State and prospects for the development of the Romanian naval forces. State and prospects for the development of the Romanian naval forces (2013)

Many believe that monitor ships have long been a thing of the past and now remain only on historical photographs. However, it is not.

In service with the Military naval forces Romania, carrying out tasks to protect its territorial waters, including the Danube River, consists of river monitors different types. All boats are part of the division river monitors river flotilla based in Brăila.

A little history. The name “monitor” is due to the first battleship of the same name “USS Monitor”, built back in 1862 in the United States during the period civil war, and was intended to protect its shores. In technical language, this type of ship sounds like an “artillery carrier.”

During the First and Second World Wars, monitors were used mainly on rivers. In Europe, these ships were part of the river flotillas of Austria, Hungary, Romania, Poland and Romania. In the USSR, monitors patrolled the borders with Romania along the Danube River and with China along the Amur. Currently, river monitors can be found on the Amazon River, where the Brazilian Navy patrols with the Parnaíba (U17) and on the Danube - the Romanian Navy has 8 river ships. Their distinctive features- small tonnage, low side, light armor and powerful artillery.

For operations on inland waterways, in particular on the Danube River, for attacking ground targets (coastal artillery and fortifications), providing fire support for ground forces during landings, between 1986 and 1993 at the Santierul-2 Mai shipyard in Mangalia three river patrol monitors of the type Grivita (b/n 94) (“Grivitsa”), Rahova (b/n 95) and Opanez (b/n 96)) with a displacement of 320 tons of the Brutar-I project (according to NATO classification) were built. Characteristic feature These boats had a complete lack of superstructure. The length of the monitor was 45.7 m, width 8 m, draft 1.5 m. Armament included one 100 mm tank gun, two 14.5 mm machine guns and two multiple launch rocket systems (analogous to the BM-21 "Grad") with 122 mm caliber missiles (ammunition load 40 missiles).

Over time, a modernized version of the Brutar-II river ships (according to NATO classification) appeared, called the Smardan lead ship project. They differ from their predecessors in increased hull length and reinforced armament. Added - dual 30 mm artillery mount and two four-barreled machine guns. River patrol ships were built at a plant in Mangalia. Monitor Smardan (F-178) was built on July 24, 1990, Posada (F-179) on May 14, 1992, Rovine (F-180) on July 30, 1993. In addition, the river ships Rahova (F-176) and Opanez (F-177), built in 1988 and 1990, were also upgraded to the Brutar-II version.

Technical characteristics of Smardan type river patrol monitors:

Displacement - 370 tons;
Length - 50.7 m;
Width - 8.0 m;
Draft - 1.5 m;
Power plant - two-shaft, two diesel shafts with a power of 2700 hp;
Weapons:
100 mm gun - 1;
AU 30 mm (Romanian production) - 2 (double);
Machine guns 14.5 mm - 2X4;
MANPADS 2M "Strela" - 2X4;

Later, having assessed the effectiveness of river monitors, the Romanian Navy developed a program for the construction of monitors with a displacement of 522 tons, which were created between 1994 and 1996 at the Santierul Naval enterprise in Turnu Severin. The lead ship of the project was “Mihail Kogalniceanu”. For economic reasons, they did not develop a special artillery system for ships, but used the TR-77-580 tank gun with a caliber of 100 mm. But, despite the success of the project, the program was closed, and a total of three ships were built. They became the largest river ships of the Romanian Navy, receiving the classification - large river patrol monitors.

Currently, the Romanian fleet consists of three such ships: Mihail Kogalniceanu (F-45) built in December 1993, Ion C. Bratianu (F-46) built in December 1994 and Lascar Catargiu (F-47) built in November 1996 year.

Technical characteristics of large river patrol monitors of the Mihail Kogalniceanu type:

Displacement - 522 tons;
Length - 62.1 m;
Width - 7.6 m;
Draft - 1.6 m;
Power plant - two-shaft, two diesel engines with a power of 3800 hp;
Speed - 18 knots;
Autonomy - 7 days;
Cruising range - 1000 km;
Crew - 52 people;
Weapons:
Artillery mount 100 mm - 2;
Artillery complex 30 mm (Romanian production) - 2;
MLRS 122 mm - 2 (ammunition 40 shells);
Heavy machine guns 14.5 mm - 2X4;
MANPADS 2M "Strela" - 2X4;

The totality of the Ground Forces. The Air Force and Navy of the Republic of Romania form the Armed Forces of Romania, designed to defend the freedom, independence and territorial integrity of the state.

The strength of the Armed Forces (AF) of Romania is 71,400 people, plus 79,990 in reserve. The ground forces have numerical strength 42,600 military personnel, Air Force - 8,400, Navy - 6,900 and 13,500 serve in the joint forces. The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is General Nicolae Ionel Ciuke. He reports directly to the Minister of National Defense. In wartime, the President of the country becomes the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.

In 2006, Romania abolished general military duty and the transition to a contract army took place.

ROMANIAN GROUND FORCES

The Romanian Ground Forces include three infantry divisions and three separate brigades. This is the 1st "Dhaka" Infantry Division. It includes the 1st mechanized brigade “Vasiliy Lupu”, the 2nd infantry brigade “Rovine”, the 2nd mountain rifle brigade “Sarmizegetuza”.

The 2nd Infantry Division consists of the 9th, 15th, 282nd mechanized and 3rd engineer brigades.

4th Infantry Division "Jemina" - 18th Infantry, 61st Mountain, 81st Mechanized Brigades).

Separate brigades: 6th SSO, 8th artillery, 10th engineering.

