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Zubr LCAC (Pomornik) (Project 1232.2)

1988 COLD WAR MODERN NAVY

History

Amphibious assault has proven to be one of the most dangerous but critical components of warfare since time immemorial. Therefore, it is the duty of the Navy to provide the means for combatants and machines to get from water to land and try to fight the enemy. The various naval powers of the world have invested heavily in technology to enable this doctrine to exist, the Soviet Navy in the Soviet Empire (1922-1922-1991).

The first ship of this class was commissioned in 1988 and represents the largest hovercraft in the world. In the post-Cold War world, their service now falls under the flag of the Russian Navy as well as several other world powers.

The Zubr class was named "Pomornik" by NATO and "Project 1232.2" by the Soviet Navy.

Zubr was 187 feet long, 84 feet beam, and 5.2 feet draught. Displacement is 415 tons under normal load and 555 tons when fully loaded. Her profile includes a bridge structure amidships, with three large ducted propulsion fans aft.

The front of the ship is mostly free and features a raised bow with a ramp for boarding and disembarking, systems, cargo and infantry. Designed to mitigate the effects of magnetic sea mines, the hull sits on an inflatable bed that provides the necessary cushioning when going ashore. Deflate the pad to allow the bow ramp to reach the ground.

Zubr vehicles feature surface search radar, chaff launchers and decoys, and other integrated systems. Armament (mainly self-defense) includes Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) launchers, 2 x 30mm AK-630 cannons and 2 x rocket launchers.

If necessary, the ship can also transport mines or anti-personnel mines.

Inside, the Zubr has a central cargo compartment for transporting vehicles or cargo. Quarters were provided for four officers, 31 soldiers, and infantry ready to fight, while fully protected by the NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) system in the event of a nuclear war.

A number of creature comforts have also been added, including a dining area, heating and cooling to allow the Zubr to operate in almost any climate. The ship's cargo bay can accommodate up to three main battle tank (MBT) type vehicles, up to eight armored personnel carriers (APC) or similar vehicles, ten general-purpose military vehicles, or up to 500 infantrymen.

Of course, the ship can also take advantage of its 4,300-square-foot cargo hold to replace these items with pure cargo.

Zubr relies on a combination of five Kuznetsov NK-12MV series gasoline-powered turboprop engines, two of which are used to generate the necessary lift and three of which are used to propel the vessel. In total, these systems deliver up to 11,836 horsepower. Three propulsion motors control four variable pitch propellers. The Zubr can hit 40 knots in ideal conditions and 60 knots in some conditions.

The range is said to be up to 300 miles. The hull is designed to operate in "Sea State 4" which recognizes wave heights from 4 feet to 8 feet.

Only nine Zubr have been published to date (2014). Two of them are in service with the Russian Navy (770 Evgeny Kocheshkov and 782 Mordovia) and two have been acquired by the Ukrainian Navy (U420 and U424). The Greek (Greek) Navy has four in-service ships, from Russia and Ukraine. In addition to the hull numbers, these were named - HS Kefalonia (L180), HS Ithaki (L181), HS Kerkyra (L182) and HS Zakynthos (L183).

The Chinese navy is believed to have contracted four large amphibious ships, two of which will be built in Chinese shipyards. One has been put into use.