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The SAS owes its origin to the Anglo-Boer War. During it, the Boers used small, mobile cavalry groups that moved at lightning speed behind enemy lines, upsetting the defense of the British troops and disrupting the normal functioning of the army. This war, by the way, marked the beginning of the development and implementation of a protective khaki uniform. The Germans picked up on this idea, creating at the end of World War I small groups of strike units capable of operating independently behind the front line.

Cockade Norfolk of the Yeomanry Anti-Tank Regiment of the Royal British Armed Forces Cockade Norfolk of the Yeomanry Anti-Tank Regiment of the Royal Armed Forces of Britain Badge for the cap of the Honorable Artillery Service at the Guards Grenadier Regiment Cockade badge for the cap of the Honorary Artillery Service at the Guards Grenadier Regiment t.m. cap badge badge on the cap of the 1st Battalion of the Hampshire Royal Garrison Volunteer Artillery

Badge of the Barbados Infantry Regiment Badge of the Barbados Infantry Regiment t.m. Loop cockade badge of the army cadet corps Bermuda Cockade badge of the Army Cadet Corps of Bermuda t.m. composite, hinges Cockade badge of the Bermuda Rifles Regiment Cockade badge of the Bermuda Rifles Regiment t.m. loop Options Cockade badge of the shooters of the island

Sign on the beret of the enlisted personnel of the Navy Badge on the beret of the enlisted personnel of the Navy t.m. composite. Loops Royal Marines Commando Officer badge 2 piece Officer beret badge bronze subdued Royal Marines Commando Enlisted badge Enlisted beret badge bronze subdued petty officer petty officer cap emblem for the period of George VI until 1952 . The cap emblem of warrant officer midshipman for the period of George VI until 1952. . Cockade

Badge of the Dental Corps. Royal Army of Great Britain Options Width 35mm. Height 47mm. Cap badge on the cap of the Royal Army Medical Corps Badge on the cap of the Royal Army Medical Corps t.m. George VI. One piece, white metal. Clamp. Cap badge on the cap of the Royal Army Medical Corps Badge on the cap of the Royal

Cap badge on the beret of non-commissioned officers of the Royal Air Force Cockade badge on the beret of non-commissioned officers of the Royal Air Force l.m. hinges composite, crown of Elizabeth II Parameters Cockade badge on the beret of officers of the Royal Air Force Cockade badge on the beret of officers of the Royal Air Force Crown of Elizabeth II t.m. .Silver-plated rim on the crown. Options

Cap badge on the cap of the Corps of Royal Engineers Badge on the cap of the Corps of Royal Engineers t.m. Victoria One-piece stamped. Loops. Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 to 1901. Cap badge on the cap of the Corps of Royal Engineers Badge on the cap of the Corps of Royal Engineers t.m. Edward VII One-piece stamped. Hinges.Silver plated. King Edward VII reigned from 1901 to 1910. Cockade insignia on the cap of the Royal Corps

Badge on the beret of the Royal Corps of Logistics Badge on the beret of the Royal Corps of Logistics t.m. Whole stamped. Clamp Badge badge on the beret of the Royal Corps of Logistics Badge on the beret of the Royal Corps of Logistics l.m. Composite. clamp

Cockade bought on the occasion said the English Cockade of the Royal Navy of Great Britain Cockade badge of the Drake battalion of the Marine Corps division Cockade badge of the Drake battalion of the Marine division t.m. loops, crown of George VI Cockade badge of the HOWE battalion of the British Marine Corps Cockade badge of the HOWE battalion of the Marine Corps t.m. Loop cockade badge on a military cap

Badge on the cap of the fire brigade of the Gwynedd district Badge on the cap of the fire brigade of the Gwynedd district, Wales t.m. loops, composite Cockade badge for the cap of the fire brigade of the Marionis region Cockade badge for the cap badge of the fire brigade of the Marionis district of the community of Gwynedd, Wales. t.m. hinges, composite, enamel Cockade badge for the cap of the fire brigade of Darlington Cockade badge for the cap of the fire brigade of Darlington County

Cap badge for the cap of the Royal Scottish Dragoon Guards Badge for the cap of the Royal Scottish Dragoon Guards t.m. Clamp. Composite Badge badge for the cap of the King of Great Britain Royal Hussars Badge badge for the cap of the King of Great Britain Royal Hussars l.m. 1 type and 2 type t.m. Clip. Painted with black paint. Formed in 1992 from the Royal Hussars and

Cap badge on the cap of the Royal Berkshire Infantry Regiment Cap badge on the cap of the Royal Berkshire Infantry Regiment t.m. clip Cockade badge on the cap of the Duke of the Edinburgh Infantry Regiment Cockade badge on the cap of the Duke of the Edinburgh Infantry Regiment. 1- type l.m. clip, one-piece stamped. Manufacturer J.R.GAUNT B.HAM .2-type t.m. clip, composite. The manufacturer is AMMO UK. Cockade badge on a cap

Metal helmets, widely used in the armies of the world long before our era, lost their protective value by the 18th century due to the mass distribution firearms. By the period of the Napoleonic Wars in European armies, they were used as protective equipment mainly in heavy cavalry. Throughout the 19th century, military headdresses protected their wearers at best from cold, heat or rain. Returning to service steel helmets, or