The Romanian Army is armed with mostly outdated equipment. The tank fleet includes 250 Soviet T-55, 42 TR-580, 145 TR-85 and TR-85M1 “Bison” (TR is a Romanian modification of the same T-55). The newer 30 T-72 tanks are out of action.

Infantry fighting vehicles - 124 BMP MLI-84 and MLI-84M "Kunitsa" - are a copy of the Soviet BMP-1. In addition, there are 75 Romanian-designed MLVM units available for mountain rangers.

With the exception of 31 new Swiss MOVAG Piranha IIIC armored personnel carriers and 60 Max-Pro armored all-terrain trucks, the rest of the armored personnel carriers are locally produced: 69 VZZ Zimbru units, 384TAV-71, 161 TAV-77, 388TAVS 79. All of them are a reworking of the extremely outdated Soviet BTR-60.

The artillery consists of six self-propelled guns2S1 "Gvozdika", 18 units of 122-mm self-propelled gun M89 (on the MLI-84 chassis, with a 2S1 turret), more than 720 towed guns and howitzers, 133 units of 122-mm APR-40 MLRS ( Romanian version of the BM-21 "Grad"), 54 units of Israeli-made 122/160-mm MLRS LAROM, more than 260 120 mm mortars. In addition, there are 23 Soviet anti-tank self-propelled guns SU-100 of Czechoslovak production.

Anti-tank weapons include 138 anti-tank systems - 90 Malyutka, 48 Konkurs, 208 M77 guns (100 mm). The air defense of the ground forces includes Soviet air defense systems: 40 PU "Kub", 24 "Osa" and Romanian - 40SA-95 (licensed "Strela-1" on the TAVS-79 chassis). Currently, all of them have practically lost their combat effectiveness. 297 SA-94 MANPADS (a copy of the Soviet Strela-2), 36 German Gepard self-propelled guns, 42 anti-aircraft guns remain in service: 24 Swiss GDF-203 (20 mm), 18 Soviet (37 mm).

NAVAL FORCES

The fleet is based at two naval bases (Constanza and Mangalia) and six bases on the Danube River - Braila, Galati, Giurgiu, Sulina, Tulcea, Drobeta-Turnu Severin.

The administrative management of the Navy is entrusted to the headquarters of the Navy (Bucharest). Operational management formations and units of naval forces in peacetime are exercised by the command of the Romanian Navy (Navy Base Constanta). In the event of a crisis situation or the outbreak of war, an operational control center for naval operations (COCAN) is formed at the base of the fleet command.

The Romanian Navy has four corvettes, three frigates, five mine ships, six combat boats and several auxiliary vessels. Navy reserve - 60 ships and boats. The helicopter group is represented by three carrier-based IAR-330 Puma helicopters. A river flotilla is stationed on the Danube. It consists of three river monitors, Project 1316, five Brutar-type river patrol boats and nine river armored boats. The Navy also includes a battalion of Marines.

AIR FORCE

The Romanian Air Force has following structure: Main Headquarters Romanian Air Force, Air Force Operations Center, four air bases (71,86,95th Air Base and 90th Transport Air Base), 1st Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade, 70th Aviation Engineering Regiment, 85th Signal Regiment, Capu Midia Air Force training ground . In addition, the Air Force includes three educational institutions. Fighter aviation is represented by one type of aircraft - the MiG-21, built in the 1960-1970s. In the 1990s, they were modernized in Israel, but the aircraft's service life has already been almost completely exhausted. Currently, 98 MiG-21s are formally combat-ready. Of these, no more than 36 are in service, the rest are in storage. There are 14 MiG-29s in storage, rendered completely unfit for combat. To replace the MiG-21, F-16A/B fighters will be purchased from Portugal and the United States.

FOREIGN MILITARY REVIEW No. 10/2001, pp. 42-47

NAVAL FORCES

Captain 1st rank V. CHERTANOV

Higher military leadership Romania assesses the capabilities of its own armed forces to provide national security and defense of the country in the event of a conflict medium intensity in Central and Eastern Europe (not to mention a more serious threat) as very limited. It expects a radical increase in defense capability not only with a focus on internal resources, but also through active participation in the European and Euro-Atlantic security system.

Romania hopes to join the North Atlantic Alliance no later than 2005 and become a member European Union(EU) in another five years, although the country’s leadership is aware that internal and external factors may delay or prevent its transition to NATO membership status.

Since the beginning of the 90s of the last century, the Romanian Armed Forces have been undergoing a process of deep military reforms: changes have been made to military legislation, the Ministry of National Defense has been restructured, the types of armed forces have been reorganized, the total number of personnel decreased from 320 thousand to 126 thousand military personnel and 37 thousand civilian personnel, separate weapons modernization programs were initiated and military equipment. At the same time, significant efforts were aimed at organizing interaction with NATO forces within the framework of the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program, to which Romania was one of the first to join in 1994, as well as as part of the stabilization forces (SFOR) in the Balkans.

At the beginning of 2000, “ Military strategy Romania" (developed by the Ministry of Defense) and a program for restructuring and modernization of the Armed Forces was approved, designed until 2010 (FARO 2005/2010). At its first stage (2000 - 2003), it is planned to practically complete the restructuring, to carry out a further reduction of the Armed Forces (up to 112 thousand military personnel) with recruitment as at professional basis(the number of contract soldiers and career military personnel will increase from 47 to 71 percent), and by conscription, and achieve minimum operational capabilities (including according to NATO standards) to ensure reliable defense of the country. The second stage of the program (2004 - 2007) will be focused on the modernization of weapons and military equipment (with a significant increase in allocations for this item defense budget) and achieving full operational capabilities. At the third stage (after 2007), it is planned to complete the bringing of types of armed forces into compliance with existing NATO standards and the implementation of plans for their re-equipment.

