Project 68 evolved from the Italian-influenced Kirov class but abandoned its nine 180 mm guns for twelve 152 mm weapons in four triple turrets. That choice favored a denser volume of six-inch fire over the heavier individual shell of an eight-inch or 180 mm battery. Despite the design line's Italian ancestry, the resulting armament, layout, and organization are described as distinctly British in approach. The Chapayev class thus marks an important transition between the Kirovs and the later Project 68-bis Sverdlovs.
Chapter · 20:52-22:21
Project 68 trades Kirov's 180 mm guns for twelve six-inch weapons
The Chapayev design evolves from the Kirov class but adopts a four-triple-turret, twelve-gun battery that resembles British light-cruiser practice.