Mock-up of Russian nuclear powered aircraft carrier

A scale mock-up of a Russian nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Project 11430E ‘Lamantin’ was displayed at the international maritime defense show currently underway in St. Petersburg.

The mock-up could be seen in the stand of the Nevskoye Design Bureau (part of United Shipbuilding Corporation) which coordinates all of Russia’s naval shipbuilding activities.

“The ‘Lamantin’ aircraft carrier will be Russia’s biggest aircraft carrier capable of deploying an air task force against air and sea forces, and also land troops,” a description accompanying the display said.

The aircraft carrier will get a nuclear-powered propulsion unit will displace 80,000-90,000 tonnes, feature a length of 350 meters, have sea endurance of about 120 days and will be capable of developing a speed of about 30 knots.

The aircraft carrier will have a crew of 2,800 and its air task force will comprise 800 personnel. The carrier will have a service life of over 50 years.

Sources said that the cost of the carrier could be in the region of $4-$5 Billion and could take up to 5 years to build. No timeframe has been attached to the construction of the aircraft carrier at this time.