ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the technical and operational details of the battleships(BB) and battle-cruisers. The types of the battleships and battle-cruisers include Iowa class BB, Kirov class nuclear-powered battle-cruiser (CBN). Kirov class CBNs are exceptionally powerful missile cruisers of new concept and size, powered by a novel hybrid nuclear/oil-fired propulsion system, fitted out with extensive electronics and command facilities as escort to the USSR's new aircraft-carriers or as leaders of detached surface battle groups, and sporting an assortment of weapons suited to the whole gamut of surface-to-surface, surface-to-air and surface-to-underwater tasks. The development of the Soviet navy's surface force in the second half of the 1970s resulted in their reappraisal, which resulted in positive appreciation of the battleships' high speed, great protection, ability to accommodate modern missiles and a few helicopters while still retaining a massive shore-bombardment capability, and suitability for electronic enhancement as command ships for surface battle groups.