Auxiliary Troops Lance Corporal 1943 Lance Corporal Royal military police October 1943 Naples This military policeman from the 46th North Midlands and West Riding infantry division who participated in the Italian campaign. On his head is a steel helmet with a painted stripe and the letters MP Military Policeman. He is wearing a special overcoat designed for motorcyclists,

In English historiography on the theme of the Civil War of 1642-1645. many books have been written. And many studies have not lost their relevance until now, although they were written in the last century. A separate issue is the armament of the troops of the Parliament and the troops of the supporters of the king. But what kind of military equipment was used in the army of the new model, and what kind of armor did the gentlemen use? And how did they both come to this? It turns out that even in late XVI century, namely in 1591, in England still

Judging by historical sources, the most common type of armor in the 13th century was chain mail, consisting of iron rings connected to each other. However, despite its wide distribution, only a few chain mails dating back to the period before the 14th century have survived to this day. None of them are made in England. Therefore, researchers rely mainly on images in manuscripts and sculptures. To date, the secret of making chain mail has been largely lost, although

The changes that the 14th century brought with it concerned not only armor and weapons, but also the organization of the army. If in 1300 the royal army consisted mainly of vassals called on the basis of feudal law, then by 1400 the main contingent of the army was mercenaries who served under a contract for cash. The feudal conscription, introduced by the Normans, lost its significance for the royal power by the 14th century, but continued to operate at the level of barons. Initially, the system worked

Modern camouflages of the USA and Canada The history of the mass introduction of camouflages in the US Armed Forces, unlike the USSR, began not during WWII, but during the Vietnam War. Prior to the Vietnam War, camouflage was only used by the Corps. marines The United States, which is considered a separate branch of the military, and then not in droves. This was a WWII-era camouflage with a similar texture to modern Australian camouflage, see below. The main part of the US Armed Forces in Korea and

PLCE Personal Load Carrying Equipment is the unloading belt system adopted today by the British Army. Despite the widespread use of utility vests and bras, which are more convenient for mechanized companies and urban combat, the PLCE's capacity makes it indispensable for traditional infantry operations, as it can accommodate everything a soldier needs for 48 hours of action. Personal Load Carrying Equipment

PLEASE NOTE Clothing measurements are shown, not body measurements. Armpit width has NOTHING to do with chest circumference. These are different sizes. 1 - Sleeve length from the middle of the neck at the back where the collar is sewn to the back to the edge of the cuff. 2 - Sleeve length from the sewing line of the sleeve to the edge of the cuff. Not measured on raglan shoulders. 3 - Armpit width. Measurement between the points where the sleeve is attached to the side seam. 4 - Height of the back from the bottom to the seam where the collar is sewn to the back.

Coloring for different types of terrain Eng. Multi-Terrain Pattern abbreviated MTP, eng. MTP camouflage pattern applied to modern equipment of the United Kingdom Army. British serviceman in uniform, ICC colors, Afghanistan History

The military uniform is not always directly related to the army, because, among other things, it is an extremely practical type of clothing that will not let you down under any circumstances. Especially when we are talking O military uniform clothing designed in developed countries. The camouflage patterns of the armies of NATO countries are rightfully the most popular. And if earlier the uniform from the USA was the undisputed leader, now there are a number of other options that are no less attractive in terms of their characteristics, but more affordable.

Dominion armies Private Abyssinian rebel army Private Abyssinian rebel army 1941 The British troops in East Africa in the early years of the war were very successful, which had an extremely beneficial effect on the morale of the soldiers and the mood of the civilian population, when in other theaters of war the Allied forces retreated under pressure Axis armies. In East Africa, two factions

RAF Uniform Firefighter 1945 Air Force Firefighter, Airfield Services 1945 This figure of a fantastic looking soldier is wearing an asbestos suit designed to provide the best possible protection from the heat and fire generated by burning kerosene. Such suits were produced for firefighters at airfields and aircraft carriers.


The French Navy has the second largest and most combat-ready aircraft carrier in Europe, the Charles de Gaulle. The total displacement of the ship is 42 thousand tons, up to 40 aircraft, the ship is equipped with a nuclear power plant. Nuclear submarines of the "Triumfan" type have great strike capabilities, the fleet has four such submarines in total.


The Triumfans carry M4S ballistic missiles with a range of 6,000 km. In the short term, they will be replaced by M51 missiles with a range of more than 10,000 km. In addition, there are six Ryubi-class multi-purpose nuclear submarines. In total, according to data from open sources, the French fleet has 98 warships and auxiliary vessels.

5. UK

Once Great Britain bore the proud title of "Mistress of the Seas", the fleet of this country was the largest and most powerful in the world. Now Her Majesty's Navy is only a pale shadow of its former power.

HMS Queen Elizabeth. Photo: i.imgur.com

Today, there is not a single aircraft carrier in the Royal Navy. Two, the Queen Elizabeth class, are under construction and due to enter the fleet in 2016 and 2018. The most interesting thing is that the British did not have enough funds for such important ships as aircraft carriers, so the designers had to abandon side armor and armored bulkheads. Today, according to data from open sources, the British Navy has 77 ships.


The most formidable units of the fleet are four Wangard-class SSBNs armed with ballistic missiles Trident-2 D5, each of which could be equipped with fourteen warheads of 100 kT each. Wanting to save money, the British military bought only 58 of these missiles, which was enough for only three boats - 16 each. Theoretically, each Vanguard can carry up to 64 missiles, but this is uneconomical.


In addition to them, destroyers of the Daring class, submarines of the Trafalgar class and the latest Estute class represent an impressive force.

