Grozovoi

Specifications

2,900 tons displacement, standard

135m length

13m beam

3.8m draft

Machinery

4 boilers, 2 turbines

Performance

36 knots at 76,000 shaft horsepower

5,040 nautical miles at 15 knots

Armament

Main

Six (3x2) 130mm guns

Anti-Aircraft

Twelve (6x2) 45mm guns

Torpedoes

Ten (2x5) 533mm torpedo tubes

History

By 1942, the Soviet Navy came to understand the integral role destroyers were playing in in combat. Experience proved to them the venerability of said class: they could partake in Anti-submarine warfare, anti-air warfare, convoy protection, and mine-laying duties – amongst other proven roles. Upon assessment of their current fleet, the Soviets realized the deficiencies of their current ships; they lacked “multi-level” combat capabilities and had poor sea keeping and integrity. The proposed replacement design, Project 35, was quickly deemed incapable of meeting standards and was quickly dismissed in order to commence preparations for a new design to replace the Soviet destroyer fleet.

Project 35 was to be modified, to incorporate dual-purpose main artillery of 130mm in calibre, for greater combat flexibility, and the necessary sensor and fire control suite to ensure effective application. They also wished to include design elements observed in foreign destroyers, such as the clipper bows of British destroyers and the greater armouring of German destroyers. Accordingly the ships were increased to 2,700 tonnes of displacement.

By 1943, Central Design Bureau Nº17 was established and was charged with designing the newly dubbed Project 40 destroyers. The next year was spent creating several draft designs, in various configurations, of the new ship. Upon analyzing the drafts in 1940, it was realized that the displacement had to be increased to 3,000 tonnes to meet the technical specifications. The Bureau entered another round of redesign with further requirements modified; the ships were to have a top speed of 36 knots and a range of 6,000 nautical miles.

Project 40N is seen as the definitive version of the Project 40 destroyer designs. Increased to 4,000 tonnes, the destroyers were of a sleek design; low freeboard with a pronounced clipper bow at the front. Very much a modern design, it would have easily transitioned into the post-war era. As British experience in the North Atlantic proved, the Clipper bow would provide solid seaworthiness and dry decks.

The proposed power plant for the ships was 4 high-pressure oil-fired boilers that fed into two geared turbines; a staple of Second World War destroyer design philosophy. Rated to generate 72,000-shaft horsepower, it was expected to meet the performance requirements of a top speed of 36 knots. To ensure increased survivability the power plant was arranged “en-echelon” configuration; alternating engine room and fire room.

The new destroyers were armed with six 130mm rifles situated in three dual-purpose turrets, housing two guns each. The turrets were arranged in an “A-B-Y” configuration with two turrets at the bow and one turret at the stern. Characteristic to these rifles, they were long barrelled and could take high powder loads, thus ensured high muzzle velocities and greater range. The mounts themselves would allow the guns to elevate to +82˚ so they were effective in engaging aircraft as well. The turrets could be remotely controlled from the by the main Combat Engagement computers if need arises. Further emphasis to anti-aircraft combat was provided with the addition of 45mm AA cannons in dual mounts, under the control of independent radar systems Other staple armaments included torpedoes in two quintuple mounts, mines, and depth charge launches.