Soviet Anti-Carrier Doctrine

[Airborne Rifles]

I came across this very interesting academic article written by a former Russian naval officer for the Naval War College Review about Russian planning for taking on US carrier battle groups. Lots of good stuff, including that the Russian pilots knew they would likely be on a one-way mission and that the Soviets believed the US had blundered by adopting the F-14 for carrier defense instead of the F-111B because the latter could both take off and land with six Phoenixes while the tomcat could only take off and would have to jetison two if it had to land.

Here's the link:
https://www.usnwc.edu/getattachment/b2ec1735-8652-40b0-ae04-a9e30a5597cd/Kamikazes--The-Soviet-Legacy.aspx

Some good quotes:

All in all, the expected loss rate was 50 percent of a full strike—meaning that
the equivalent of an entire MRA air regiment could be lost in action to a carrier
task force's air defenses, independent of the strike's outcome.

It was calculated that up to twelve hits by missiles
with regular warheads would be needed to sink a carrier; by contrast, a single
nuclear-armed missile hit could produce the same result. In any case, almost all
Soviet anticarrier submarine assets had nuclear-armed anticarrier missiles and
torpedoes on board for routine patrols.

And my favorite:

A young second lieutenant, a Backfire WSO fresh from
the air college, asked the senior navigator of the regiment, an old major: "Sir, tell
me why we have a detailed flight plan to the target over the vast ocean, but only a
rough dot-and-dash line across Hokkaido Island on way back?" "Son," answered
the major calmly, "if your crew manages to get the plane back out of the sky over
the carrier by any means, on half a wing broken by a Phoenix and a screaming
prayer, no matter whether it's somewhere over Hokkaido or directly through
the moon, it'll be the greatest possible thing in your entire life!"

Lots more good stuff in the article.

[mirth]

Excellent find. Thanks AR.

[GDS_Starfury]

ya, thats an interesting read.

[mirth]

Tom Clancy this ain't:

Inflight refueling, because of the complicated behavior of these big birds at low speed and the primitive wing-to-wing technology used in the USSR, was almost as dangerous as a combat sortie with live ordnance. All this amounted to sufficient grounds for SNAF crews to consider themselves "suicide bombers" even without the enemy's presence.

:o

[GDS_Starfury]

it really would have been a NATO asskicking of the Warsaw Pact.
the more I read, the more thats released the more that point is proven.
we really did make 20 meter giants out of hobbits.

[Airborne Rifles]

I also thought it was interesting that the most reliable way for the recon aircraft to transmit positions was by Morse code because it was so difficult to intercept with ECM. It seems the Soviets weren't under any delusions about how hard it would be for them to take on carrier battle groups without nukes.

[BanzaiCat]

Outstanding find!

[besilarius]

Got some memories on this.
During the Yom Kippur war, three CVs were deployed in the Med.  At first, they were in one big Task Group.
This looked great.  Lots of AAW ships, a good ASW screen, lots of CAP.  It had only been six years since the attack on the Liberty, so the thought was air defence was the biggest need.
When the Soviet task force and subs got a little pushy, this made people think about getting attacked with nuclear armed missiled or torpedoes.  At that point, we divided into three Carrier task forces.  Each had maybe six or eight cruisers and destroyers in a screen.  Secretly (well secretly for the surface ships.  I'm sure the Sovs andeveryone in Europe knew), about thirteen or more US attack subs were deployed to shadow the one Soviet Task Group, and to shadow the Russian subs near our carriers.
May recall other things, so more may be coming.

