Komsomolets class PLATAKR (Submersible Carrier):


"To those out there who think the New Soviet is just the Old Soviet re-warmed after a stint in Siberia, come aboard the new Komsomolets and think again; this is what listening to the working class can do! This is a ship designed for sailors and soldiers BY sailors and soldiers with the best materials and systems the new technologies can afford, built by an economy as robust as any Western capitalist nation...And on top of it all, we have all the comforts of home, so defections are a thing of the past! No, even if we do not fire a shot,,,perhaps especially because we don't HAVE to fire a shot, these new vessels will herald a new era of prosperity and influence for our great nation, in the oceans of the world!"


----Rear Admiral Sergiev Gronsky, Baltic Fleet Command, on the launching and shakedown cruise of the Komsomolets


"It is a weapon, not a cruise ship, and I am afraid Gronsky's flowery vision isn't likely to come to pass with the tensions growing around the globe. The Komsomolets is a weapon, and it will be used most certainly, the only question is against who? Against the Americans? Or WITH the Americans, against the Chinese? Or perhaps these new breeds of terrorists who take refuge in our boldest new projects on and under the water? I have no doubt of the abilities of our new ships, but I am uncertain against what targets we will ultimately use them, and that fills me with no small amount of fear...."


-----Captain Villis Kamarov, in his personal diaries before the last cruise of the Komsomolets, (pre-Rifts).


History:


During the New Cold War, the New Sovietskiy, or New Soviet, the reformed USSR, was once again, though for a far briefer period of time, involved in a game of military one-upmanship with the United States of America. When the United States laid down the massive Ticonderoga, a Submersible Nuclear Heavy Air-Carrying Cruiser (PLATAKR -Podvodnaya Lodka Atomnaya Tyazholiy Avianesuschiy Kreyser) was immediately incorporated into the next Five Year Plan and laid down when it began. The design was built of stronger materials than the slightly larger Ticonderoga, and was meant to dive far deeper. In addition, the PLATAKR design focused on what Soviet and Russian designs for Air-carrying Cruisers had traditionally done over time; Instead of being simply floating airbases, these ships were heavily armed combat craft to which aircraft were largely a secondary concern. This was quite in the tradition of the Russian Riga and Kiev classes of the previous Cold War; And though the Ticonderoga was indeed quite capable of defending herself, the Komsomolets, as the massive ship was to be named, had none of the troop capacity of the Ticonderoga and a smaller aircraft/power armor capacity. In addition, the smaller crew had absolutely none of the amenities of the Ticonderoga, living in the cramped conditions Submariners have known for centuries; Still, some thoughts to comfort were given to this vessel over older Soviet designs, as it was intended for much longer deployments. Like on the original Typhoon class, a small swimming pool, Sauna, and steam bath (Banya), were provided for the crew, and conditions are at least as good as those on the American Ohio class SSBNs for the crew; Also, considering the attitude of the new USSR, there are facilities onboard for a mixed gender crew compliment. Still, there are none of the features which were disparagingly called a "Submersible shopping mall" by Soviet intelligence onboard the Komsomolets. This vessel, however, had one great advantage.. It was loaded with an awesome collection of high-powered offensive weaponry that completely outgunned the Ticonderoga. Though it couldn't invade a country like the Ticonderoga and lacked in airwing flexibility, the Komsomolets was designed not as a multi-purpose ship, but has an ultimate hunter-killer.. It's target blatantly clear in those days: The Ticonderoga.


Even so, the Komsomolets was more of a test ship than an operational design; Though quite capable and armed to the teeth for combat, and considering the amount of money put into the design, it was to be used as a regular navy vessel, the Komsomolets also featured advanced hull design for deep-dive capabilities, and a myriad of new features that were to be tested on the Komsomolets and then used on a slightly modified design for additional "Half sisters" of the ship that were to be built, while other technologies tested on the Komsomolets would also be used on a wide range of new Sovietski submarines.


The design of the Komsomolets was based heavily on that of the old Typhoon class SSBNs that were once the largest submarines in existence around the end of the 20th century, though, of course, the Komsomolets is far larger. Though the Komsomolets did not have the stealth system of the Ticonderoga, it was still incredibly quiet for its size.


When comparing the ships, the Komsomolets is clearly superior to the Ticonderoga in an anti-ship role, but is dedicated to that role and limited missile/airstrikes against shore targets.. The Ticonderoga has far more flexibility overall.


