Vengeance-class aircraft carrier: Difference between revisions
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===Power and propulsion=== | ===Power and propulsion=== | ||
The ''Vengeance'' class carriers are powered by two | The ''Vengeance'' class carriers are powered by two CV1 pressurised water nuclear reactors, developed by [[Fushan Atomics]] based on a prototype design trialled at the [[Naval Nuclear Power Laboratory]]. The reactors are equipped with a core of highly enriched (over 93%) uranium-235, and are capable of generating 450 MW of thermal energy for an expected lifespan of 20 years before refuelling is required. | ||
which are each housed in separate compartments. Each reactor was developed by generates | |||
two A4W nuclear reactors, housed in separate compartments. They power four propeller shafts and can produce a maximum speed of over 30 knots (56 km/h) and maximum power of 260,000 bhp (190 MW).[4] The reactors produce heat through nuclear fission which heats water. This is then passed through four turbines which are shared by the two reactors. The turbines power the four bronze propellers, each with a diameter of 25 feet (7.6 m) and a weight of 66,000 pounds (30 t). Behind these are the two rudders which are 29 feet (8.8 m) high and 22 feet (6.7 m) long, and each weigh 110,000 pounds (50 metric tons).[21] | two A4W nuclear reactors, housed in separate compartments. They power four propeller shafts and can produce a maximum speed of over 30 knots (56 km/h) and maximum power of 260,000 bhp (190 MW).[4] The reactors produce heat through nuclear fission which heats water. This is then passed through four turbines which are shared by the two reactors. The turbines power the four bronze propellers, each with a diameter of 25 feet (7.6 m) and a weight of 66,000 pounds (30 t). Behind these are the two rudders which are 29 feet (8.8 m) high and 22 feet (6.7 m) long, and each weigh 110,000 pounds (50 metric tons).[21] | ||
Revision as of 04:55, 12 April 2019
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 GCNS Vengeance transiting the Zheng Mou Sea in 2008
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| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Vengeance-class aircraft carrier |
| Builders: | Dalian Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering |
| Operators: |
 Grand Chilokveri Navy |
| Built: | 1980-1992 |
| In service: | 1984-present |
| Planned: | 3 |
| Completed: | 3 |
| Active: | 3 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type: | Aircraft carrier |
| Displacement: |
|
| Length: |
|
| Beam: |
|
| Draft: | 11 m (36 ft 1 inch) |
| Decks: | 14,700 square metres |
| Installed power: | 2 x Fushan Atomics CV2 nuclear reactors each producing 125,000 shp, total 250,000 shp (186 MW) |
| Propulsion: | 4 x shafts driving 5-bladed, fixed pitch propellers |
| Speed: | 30+ knots (56 km/h) |
| Range: | Unlimited |
| Endurance: | 120 days |
| Armament: |
|
| Aircraft carried: | Up to 80 fixed and rotary wing aircraft |
| Aviation facilities: |
|
Design
General characteristics
Vengeance class aircraft carriers measure 296 m (971 ft) long at the waterline and 320 m (1050 ft) overall, with a beam of 39 m (128 ft) at the waterline. At full load, they have a displacement of approximately 85,000 metric tonnes and a draft of 11 m (36 ft 1 inch). The ships have a complement of 3000 sailors, 2100 air crew
Power and propulsion
The Vengeance class carriers are powered by two CV1 pressurised water nuclear reactors, developed by Fushan Atomics based on a prototype design trialled at the Naval Nuclear Power Laboratory. The reactors are equipped with a core of highly enriched (over 93%) uranium-235, and are capable of generating 450 MW of thermal energy for an expected lifespan of 20 years before refuelling is required.
which are each housed in separate compartments. Each reactor was developed by generates
two A4W nuclear reactors, housed in separate compartments. They power four propeller shafts and can produce a maximum speed of over 30 knots (56 km/h) and maximum power of 260,000 bhp (190 MW).[4] The reactors produce heat through nuclear fission which heats water. This is then passed through four turbines which are shared by the two reactors. The turbines power the four bronze propellers, each with a diameter of 25 feet (7.6 m) and a weight of 66,000 pounds (30 t). Behind these are the two rudders which are 29 feet (8.8 m) high and 22 feet (6.7 m) long, and each weigh 110,000 pounds (50 metric tons).[21] The Nimitz-class ships constructed since USS Ronald Reagan also have bulbous bows in order to improve speed and fuel efficiency by reducing wave-making resistance.[22] As a result of the use of nuclear power, the ships are capable of operating continuously for over 20 years without refueling and are predicted to have a service life of over 50 years.[21]
Armour and protection
While largely protected by their escorts, defensive weaponry and countermeasures, the Vengeance class also feature passive design features which maximise their survivability against enemy attack. These include damage control features, but also compartmentalisation and armour. While exact details are classified, the Vengeance class are known to have been constructed with up to 50 mm of Kevlar armour over vital spaces such as the weapons magazines, aviation fuel storage tanks, propulsive machinery and nuclear reactors for protection against spalling and shrapnel. The carriers were also built with an armoured flight deck, side armour within the hangars and blast-resistant bulkheads