All these reforms are directly related to the country's naval forces, which are designed to protect the interests of the state in the Black Sea and the river. Danube and structured accordingly. They are led by the Chief of Naval Staff (also known as the commander) through his headquarters (Naval Base Constanta). Subordinate to him are the commands of the Black Sea Fleet, the Danube River Flotilla, the Marine Corps, which provides mainly coastal defense, and the Naval Aviation. The number of personnel of the regular forces currently reaches, according to foreign press reports, 20,144 people (including about 10 thousand marines), including more than 12 thousand conscripts conscript service. The reserve component of the Navy includes 18 thousand people.

The naval fleet includes 30 warships, including: one submarine, a guided missile destroyer, six frigates, seven corvettes, nine river monitors, two minelayers and four base minesweepers; 73 combat boats: three missile, 27 torpedo, 18 river patrol and 25 river minesweeper boats; more than 30 auxiliary vessels, including two research vessels (used primarily as reconnaissance vessels), a training vessel sailing ship, four supply transports, eight river transports, four refueling tankers, four ship degaussing vessels, two ocean tugs and several harbor tugs, as well as a flagship boat.

Naval aviation is represented by an air squadron of IAR-316B Alouette III carrier-based anti-submarine helicopters (six) and five Mi-14PL Haze A base helicopters, which are based at the Tuzla air base.

Black Sea Fleet Command(headquarters at the Constanta naval base) organizationally unites five brigades: submarines, missile ships, anti-submarine ships, mine-sweeping ships and torpedo boats.

Submarine brigade exists almost nominally, since the submarine forces of the fleet are represented by the only diesel-electric submarine "Delfinul" (Fig. 1) of the "Kilo" type (Project 877E), transferred to Romania by the former USSR in 1986. The boat is not in a combat-ready state (requires repair and re-equipment) and is based in the Constanta naval base. The brigade was also assigned units of combat swimmers and divers and a group of support ships (vessels).

Missile ship brigade includes the guided missile destroyer Mareshesti (Fig. 2), three Zborul-class missile corvettes (Tarantul I, Project 1241 RE) and three Osa I-class missile boats (Project 205).

EM URO "Mareshest" was built in 1985 according to a national project at the shipyard V The Mangalia naval base is the largest surface ship in the Navy (total displacement 5,790 tons). In 1988, due to a lack of fuel and an understaffing of the crew, it was transferred to the category of non-combat ready, in the period from 1990 to 1992 it underwent modernization and again became part of the active fleet (based in the Constanta naval base). The ship is armed with SS-N-2C Styx anti-ship missiles (four twin launchers), torpedoes (two three-tube launchers), rocket launchers (two RBU 1200), 76- and 30-mm artillery installations, anti-aircraft missile systems does not have and therefore belongs to the subclass of guided missile destroyers, it is equipped with a platform for basing two IAR-316B Alouette III helicopters. To date, he has made several deployments to combat service in the Mediterranean Sea.

Corvettes of the Zborul type (Tarantul I, Russian built in 1985, Fig. 3) entered the Romanian fleet in 1990 - 1992, armed with Styx anti-ship missiles and gun mounts. Of the six RKA type "Osa I" received from the USSR in 1964 - 1965, one was replaced (in 1981) by a nationally built boat, and three were scrapped. The armament of the boats remaining in service is similar to that installed on the corvettes (see table). Both are based in the Mangalia naval base.

Anti-submarine ship brigade It is equipped with frigates of the Tetal type (four) and Tetal Improved (two) - the most combat-ready, as noted in the foreign press, ships in the fleet, as well as corvettes of the Democracy type (four). All of them are based in the Constanta naval base.

Both types of frigates are nationally built (Mangalia shipyard) 1983 - 1987 (the first four), 1989 and 1997 (the last two). The improvement of the ships of the second series consisted not only of installing more modern and high-speed artillery weapons systems, but also of changing the superstructure, as well as equipping a helicopter platform while maintaining the same hull and main power plant(GEU).

Corvettes of the "Democracy" type are former German minesweepers of the M 40 "Boot" project built in 1954 - 1956, converted in Romania between 1976 and 1983. The mine sweeping systems on them were dismantled, and on the fourth ship, Vice Admiral Ioan Georgescu, a small helicopter platform was built into the aft deck.

Brigade of mine-sweeping ships It consists of two minelayers (ZM) of the Kosar type, also used as floating bases for mine-sweeping forces and based in the Constanta naval base, and four base minesweepers (BTSH) of the Mushka type (Midia naval base). All ships were built at the national shipyard in the Mangalia naval base: ZM - in 1980 - 1981, BTShch - in 1987 - 1989. In addition to mine and anti-mine systems, they are equipped with artillery and anti-submarine weapons. The minelayer "Vice Admiral Ioan Murjescu" (tail number 271) is equipped with a helicopter platform on the aft deck, and the minelayer "Vice Admiral Constantin Babescu" (274) is equipped with a powerful cargo crane (Fig. 4).

Torpedo boat brigade performing the tasks of patrol forces in the Black Sea, based in the naval base of Mangalia. It includes 12 TKAs of the Epitrope type (Naluki), built in 1979 - 1982 at the national shipyard according to the RKA Osa project (with the replacement of the anti-ship missile launchers with torpedo tubes), and 15 of the Huchuan type (Romanian built in 1974 - 1983 and 1988 - 1990 - according to the Chinese project).

