USSR Navy Kalinin battle cruiser

Plastic model kit of the Soviet battlecruiser Kalinin

• Scale: 1:700
• Dimensions (L x W, assembled): 359.6 x 41 mm
• 253 parts
• Can be built as either a full-hull or waterline model
• Display stand included
• Unassembled and unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

The Soviet battlecruiser Kalinin was the third ship of the Project 1144.2 Orlan class, known in the West as the Kirov class. The ship was launched in 1986 and commissioned into the Soviet Navy in 1988. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, it was renamed Admiral Nakhimov in 1992. It ranks among the world's largest and most heavily armed nuclear-powered surface combatants.

With a length of approximately 252 meters and a displacement of around 26,000 tons, the ship is powered by two KN-3 nuclear reactors and steam turbines. This enables it to reach speeds exceeding 30 knots and gives it a virtually unlimited operational range. The crew numbers between 700 and 750 personnel, depending on the specific configuration.

As a unit of the modernized Project 1144.2, the Kalinin differed in several details from the first two ships of the class. Its main armament originally consisted of 20 P-700 "Granit" anti-ship missiles. For air defense, the ship was equipped with the long-range S-300F Fort system, supplemented by short-range air defense systems, AK-630 close-in weapon systems, a twin 130mm gun, torpedoes, and anti-submarine missiles. The ship's air group included up to three Kamov Ka-27 helicopters for anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and rescue missions.

Following a lengthy period out of service, a comprehensive, multi-year modernization program began in 1999. This involved upgrading virtually all weapon systems, sensors, and electronics. The original Granit missiles are being replaced by modern vertical launch systems capable of accommodating various guided missiles, such as the P-800 Oniks, 3M54/3M14 Kalibr, and - in the future - the 3M22 Zircon. Furthermore, the ship is being equipped with modernized air defense systems, new radar installations, and state-of-the-art command and communication systems.

Upon completion of the modernization, the *Admiral Nakhimov* is expected to be the most capable surface combatant in the Russian Navy. Combining nuclear propulsion, long range, and a significantly modernized multi-role armament, it represents a major evolution of the original Kirov class and remains a key asset of the Russian blue-water fleet.