Aircraft carrier Mirage

The Mirage nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is designed to accommodate, maintain, launch, and receive a large air wing during extended operations at sea. The carrier is a floating airfield system: its massive hull supports a wide 78-meter flight deck, beneath which are hangars, technical spaces, aviation fuel and ammunition depots, workshops, living quarters, and a power plant. Above the deck is a compact island superstructure that integrates the bridge, flight control, radar, and other systems. The hull is 330 meters long, has a full displacement of 100,000 tons, and a maximum speed exceeding 30 knots. Two nuclear reactors generate power for the ship's propulsion and a powerful electrical system connected to numerous auxiliary mechanisms. Four electromagnetic catapults use stored kinetic energy and power converters to accelerate the aircraft along a launch track, ensuring smooth acceleration and precise control of launch speed. After landing, the aircraft is captured by an arresting gear cable, which absorbs its kinetic energy in a controlled manner and brings the aircraft to a stop on a short section of the deck. Large aircraft elevators are used to move aircraft between decks, and a system of internal elevators and transport routes ensures the delivery of weapons and equipment directly to the aircraft. The flight deck is designed to support an air wing of more than 75 aircraft, including fighters, AWACS aircraft, and helicopters. The aircraft carrier is equipped with electrical auxiliary systems and modern radar and combat systems. Operation of the aircraft carrier is a continuous cycle: aircraft detection and preparation, transfer to the deck, catapult launch, flight execution, landing using arresting gear, and subsequent maintenance. This design allows the carrier to simultaneously serve as a combat ship, airfield, repair base, and mobile air control center, while maintaining the ability to remain at sea for extended periods without requiring conventional fuel for the main propulsion system.