[Airborne Rifles]

There's an interesting thread going on over at the Matrix Games CMANO forum about the US sending a three-carrier task group (Enterprise, Midway, Coral Sea) to troll along Russia's Pacific coast in 1983:

http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=3807569

from Andrew R. Garland"1983: The most dangerous year"


http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1902&context=thesesdissertations

"CHAPTER 3
THE FIRST CRISIS
While the focus on the world's tensions was on Europe and the missiles to be
deployed there, the United States was flexing its muscles in the northwest Pacific without
significant fanfare. In February 1983, the massive aircraft carrier USS
Enterprise and its battle group participated in the annual joint U.S.-South Korean exercise ―Team Spirit.
Upon completion of the exercise, the Enterprise group made port in Japan. It departed
Japan on March 25, apparently bound for the United States. Instead, the
Enterprise sailed northward to meet the carriers Midway and Coral Seawith their respective escorts
to conduct FleetEx 83-1. In total, the combination of the three carrier battle groups
comprised ―the largest fleet exercise conducted by the Pacific Fleet since World War II,
according to Admiral Robert Long, the Commander-in-Chief of U.S.Forces in thePacific (CINCPAC). Additionally, the conglomeration of approximately forty ships,
complete with 23,000 crewmembers and 300 aircraft, was the most powerful naval
armada ever assembled
For about two weeks, the ships and sailors of FleetEx 83-1 swept counter-clockwise through the North Pacific, within a few minutes flight of the Soviet coast. U.S.
aircraft and ships attempted to provoke their Soviet counterparts into reacting, allowing
U.S. Naval Intelligence to study Soviet radar characte
ristics, aircraft capabilities, and
tactical maneuvers.
In an article in the Far Eastern Economic Review , the unspoken intent of this exercise was stated quite succinctly: "―In classical naval theory, a demonstration of this kind shows your prospective opponent that he is outclassed off his own coastline and had better stick close to home in he knows what is good for him."
As the exercise approached its conclusion, the USS Midway performed a particularly intimidating maneuver. All electronic emissions were shut off, and the ship sailed quietly toward the Kurile Islands. Without an electronic signal to track, the only way the Soviets could have known its location would be by direct visible observation, which they did not have. When the Midway reappeared southeast of Kamchatka, the Soviets were ―clearly surprised."

However, apparently the carriers were stalked pretty effectively by a Russian Victor:

from memories of commander of PLAT K-305 Captain 1st Rank V.K.Bondarenko "PLAT K-305 Project671RTM. Tracking the multipurpose carrier battle group "Enterprise" in April 1983"


photo of K-305
" In accordance with the order of the Commander of the Pacific Fleet submarine "K-305" Project 671 RTM, under the command of Captain 2nd Rank Bondarenko V.K. 02.23.1983 was put out to sea to perform assigned tasks."

"6.03 in the Okhotsk Sea was discovered IPL (foreign submarine), classified as a US Navy submarines of the type "LOS ANGELES", for which it was established tracking. Using GPA (sonar counter), the presence of fishing vessels and active maneuvering through 42 minutes IPL broke away from tracking. Re-search returned with no results. Analyzing the nature of tracking maneuvering, I came to the conclusion that such a scheme I saw somewhere. Having looked through one of the "Guides to NATO Navy", I found it. Authority of document arose.

