The Kara class cruiser is a class of Cold War era Soviet guided missile cruisers. The Soviet designation is Project 1134B Berkut B - Беркут Б (Golden Eagle). Kara class Russian Navy battleship cruiser were enlarged versions of the Kresta II class, with gas turbine engines replacing the steam turbines. Kara class Russian Navy battleship cruiser were fitted as flagships with improved command, control and communications facilities. These are dedicated ASW ships with significant anti-aircraft capability including both SA-N-3 and SA-N-4 surface to air missiles.
The Specifications for the Kara class Russian Navy battleship cruiser were issued in 1964 with the design being finalised in the late 1960s. The gas turbine engine was chosen instead of steam for greater efficiency, quietness and because the main Soviet gas turbine plant had a long association with the Nikolayev shipyards. The cruiser Azov was constructed as a trials ship for the SA-N-6 missile system and was also fitted with the associated Top Dome Radar. During the cold war she was confined to the Black Sea.
| Kara Class Cruiser General characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Displacement: | 9,900 tons |
| Length: | 173.2 m |
| Beam: | 18.6 m |
| Draught: | 6.7 m |
| Propulsion: | 2 shaft COGAG, 4 gas turbines, 120,000 hp (88 MW) |
| Speed: | 32 knots |
| Range: | 9,000 miles |
| Complement: | 380 |
| Armament: | 2 quad SS-N-14 Silex anti-submarine missiles 2 twin SA-N-3 Goblet surface to air missile launchers (80 missiles) SA-N-4 Gecko surface to air missile launchers (40 missiles) 2 twin 76mm AK-726 dual purpose guns 4 30mm AK-630 CIWS 2 RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers 2 RBU-1000 anti-submarine rocket launchers 24 SA-N-6 Grumble surface to air missiles [on Azov] |
| Aircraft carried: | 1 Kamov Ka-25 'Hormone-A' |
