Nuclear icebreaker "50 years of Victory"

The nuclear icebreaker "50 Years of Victory" is the eighth vessel of this type. Since the moment he was lowered from the shipyard of the Baltic plant, it remains the largest in the world in its class.

In addition, it is the sixth nuclear icebreaker built within the framework of the "Arctic" project. The first in this series was the ship of the same name, which appeared in the 70's. "50 Years of Victory" was put into operation in 2007th. His current captain is Valentin Davydyants.

Innovations

The difference between him and his predecessor is obvious and consists in a noticeable upgrade of many elements of the icebreaker. So, for example, here for the first time in Russian practice a nasal tip in the form of a spoon was used, which proved to be more effective than the previous design. Automatic control of the ship is created by digital technology of a new type.

When the icebreaker "50 Years of Victory" was designed, the designers and engineers had to re-equip the nuclear power plant. The innovations touched upon a special complex designed to protect the environment from the biological threat of such a development. Especially for this, the Gostehnadzor conducted a re-examination of the facility in accordance with the new rules and requirements. Also, the equipment responsible for the disposal of various waste products of the crew was updated.

History of creation

Despite the recent start of operation, the project of this vessel existed in the USSR. The icebreaker "50 Years of Victory" was laid in October 1989. Then it was called "Ural" and should have been scheduled to be delivered in a couple of years. However, the economic crisis led to a delay. As a result, the ship, ready only half, was launched in 1993, after which it was to be completed. However, the constant problems with financing caused the icebreaker to remain idle. When 1995 came, it was solemnly renamed in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War.

During the time of senseless idle time, the unfinished ship was on the verge of utilization several times, but at the last moment it was lucky, and the project was left in force. Due to delays, Captain Yuri Kuchiev resigned in 1997. He was a legendary specialist who led the first expedition to the North Pole (in 1971) on the "Arctic" - the first nuclear icebreaker of the same class to which the icebreaker "50 Years of Victory" belongs.

The project was restored only in 2003, when it was finally allocated funds from the federal budget. In February 2007, the construction was completed, and the nuclear icebreaker "50 Years of Victory" conducted sea trials in the Baltic Sea. They were successfully completed, after which the ship turned out to be attributed to the port in Murmansk.

Driving performance

In order to move without problems on the ice water, the ship got good maneuverability and controllability. For reliability, a double case is designed. In those places where the ship pierces the ice, the walls reach a thickness of 48 millimeters, which is one and a half times more than the usual figure. The body is made of alloy steel, which effectively protects against possible corrosion. Another possible attack, threatening the ship, is friction. In order for the ice to be safe, the body was coated with a specialized polymer during production.

The hollow space between the two walls is occupied by water ballast, which is necessary for advancing in difficult ice conditions. The captain of the icebreaker "50 Years of Victory" (Valentin Davydyants) can lead the ship in both the front and rear directions and at the same time be sure that the path will be laid.

Effective breaking of the ice allows the ship to regularly turn to the North Pole and return without incident. In 2013, there was a landmark event - the route was repeated for the hundredth time.

Even with the flooding of any two compartments, the nuclear-powered vessel will remain afloat, which is an indispensable condition for exploitation from Rostecha. Particularly important compartments of the ship are surrounded by a waterproof coating, which allows to keep them intact even in case of an emergency.

Tourism on the ship

Today, even tourists can get to the icebreaker "50 Years of Victory". A cruise on the northern waters is carried out on special vouchers, which, among other things, can also be purchased online. In this case, a helicopter is also taken to the ship, which can land on a special site provided for all ships of the Arctic class. It should be noted that it can also be used for reconnaissance purposes and navigation. To operate and repair the helicopter there is also a hangar in the walls of which the vehicle is always safe from the whims of the arctic weather.

The crew always monitors the condition of the evacuation motorboats, which has an icebreaker "50 Years of Victory" on board. Characteristics and methods of use are explained to all newcomers who first found themselves on the ship. In addition, as a last resort resort to inflatable life rafts, and also a towboat. The schedule of tourist cruises depends on where the icebreaker "50 Years of Victory" is now.

Travel comfort

Initially, it was calculated that the crew would only build transport routes along the Arctic. However, in due course goals have changed with which the nuclear icebreaker "50 Years of Victory" is used. A photo of interior decorations proves that there is everything necessary for comfortable rest of tourists. For them, 64 passenger cabins are available.

Guests can freely move around certain spaces inside the ship. This is a large dining room, which can accommodate all comers. In addition, there are two bars, a library, a shop, lecture rooms and a cinema, as well as sports and training grounds. Those wishing to support themselves in their tonus can visit the swimming pool. In addition, a sauna is open. Comfort of passengers provides a well-thought-out ventilation system. In case of a malaise, the staff of a small medical unit will help. The laundry will store your things in frequency on a long journey.

Security

Of course, not only opportunities for emergency situations are envisaged, but everything that should prevent abnormal events on the ship.

To combat fires on the ship installed a specialized alarm system. If possible, the crew takes with them only incompatible and incombustible materials. There is all necessary fire fighting equipment - fire extinguishers, etc. Particular attention is paid to explosive rooms. These are storages for aviation fuel, rooms with batteries, hangar, etc.

Connectivity

For contact with the "big earth", the deckhouse is equipped with a variety of types of communication. This is radio, electronic radio navigation, satellite and navigation tracking systems. On board, the usual gadgets also have a channel with the homeland. There are phones, e-mail, etc. Specialists who work on ice drift are guided in space with the help of a variety of technically complex devices: gyrocompass, direction finder, electric lag, echo sounder, portable boat stations. Thus, communication is carried out constantly, and there is no difficulty, from which the icebreaker "50 Years of Victory" would not come. Photo felling makes a strong impression - here only modern devices that are constantly updated.

Nuclear reactor

The main element of the ship is the nuclear reactor. In it, a chain reaction takes place that produces the necessary energy. All processes are monitored and are on a per-second monitoring of the vessel's crew. The reactor can be divided into two parts. It is a reflector and an active zone. The latter is necessary in order to store fuel in acceptable conditions in accordance with necessary safety.

In addition, the structure of the ice drift includes an atomic power plant, which in turn consists of two water reactors. According to calculations, to maintain the ship in working condition, enough power and one such installation, but both work, while monitoring is used so that at least 50% of the resource is used.