4. China

The Chinese fleet is one of the largest, with 495 ships of various classes. The largest ship is the Liaoning aircraft carrier with a displacement of 59,500 tons (the former Soviet aircraft carrier Varyag, which was sold to China by Ukraine for the price of scrap metal).


Also in the fleet there are strategic missile carriers - nuclear submarines of project 094 "Jin". The submarines are capable of carrying 12 Juilang-2 (JL-2) ballistic missiles with a range of 8,000-12,000 km.


There are also many "fresh" ships, for example, destroyers of the 051C type, the Lanzhou type, the Sovremenny type, and the Jiangkai-class frigates.

3. Japan

In the Japanese navy, all capital ships are classified as destroyers, so real destroyers include aircraft carriers (two Hyuuga-class ships and two Shirane-class ships), cruisers, and frigates. For example, two Atago-class destroyers can boast a cruising displacement of 10,000 tons.


But these are not the largest ships - this year the fleet will include a 27,000-ton Izumo-class helicopter carrier, and another one will be produced in 2017. In addition to helicopters, F-35B fighters can be based on Izumo.


submarine fleet Japan, despite the absence of nuclear submarines, is considered the strongest in the world. It has five Soryu-class submarines, eleven Oyashio-class and one Harusio-class.


Now the Japan Maritime Self - Defense Force has approximately 124 ships . Experts note that the Japanese fleet has a balanced ship composition and is a combat system thought out to the smallest detail.

2. Russia

The Russian fleet has 280 ships. The most formidable are the heavy cruisers of project 1144 "Orlan" with a displacement of 25,860 tons, there are only three of them, but the firepower of these ships is simply amazing. No wonder NATO classifies these cruisers as battleships.

Three other cruisers are not inferior to them in armament - project 1164 "Atlant", with a displacement of 11,380 tons. But the largest is the aircraft-carrying cruiser "Admiral Fleet Soviet Union Kuznetsov "with a displacement of 61,390 tons. This ship is not only well protected by air defense systems, but also armored. Rolled steel is used as armor, and the three-layer anti-torpedo protection 4.5 m wide can withstand 400 kg of TNT charge.

However, the fleet itself is being actively modernized: it is planned that by 2020 the Navy Russian Federation will receive about 54 modern combat surface ships, 16 multi-purpose submarines and 8 strategic missile submarines of the Borey project.

1. USA

The US Navy has the largest fleet in the world, with 275 ships, including 10 Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, no country has such an impressive force. It is in the Navy that the military power of the United States is mainly based.


Soon the Nimitz should be supplemented by even more advanced ships - aircraft carriers of the Gerald R. Ford type with a displacement of more than 100,000 tons.

The US submarine fleet is no less impressive: 14 Ohio-class nuclear submarines, each carrying 24 Trident-2 ballistic missiles. Three of the most advanced submarines of the Sea Wolf type, the price of which was exorbitant for the United States, so it was decided to abandon the construction of a large series. Instead, cheaper Virginia-class submarines are being built, while there are only 10 of them in the fleet.


In addition, 41 Los Angeles-class submarines remain in the Navy. The US Navy has a gigantic military power, which today is unlikely to be challenged by anyone.

Naval Forces of Great Britain (England)

Great Britain, a country inscribed its name in history, thanks to its Royal Navy. In order to explain their structure, history and general characteristics, it is better to divide this article into paragraphs.

The official date of formation of the Royal naval forces considered the year 1717, the year of the formation of the parliamentary kingdom (after civil war Great Britain 1642-1651), build the government that Great Britain enjoys to this day. However, the first naval forces were created as early as the end of the ninth century, between 871-899. King Alfred of Wessex was the first to use a fleet to defend the kingdom. Until the thirteenth century, warships were used to protect coastal areas. The first naval battle of the British fleet took place at the Battle of Sluise in 1340. In the sixteenth century, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the navy became the main branch of the British military.

Despite the fact that Great Britain is a maritime country, the fleet of England is still for a long time could not get the status of the strongest in the world. Strong flotillas, Portugal, the Ottoman Empire hampered the development of the Royal Navy. This continued until the eighteenth century. The Civil War built a new system in the country, after which Great Britain began to develop rapidly in all directions. The name "Royal Navy" was first used just after the Civil War, during the reign of King Charles III.

Subsequently, the search for new trade routes, mankind learned about the existence of America. An active struggle for the colonies began by all the powers of that time. Thanks to the timely development navy, Great Britain was able to conduct a successful colonial campaign. As a result, Britain's opponents represented by Spain and France formed a coalition against it. The decisive battle took place on October 21, 1805 at the naval battle of Trafalgar, where the British Navy, led by Admiral Nelsan, inflicted a shameful defeat on the coalition forces. The Royal Navy had 21 warships, while the coalition had 39 ships. The peculiarity of this battle is that after it Great Britain became the strongest maritime power in the world and destroyed Napoleon's idea to capture Great Britain. Moreover, the naval battle of Trafalgar is considered one of the three great naval battles in history. After that, nothing could stop Britain in their colonial campaign and obtaining the status of "Empire on which the sun does not set." This state of affairs lasted until the First World War.

