Propulsion
The propulsion scheme used by the class incorporates a COmbined Gas-and-Gas (COGAG) arrangement to maximize fuel efficiency through utilization of two gas turbine sets. This involves 2 x M70/D090 gas turbines used for cruising and 2 x M90 gas turbines for dash actions. Alternatively, all four units can be brought into play, providing the vessel with a maximum headway speed of 30 knots. This arrangement drives two shafts under stern with some 110,000 horsepower being generated in the process.
Armament
The two vessels were drawn up as Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) frigates but can generally be called upon to undertake various naval sortie types. As such they are outfitted with a relatively broad collection of weaponry ranging from projectile-based guns to missiles, torpedoes, and rockets. The armament suite is led by a single 100mm turreted deck gun over the forecastle and this is backed by a pair of "Kashtan" digitally-controlled Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWSs). 4 x 8-cell Vertical Launch Systems (VLSs) fire the "Gauntlet" Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) and a 12-tube RBU-6000 ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) launcher (ahead of the bridge section, aft of the deck gun turret) counters close-to-surface undersea threats. Furthermore, the warship is equipped with 6 x 533mm torpedo tubes to be used against both surface and undersea threats. Yaroslav Mudry also carries 2 x 4-cell "Switchblade" Anti-Ship-Missiles (ASMs) for additional ranged firepower against enemy surface combatants.
Service
The service tenure of these ships was severely stunted by the fall of the Soviet Empire in 1989-1991. The events of the period led to severe defense cuts to which the class was limited to the two aforementioned warships (and nearly a third). Ultimately, these made it into service but have already become largely outdated designs boasting some modern features and capabilities. At their heart, they are built to Cold War-era design standards and more-or-less compare poorly to newer, more modern and stealthy offerings appearing even within the Russian Navy ranks itself. There is some value to the pair that will keep them operational into the next decade at the very least, however, so not all of the investment has been lost.
The pair have been involved in some relatively recent maritime events: in September of 2008, Neustrashimyy was used to combat piracy off the Somali coast to good effect. Yaroslav Mudry made the news when, in June of 2016, she ranged within 315 yards of the USN destroyer USS Gravely sparking protests by both sides. In April of 2018, the same warship transited through the English Channel, raising eyebrows in Britain and mainland Europe.
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