April 3,my birthday I was 38 years old, at 18:00 was received orders from ComPF start searching AMG (multipurpose carrier group) "Enterprise", which came out of Yokosuka, and set up for a long pursuit. These have been given guidance. It was also noted that 100 miles south of the "Enterprise" should be AMG "Midway". Here you need to give a little explanation: for the tasks of combat duty, after immersion, all the clocks on the ship transferred to Moscow time. PLAT was transferred to a 4-hour program of communication. Before going out to sea we knew AVMA "Enterprise" is returned from the Indian Ocean, where he carried on combat duty. I assumed that the AVM "Midway" will accompany the "Enterprise" to the 180th meridian then return to base. According to our radio and electronic intelligence, we observed active RES (radio-electronic ) groups of surface ships in the area of ​​Yokosuka Naval Base. I decided:through the strait Bussol reach the Pacific Ocean and using data , go to the point advance of AMG. On the second day, after receiving the CTA about finding AMG "Enterprise", we got a radio contacts on working RPDU (radio transmitters) US Navy ships in the network cruiser-destroer group. Then we realized that these were the ships KPUG (naval search and strike group). After some time away from the alleged location of groups of ships, was found three sonar work and at periscope depth with the same direction of the work of the three fixed radar. Comparing these data, concluded that the frequency characteristics of the SFS and radar parameters belong to the ships of the US Navy destroyers KPUG type " Spruance." The picture is somewhat clearer in terms of building marching orders AMG. The commander of this compound has appointed position KPUG an alarming direction from which could operate our submarines, from the Kurils. Had to reduce speed, change course and depth, in order to skip KPUG then continue rapprochement with AMG. At 03:00 on the SJC 4.04 GAK "SKAT"(MGK-540) was discovered a group , classified as a detachment of warships. In the future, I approved the final classification - AMG "Enterprise", since we were already in the radio reconnaissance networks AMG and had, thanks to the GAK, RTR and RR (sonar, radar and radio intelligence), building a complete picture of the marching orders. While maneuvering to engage the position tracking was found "window" that is free of escorts at KU( relative bearing) = 140 ° - 180 ° port side. In this sector, has been taking a position in a distance of 30 cab distance (5.5 km) from the carrier. What has been done at the command of the fleet report using space communication channel. On receipt of orders to find and establish tracking the submarine was not passed a single radio-guided. About the beginning of the track "Enterprise" I announced to the ship's broadcast throughout the ship, warning that there is can be abrupt changes in speed and depth, drawing attention to the personnel of the ship on alert watchkeeping.

The navigator was given an order for the preparation and installation on a periscope camera. It turned out that the camera does not have Camera Roll. "Refer to the political officer." In addition, too, there was not . My indignation knew no bounds. Sacred duty of political officer to carry a photo lab with a set of all necessary to it. The Camera Roll had to look around the ship. As a result, the sailors found a cassette with the Camera Roll, the doctor turned enlarger and chemicals. The lesson, of course, was serious. This film has saved the prestige of the crew. As I recently told by the captain 1 rank Kysil I.S. after getting my first reports of early tracking, fleet staff officers laughed "... see what he (Bondarenko), will tell us and show." A photograph -is a document.



When we ascend to periscope depth, it was found that at this time AMG produced restocking ,starboard AVMA was transport type "Sacramento" to the right of it, cover the operation carried out nuclear cruiser URO "Bainbridge" at speed this was 12 knots.

At the same time passive radar submarine was discovered the work of two radars: AN / BPS-9 and AN / SPS-10 from the direction we came from . Came to the conclusion that in the AMG operates a multi-purpose submarine , which were according to PP also an alarming trend. When they have finished restocking, AMG started preventive maneuver evasion, increasing speed to 26 knots. Decided to dive to a depth of 200 meters, go under the aircraft carrier and maneuver with him . In this case, the ships were on their own physical security, and on each side of the AVMA started work on one helicopter with OGAS are included and changed every two hours. After some time the AVMA abruptly changed course to the left by 90 °. This maneuver was known to us, too. It is calculated that the tracking submarine lost contact and proceed further on the proposed course of AVMA, which will be in ambush or a submarine or KPUG from the order. But to lose contact with such a target, when acoustics without the hum was heard sound from the four lines of shaft work, it was impossible. Time went on nextcommunication session. Began maneuvering to ascend to periscope depth. While the head of electronic services Lieutenant Commander Sergei Chmyr reported to me that between us and the aircraft carrier maneuvering some ship with the characteristic noise similar with the noise of an aircraft carrier. Having begun maneuvering to ascend to periscope depth, contact the AVMA has been lost for a few minutes. In periscope were visible deck lights receding AVMA and restored r / a contact. With immersion began maneuvering to reduce the distance and the occupation of our position.

