Ropucha (class) / Project 775

History of Ropucha (class) / Project 775

The modern Russian Navy continues to invest resources to develop an effective amphibious force and maintain a healthy inventory of amphibious support ships such as the Ropucha class (Type 775). These DropShips are used in combination with other elements of amphibious warfare such as Marines and vehicles when fighting the enemy from "ship to shore". These boats have a very shallow draft, only 12.2 feet deep. for better wading within shore limits and unleashing their combat cargo.

Twenty-eight of them have been completed, with the first prototypes coming online in 1975 - a time when the Cold War with the West was still on the way. The last ship was commissioned in 1991.

The Ropucha class ships were all built at the Stocznia Polnocna shipyard in Gdansk, Poland during the Cold War.

DropShips can displace 2,200 tons under standard load and up to 4,100 tons under full load. Each is 369.10 feet long and 49.2 feet wide. Drive power ranges from 2 marine diesel engines of 19,200 hp to 2 axles under the stern.

These vessels can reach speeds of up to 18 knots and range up to 6,100 nautical miles - making them somewhat independent "blue water" vessels. There is a crew of about 98-100 people on board.

Hull design can accommodate up to 10 Main Battle Tanks (MBT) or 12 Wheeled Armored Personnel Carriers (APC) / Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV), even a mixed load of self-propelled guns, support vehicles and tank logistics car. Up to 313 infantry or a payload of up to 500 tons can be transported to supply building bridgeheads or supply inland troops.

Cargo is released through doors at the bow and stern, and the vehicle deck extends the full length of the boat.

Ropucha-class ships are equipped with self-defense weapons, especially to support coastal operations and defend against low-flying threats. Carry 2 twin-barreled 57mm AK-257 automatic cannons (Ropucha I ships only), and a turret-mounted 76mm cannon. There are also 2 x 30 A-215 series 122mm Grad M rockets for area suppression.

The Strela-2 (SA-N-5) short-range surface-to-air missile launcher also contributes to airspace deterrence. Close support is provided by 2 x 30mm AK-630 digital combat units with Gatling guns.

Two different forms of Ropucha-class ships are in service - 12 original Type 755 ships (called "Ropucha I") and 3 Type 775M converted/modernized ships (called "Ropucha II"). The latter can carry more infantry and have improved defensive weapons to deal with more modern emerging threats.

Ropucha-class ships are in service with the navies of Russia, Ukraine and Yemen. During the 2008 South Ossetia war, the Russian model was used against Georgia. Ukraine managed only one ship, U402 Kostiantyn Olshansky, but this example was later captured by Russian troops from Ukraine.

The only example in Yemen was eventually sold to a private operator.

Specification

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Performance

Armor

AIR WING