“Mosquito fleet” of Russia: generational change. Full speed ahead! Asian missile boats Military boat
The series of naval armored boats of the "MBK" type (project 161) consisted of 20 units ("BK-501" - "BK-520"), built at plant No. 194 and commissioned in 1943-1944. During the war, 3 boats were lost, the rest were written off in 1953-1958. Performance characteristics of the boat: standard displacement – 151 tons; full displacement – 158 tons; length – 36.2 m: width – 5.5 m; draft – 1.3 m; power plant - 2 gasoline engines, power - 2.4 thousand hp; maximum speed – 13 knots; cruising range - 450 miles; fuel reserve - 9 tons of gasoline; crew - 17 people. Reservation: side – 25-50 mm; deck – 15-30 mm; cutting – 8 mm; towers - 45 mm. Armament: 2x1 – 76 mm guns; 2x1 – 45 mm guns; 1x1 – 37 mm anti-aircraft gun; 2x1 – 12.7 mm machine gun.
The armored boats “Spear” and “Pika” were built at the Putilov plant in 1908-1910. The boats were decommissioned in 1954. Performance characteristics of the boat: standard displacement - 23.5 tons, full displacement - 25 tons; length – 22.5 m: width –3.1 m; draft – 0.7 m; power plant - 2 gasoline engines, power - 200 hp; maximum speed – 10 knots; cruising range - 300 miles; crew - 12 people. Reservation: wheelhouse, side and deck - 8 mm. Armament: 1x1 – 76 mm gun; 2x1 – 7.62 mm machine gun.
From a series of “D” type boats built in the USA in 1916-1917. By the beginning of the war, 4 units remained in service. The boats were lost in 1941. Performance characteristics of the boat: total displacement - 6.5 tons; length – 9.2 m.: width – 2.4 m.; draft – 0.7 m; power plant – gasoline engine, power – 100 hp; maximum speed – 11 knots; cruising range - 500 miles; fuel reserve – 700 kg; crew – 7 people. Reservation: side – 5 mm, deckhouse – 6 mm. Armament: 1x1 - 12.7 mm and 2x1 - 7.62 mm machine guns.
The boats “Alarm” and “Partizan” were built at the Kolomensky plant and put into operation in 1932. In 1941, the boats were modernized. Decommissioned in the 50s. Performance characteristics of the boat: standard displacement – 45 tons, full displacement – 55.6 tons; length – 32 m.: width – 3.4 m.; draft – 0.9 m; power plant - 2 gasoline engines, power - 1.6 thousand hp; maximum speed – 22 knots; fuel reserve - 3.3 tons of gasoline; cruising range - 600 miles; crew - 13 people. Reservation: side and deckhouse - 5 mm. Armament: 1x1 - 76 mm gun; 2x1-7.62 mm machine guns.
The series of large armored boats of the Project 1124 type consisted of 97 units and was commissioned in 1936-1945. The boats were built at factories No. 264, No. 340 and No. 363. During the war, 12 boats were lost. Performance characteristics of the boat: standard displacement - 37 - 44 tons, full displacement - 41 - 52 tons; length – 25.3 m: width – 4 m; draft – 0.8 m; power plant - 2 gasoline engines, power - 1.5 thousand hp; maximum speed – 21 knots; fuel reserve - 4.2 tons of gasoline; cruising range - 280 miles; crew - 17 people. Reservations: side - 7 mm, deck - 4 mm, deckhouse - 8 mm, turrets - 30 - 45 mm. Armament: 2x1 - 76 mm gun; 1x2 - 12.7 mm and 2x1 - 7.62 mm machine guns.
The series of small armored boats of the Project 1125 type consisted of 151 units and was commissioned in 1936-1945. The boats were built at plant No. 340. During the war, 39 boats were lost, the rest were written off in the 50s. Performance characteristics of the boat: standard displacement - 37 - 44 tons, full displacement - 41 - 52 tons; length – 25.3 m: width – 4 m; draft – 0.8 m; power plant - 2 gasoline engines, power - 1.5 thousand hp; maximum speed – 21 knots; fuel reserve - 4.2 tons of gasoline; cruising range - 280 miles; crew - 17 people. Reservations: side - 7 mm, deck - 4 mm, deckhouse - 8 mm, turrets - 30 - 45 mm. Armament: 2x1 - 76 mm guns; 1x2 - 12.7 mm and 2x1 - 7.62 mm machine guns.
