Kynda-class

Summary

Description

The Kynda-class, also known as Project 58 missile cruisers, marked the Soviet Union's foray into the era of missile cruisers, playing a pioneering role as the first generation in this category for the Soviet Navy. Conceived primarily for anti-surface warfare, these vessels were equipped with the SS-N-3b 'Shaddock' missile as their main armament. Originating from expectations set in 1956, the design of the Kynda-class was considered top-heavy which prompted a swift succession by the larger Kresta I class, despite this setback, the Kyndas remained operational until the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

The design of the Kynda-class included a main armament of two trainable quadruple SS-N-3 anti-shipping missile mountings, with one at the front and one at the back, plus a set of reload missiles totaling 16. Defensive capabilities included a twin SA-N-1 missile launcher, two twin 76mm guns, two RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers, and two triple 533mm torpedo tubes. An upgrade in the early 1980s added four 30mm close-in weapon system guns. The vessels were powered by high-pressure steam turbines and decked with an array of electronic systems including various radars for air and surface search, sonar, electronic support measures, electronic countermeasures, and fire control systems.

Four Kynda-class ships were commissioned with each intended to serve in one of the Soviet Union's fleets—Baltic, Pacific, Arctic, Black sea. They were built by the Zhdanov yard in Leningrad starting from 1960–1961. Initially considered destroyers and named accordingly, they were redesignated as rocket cruisers in 1962. Despite plans for sixteen vessels, only four were completed due to changed priorities and design limitations. Each ship had its distinct operational history, with service years ranging from the 1960s to the early 2000s. Notable among them, 'Groznyy' and 'Admiral Golovko' served in the Baltic and Black Sea fleets respectively, with the latter even becoming the Black Sea fleet's flagship from 1995 to 1997.

Technical specifications