The Komsomolets features a ski-jump, and though standard fixed wing aircraft can take off and land, both are a very tricky, complex process even for VTOL aircraft; -5% penalty to piloting difficulty rolls for landing and taking off from the Komsomolets in even VSTOL fixed wing aircraft, and -10% penalty only at night on landing. The Komsomolets suffers from this lack of ability to increase it's stealthiness; While submerged, the symmetrical, better curved hull form of the Komsomolets is MUCH better suited for stealth than the twin flight deck design of the Ticonderoga, which was ridiculed by submarine designers in the Soviet Union when the Ticonderoga was first commissioned; However, congress had demanded the feature so that the Ticonderoga could operate later models of the Joint Strike Fighter as a cost-saving measure in the airwing and there are only two real ways a submersible carrier can be designed. These are to have a central control tower with flight decks on either side or have a retractable control tower. The Soviet design did have a serious advantage in underwater efficiency but the Gel coating system reduced this advantage greatly.


The Soviet designers were more conservative in going with Ski-Jump and VSTOL only capabilities except under emergency circumstances. However, considering the Soviets did not have access to the British gel coating system, the decision was a sound one from their point of view. Still, the Americans ridiculed their design due to the serious problems with air operations.


The Komsomolets was completed and commissioned barely a month before the coming of the Rifts, and was embarked on it's shakedown cruise, though with a full weapons and aircraft compliment, when the Rifts came. The Komsomolets has not been seen since, and is essentially forgotten.. But there is no evidence the craft does not exist, either. Though the survival of it's crew, and it's current state, is completely unknown.


Model Type: Komsomolets class Submersible Carrier.
Class: Prototype Submersible Carrier
Crew: 1,600 Officers and Ratings.
Troop Capacity: 220 Aircraft Pilots, 160 Submersible Pilots, and 500 Light and Heavy Cyborg Soldiers (With Jet Packs)


Power Armors and Aircraft:
Fighter/Aircraft Compliment:

72Yak-244 Firedancer VSTOL Fighters
36Mi-221 Firefly Attack VTOL Aircraft
36Yak-228 “Minstrel” ASW / Utility VTOL Aircraft
8Yak-228 “Minstrel” Radar VTOL Aircraft
Other Craft:
24Armed Submersibles
24Multi-purpose submersibles


M.D.C. by Location:

Retractable Particle Beam Cannons (2, Superstructure):600 each.
Retractable Laser CIWS Turrets (8):100 each.
Super Heavy Torpedo Tubes (16, 12 in front, 4 in rear):150 each
Octuple Vertical Cruise Missile Launchers (16, Sides of Sail):300 each
Octuple Long Range Missile Launchers (16, sides)150 each
Short Range Missile Launcher (8, 4 superstructure, 4 hull):100 each
Killer Dart “Interceptor” Torpedo Launcher (4, Sides):80 each
[1] Impeller Drive system openings (8, 4 front, 4 back):200 each.
Rudders (3):300 each.
Diving planes (4):300 each.
[2] Elevators (4, 2 forward & aft of superstructure):400 each
[3] Flight Deck (2):6,000 each
[4] Bridge/Conning Tower:4,000
[5] Main Sensors/Communication Tower:260
[6] Main Body:24,000


Notes:
[1] Destroying one Impeller opening, fore or aft, reduces speed by 25%; Destroying a second from a different shaft reduces speed by 50%, a third from a third shaft by 75%, and a fourth leaves the ship dead in the water.
[2] If all four elevators are destroyed, no aircraft can be moved from the hangers to the main flight deck.
[3] If the flight decks are destroyed, only VTOL aircraft can be launched or land. VTOL aircraft are at an additional -15% to piloting rolls when taking off and landing.
[4] Destroying the superstructure will not reduce vessel's performance due to main bridge being inside of the main hull of the vessel. However, destroying the superstructure will reduce flight operations.
[5] Destroying the Main Sensors Communication Tower will destroy long range radar and communications. Vessel has backup systems equal to that of robot vehicles. As well, sonar systems are mounted in hull and are not effected.
[6] Depleting the M.D.C. of the main body destroys the submarine’s structural integrity, causing it to sink. There are enough life preservers and inflatable life boats to accommodate everyone on the ship.


Speed:
Water Surface: 30 knots (55.6 km/34.5 mph)
Underwater: 40 knots (74.1 km/46.1 mph)
Maximum Depth: 5.6 miles (9.0 km)
Maximum Effective Range: Effectively Unlimited due to fusion engines (needs to refuel every 20 years and requires maintenance as well). Vessel carries 18 months of supplies on board.