Auxiliary vessels fleets (except river fleets) are based in the Constanta naval base. They are equipped with anti-aircraft artillery mounts of 57, 37 and 30 mm calibers, 14.5- and 12.7-mm machine guns, and two supply transports (AE) of the Kroitor type ( full displacement 3,500 tons) are also armed with SA-N-5 Greil air defense systems (two quadruple launchers), RBU 1200 anti-submarine missiles (two five-tube ones) and can carry the IAR-316 Alouette III helicopter.

Cadets of the Naval Academy (at the Constanta naval base) undergo maritime practice on the sailing training ship "Mirna" (Fig. 5). The ship was built in Germany (Hamburg) in 1939 according to the type of sailing ships coast guard The USA "Eagle", the German "Gork Fock" and the Portuguese "Zagres", but has smaller dimensions (sail area 5,739 m2, can carry up to 140 cadets). In 1966, it underwent a major overhaul at the shipyard in Hamburg, and in 1995 - 1997 it was repaired in Romania.

The country's merchant fleet, according to Lloyd's register, numbers 325 ships with a total tonnage 1 220,556 brt.

Danube Flotilla(headquarters in PB Brăila) has nine brigades, consisting of two river monitors(gunboats) of the “Brutar” (six, Fig. 6) and “Ko-Gelnicanu” (three) types, 18 patrol boats of the VB 76 “Monitor” type, before 25 minesweeper boats of type VD 141, two groups of combat divers and several small auxiliary vessels (river transport, ship demagnetization vessels). The ships, boats and vessels of the flotilla are dispersed across the river bases of Braila, Tulcea, Sulina, Giurgiu, Galati and Drobeta-Turnu Severin.

The gunboats were built at the national shipyard in the Mangalia naval base between 1986 and 1993 (six of the first type) and in 1993 - 1996 (three of the second). Their artillery weapons, in addition to anti-aircraft systems, include 100-mm artillery guns (in armored tank turrets) and 122-mm unguided rockets (VM-21 installations). Patrol boats of the VB 76 "Monitor" type (with a displacement of 127 tons) were built at the same shipyard in 1976 - 1978, armed with a 76-mm gun, two coaxial 14.5-mm machine guns and an 81-mm mortar.

River minesweepers type VD 141 (displacement 97 tons) were built at the Drobeta-Turnu Severin shipyard between 1976 and 1984 specifically for use on the Danube. They are designed not only for trawling, but also for laying minefields and are armed with two coaxial 14.5 mm machine guns and mines (up to six).

The Danube flotilla is provided by eight river transports of the Braid (AG) type with a displacement of 240 tons, built in 1967 - 1970 (at the shipyard in PB Braila). Four ship demagnetization vessels (ADG/AGI) built in 1972 - 1973 and 1989 are used both for their intended purpose (serving ships with a displacement of up to 3,000 tons) and as reconnaissance vessels (including for transporting groups of combat divers).

Marine Corps Command(headquarters at the Constanta naval base) organizationally unites, according to foreign military press reports, two mechanized, motorized infantry and artillery brigades, as well as an air defense regiment, an anti-tank division and a reconnaissance battalion. The MP is armed with 120 main battle tanks of the TR-580 type, 208 armored fighting vehicles and 138 artillery guns of 130 mm caliber (used as part of four coastal defense divisions), as well as 57.37 and 30 mm (equip six air defense divisions). Limited landing capabilities of the Navy amphibious assaults it is planned to make up for the purchase of landing hovercraft DKVP. According to the Jane's Fighting Ship reference book, one such DKVP was allegedly built at the Mangalia shipyard in 1998.

Direction of combat training and prospects for the development of the Navy. The priority task of the country's naval forces at this stage is to achieve operational cooperation with the NATO Navy within the framework of the Partnership for Peace program. It is envisaged, in particular, for the regular participation of Romanian warships and auxiliary vessels in standard PfP exercises, as well as the organization vocational training naval officers in the alliance countries (mainly France). Since January 1994, the country's navy has taken part in 53 exercises of the Cooperative Partner and Sea Breeze series. The fleet command intends to intensify this type of activity in support of the government's aspirations for NATO membership.

The military committee of the bloc demands that Romania ensure the deployment of the following naval forces to participate in operations under the PfP program: one surface anti-submarine ship (which also has certain air defense capabilities), two minesweepers, a team of combat divers with a supporting vessel, six river armored boats (or monitors) ) and one river tug. By the end of 2001, the corresponding necessary requirements ships and boats must be ready to practice basic tactical tasks in cooperation with NATO forces, including the ability to establish and constantly maintain surveillance of the surface, underwater and air situation using standard technical means. By the end of 2003, ships intended for deployment outside Romania's operational areas for the purpose of participating in PfP activities or providing collective defense to member countries must be fully compliant with all NATO standards, as well as meet specific requirements and regulations ( by ship class). The fulfillment of these conditions, ensuring the operability of the Romanian Navy with the fleets of the bloc countries, is given paramount importance.

Other important tasks of the Navy continue to include maintaining the combat readiness of formations, units and ships of the fleet to ensure national security and defense of the country from possible aggression from the sea. According to the requirements of the command, the operational and tactical training of fleet forces is aimed at achieving such a degree of combat effectiveness that would eliminate surprise of an attack, ensure the emergency deployment of ships directly from their base areas and seize the initiative in the difficult conditions of modern combat operations at sea, both independently and jointly with others. types of armed forces. In the annual cycle of organizing combat training, it is planned to reach the level of 60-day stay of ships at sea.