History of the English Navy

The first warships of England were. In their place, over time, sailing ships came, which Great Britain used for a long time. With the advent of steam engine technology, the Admiralty turned their attention to this and in the early nineteenth century began building warships powered by steam engines. The first combat ship with a steam engine is the Komet. Over time, parahodfrigates switched from a wheeled travel system to a screw system. To do this, they conducted a power test, where propeller-driven ships showed their superiority. The first large propeller-driven warship was the frigate Agamemnus, which had 91 on board. The first battleship Varior appeared in 1860. In the 1870s, with the advent of torpedoes and naval mines, the first destroyers and destroyers appeared. Due to its developed shipbuilding industry, unlike other countries, Great Britain did not have any particular problems with the construction of ships and their maintenance. However, after the economic growth of other countries, the Admiralty introduced the Dual Power Standard, as a result of which the Royal Navy had to be stronger than any two fleets in the world combined. This led to a slowdown in the development of the power of the British Navy. The 1890s saw the beginning of the battleship era, in which Great Britain had a significant advantage over other powers thanks to its battleships with 12-inch naval guns. However, the appearance of submarines at the beginning of the twentieth century dispelled all thoughts of the advantage of battleships. The first submarine "Holland I" was built and launched in 1901. The length of this type of submarine "7" was 19.3 meters.

Royal Navy during World War I

During the First World War, the Royal Navy was still the most powerful in the world. Thanks to successful military operations, he repeatedly won in such battles as in Heligoland Bay, at Coronel, Falkland, at Dogger Bank and, of course, in Jutland. In the last of these battles, Great Britain destroyed all hopes of Germany for success at sea. In 1914, the Royal Navy destroyed the German East Asiatic Flotilla. Moreover, the navy was the main defender of the merchant ships of its allies.

Another important aspect of the First World War is the use of aviation and construction. The first hydro-aircraft carrier "Argus" was built in 1918.

Royal Navy during World War II

After the First World War, the time came for Wilson's sermons on world peace, after which the "Washington" agreement and the "London" agreements were signed, limiting the countries in the presence of a fleet. In this regard, Great Britain met with real problems, as a result of which she had to reduce the size of her fleet.

Despite restrictive agreements, Great Britain entered the Second World War as one of the leaders in naval performance. The Royal Navy played a huge role in stopping Nazi Germany from taking over the British Isle. Moreover, the British naval forces supplied provisions to Malta, North Africa, Italy (after the death of Mussolini); carried out artillery support and blocked strategically important places.

The Royal Navy suffered real losses during the Second World War. The successful actions of the German fleet, in particular submarines, sank the Ark Royal aircraft carrier, about 10 cruisers, 20 destroyers, 25 frigates and many other minor warships.

Royal Navy of England during the Cold War

After serious losses in the Second World War, the Royal Navy lost its status as a maritime power. The security of the North Atlantic region has passed to the shoulders of the United States. However, the policy of Churchill, and then the followers, tried to restore the former power of warships. Thus, in the 1950s and 1960s, Great Britain began a large-scale construction of warships: 2 aircraft carriers of the Odeishes type, 4 aircraft carriers of the Centaur type, Linder-class frigates and County-class destroyers. Subsequently, Great Britain overtook the naval military power of the Soviet Union. However, the Reforms of 1964 reduced the importance of the fleet, included the Admiralty in the Ministry of Defense and removed the fleet from the Suez Canal.

During the Cold War, the Royal Navy was involved in many regional crises: the Iran-Iraq War of 1962, the Tanganyika crisis of 1964, the Indonesian crisis of 1964-66, the Cod Wars of 1965 and the Folleland War. The latter showed the power of the British Navy.

The current state of the fleet

After the reduction of finances, the Royal Navy again lost the pace of its development. Today, the UK has 33 warships with a total displacement of 260,000 tons and an average age of 16 years (27% of ships are under 10 years old). Warships:

  1. 2 types of "Queen Elizabeth" ("Queen Elizabeth" and "Prince of Wales")
  2. "Ocean" ("Ocean" - personnel 450 people, maximum speed 16 knots, cross-country ability 8000 nautical miles).
  3. 2 Albion-class amphibious assault ships (Albion and Bulvark - max speed 17.8 knots, length 176 m, cross-country ability 8000 nautical miles)
  4. 6 destroyers of the Daring type (Daring, Dauntless, Diamond, Defender, Dragon and Duncan - length 152m, width 21.2, cross-country ability 8000 nautical miles)
  5. 13 Type 23 frigates (Ergil, Yaron Duke, Kent, Lancanster, Monmouth, Norlamberland, Montros, Richmand, Portland, Somerset, Albans ", "Westiminster" and "Southernland")
  6. 1 frigate type "26" ("Glasgow")
  7. 8 Sandown minesweepers
  8. 8 Hunt-type minesweepers
  9. 4 River-class patrol ships
  10. 16 P2000-type patrol boats
  11. 4 Vanguard-class ballistic submarines
  12. 6 Astyut-class submarines
  13. 4 Trafalgar-class submarines

The Royal Navy also has many support ships, air force and marines.

Moreover, Great Britain has a plan to build Dreadnaught-class submarines and 26-class frigates.

The British Navy was at one time the most powerful navy in the world. Now it is the 4th fleet in the world in terms of its power and strength.

THROUGHOUT the history of Great Britain, the navy has been an important instrument of its foreign policy. The country's leadership constantly took all measures in order to have a strong fleet, which has always been assigned the leading role in achieving foreign policy goals both in peacetime and in war time. Now the military-political course of Great Britain is aimed at strengthening the unity and increasing the military power of the North Atlantic Alliance as the main factor of European security, at the further development of comprehensive cooperation with the United States and leading states Western Europe, ensuring the protection of British interests in various regions.

