Why the Moskva-class helicopter carriers were unstable

Why was the Moskva class unstable, and was it the Cold War's best-armed helicopter carrier?

Too much weight sat high in the ship, and stability worsened as low fuel was burned; Italian carriers challenge its armament claim.

The Moskva design concentrated substantial weapons, sensors, and superstructure weight high above the waterline. Its fuel was carried low, so consuming that fuel removed stabilizing weight and made the ship's behavior worse rather than better over a deployment. The hull's beam and length did not provide enough margin for the high center of gravity. Although heavily armed, the panel does not accept it as the Cold War's best-armed helicopter carrier because Italian designs offer strong competition. The watch point connects a visually impressive combat fit to the less visible stability penalties that govern safe operation.