On October 21, Russia's only aircraft carrier steamed through the English Channel on its way to Syria. Given the seemingly limited effectiveness of the 305-meter Admiral Kuznetsov, many analysts believe the attention that the vessel is generating is the real aim of its rare, and very public, outing.
Aboard The Admiral Kuznetsov
6
The Admiral Kuznetsov is extremely heavily armed for an aircraft carrier. Along with various heavy guns and antisubmarine missiles, it is equipped with 12 launchers capable of firing nuclear-armed missiles.
7
Helicopters and fighter jets on the flight deck of the Admiral Kuznetsov. The carrier is capable of deploying with 52 aircraft aboard. The vessel's air wing, however, is limited by its lack of an aircraft catapult. Most modern aircraft carriers are fitted with a steam-powered catapult that flings aircraft along the deck runway.
8
The Admiral Kuznetsov relies on a “ski jump” runway to help lift planes skyward. The distinctive design ensures planes an upward trajectory even when the Admiral Kuznetsov heaves forward, but the lack of a catapult means the planes are limited in the amount of fuel, and weaponry, they can carry.
9
A training ground in Crimea set up to replicate the deck of the Admiral Kuznetsov.