Sovremenny's steam machinery contrasts with the gas-turbine and nuclear plants of contemporary Soviet cruisers. Conservative propulsion choices fit Gorshkov's concern about avoiding blame and the demands of visible naval power. A deployed prestige ship that breaks down damages the image the fleet is trying to project. Steam plants may be noisier and less efficient than later alternatives, but they are familiar, fuel is plentiful, and reliability takes priority. Propulsion choice therefore reflects institutional risk as well as engineering preference.
Notable Point · 1:03:19-1:06:54
Steam reliability protects visible Soviet power
Conservative steam machinery reduces political and reputational risk for highly visible Soviet ships even while missiles, radar, and cruiser propulsion advance.