Another in the excellent and ever lengthening series of profiles of the world's warships from the amazing Polish Publishing house, Kagero Publishing, this one features the very impressive Russian Cold War cruiser Varyag.
Varyag was the first of a series of four large guided missile cruisers built between 1979 and 1989. They were designed as "carrier killers" and, following numerous weapon upgrades, are still in service. Good value ships indeed.
The 11,000-ton displacement, 186-metre LOA ships are powerful with two steam and two gas turbine engines providing a top speed of about 32 knots and a range at 18 knots exceeding 8,000 nautical miles. They have ranged widely over their careers.
Their known armament is potent and their electronic fit out extensive. They are very powerful multi-purpose warships. They are very well described, particularly though brilliant drawings, here.
Author: Witold Koszela
Available from Casemate UK, Oxford, UK.