An important place in achieving these goals is assigned to the Navy, which is characterized by a constant high combat readiness and the ability to quickly deploy its forces in designated areas of the oceans. It is believed that freedom of navigation allows the movement and concentration of fleet forces without violating international maritime law, in fact, Giving to the enemy reasons for organizing retaliatory actions. This circumstance is of no small importance in the conditions of a radical change in the situation in Europe, when more flexible forms of using the armed forces are required to achieve foreign policy goals in areas of interest to the British leadership.

The British Navy, traditionally considered the main branch of the armed forces, is one of the largest in Europe in terms of numbers and combat power. They are subdivided into the navy, naval aviation and marines. The general leadership of them is carried out by the chief of staff of defense, direct - by the chief of staff of the Navy with the rank of admiral (in English terminology - the first sea lord, who actually performs the functions of commander). The chief of staff is responsible for the development and implementation of plans for construction, mobilization deployment, combat use, operational and combat training, improvement of the organizational structure, training and education of personnel. There are 51,000 people in the British navy: 44,000 in the fleet (including 6,000 in the naval aviation) and 7,000 in the marines. Organizationally, they consist of commands (navy, naval in the UK, Naval Aviation, Marine Corps, Logistics, Training) and the Gibraltar Naval Area (BMP).

The Naval Command (headquarters in Northwood) includes a submarine flotilla (two squadrons), a flotilla of surface ships (two squadrons of URO destroyers and four URO frigates), a naval task force (light aircraft carriers, landing helicopter dock ships) and a flotilla of mine-sweeping forces (three squadrons of minesweepers, one - fishery protection and protection of oil and gas complexes).

The naval command in the UK is headed by a commander (Portsmouth), who manages the activities of training centers, monitors the state of naval and air bases, bases and coastal fortifications, and organizes and conducts tests of equipment and weapons. The command is responsible for training personnel, maintaining the mobilization and combat readiness of marine reserve components to an appropriate degree, maintaining a favorable operational regime in territorial waters and the 200-mile economic zone. The fulfillment of these tasks is entrusted to the commanders of the three naval regions - Portsmouth, Plymouth, Scottish and Northern Ireland. In addition, the auxiliary fleet, the auxiliary fleet service and the naval reserve are subordinate to the command.

Naval Aviation Command (Yovilton) includes combat aviation(three squadrons of fighter-attack aircraft, seven - anti-submarine helicopters, four - transport-amphibious helicopters) and auxiliary (six squadrons).

The Marine Corps Command (Portsmouth) includes the forces of the Marine Corps, the training group, the reserve and the special forces of the Marine Corps. The logistics command is responsible for the comprehensive supply of ships and coastal units, ensuring routine maintenance and repair of equipment, as well as the mobilization deployment of the Navy, and the training command (Portsmouth) is responsible for recruiting ship crews and practicing combat training tasks before entering the ships into the fleet. The Gibraltar BMP is headed by a commander who is responsible for organizing the defense of the naval base in the area and important sections of the coast, maintaining a favorable operational regime in the area of ​​​​responsibility.

In wartime, the naval forces of Great Britain have the following mission: delivering nuclear missile strikes on enemy territory, participating in NATO combined naval forces in operations (combat actions) to gain dominance at sea, protecting ocean (maritime) communications, providing support to land troops in coastal areas, conducting amphibious operations. IN Peaceful time warships should operate as part of permanent formations of the NATO navies in the Atlantic and in the Mediterranean, as well as a permanent formation of mine-sweeping forces of the bloc. During the threatened period, most of the British Navy allocated to the NATO Joint Naval Forces is supposed to be used as part of the strike fleet of the alliance in the Atlantic, the NATO Joint Naval Forces in the East Atlantic and in the North-West European Theater of Operations. shock and combined navies of the allied countries in the South European theater of operations.

The main goal of improving the British Navy is a significant increase in the combat capabilities of the fleet through a qualitative upgrade of all components. The main direction was to build up the combat capabilities of sea-based nuclear missile forces. In particular, they began to receive a promising sea-based missile system "Trident-2" with a longer range and increased accuracy of fire. In addition, the automatic combat control system for SSBNs in combat patrol areas was upgraded. Increasing the stealth and invulnerability of these boats as a result of the adoption of the Trident-2 BR will expand their patrol area. Higher secrecy will also be ensured by increasing the depth of their immersion, equipping them with modern nuclear power plants and using towed antennas.


Submarine "Trenchang" type "Trafalgar"

In the course of improving general-purpose forces, much attention is paid to the construction of multi-purpose ships with enhanced combat capabilities capable of solving a wide range of tasks, improving methods and means of control, and introducing new technical achievements and scientific discoveries. The core of the fleet will be submarines and surface ships equipped with modern missile weapons and electronic means. For successful interaction with the navies of other NATO countries, British ships and aircraft are equipped with appropriate communication and information exchange systems.

