Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:12:48-1:13:29

Kuznetsov-class sister carriers differed in dimensions

The tiny length difference is treated as measurement variation, while the added beam remains unexplained and the second carrier reflects attempts to improve the design.

Admiral Kuznetsov Class Aircraft CarriersAircraft CarriersShipbuildingSoviet NavyWarship Design
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Question

Why was the second Admiral Kuznetsov-class carrier slightly longer, wider, and heavier than her sister?

Short answer

The tiny length difference is treated as measurement variation. The added beam is not explained confidently, although the second ship reflects attempts to improve the design.

Notes

A reported length difference of only 2.7 inches is treated as measurement variation. The comparison is with claims that Prince of Wales is the Royal Navy's largest ship because it is thought to be about an inch longer than Queen Elizabeth. The reason for the greater beam is explicitly uncertain. More generally, the second carrier reflects attempts to fit additional features and improve the design.