Minsk and Kiev

I like the 2nd pic. thats what the plan should do, make them helicopter carrying heavy crusiers. turnign them into carriers is a waste of money and time right now. china should build a feww indegedous light carriers (30000-40000 tons) to supplement varyag. turning minsk and kiev into carriers is not as easy as coverting gorshkov.

MIGleader said:

I like the 2nd pic. thats what the plan should do, make them helicopter carrying heavy crusiers. turnign them into carriers is a waste of money and time right now. china should build a feww indegedous light carriers (30000-40000 tons) to supplement varyag. turning minsk and kiev into carriers is not as easy as coverting gorshkov.

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That's true. The Gorshkov is a little younger than its sisterships. THe Kievs, on their original configuration, were failures as carriers though.

also, gorkie had a slightly different design than her sisters which was intended for a full carrier refit.

Minsk and Kiew could become powerfull heavy aviation crusers by making them operational with there original weapons (or replace them with newest generation) and new engines;
this ships could support the full-size aircraft carrier Varjag in a CBG at the one hand and also support amphibious operations by helos (and additonal some helo-carriers) at the other hand;
they also could work to escort commercial shipping (convoi) in times of crisis at threaten and dangerous trading routes;

today there are part of theme parks, but this could be a temporary interruption to make a profit and finance the rebuilding of these ships including new engines ...

cruisers all the way. since china has no vtols, the crusiers can ferry helicopters. a wing of attack copters like wz-10 would be very powerful.

minsk and kiev have a huge amount of missles. they would provide the plan with amazing firepower. they would be a good alternative to slava, since china already owns them. engines are no problem. france, russia, and most civilian cruiser companies would be able to offer their engines.

MIGleader said:

cruisers all the way. since china has no vtols, the crusiers can ferry helicopters. a wing of attack copters like wz-10 would be very powerful.

minsk and kiev have a huge amount of missles. they would provide the plan with amazing firepower. they would be a good alternative to slava, since china already owns them. engines are no problem. france, russia, and most civilian cruiser companies would be able to offer their engines.

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For the cost to refit and out fit Minsk, PLAN can build more destroyers and helo carriers that can offer more combat capability collectively than the Minsk by itself.

MIGleader said:

a wing of attack copters like wz-10 would be very powerful.
....

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or the famous KA-52 “Alligator†helicopter
- indeed - and don't forgot sub-hunting, SAR and transport helos
-- sub hunting to protect the fleet against enemy subs
-- SAR are usefull by supporting a full size carrier like Varjag (american carriers all times have one "stand by" near the carrier when aircrafts are starting and landing) to help by accidents - also could be used to help sailors of sinking ships in times of war
-- transport to supply the fleet and to support amphibious operations

well yes....it would be a good idea to convert minsk and kiev into aircraft carrying cruisers..this would give great ability to the PLAN and its future CBG. However the questions is that would the PLAN actually go with such a plan? Re-fit Varyag isn't going to be easy and it will be costly....now re-fit kiev/minsk at the same time...well..i don't know..what do u guys think?

refit varyag=definite yes

refit kiev and minsk=optional, and after varyag is done.