An important direction in the development of the British naval forces remains the construction of nuclear multi-purpose submarines, as well as the improvement of the Trafalgar-class submarine. A larger displacement will make it possible to equip them with new nuclear power plants and advanced hydroacoustic systems. All these submarines will be armed with American-made Tomahawk sea-launched cruise missiles in conventional equipment, thanks to which they can be used in operations to destroy (destroy) enemy ground targets.

great attention attention is also paid to the improvement of surface ships, in particular, the requirements for them are adjusted taking into account the redistribution of the importance of tasks solved in modern conditions. This is manifested primarily in a change in the approach to the construction of aircraft carriers. Attaching great importance to their use for anti-submarine warfare, the command of the British Navy nevertheless considers it possible to use them to combat enemy aircraft, especially when ensuring the transfer of reinforcement troops (forces) to the European theaters of operations.

The strike power of the surface forces of the fleet is still made up of three light aircraft carriers of the Invincible type, which have been modernized in order to increase the effectiveness of air defense systems and increase by 20 percent. number of aircraft (helicopter) fleet. In particular, the angle of elevation of the springboard was increased, which made it possible to increase the takeoff weight of the Sea Harrier aircraft, and the hangars were also converted to provide basing on aircraft carriers of promising EN-101 Merlin helicopters.

Invincible-class light aircraft carrier R05 Illustrious

Given the possibility of local conflicts arising in modern conditions and the need to use amphibious forces in them, the command retained landing ships in the Navy for landing operations. In this regard, their construction and modernization will be continued. So, in 1998, the fleet was replenished with a new landing helicopter carrier Ocean, which is capable of carrying a squadron of Sea King helicopters (up to 12 units).

With the commissioning of the British Navy in the second half of 2002, the frigate (FR) URO St. Albans is completing a multi-year program for the construction of a large series (16 units) of Norfolk-class frigates. Twelve of them were built at the Yarrow Shipbuilding shipyard (Glasgow), four more at the Swan Hunter shipyard (Wallsnd-on-Tyne). Since the entire series is named after dukes famous in the history of the country (see table), these ships are often found in foreign publications as Duke-class frigates, as well as project 21 frigates

Ships based at Naval Base Portsmouth are included in the 4th. and those based at the Devonport naval base - to the 6th frigate squadron.

As the most modern and numerous warships, the Norfolk-class frigates currently form the basis of the surface forces of the British fleet, represented by destroyers and frigates. The history of their creation and development is very indicative. First, shipbuilders, thanks to increased labor productivity and reduced construction time, managed to significantly reduce construction costs: if the lead ship cost £135.5 million, then the cost of subsequent frigates in this series decreased from £96 million to £60 million (89 million dollars). At the same time, the ships fully comply with the "cost / efficiency" criterion. Secondly (and most importantly), for 12 years. passed between the completion of the construction of the lead and the last frigate, due to significant changes in the military-political situation in the world and in the strategic priorities and views of the military leadership of Great Britain, the intended

rolling and the role of the British Navy in general and frigates in particular. When the St. Albans frigate is introduced into the Bogota forces, it will have to perform completely different tasks that were assigned to the developers of the ship project.

If during the Cold War the British Navy focused mainly on anti-submarine operations in the Atlantic Ocean, now they are intended to project sea power in expeditionary operations of the combined armed forces in any part of the world. Accordingly, frigates designed as anti-submarine ships for operations against Soviet submarines on the Iceland-Faroe Islands line are used in modern conditions to perform an expanded range of tasks and, in fact, become multi-purpose. In 2000 - 2001 they made voyages and carried military service in the waters Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, off the western coast of Africa, in the Persian Gulf, in Far Eastern seas and in the Caribbean. There are cases when Norfolk-class frigates operated as part of the American and French aircraft carrier strike groups or were part of NATO naval formations.

Another feature of this project is that that at the stages of development, construction and during the operation of the ships, various new technical developments were introduced, not only to increase the combat capabilities of the frigates themselves, but also to test and confirm the concepts and technologies that are supposed to be used in the projects of promising ships, in particular destroyers of the type "D" erinth.

ship name

Board number

Shipyard

Construction start year

Year of commissioning

postscript

"Norfolk"

Devonport

"Argil"

"Lancaster"

Portsmouth

"Marlborough"

"Swan Hunter"

"Iron Duke"

"Monmouth"

Devonport

"Montrose"

"Westminster"

"Swan Hunter"

Portsmouth

"Northumberland"

Devonport

"Richmond"

Portsmouth

"Somerset"

Devonport

"Grafton"

Portsmouth

"Sutherland"

Devonport

Portsmouth

"Portland"

Devonport

"St. Albans"

The crew is 180 people. Frigates of earlier construction (Linder type or Project 22) with a displacement of 2,900 tons were equipped with crews of 260 people. The trend of reducing the crews of surface ships will continue in the future.

The presence of electric motors in the main power plant (MPP) of the ship, providing a low-noise run. and their successful application is considered by British shipbuilders as a factor confirming the promise of the electric propulsion concept.

The experience of equipping these ships with an automated soybean control system (ASBU) and the systematic increase in its capabilities is also planned to be taken into account in the construction of ships of other classes.

The project of the ship began to undergo changes already at the stage of its development. The tactical and technical task provided for the creation of an inexpensive ship with light weapons, capable of observing for 30-40 days at the anti-submarine line, using a sonar with an extended towed antenna. However, given the fact that this line was within the reach of the aviation of the Soviet Navy, it was considered necessary to equip the frigates with an anti-aircraft missile system. The study of the experience of British warships in the Falklands conflict led to the decision to include a medium-caliber gun mount, anti-ship missiles and a ship-based helicopter in the armament of frigates. As a result, along with anti-submarine capabilities, frigates are capable of fighting surface ships, providing fire support to forces operating on the coast, and carrying out self-defense and defense of nearby ships and vessels from enemy air attack weapons. Sufficiently high seaworthiness of these frigates made it possible to significantly (from one to five and a half months, as, for example, when patrolling in the South Atlantic) increase the duration of navigation, subject to periodic replenishment of supplies from supply transports or when calling at foreign ports.

