Image source: topwar.ru
It has long been known that this container ship was decommissioned and transferred to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). However, recently published photographs show that this time the refit of the vessel was much more extensive.
An old South Korean container ship built in 2000 was used as a basis. Last year, the fleet already included a ship converted from a similar container ship, but there were minimal alterations on it, and it did not arouse much interest.
Unlike the previous ship, Shahed Bagheri received an almost full-fledged flight deck with a corner deck, a springboard and an airplane lift. However, the deck design raises questions. On modern aircraft carriers, the side decks are directed outward to "separate" the starting and landing aircraft or increase the number of those starting. Here, the corner deck is directed inward. Perhaps this was done to increase the overall length of the deck, since the superstructure interferes, but the gain of 15-20 meters is doubtful. Is it worth it? It is not yet known, perhaps the operation will show this, and some changes will be made based on its results.
Image source: topwar.ru
The second unclear point is the springboard. Theoretical calculations and practical operation have proved that the optimal angle is from 7 to 14 degrees. Here we have about 20 degrees. Perhaps they are trying to lift heavier UAVs in this way. Perhaps there are other reasons.
Also, there are no aerial finishers on the deck yet, the deck length of about 170 meters will not be enough to stop heavy and high-speed jet UAVs. They may be installed later, but so far there are no signs of this. Perhaps they have come up with some other device.
The dimensions of the on-board elevator are approximately 15-18 by 10-12 meters, quite sufficient to lift almost all Iranian UAVs and helicopters with folded rotor blades.
Defensive weapons are not yet visible. It will be minimal: short-range air defense systems, anti-aircraft artillery with radar guidance. It just doesn't make sense anymore, he has no chance in a real naval battle.
But the experience of a relatively fast and inexpensive conversion of a container ship into an aircraft carrier is very interesting. Including for Russia.
Image source: topwar.ru
