With thanks to Gollevainen aloowing us to publish
An item referred to the magazine Revista Marittima dated May 1938 reporting that Russia intended to built a second aircraft carrier named Vorochilow using American designs. The first aircraft carrier Stalin was to be completed on short notice.(1)
Note
1. The available details differs in the literature. The two Project 71(A) aircraft carriers would have a displacement of 10.600 (standard)-13.150 (full load) tons and as dimensions 195 (waterline) x 24 x 5,88 metres. The machinery would consist of steam turbines supplying 110.000hp allowing a maximum speed of 34-35 knots. Fuel oil bunker capacity 2.550 tons. The armour was to consist of 7,5-10cm thick belt, a 9cm thick deck and with the command centre protected by 5cm. The armament was to consist of 8-10cm anti aircraft guns, 4x4-3,7cm anti aircraft guns, 20-12.7mm anti aircraft guns machineguns. She was to carry 10 reconnaissance bombers and 20 fighters with her, although also is reported 15 fighters and 30 torpedo bombers, all to be launched by 2 pneumatic catapults. Two elevators. Two funnels which could be turned downward just like Japanese carriers. The intention was to use a hull similar to the Chapayev-class of aircraft cruisers. Qua dimensions were these Russian carriers comparable with the British Colossus-class light cruisers. One was to serve in the Baltic Fleet, the other in the Pacific Fleet. Never realized.