Statistical Data:
Height: 262 feet (81 meters) (with Conning Tower/sensor mast: 137 meters. (458 feet.)
Width: 351 feet (107 meters)
Length: 1,972 feet (601 meters)
Weight: 460,000 metric tons.
Cargo: 2,000 tons of nonessential equipment and supplies. Each enlisted crew member has a small locker for personal items and uniforms. Ships officers have more space for personal items. Most of the ships spaces are take up by extra ammo, armor, troops, weapons, fighters, and engines.
Power System: Nuclear; average energy life of 20 years.
Market Cost: Not for sale; If the Komsomolets were to be found intact, operational, and abandoned, it could potentially be sold for as much as the Ticonderoga if that ship were captured intact; An enemy of the New Navy would easily pay TWICE that amount, as the Komsomolets was expressly designed to hunt and kill Ticonderoga class Submersible Carriers. Likewise, if one of the groups of Rifts Earth was to find data regarding the possible existence of this ship, it would be of grave concern, as should an organization already possess it, or a dimensional rift randomly bring the Komsomolets forward in time, similar to the Republic of Japan, it could tilt the balance of power in the oceans of Rifts Earth in whatever direction it's commander chooses. Even the complete blueprints for this design could be worth tens of millions to the NGR, Coalition States, or virtually any power with a technological presence on the oceans. The New Navy could possibly pay more, simply to keep those plans out of the hands of enemies.


Weapon Systems:

