Krylov State Research Center (KGNTs, St. Petersburg)) has completed design of a new multi-role heavy aircraft carrier; the project was designated 23000E “Storm”, Interfax-AVN reports with reference to nplus1.ru and janes.com.

“The ship is designed for carrying out different missions in the far-ocean zone, it is able to attack ground and surface targets using its own weapons and aircraft; the carrier is also able to provide air defense,” KGNTs Director Valery Polyakov said.

The ship’s length will be 330 meters, width - 40 meters, draught - 11 meters. Its maximum speed will be 30 knots. The following aircraft will be deployed on the carrier: MiG-29K and T-50 carrier-based fighters, AWACS aircraft as well as Ka-27 multi-role helicopters. Earlier the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian navy Admiral Viktor Chirkov said that a new aircraft carrier for Russian navy is being developed.

“The project for defining configuration of a next-generation aircraft carrier is also being implemented. Navy will get the carrier. The work is carried out in strict compliance with the requirements of Chief Command of the navy. The most important requirement – the aircraft carrier must have vast capabilities in terms of using carrier-based aircraft and its overall combat effectiveness,” Chirkov said. At present Russia has only one aircraft carrier – Admiral Kuznetsov.