TACTICAL AND TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WARFARE SHIPS AND BOATS OF THE ROMANIAN NAVY

The main modernization programs of the Navy include the creation of an integrated command and control and communications system, the updating of ship weapons systems and the further development of at-sea resupply capabilities (mobile logistics support). By 2005, the Romanian military leadership intends to complete the deployment of a surveillance, reconnaissance and control system for shipping in the Black Sea. Measures are planned to improve the basing system and logistics support of the fleet with the development of infrastructure and conditions for logistics and maintenance of ships in bases and ports.

In the long term (by 2010), the Romanian naval forces, in accordance with the new structure of the country's armed forces, should, according to representatives of their command (in particular, in the person of the chief of staff of the Navy), be represented by a joint operational command, the navy - two flotillas on the Black Sea, river (Danube) flotilla, equipped with anti-submarine, patrol and mine-sweeping ships, as well as the necessary auxiliary vessels. Current plans provide for the construction of a frigate, artillery and two landing ships (or boats) at national shipyards, and the purchase abroad of several surface combat ships, missile and patrol boats. In particular, the possibility of acquiring two destroyers URO type "Spruance", four frigates URO type "Oliver H. Perry" and two small submarines (in France).

Naval aviation is expected to undergo significant development, with plans to include three reconnaissance and six patrol aircraft, as well as up to 20 anti-submarine and nine transport helicopters.

The Ministry of Defense and the Headquarters of the Navy, recognizing that the anti-aircraft and anti-submarine capabilities of the fleet do not yet meet NATO standards, and the system of combat command and control of forces requires radical modernization, intend as a matter of priority to bring the combat capability of formations and ships to the level of full participation in the actions of multinational forces within the framework of the Euro-Atlantic partnership and equip them with new means of communication that fully ensure participation in joint and combined operations in the alliance’s area of responsibility and beyond.

ASW equipment for Puma Naval In 2001, the Romanian Agency for Military Research (ACTTM) demonstrated an aviation version of the SIN-100 sonar at the international specialized exhibition EXPO Mil (Bucharest, Romania).

