Q&A · 2:04:33-2:05:10

A sensible Kiev design must choose carrier or cruiser first

The Kiev class could improve only by abandoning the compromise between an aviation cruiser and a true carrier.

Aircraft Carriers Kiev Class Aircraft Carriers Soviet Navy Warship Design Yak 38 Forger

Question

How would you redesign the Kiev-class aviation cruisers sensibly?

Short answer

Choose a true carrier or a cruiser, then design consistently around that mission instead of combining both around the Yak-38.

Notes

The displacement could support a respectable carrier if aviation were the primary mission. Such a ship should avoid dependence on the Yak-38 Forger. Its propulsion concept was interesting, while its operational performance made the air group an acute limitation.