorozhnyy 39-41 - (41) Sevastopol
11. TFR Retivyy 39-40-41 Put. shipyard BF
12. TFR Rezkiy 39-41-41 Average Nevsky BF
13. TFR Otmennyy 39-41 - (43) Russud
14. TFR Okrylennyy 39-41 - (44) Russud
15. TFR Razumnyy 40-X-X Average Nevsky
16. TFR Revnostnyy 40-41 - (42) Put. shipyard
17. TFR Ozhivlennyy 40-X-X Sevastopol
18. TFR Ozhestochennyy 40-X-X Sevastopol