• 1/350 scale Project 1123 Moskva Class Aviation Cruiser plastic model kit by Takom (Kit No. 6019)
• Represents the distinctive Project 1123 Moskva Class, a Soviet helicopter-carrying anti-submarine warfare cruiser developed during the Cold War
• Known to NATO as the Moskva Class, the first Soviet class of purpose-built helicopter-carrying aviation cruisers
• Designed to combine the capabilities of a guided missile cruiser and an anti-submarine helicopter carrier
• Developed primarily to counter the growing threat posed by NATO nuclear-powered submarines and ballistic missile submarines
• The class consisted of two completed ships, Moskva and Leningrad
• The lead ship, Moskva, entered Soviet Navy service in 1967, followed by Leningrad in 1969
• Features the distinctive forward cruiser-style superstructure and expansive aft helicopter flight deck
• The unusual half-cruiser, half-helicopter-carrier arrangement makes the Moskva Class one of the most recognisable Soviet naval designs
• Equipped with a large helicopter hangar and aviation facilities for sustained anti-submarine operations
• Designed to operate approximately 14 anti-submarine helicopters, primarily the Kamov Ka-25 family
• The Kamov Ka-25 Hormone helicopter was developed for naval reconnaissance, submarine detection and anti-submarine warfare
• Helicopter operations significantly extended the ship's ability to search for submarines beyond the range of its onboard sensors
• Equipped with sophisticated sonar systems designed for detecting underwater threats
• Armed with two twin-arm M-11 Shtorm (SA-N-3 Goblet) surface-to-air missile launchers for fleet air defence
• Also fitted with twin 57mm AK-725 naval gun mounts for additional defensive firepower
• Incorporated specialised anti-submarine weapons, including the RPK-1 Vikhr (SUW-N-1) anti-submarine missile system
• Equipped with additional torpedo and anti-submarine rocket systems for engaging underwater targets
• The Moskva Class was designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare, fleet support and naval aviation operations rather than conventional aircraft carrier duties
• Unlike traditional aircraft carriers, these ships were intended to operate helicopters rather than fixed-wing combat aircraft
• The original vessels measured approximately 189 metres in length and displaced around 15,000–17,500 tonnes, depending on loading conditions
• Powered by a conventional steam turbine propulsion system driving two shafts
• Capable of reaching speeds of approximately 28–29 knots
• Operated primarily with the Soviet Black Sea Fleet, conducting deployments in the Mediterranean and surrounding waters
• The class played an important role in Soviet efforts to develop long-range naval aviation and anti-submarine capabilities
• Their design reflected the Soviet Navy's increasing emphasis on ocean-going operations and countering Western submarine forces
• The Moskva Class helped pave the way for the later Project 1143 Kiev Class aviation cruisers
• Both completed ships served through much of the Cold War before being withdrawn from service during the 1990s
• Represents a fascinating transitional stage between traditional surface warships and Soviet aircraft-carrying cruisers
• 1/350 scale provides an impressive display size, with the original vessel's approximately 189-metre length translating to around 54cm
• Ideal for collectors of Soviet Navy warships, Moskva Class cruisers, helicopter carriers and Cold War naval vessels
• Excellent companion to Kiev Class aviation cruisers, Kirov Class battlecruisers, Slava Class cruisers and Soviet destroyers
• Suitable for Cold War Soviet fleet displays, Mediterranean naval operations and anti-submarine warfare dioramas
• Offers excellent opportunities for historically inspired Soviet Navy grey hull finishes, red underwater hull colouring and detailed flight deck markings
• Ideal for realistic salt staining, rust streaks, exhaust deposits, weathered deck surfaces and operational naval wear
• The large aft flight deck offers excellent display possibilities with appropriately scaled Kamov naval helicopters, subject to kit contents and separate accessory availability
• The combination of missile launchers, radar arrays, naval artillery and aviation facilities creates an engaging ship modelling project
• The distinctive forward superstructure and helicopter flight deck make the Moskva Class a striking centrepiece for any naval collection
• Particularly appealing to enthusiasts of Soviet naval engineering, anti-submarine warfare and the evolution of helicopter carriers
• A fascinating addition to any collection of Cold War warships, Soviet military technology and naval aviation history
• Kit supplied unpainted and unassembled
• Glue and paint not included
• Recommended for experienced modellers aged 14+