After 2 hours I had doubts about the tracked target, acoustics also doubted, since the noise had a few differences from the noise before the ascent to the communication session. Rising to periscope depth, found that PLA is surrounded by ships and from the ship, which was taken as the AVMA, has been active radio. It became clear that during the reception of the previous session AVMA gone away, but instead got a ship with a similar noise portrait. Assessing the situation and suggested that the AVMA "Enterprise" went to AMG "Midway", decided to follow in the same direction. Popup to periscope depth in 2 hours, to conduct radio and electronic intelligence, found a short radio radio network AVMA "Enterprise", radio bearing coincides with the calculated location AMG "Midway" which was a confirmation of the decision. More 2 hours pla took the position tracking in near AMG "Midway" Here also is the AVMA "Enterprise".




Once, rising to communication session, I found antisubmarine helicopter "Sea King", almost directly above me. Where he flew unclear, but finding a periscope he stops. Perform evasive maneuvers did not, because it was clear that the submarine is detected, and it is peaceful times. I decided. Of course, this was wrong decision.

Surfacing for the next communication session, I found the screen on the television system, from the lower right corner of the screen is approaching some black shadow. Perhaps the shark or dolphin. But at this time arrows leading cable equipment devices turn active, light bulbs flashed red and green colors and I understood everything. A look at the depth - 30 meters. The central - deathly silence. give boatswain an order to dive on an even keel to a depth of 40 meters. It is clear that the iron is on top of us, i.e. ship . Pop-under after 10 minutes periscope for course angle 150 ° portside found destroyer type "Spryuens." Ocean - calm. Acoustics have not heard anything yet, do not put the headphones on the screen GAK also nothing. Here is an example of a silent ship.








It turned out, the navigator of the ship after preparation for battle and campaign forgot to remove power from the equipment master cable. Because of his carelessness, we are not under the ramming attack.I did not punish him.

PLAT took the designated area and continues to observe the enemy using radio and electronic intelligence. From coast radio was obtained which indicated that from the west coast of the United States should come AMG "Coral Sea" and meet with AVMA "Enterprise" and AMV "Midway" . The meeting should take place in the area of 90 miles radius centered at the point with coordinates W = ... = D .... After analyzing the situation, we came to the conclusion that appear AMG "Coral Sea" should be replace AMG AVMA "Enterprise".

After some time these electronic reconnaissance submarine revealed the presence of ships AMG "Coral Sea", what was report to the command of the fleet . Two days later PLAT "K-305" was assigned a new area - south of Attu Island Aleutian chain. I still can not understand, but I with something very much dont like this area. Pulling my warbook and finding the right material to me, I understood everything. I was assigned an area in which there was Hydrophone grid system «SOSUS». Occupying the southern edge of the designated area, PLAT continued to monitor the group. With the arrival in the area in just a few hours it was found hydrographic vessel, which during the day maneuvered on the western edge of my district to the east. Maneuvering looked like chevron with the sharp side at the southern edge of the district. When it became clear that the Americans formed a carrier battle compound consisting of 3 aircraft carriers and more than 28 ships of various types, and began to move toward the Kamchatka Peninsula, immediately sent this report to the command of the Pacific Fleet.

8 hours after group passed through the area of ​​action of the PLAT was obtained orders - set tracking. It was decided in full swing, periodically surfacing to conduct electronic intelligence, to catch up with the group. An hour later the noise was detected group target. Visually observed transport type "Sacramento" and a number of destroyer - restock at a speed of 12 knots. After another hour visually through the periscope was discovered helicopter "Sea Knight". Since these helicopters are based only on aircraft carriers and transports and transport is behind us, then he flies to any one of the aircraft carriers. Defining CG(heading angle) helicopter calculate its course, which coincided with radio bearing to the group of ships. After 4 hours, the AMG was detected and tracking is installed. Storm broke out (7 points), AMG decrease the speed to 6 knots. During the storm, the entire order of battle crumbled - ships moved by themself. But, despite this, the visually observed aircraft flights. During the monitoring, it was found that in the AMG "Coral Sea" ships built in 40s belonging to Canada. They were armed with old sonar equipment. On AMV "Coral Sea" one line of the shaft very creaked , which allows tracking over giant distances and accurately count momentum, and therefore know the exact speed. April 17 has been received orders to terminate the tracking and return to base.