  1. Heavy Particle Beam Cannons (2): These heavy cannons are among the most powerful weapons developed on Rifts Earth and are even more powerful than the weapon mounts carried on the United States Ticonderoga class submersible carrier. One mount is on the forward part of the superstructure and the other is on the aft part of the superstructure. Mounts are fully retractable to reduce drag. The mounts can rotate 220 degrees and have a 60 degree arc of fire.
    Maximum Effective Range: In Atmosphere: 12.5 miles (20 km) Under Water: 4 miles (6.4 km)
    Mega-Damage: 2D4x100 M.D. per blast.
    Rate of Fire: One shot per cannon per melee (2 shots per melee total)
    Payload: Effectively Unlimited.
    Firing arcs: One aft 200 degrees; One forward 200 degrees.
  2. Retractable Pulse Laser CIWS Turrets (8): These mounts are positioned around the vessel as a last ditch defense system. The mounts are fully retractable to reduce drag. These Close-In Weapon Systems fire four rapid-pulse lasers against missiles or low-flying aircraft if not picked off by other defense systems. The weapon is also useful against attacking underwater troops and torpedoes. The weapons are automated and track missiles with radar sensors (+4 to strike missiles and aircraft.) Laser is similar to the S-500 Cyclone Pulse Laser Rifle with extended range.
    Maximum Effective Range: In Atmosphere: 4,000 feet (1,220 meters) Under Water: 2,000 feet (609.6 meters)
    Mega-Damage: 1D6x10 MD for four shot burst.
    Rate of Fire: Each turret has 6 attacks per melee round.
    Payload: Effectively unlimited.
    Bonuses: +4 to strike flying targets with radar guidance.
  3. Sixteen (16) Super Heavy Torpedo Tubes: On the bow of the submarine are twelve torpedo tubes and there are four torpedo tubes aft. Tubes are 25.6 inches (650 mm) wide and torpedoes can be used against both surface ships and submarines. Along with standard torpedoes, launcher can also fire missiles (Long or Cruise) in special canisters, rocket boosted ASW torpedoes, and mines. These are modern, variable option torpedoes that are about 25% faster than the latest US designs of the time period. Submarine carries 48 reloads for torpedoes. Soviet submarines normally carry a number of interceptor torpedoes which the standard Soviet tactic is to fire an interceptor torpedo down the path of a torpedo fired at the submarine.
    Maximum Effective Range: 40 miles (34.8 nautical miles / 64 km) to 60 miles (52.1 nautical miles / 96.6 km), depending on torpedo type (See revised Rifts torpedoes for details.)
    Mega Damage: By Heavy torpedo or Super Heavy warhead type (See revised Rifts torpedoes for details), can fire missiles (Long Range or Cruise) in special canisters as well (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)
    Rate of Fire: Forward Tubes: One at a time or in volleys of 2, 3, 4, 8, or 12. Aft Tubes: One at a time or in volleys of 2, 3, or 4. Reloading either takes 1 full melee.
    Payload: 24 Total (Has 160 torpedoes and missiles for reloads with 32 Interceptor torpedoes)
  4. Sixteen (16) Octuple Vertical Launch Cruise Missile Launchers: On either side of the submarine’s superstructure, the Komsomolets has eight octuple Vertical Launch Missile System for launching missiles. Missiles are launched in special canisters that enable the missiles to be used in depths down to 300 feet. Most missiles normally carried are fusion (Also smart missiles). Launcher can fire at multiple targets simultaneously and are designed to be used against ships and against land targets.
    Maximum Effective Range: As per cruise missile type (See revised missile table).
    Mega Damage: As per cruise missile type (See revised missile table).
    Rate of Fire: Can fire missiles one at a time or in volleys of two (2), four (4), eight (8), or sixteen (16) missiles and can be fired at multiple target at the same time.
    Payload: 128 cruise missiles total. Submarine carries no reloads.
  5. Sixteen (16) Octuple Vertical Launch Long Range Missile Launchers: On either side of the submarine’s hull, the Komsomolets has eight octuple Vertical Launch Missile System for launching long range missiles. Missiles are launched in special canisters that enable the missiles to be used in depths down to 300 feet. Most missiles normally carried are fusion (Also smart missiles). Launcher can fire at multiple targets simultaneously and are designed to be used against ships and against land targets.
    Maximum Effective Range: As per long range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)
    Mega Damage: As per long range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)
    Rate of Fire: Can fire missiles one at a time or in volleys of two (2), four (4), eight (8), or sixteen (16) missiles and can be fired at multiple target at the same time.
    Payload: 128 long range missiles total. Submarine carries no reloads.
  6. Sail Mounted Short Range Missile Launchers (8): The submarine has four retractable short range missile launchers on the sail and four in the hull for defense against aircraft although is effective against missiles as well. Launcher can be used while the submarine is up to 80 feet (24 meters) deep and is useful against aircraft hunting the submarine while the submarine is underwater. Short Range Missiles are usually a mixture of 50% Armor Piercing and 50% Plasma. Launchers can lock onto multiple targets at the same. The systems missile launchers can target up four targets and can fire a volley up to twice per melee.
    Maximum Effective Range: As per short range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)
    Mega Damage: As per short range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)
    Rate of Fire: Can fire missiles one at a time or in volleys of two (2) or four (4) missiles and can be fired up to four times per melee.
    Payload: 64 short range missiles each for 512 short range missiles
  7. Killer Dart “Interceptor” Short Range Torpedo Launchers (4): The launcher is mounted on the sides of the submarine. These so called “Killer Darts” are a Russian interceptor torpedo, designed primarily for intercepting and hitting incoming torpedoes, with a secondary function against small submersibles and submersible power armors. They are mounted outside of the submarines pressure hull in retractable mounts. The launchers can only be reloaded in port. American and European designed prefer to fire interceptor torpedoes from their standard torpedo tubes. Launcher is primarily designed to intercept incoming torpedoes but can be used against other vessels, against large submarines, and against underwater troops. Other torpedoes can be used but are very rarely used.
    Maximum Effective Range: 2000 feet (609.6 meters) using interceptor torpedoes, other torpedoes use standard rules (See revised Rifts torpedoes for details.)
    Mega-Damage: By Short Range Torpedo Type (See revised Rifts torpedoes for details.)
    Rate of Fire: Each launcher can fire salvos of up to eight (8) short range interceptor torpedoes per melee.
    Payload: 48 Interceptor Torpedoes each for 192 interceptor torpedoes.
  8. Noisemakers: The submarine carries noisemakers to decoy torpedoes. They are most effective against normal torpedoes and less effective against “smart” torpedoes. Considered in many ways to be the last line of defense against incoming torpedoes and similar systems are carried on most submarines. The noisemakers are launched from two side tubes; one port, one starboard.
    Effect: 50% of decoying normal torpedoes and 20% of decoying smart torpedoes.
    Rate of Fire: 2 at a time (Can be reloaded in one melee)
    Payload: 80 Noisemakers.


Special Systems:
The submersible carrier has all systems standard on a robot vehicle plus the following special features:



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Vessel drawing is created and copyrighted by Marina O'Leary (LusankyaN@aol.com ).


Initial Writeup by Marina O'Leary (LusankyaN@aol.com ).


Reformatting and revisions by Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).


Copyright © 2000, 2001, & 2002, Marina O'Leary & Kitsune. All rights reserved.


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