Nimitz-class aircraft carriers

Nimitz–class aircraft carriers are warships that serve as the central element of carrier strike groups (AUG) The U.S. Navy. The name is given in honor of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, a key commander of the American Navy during World War II.

These aircraft carriers are believed to symbolize the U.S. Navy 's commitment to maintaining maritime supremacy and global reach. Nimitz-class aircraft carriers with a nuclear power plant and an integrated aviation wing on board are platforms for projecting force, deterrence and rapid response to international crises. 

In accordance with the American naval classification, the ships of this project have a tail number with the designation CVN - aircraft carrier with a nuclear power plant (C from Cruiser cruiser), V from Voler (French for flying), N from Nuclear — nuclear). This is followed by the serial number of the aircraft carrier in the US Navy. As part of the project, 10 ships have been built, all of which are currently in service with the US Navy.

Nimitz-class aircraft carriers:

• USS Nimitz (CVN-68) – in service since 1975
• USS Dwight D. Eisenhower / Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) – in service since 1977
• USS Carl Vinson / Carl Vinson (CVN-70) – in service since 1982
• USS Theodore Roosevelt / Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) – in service since 1986
• USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) – in service since 1989
• USS George Washington / "George Washington" (CVN-73) – in service since 1992
• USS John C. Stennis / "John C. Stennis (CVN-74) – in operation since 1995
• USS Harry S. Truman / "Harry S. Truman" (CVN-75) – in service since 1998
• USS Ronald Reagan/Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) – in service since 2003
• USS George H.W. Bush / "George H.W. Bush" (CVN-77) – in service since 2009

Dwight Eisenhower - Nimitz-type Av

The main technical characteristics of aircraft carriers of the Nimitz type

Design features of aircraft carriers of the Nimitz type

The design of the aircraft carriers of the Nimitz project is distinguished by a large inclined flight deck and a distinct island superstructure shifted to the starboard side. This arrangement ensures simultaneous aircraft launch and recovery operations, increasing the efficiency and pace of air operations. The flight deck is equipped with catapults and limiter cables, facilitating the rapid application and inter-flight maintenance of aircraft.

The design of the inclined deck is specially designed to support high-intensity air operations, providing space for various types of aircraft and tasks. Aircraft carriers (Av) are designed to operate in a variety of conditions, from the open ocean to coastal zones, which guarantees their ability to adapt to the demands of modern warfare and international crises.

"Carl Vinson" - An Av of the type "Nimitz"

Power plant

Nimitz-class aircraft carriers are equipped with two Westinghouse A4W nuclear reactors, each of which generates energy from 93.5% highly enriched uranium (HEU). These reactors power four steam turbines connected to four shafts, providing a total output of 260,000 hp per shaft, or 194 MW.

This configuration allows the ship to reach speeds exceeding 30 knots (about 56 km/h), providing fast mobility and strategic flexibility. The nuclear propulsion system provides virtually unlimited duration of stay at sea, allowing aircraft carriers to remain in service for long periods of time without the need for refueling, which is a significant advantage in maintaining global coverage and operational readiness.

On-board equipment

Nimitz aircraft carriers are equipped with a sophisticated set of radar sensors and data processing systems designed to provide comprehensive situational awareness and combat control capabilities.

Key radar systems include:

• AN/SPS-48E 3D is a three–dimensional air search radar with electronic scanning. Provides accurate tracking of aerial targets.
• AN/SPS-49 2D is a two–dimensional long-range air search radar. Provides detection of aerial threats at long ranges.
• AN/SPQ-9 is a target detection radar. Expands targeting capabilities by providing high-resolution tracking of surface and aerial targets.

Means of ensuring air traffic:

• AN/SPN-46 – Precision approach radar
• AN/SPN-43C 2D Air Traffic Control Radar
• AN/SPN-41 – Landing assistance radar

Electronic warfare systems:

• The AN/SLQ-32A system combines radiation warning and jamming equipment.
• AN/SLQ-25A Nixie – Torpedo protection System with towed torpedo baits

SAM fire control systems: 4 x Mk.91 and 4 x Mk.95 (Sea Sparrow).

Av Aviation Wing

Nimitz-class aircraft carriers are floating air bases capable of receiving a wide range of aircraft types. A typical Av wing can include up to 90 aircraft, including fighter jets, electronic warfare aircraft, long-range radar detection aircraft and helicopters.

The main models are the F/A-18 "Hornet" (Hornet) and F/A-18E/F "Super Hornet" (Super Hornet), which serve as the basis for carrying out combat missions to strike and gain air superiority. In addition to the F/A-18, Avs operate specialized EA-18G "Growler" electronic warfare aircraft designed to suppress enemy radar and communications equipment. The E-2C/D Hawkeye AWACS aircraft provides early warning and control in the air, offering advanced radar coverage and combat control support. Military transport aircraft C-2A "Greyhound" (Greyhound) is used to deliver cargo and personnel between Ab and coastal bases.

MH-60 Seahawk helicopters of S/R versions play an important role in Ab operations. The former are designed for anti–submarine warfare, the latter for search and rescue operations, as well as logistical support. The flexibility of these helicopters allows them to operate in a wide range of conditions, from the open ocean to the urban environment, expanding the capabilities of the aircraft carrier when performing combat missions.

Weapons and protection systems on board

To protect against numerous threats, aircraft carriers of the Nimitz type are equipped with various weapons systems. These include means of protection against anti-ship cruise missiles and air threats:

• 2 x Mk. 49 PU for RIM-116 Anti-aircraft Guided missiles (RAM);
• PU Mk. 29 for advanced RIM-7 Sea Sparrow or RIM-162 ESSM missiles.

Each of the Mk launch systems. 49 has a swivel body and allows you to fire 21 RIM-116 missiles. The Mk 29 container-type systems provide the launch of eight missiles.

For short-range defense, Avs are equipped with two types of artillery installations (AU):

• 2-3 x anti-aircraft 20mm six-barrel melee systems Mk.15 "Phalanx" (Phalanx CIWS);
• 25-mm single-barrel AU Mk 38.

The latter provide additional firepower for close combat and responding to asymmetric threats (small boats and lodi). In combination with modern electronic warfare systems, the onboard weapons systems of aircraft carriers of the Nimitz type form a comprehensive defense of the ship, increasing its survivability in hostile conditions.

According to the materials of the resources seaforces.org, armyrecognition.com

On the subject of aircraft carriers of the Nimitz type:

• The United States Navy: tasks and organization
• Ultralight small-caliber torpedo of the United States Navy