The reduction of the “threat” from submarines in the 90s led to the decision not to install a hydroacoustic station (GAS) 2031Z with a towed antenna on the last seven frigates, although it was the presence of the GAS that predetermined at one time high requirements for reducing the noise level of the ship. To meet these requirements, the power plant is arranged according to the CODLAG scheme, which provides for the combined use of gas turbines, diesel generators and electric motors.

Quiet and economical speed (up to 16 knots) is ensured when the propeller shafts are driven by electric motors, and the highest (28 knots) is achieved when using two gas turbines. Additionally (in order to reduce the acoustic signature), the main equipment of the installation is placed on shock-absorbing platforms and surrounded by soundproof enclosures. Diesel generators are located 5 m above the waterline. Shortened shaft lines, beveled propeller blades, optimized hull contours, the use of a bubble curtain system, the presence of a mechanism vibration control system - all this contributes to achieving a low noise level in patrol mode.


The project provides for measures to reduce the radar and infrared visibility of the frigate. According to Western experts, the effective scattering surface (ESR) of ships of this series is about 20 percent. EPR of a project 42 destroyer close in size due to the inclination of vertical surfaces by 7 °, careful selection of the shape of superstructures, and the widespread use of radar absorbing materials. To reduce the IR signature in the chimneys, a cooling system for combustion products is installed before they are released into the atmosphere.

Due to the insufficient capabilities of the CACS-4 automated combat control system (ASBU) that existed at the time the construction of the frigates began, the Navy leadership made a questionable at first glance, but subsequently recognized as far-sighted decision to wait for the creation of a new SSCS ASBU, including 12 automated jobs. Therefore, the first seven ships were transferred to the flag without ASBU. The equipment of frigates under construction and built with this system began in 1994. Improved step by step over the years software. Ultimately, the work made it possible to combine all the means of lighting the situation with the systems of ship's weapons, as well as with the means of intra-ship and external communications.

On the first nine ships, the low-frequency sonar 2031Z with a towed extended antenna is used as the main means of illuminating the underwater situation. Kinetic has developed an additional signal processing unit for this station, allowing the operator to optimize the choice of frequency intervals and the octave format. The bow mid-frequency GAS 2050 operates in both active and passive modes and, in addition to detecting and tracking submarines, is capable of detecting attacking enemy torpedoes.

The torpedo armament of the frigates is represented by two 324-mm twin-tube torpedo tubes, located side by side in the bow of the helicopter hangar.

The main source of data on the air situation is the radar station 996 with an operating range of 2-4 GHz. In this RIS, a multi-beam phased antenna array is used, rotating on the top of the foremast at a speed of 30 rpm and coupled with a “friend or foe” recognition station. Three review methods are provided: normal circular with registration of objects detected at distances over 115 km; optimized for detection of low-flying objects in conditions of natural or artificial interference; long-range vision, in which the radiated energy is concentrated in the lower beam to increase the range. In addition, the ships have the following radars: navigational 1007 (9 GHz), detection of air and surface targets 1008 (2-4 GHz), two 911 SAM fire control stations with antenna posts on the bow and stern superstructures, as well as the UAF electronic warfare system or UAT (operating range 0.5-18 GHz).

To fight air enemy The frigates are equipped with the GWS26 anti-aircraft missile system, which includes a 32-charge vertical launch missile launcher "Sea Wolf" with a warhead weighing 14 kg and a firing range of 6 km. According to British experts, the ongoing modernization of the complex will keep it in service until 2020.

The GWS60 anti-ship missile system includes a fire control system and two four-shot launchers missiles "Harpoon" with a warhead weighing 227 kg and a firing range of about 130 km.

The medium-caliber gun mount Mk8 (114mm) is designed to destroy sea and ground targets at a distance of up to 22 - 23 km and air - up to 6 km. Its rate of fire is 25 rds / min, the mass of the projectile is 21 kg. In 2001, the Norfolk frigate became the first ship on which the gun mount was upgraded: hydraulic drives were replaced by electric ones, the total weight was reduced by 4 tons, the volume of the underdeck space was reduced, and the reflectivity of the turret was reduced (Fig. 3).

The development of a projectile with a range increased to 29 km is nearing completion. The fire control system (FCS) GSA 8B consists of a computer, an operator console and an optoelectronic rangefinder station located on the foremast. This fully stabilized post weighing 227 kg, having a spherical design and including a TV camera, a laser rangefinder and a thermal imager (8-12 microns), provides a pointing accuracy of at least 3 m at a distance of 10 km at a sea state of 5 points. In addition, the work of the SLA is provided by two sights installed on the sponsons of the aft superstructure. (Data from the sights can be used for target designation of the Sea Wolf missile.) Artillery weapons! It also includes two single-barreled 30-mm gun mounts DS ZOV. Their rate of fire is 650 rounds per minute, the firing range for air targets is 3 km, for surface targets - 10 km. ready to fire 160 rounds of ammunition

The ship has four six-barreled 130-mm launchers designed to fire chaff and infrared decoys, as well as devices for setting inflatable chaff.