Judging by the comments, the conversion of the Romanian locator to suit the needs of carrier-based aviation did not cause enthusiasm. EXPO Mil 2001 exhibition. A SIN-100 sonar (Romania) lies on the floor. At the same exhibition, the ACTTM agency demonstrated a prototype of an “anti-submarine grenade launcher” (lansator de grenade anti-submarine). The launchers were mounted on the external suspension units of aircraft and were designed to use ammunition that was already produced at the TOHAN S.A. mechanical plant (Brasov, Romania). We were talking about BAE-1 depth charges of 45 kg caliber, of which the explosive weight was 25 kg. The stated immersion speed of BAE-1 depth charges is about 2.1 m/sec. Exhibition EXPO Mil 2005. By right hand from the dummy - PU for depth charges BAE-1 (Romania) Exhibition EXPO Mil 2001. Depth charge BAE-1 (Romania) I believe that the use of depth charges of up to 50 kg caliber is effective at shallow depths: for the protection of external roadsteads and coastal waters, as well as border rivers. They are good for arming patrol boats, for example, the “type 80” of the Swedish Navy or ships Danube flotilla Romanian Navy. But for anti-submarine operations on the high seas, these bombs are, to put it mildly, ineffective. In 2007, at the EXPO Mil exhibition, the Romanian plant TOHAN S.A. demonstrated at its stand a launcher for light air-launched anti-submarine torpedoes manufactured by Portsmouth Aviation Ltd. It is not clear whether the Romanians intended to produce them under license, or whether they were talking about purchasing a batch of such launchers. Exhibition EXPO Mil 2007. Launcher for aircraft torpedoes manufactured by Portsmouth Aviation The Romanian author from whom I borrowed this information (George GMT) writes that he still has not been able to find out whether at least one of the above samples was adopted for service, or No. The same author also posted photos of other Romanian depth charges produced by the TOHAN S.A. plant. Apparently, to expand the range of knowledge, since they are unlikely to be related to helicopter topics. Puma SOCAT In the early 90s, the Romanian company IAR, together with the Israeli company Elbit Systems, began drawing up a plan to modernize its helicopter fleet armed forces Romania (project “Puma-2000”). The goal of the program was to create a modern attack helicopter, designed primarily to combat enemy armored vehicles. From 1999 to 2005, 25 vehicles underwent modernization, and they were supplied to the Armed Forces under the designation IAR 330 Puma SOCAT. This cost the Romanian treasury 150 million euros. SOCAT (Sistem Optronic de Cercetare și Anti-Tanc). Sistem Optronic (Romanian) = optical-electronic system. Cercetare (Romanian) = observation, reconnaissance. Anti-Tanc (Romanian) for fighting tanks. That is, this is a version of a helicopter that is equipped with an optical-electronic system for reconnaissance, as well as searching and destroying tanks on the battlefield. Armament of Puma SOCAT (tank destroyers): Missile: 32x NAR S-5K or S-5M in 2 suspended units on pylons; 8x Spike-ER ATGM from Rafael in 2 suspended units on pylons; Cannon: 1x 20-mm M621 cannon (GIAT/Nexter) on the THL 20 forward movable turret. A helicopter equipped with the same M621 cannons, but in suspended containers (NC 621) was also tested. However, preference was given to the gun on the bow turret. Tank killer IAR 330 Puma SOCAT of the Romanian Air Force second generation Puma Naval In 2008, IAR received an order to adapt 3 Puma SOCAT vehicles to the needs of the Romanian fleet. They were supposed to replace the previous generation Puma Naval helicopters on the decks of the frigates “Măreşesti”, “Regele Ferdinand” and “Regina Maria”. In March 2009, the Romanian Navy received new generation Puma Naval helicopters. This became possible thanks to cooperation not only with Elbit Systems Ltd., but also with other manufacturers: Turbomecanica, Aerostar, Aeroteh, Aerofina, Airbus Helicopters, Rafael, Breeze Eastern, Rockwell-Collins, Terma AS, Thales Underwater Systems, CCIZ, Condor. The 2nd generation Puma Naval retained the Elbit IR surveillance and sighting system installed on the Puma SOCAT and, finally, in 2011 received the Telephonics RDR-1500B airborne radar. The Puma Naval hulls have undergone anti-corrosion treatment, and the vehicles themselves have received more extensive equipment. Here is an incomplete list: - all-round radar; - warning system about laser irradiation; - electronic warfare system; - automatic vessel identification system; - equipment for detecting emergency beacons; - electromechanical system for folding rotor blades; - external fuel tank; - a latch (harpoon) that stops the helicopter on the deck of the ship; - 2 landing and search lights; - energy-absorbing pilot seats; - rescue winch; - flight suits with thermal insulation and life jackets for the crew. Exhibition BSDA 2014 (Black Sea Defense & Aerospace Exhibition) The 3rd Puma Naval-2 helicopter (tail number 142) was demonstrated. An outboard fuel tank along the side of the helicopter. Along the other side is a training torpedo. The “Harpoon” system on the deck modification of the “Puma” helicopter. The deck crew attaches the helicopter to the deck of the frigate in a stowed manner. And thus the helicopter is attached to the hangar of the frigate. 2007, the Puma Naval program has been in effect for only 2 years. Armament of the Puma Naval. The deck-based Pumas that have undergone adaptation have lost their missiles, guns and small arms. The issue of using 45 kg depth charges by helicopters remained unresolved. And what in return? A plan for the modernization of deck helicopters was drawn up and approved. It included the installation of various weapons, systems and equipment. The implementation of the plan was divided into several stages. Stage E1 was implemented in the period 2005-2008. Certification of the machine in the approved configuration was carried out in May 2007, delivery of the modernized helicopters was completed in December 2008. Stage E2A: in the period 2008-2011. Certification - in June 2011, delivery of machines in November 2011. Stage 2B: 2012-2015. (broken into 2 sub-phases 2B-1 and 2B-2). Certification of both substages in September 2014, deliveries of machines (2B-1) October-January 2014 and 2B-2 September-December 2015. On December 17, 2015, the Romanian Navy received another Puma Naval helicopter version 2B-2. And now the 57th helicopter group “Tuzla” has 4 vehicles. This completes the Puma Naval plan to develop deck-based helicopters for the Romanian Navy. After the finalization of stage 2B-2, Puma Naval helicopters were supposed to become truly multi-purpose. Especially for the NATO operation Atlanta, one of the helicopters received pivot (swivel) installations in the doorway for mounting 7.62/12.7 mm machine guns. Technicians install DShKM on Puma Naval 2nd generation Anti-piracy operation “Atlanta”, 2012. Air gunner (door gunner) of a Romanian helicopter with a DShKM. The function of the gunner is performed by the flight mechanic, who is also a winch operator. After Operation Atlanta, options were proposed for arming Puma Naval helicopters with a 12.7-mm Browning M2 machine gun and even a six-barreled rapid-fire machine gun M134 Minigun. The Romanians abandoned Browning, and at the end of 2012 a 6-barrel Minigun was adopted: the 7.62 mm GAU-17 machine gun (M134D Minigun) from Dillon Aero. But, apparently, things did not go beyond exhibition demonstrations and shooting practice. This is understandable, because, according to the author of the article in romanialibera.ro, the state spent 500 thousand on the upgrade of one anti-piracy helicopter (installation of an optical-electronic surveillance system and DShKM). Euro. Browning M2 heavy machine gun 6-barreled Minigun at BSDA 2014. Eh! Dreams, dreams... Sonobuoys are visible on the floor. After the exhibition, the Minigun was dismantled from the helicopter, the buoys were taken away, and it flew to the base for another upgrade: launchers for StingRay torpedoes will be installed. On August 9, 2013, the Romanian Ministry of National Defense (MApN) announced a tender for the purchase of 18 light torpedoes. 55 million lei (USD 16.5-17 million) have been allocated from the budget. While the tender was going on, users on Romanian forums were wondering: they were purchasing torpedoes either for frigates or for deck helicopters. And they compared the advantages of light torpedoes. Who will be preferred: either the British Stingray or the American MU-90 (replacement for the Mark 46)? Finally, everything became clear: we purchased a Sting Ray from the British. There were rumors that the torpedoes were not new. It seems like they were taken out of service by the British, underwent restoration work and then sold to Romania. The first Stingray torpedo in service with the Romanian Navy. Now the admiral will give a speech, and the priest will bless everything around. Demonstration for Romanian Navy Day (August 15, 2015). The Puma Naval helicopter is preparing to launch a training torpedo. The commentary to the photo states that the torpedo was manufactured in Romania and is a complete analogue of the Stingray torpedo. Oh how! Launch of a training torpedo Stingray Power plant of Puma helicopters The power plant of Puma helicopters consists of two gas turbine engines (GTE) Turmo IV-CA with a power of 1588 hp. every. They have been produced in Romania since the mid-70s under license from the French company Turbomeca. Kerosene is used as fuel. Somewhere in the Somali region. The aircraft has flown more than 250 hours and technicians are tinkering with the engine. Operation Atlanta, 2012 Mr. Puma Naval Deck-based helicopters of the Romanian Navy are based at the Tuzla airfield, near the port of Constanta. This unit is called the “57th Helicopter Group Tuzla” (Grupul 57 Elicoptere Tuzla). Since the formation of the group (2005), for 10 years its permanent commander has been Commander Tudorel Dutse. This officer made his first flight 34 years ago, while studying at the Dimitrie Cantemir Military College (Brasov, Romania). Two decades of service in the Romanian Air Force followed, during which he perfected his professional skills. 