Ural

   The Ural (SSV-33) was a sole Project 1941 "Titan" command ship, operated by the Soviet Navy. It's NATO reporting name is Kapusta. This ship was designated as communications vessel by the soviets. It served as a fleet flagship, space and missile tracking ship, intelligence collection, electronic warfare and communications relay ship. It was commissioned in 1989. Electronics and combat missions of this ship were kept in high secrecy. Vessel was laid up due to high operating costs.

   This nuclear-powered vessel is based on the hull of a Kirov class cruiser. This ship used to carry a thousand strong crew.

   The Ural was fitted with electronic equipment to detect aerial surface and underwater targets. It also has special radars with Koral surveillance system, designed to locate and track satellites and missiles. In some cases this ship could carry out electronic reconnaissance from the pier at her home base. It could quickly evaluate reconnaissance data and transmit it to shore stations. It is worth mentioning that failing electronics was a mayor issue with this vessel.

   The SSV-33 carried only light defensive weapons. These were two AK-176 76-mm guns, four AK-630 30-mm guns, four quadruple Igla missile mounts.

   The SSV-33 was assigned to Pacific Fleet, however there wasn't a pier ready for this ship. She was forced to anchor out. Machinery had to remain running while at anchor to support other systems and huge crew. Ship became a floating barracks. She never went to sea, while her powerful radioelectronic equipment gradually began to decay.

   The main systems of the Ural haven't functioned for a long time and it would cost an enormous amount of money to restore it. A few years ago, there was some preservation work done on the hull. It is speculated that the ship will be sold overseas after removal of nuclear reactors.