The combat capabilities of the ship are significantly enhanced by the constant deployment of the Lynx helicopter (Fig. 4), which can be used to destroy submarines with Sting-ray torpedoes or Mkl depth charges. When operating against light ships and boats, the helicopter carries Sea Skew missiles.

In mid-2002, a new helicopter, the Merlin, entered service with the Marlborough frigate. The structure of its on-board radio-electronic equipment includes: the Blue Kestrel radar with a long range, a lowering sonar, and radio-sonar buoys. acoustic information processing system, Link-11 data transmission equipment. The maximum takeoff weight of the machine is 14,600 kg (Lynx has less than 5,000 kg). "Merlin" is capable of taking off from the deck of a frigate in a sea state of six points. This helicopter will significantly expand both the anti-submarine and anti-ship capabilities of the frigate. In addition, it can be used to transfer 20 people with personal weapons.

With the completion of the construction of the entire series, work on re-equipping frigates and adapting them to new operational needs will not end. To this end, a number of activities are planned to be carried out over the next few years. In particular, at least five more ships will receive Merlin helicopters. Since 2006, instead of the 2031Z hydroacoustic station, ships during scheduled preventive repairs will be equipped with a new active-passive GAS 2087. This station, being developed to improve the ability to detect low-noise submarines not only in oceanic, but also in coastal waters, combines a low-frequency (500 Hz) variable depth sonar and a passive towed extended antenna (operating frequency 100 Hz). The sonar and the extended antenna can be towed at various depths that are optimal for emitting and receiving signals. The contract for the development and manufacture of the first six sets was issued to Thales.

Another program provides for equipping frigates with the SSTD anti-torpedo protection system being developed. In the second half of the current decade, it is planned to install the equipment of the American automated system for controlling the forces and means of air defense of the CEC (Cooperative Engagement Capability) on frigates.

Norfolk-class frigates were built with an 18-year service life in mind. In this regard, studies are already being carried out on the feasibility of planning their overhaul to extend the service life or develop a project for a promising frigate.

Design CVF aircraft carriers


The Royal Navy is negotiating with major shipbuilders to produce two new generation aircraft carriers for its fleet. One of them has a displacement of 35,000 tons, the other 40,000 tons. Each ship is supposed to be designed for 40 aircraft. The aircraft carriers are to enter service between 2012 and 2015. To obtain energy, it was decided to use nuclear reactors. Based on the overall dimensions of the ships and the power of the power plant, the estimated autonomous cruising range will be about 8,000 miles. According to the calculation, the air group includes 40 units of aircraft, including 30 multipurpose fighters, 6 helicopters and 4 reconnaissance aircraft.

Displacement: 30000-40000 tons

Length - n.d.; Width - n.d.; Draft - n.d.

Power plant type: nuclear reactor

Number of shafts: 4

Power: 280000 hp

Speed: more than 30 knots

Speed: n.d.

Cruising range: 8000 miles

Armament

40 units of aircraft (possible placement of 50)

Team: 700 people

Type 45 destroyers


The Royal Navy has ordered 12 Type 45 destroyers to replace the Type 42 destroyers that have been in service since 1978. The twelve new destroyers are due to enter service by 2014. The main contractor for the Royal Navy is BAE SYSTEMS.

The main task of the Type 45 destroyers is air defense. To do this, the ships are equipped with long-range radars, high-precision homing missiles and a system for simultaneous control and tracking of missiles.

The destroyer's weapons system includes cruise missiles Aster 15 and Aster 30. Missiles of this series are equipped with an on-board computer and an active homing device. The missile carries a warhead of 15 kg, the radius of destruction is more than 80 km. The main 127mm gun is located in the bow of the ship, four 30mm guns are on the sides. A landing deck for one EH 101 Merlin helicopter is mounted at the stern.

Tactical and technical characteristics

Displacement: 6500 tons;

Length - 152, m; Width - 18 m;

Type of power plant - gas turbine

Power: 50mw

Speed: 30 knots

Cruising range: more than 5000 miles

Armament

  • rocket launchers
  • 1 127mm gun
  • 4 30mm machine guns
  • 1 helicopter
  • radar

Vanguard-class nuclear submarines


The Vanguard-class submarines are the largest submarines in service with the British Navy. The first boat in the class, the Vanguard entered service in 1993, the Victorious in 1995, the Viligiant in 1996 and the Vengeance in 1999.

Vanguard can carry 16 Trident, Tridet II or D5 missiles - all of them are strategic ballistic missiles. Each missile carries up to 12 independent warheads (MVIR) each with 100-120 kilotons. The range of missiles is over 11,000 km at supersonic speed. Weight - 65 tons.

Four 533 mm torpedo tubes are placed in the bow of the submarine. The arsenal includes wire-guided torpedoes with a 134 kg warhead and active and passive homing. Destruction range - 13 km with active and 29 km with passive homing.

Tactical and technical characteristics

Displacement - 16000 tons

Length: 149.9 m

Width:12.8m Height:n.d.

Power Plant Type: Nuclear Reactor

Number of shafts: n.d.

Power: n.d.

Speed: 25 knots

Cruising range: n.d.

Armament

  • rockets
  • torpedoes
  • sonar

Team: 135 people

Baltic State Academy

fishing fleet

Naval Department

Navigation faculty

Essay

« Characteristics of the British Navy "

Completed:

Checked:

Kaliningrad 2004