1984: graduated from the Military aviation school pilots of "Aurel Vlaicu" (Buzau, Romania). He was awarded the rank of lieutenant and mastered the profession of “military helicopter pilot.” 1995: graduated from the Military technical academy(Bucharest, Romania). Received a bachelor's degree. 2002: graduated from the United War College (Paris, France). Received a master's degree. 2003: transferred to service in the Romanian Navy. During the year he undergoes training in French Institute on Flight Safety (Paris, France). Upon completion of the course, he received a diploma as a “flight safety officer”. In November 2005, an Aviation Control Center was created at the General Headquarters of the Romanian Navy. Commander Tudorel Dutse* was appointed chief of the Aviation Control Center (and commander of the helicopter group). His rank corresponds to the rank of captain 2nd rank (Navy) or lieutenant colonel ground forces. Already in December, the first group of 8 naval officers became cadets of the flight school “Aurel Vlaicu” (Şcoala de Aplicaţie pentru Forţele Aeriene “Aurel Vlaicu”). The commander himself, then still a young lieutenant, graduated from this school 21 years ago. * Tudorel is a diminutive form of the name Tudor (Fedor). I understand when mom treats you like that or loving wife . But imagine that a sergeant major or junior officer reports to the lieutenant colonel: “Fedyunchik! Your order has been carried out!”, I can’t. Commander Dutse is rightfully considered the founder of Romanian naval aviation. For his enormous contribution to the creation, development and defense of the interests of naval aviation, he was given the nickname “Puma Naval Man” (Omul “Puma Naval”). Do not take this as pathos, but for Romanian naval aviation this man is comparable to Vasily Filippovich Margelov. Mr. “Puma Naval” Commander Tudorel Dutse Commander took personal part in almost all exercises and campaigns. For example, in the international Operation Atlanta to combat Somali pirates. The Romanian Navy sent the frigate “Regele Ferdinand” with a deck helicopter on board for the operation. The car was piloted by Commander Dutse. Operation Atlanta, 2012. Tudorel Dutse at the Puma Naval helicopter, the deck of the frigate “Regele Ferdinand” The exercises of the 2nd group of NATO ships on the Black Sea in March 2015 (Standing NATO Maritime Group 2) also did not happen without the participation of Mr. Dutse. The vehicle, controlled by the commander, brought Romanian Defense Minister Mircea Dusa aboard the frigate Regina Maria. That morning, a strong wind was blowing, the sea was rough, the wave height reached 3 meters, but the helicopter with the minister made a successful landing. The Romanian Minister of Defense thanks the commander for the flight. Exercises Standing NATO Maritime 2015, deck of the frigate “Regina Maria” Tudorel Dută is fluent in French and English and thanks to this he received excellent training not only in Romania, but also abroad. For his impeccable service and professionalism, Commander Dutse was awarded the highest government awards, including the Order of Merit/Valor of various degrees. 2009: Knight of the Order of Naval Merit (Ordinul Virtutea Maritimă în grad de Cavaler). 2013: officer degree of the Order of Naval Merit (Ordinul Virtutea Maritimă în grad de Ofiţer). 2014: Knight of the Order of Military Merit (Ordinul Virtutea Militară în grad de Cavaler). It is noteworthy that in 2013 the officer’s degree of the order was awarded to other senior officers, including the Chief of the Main Staff of the Romanian Navy, Rear Admiral Alexandru Mîrşu. During his long service, Tudorel Dutse accumulated about 3,000 hours of flight experience, and in the spring of 2015 he retired. Commander's Last Flight On April 22, 2015, Commander Dutse made his last flight as a military pilot. The father of Romanian naval aviation and commander of the helicopter group took off the aircraft from the Tuzla airfield at his home military base near Constanta. It all started as usual: pre-flight medical control, then a briefing and receipt of flight documentation. That day was cloudy and rainy, but sometimes the sun peeked through the clouds. The weather was calm, but for a short time the pilot found himself in a zone of turbulence. As Commander Dutse said after landing, the change in weather during the flight is a summary of his entire life, which he spent in the air. Every pilot faces such moments during his long career. The future military pensioner flew around the airfield and port of Mangalia: in a word, everything that has become near and dear over the course of a decade. During the flight and until landing, the commander’s helicopter was accompanied by a pair of light-engine Diamond DA20s. Peculiar guard of honor or a motorcade as a sign of respect to a worthy commander and person. Landing of the retired commander Tudorel Dutse. Many of his colleagues lined up on the airfield to greet the pilot. Even the Chief of the Main Staff of the Romanian Navy and the pilot’s friend, Rear Admiral Alexander Mirshu, was present. In the hangar, colleagues organized a small farewell ceremony. After a short speech, the now former commander of the helicopter group, with the words “I’m transferring control to good hands,” handed the helicopter control stick (joystick) to his successor. The founder of the Navy air force has retired, but the Puma Naval project will continue to develop even after his departure. The commander's final flight as a military pilot. Below I tried to compose comparison table several deck helicopters. The comparison includes: IAR 330 Puma Naval (deck modification of the IAR 330 Puma) of the Romanian Navy.; SH-32 Cougar (deck modification of Super Puma AS-532SC) Chilean Navy; Lynx HAS.3 (HAS = Helicopter, Anti-Submarine) of the Royal Navy. Interesting facts The Italian Aerospatiale, after several mergers, became part of Eurocopter, then Aérospatiale-Matra and finally Airbus Helicopters. Westland Lynx helicopters are a joint development of the British company Westland and the French company Aérospatiale. The English Westland was also absorbed several times and first became part of AgustaWestland, then Finmeccanica, and from April 28, 2016 Leonardo-Finmeccanica. French Turbomeca is part of the Safran group. In 1968, the joint venture Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Limited (RRTM) was registered. An Anglo-French joint venture was created to develop the Adour theater of operations for the SEPECAT Jaguar fighter (SEPECAT Jaguar). The joint venture has developed and produces two types of aircraft engines: the Adur turbofan (TRF) and the RTM322 gas turbine engine (GTE). In 2001, Rolls-Royce Turbomeca received a $1 billion contract to equip 399 German, French and Dutch Eurocopter NHI NH90 helicopters with RTM322 engines. As of 2012, Turbomeca supplies engines for installation on civil and military helicopters not only from Eurocopter, but also from other leading manufacturers: AgustaWestland, Sikorsky, HAL, NHI. In 2013, negotiations were underway with Russia regarding the installation of Turbomeca Ardiden 3G engines on the Ka-62 and Arrius 2G1 on the Ka-226T. On the Romanian website rumaniamilitary.ro, someone expressed the opinion that, apparently, the IAR 330 PUMA Naval is the swan song of the Romanian helicopter industry. But many are confident that the IAR enterprise has a future. Indeed, there is room for improvement: it is possible to establish the production of new engine models to replace the development of 40 years ago. Firstly, these engines can replace the obsolete ones on helicopters of the Romanian Air Force and Navy (about 40 units). Secondly, about 60 helicopters were exported to the following countries: Republic of Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Congo, Kenya, Lebanon, UAE, Pakistan, Sudan, South Africa. Perhaps these countries will also want to get new engines for their cars. Even Great Britain bought 6 helicopters from South Africa for spare parts for the needs of the Royal Air Force. That is, the British also have a number of similar helicopters. In total, more than 170 IAR 330 Puma helicopters have been produced, and many are in need of spare parts or modernization. Yes, and IAR 316 Alouette, about 130 machines were produced for which components are needed. In addition, the manufacturer offers a civilian modification of the IAR 330 Puma VIP in the VVIP configuration for comfortable accommodation of 12 VIPs. Yes, Romania's aircraft industry is not in the best shape. And proof of this is the fact that since 2000, the IAR enterprise has been divided into 3 companies: IAR Ghimbav - production and repair of helicopters. Construcţii Aeronautice - production and repair of aircraft. Top Therm - production of PVC windows and doors. In short, they spin around and survive as best they can. But, as they say, wait and see. Below I post interesting videos with the participation of the Puma deck helicopter. The author thanks Bongo for consultations. END. Sources of information: Magazine “Marina Romana” (Jan. - Feb. 2006). Savinsky Yuri Ezekeilevich. Helicopter universe // Helicopter world.