In the early 90s I was invited to the intelligence of the Navy. Arrived at the main headquarters, found the specified office, entered. At the table sat a man in a civil suit. He invited me to remember my campaign. Started from the beginning, he commented on the course of the story. It is not confirmed contact with a foreign submarine in the Sea of ​​Okhotsk. I was trying to prove that the spectral analysis of the noise made on hydroacoustic range is 100% confirmed that it sounds foreign submarine. He did not argue, knowing that esprit de corps in the first place. Switched to tracking AMG. Here I first learned that plan "K-305" was found three times:

"4.04. PLA "Los Angeles" has informed about the brief contact with a submarine at 8:15 and at 8:45 on bearing 260 ° ». Report disregarded.
"6.04 plane" Intruder " from the AVMA" Enterprise "found radar masts of the submarine at 60 cab(12km) distance from aircraft carriers. Comparing these two reports, confirmed the presence in the order Soviet submarine. " Here the Americans took 18 hours to reach the criteria condition to attack submarine.

"7.04 at 11:50 helicopter" Sea King "from the AVMA" Enterprise "6 miles from the aircraft carrier discovered submarine at 12:05 and 12:14. And in 12:34 reach the criteria condition to attack. At 12:44 the helicopter again reach the criteria condition to attack. 13:05 - contact is lost, at 13:20 via buoy "Difar" restored, 13:28 - lost. 13:38 - restored and soon lost. "

- For the third time - 16.04 at 15:00 destroyer "Harry Hill", with the antenna «TASS» established contact with the PLAT. After 35 minutes, the "ORION" plane arrived in the area , which is based in the Aleutian Islands, and, using sonobuoys type "DIFAR" for 2 hours tracking reached criteria to attack at 17:30 and at 19:35. However, this time PLAT for 8 hours before its discovery, was in the position of attack with torpedoes."

[Steelgrave]

it really would have been a NATO asskicking of the Warsaw Pact.
the more I read, the more thats released the more that point is proven.
we really did make 20 meter giants out of hobbits.

The question becomes, are we doing so again?

[mirth]

it really would have been a NATO asskicking of the Warsaw Pact.
the more I read, the more thats released the more that point is proven.
we really did make 20 meter giants out of hobbits.

The question becomes, are we doing so again?

Congress doesn't appropriate $2 Billion for a new Burke to fight Hobbits.

[GDS_Starfury]

it really would have been a NATO asskicking of the Warsaw Pact.
the more I read, the more thats released the more that point is proven.
we really did make 20 meter giants out of hobbits.

The question becomes, are we doing so again?

I dont think so on a professional level.  they typical person has no clue whats what and might be concerned.

[Steelgrave]

it really would have been a NATO asskicking of the Warsaw Pact.
the more I read, the more thats released the more that point is proven.
we really did make 20 meter giants out of hobbits.

The question becomes, are we doing so again?

Congress doesn't appropriate $2 Billion for a new Burke to fight Hobbits.

Sure they do. It's why our defense projects are spread across as many congressional districts as possible and why contractors pour money into elections. And we probably need more Burkes. But turning a Hobbit into a Giant greases the wheel, which is why when fear of the Soviet Union was fueling our arms race, we were just shocked after the wall fell and we saw what junk their equipment really was.

[mirth]

Don't take the Hobbit threat lightly. Those little, hairy-footed bastards are crafty!

[Steelgrave]

Don't take the Hobbit threat lightly. Those little, hairy-footed bastards are crafty!

It's why I'm cautious around Gus.