The frigate ROS "Regina Maria" (F 222), formerly HMS "London" (F95), is a Type 22 frigate of the Romanian Navy, which was acquired by Romania in early 2003.

The frigate HMS London (F95), during the construction of Bloodhound, is the fourth in the second series of six Type 22 ships to be built for the Royal Navy. In total, 14 ships of type 22 of three modifications were built for the Royal Navy of Great Britain, including: 4 ships of the first series, six ships of the second series and four ships of the third series.

The frigate was built at the Yarrow Shipbuilders Limited (YSL) shipyard located in Scotstown, Glasgow on the River Clyde. The construction order was signed on February 23, 1982. Laid down on February 7, 1983. Launched on October 27, 1984. Delivered to the customer on February 6, 1987. Put into operation on June 05, 1987. The construction cost was approximately £159 million. At the request of the Lord Mayor of London, it was renamed "London".

During the first Gulf War in 1991, she was the flagship of the Royal Navy. target group.

On January 14, 1999, the frigate was decommissioned, and on January 14, 2003, it was sold to Romania. Between 2003 and 2005, the frigate was undergoing modernization. On April 21, 2005, she was commissioned into the Romanian Navy and renamed "Regina Maria", in honor of Queen Maria of Romania, wife of King Ferdinand I of Romania.

Main characteristics: Total displacement 4900 tons. Length 148.1 meters, beam 14.8 meters, draft 6.4 meters. Maximum speed 30 knots, economical 18 knots. Cruising range 4500 nautical miles. Crew 205 people, including 18 officers.

Armament: 76.2 mm universal ship mounted 76/62 Oto Melara Super-Rapid gun.

Air wing: IAR-330 Puma Naval helicopter.

On 14 July 2005, the frigate left Nelson Naval Station, Portsmouth, UK, bound for Romania. On July 25, he arrived at the port of Constanta.

19 February 2015 with a US Navy guided-missile destroyer which departed Naval Station Norfolk on 22 August 2014 for a planned deployment to the US 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

According to a report dated March 18, as part of NATO task force SNMG-2 in international exercises with ships of the Romanian Navy, consisting of: frigate, frigate ROS "Axente" (M 30), corvette and corvette. From May 25 to 28 with a US Navy guided missile destroyer. From October 12 to 15 in the western part of the Black Sea in international waters of the “PASSEX” type, in which warships of the navies of Romania, Bulgaria, the USA, Ukraine and Turkey took part. From November 11 to 12, he took part in joint naval exercises, which took place in the territorial waters of Romania and in the international waters of the Black Sea. From Romania, the mine ship Locotenent Dimitrie Nicolescu (DM 29) and the Project 1241 missile boat Zborul (NPR-188) also took part in the exercises. From the Royal Navy destroyer