Performance characteristics of the boat: standard displacement – 26 tons, full displacement – 30 tons; length – 22.7 m: width – 3.5 m; draft – 0.6 m; power plant - gasoline engine, power - 750 - 1,200 hp; maximum speed – 20 knots; fuel reserve - 1.3 tons of gasoline; cruising range - 250 miles; crew - 13 people. Reservations: side – 4 mm, deck – 7 mm, turret – 45 mm. Armament: 1x1 - 76 mm gun; 2x2 - 12.7 mm and 1x1 - 7.62 mm machine gun; 4 min.
The series of small armored boats of the S-40 project consisted of 7 units (“BKA-21”, “BKA-23”, “BKA-26”, “BKA-31”, “BKA-33”, “BKA-34”, "BKA-81") and was built at the Zelenodolsk shipyard named after Gorky No. 340. The boats were intended for the NKVD troops to guard the state border on the Amu Darya. They entered service in 1942. The boat was developed on the basis of the Project 1125U boat. During the war, 3 boats were lost, the rest were written off in the 50s. Performance characteristics of the boat: standard displacement – 32 tons, full displacement – 36.5 tons; length – 24.7 m: width – 3.9 m; draft – 0.6 m; power plant - 2 diesel tank engines, power - 800 hp; maximum speed – 19 knots; fuel reserve - 2.3 tons of diesel fuel; cruising range - 280 miles; crew - 13 people. Reservations: side – 4 mm, deck – 7 mm, turret – 45 mm. Armament: 1x1 - 76 mm gun; 3x1-7.62 mm machine gun.
The series of naval armored boats of the MKL type (project No. 186) built before the end of the war amounted to 8 units. The boats were built at Leningrad Plant No. 194 and put into operation in 1945. Performance characteristics of the boat: standard displacement - 156 tons, full displacement - 165.5 tons; length – 36.2 m: width – 5.2 m; draft – 1.5 m; power plant – 2 diesel engines, power – 1 thousand hp; maximum speed – 14 knots; cruising range - 600 miles; crew - 42 people. Reservations: side – 30 mm, deck – 8 – 20 mm, turret – 45 mm. Armament: 2x1 - 85 mm guns; 1x1 – 37 mm anti-aircraft gun; 2x2 - 12.7 mm machine gun; 2x1 – 82 mm mortar.
From a series of boats of the "Sh-4" type, built at plant No. 194 in 1929-1932. By the beginning of the war, 26 units remained in service. During the war, 7 boats were lost, the rest were decommissioned in 1946. Performance characteristics of the boat: total displacement - 10 tons; length – 16.8 m: width – 3.3 m; draft – 0.8 m; power plant - 2 gasoline engines, power - 1.2 thousand hp; maximum speed – 45 knots; fuel reserve – 1 ton of gasoline; cruising range - 300 miles; crew – 5 people. Armament: 1x1 – 12.7 mm machine gun; 2x1 – 450 mm torpedo tubes; 2 mines.
The series of boats of the G-5 type (project 213) consisted of 329 units and was a modernized version of the Sh-4 type. The boats were built at factories No. 194, No. 532 and No. 639 in 1934 - 1944. nine series and differed in skin thickness, engines, speed and weapons. During the war, 84 boats were lost and 10 were written off. Performance characteristics of the boat: standard displacement – 15 tons, full displacement – 18 tons; length – 9 m.: width – 3.3 m.; draft – 1.2 m; power plant - 2 gasoline engines, power - 1.7 - 2.3 thousand hp; maximum speed – 50 – 55 knots; cruising range - 200 miles; crew – 6 people. Armament: 1x2 – 7.62 mm or 1-2x1 – 12.7 mm machine gun; 2x1 – 533 mm torpedo tubes or 1x4 – 82 mm rocket launcher; 2-8 min.
A series of boats of Project 123-bis (Komsomolets) was built on the basis of the Project 123 boat, developed and built by Leningrad Plant No. 194 and commissioned in 1940 under the designation TK-351. The boat differed from the serial ones by its torpedo tubes, lack of armor, lighter weight and higher speed. The series consisted of 30 boats built in 1944-1945 (“TK-7”, “TK-100”, “TK-110” - “TK-112”, “TK-120”, “TK-122”, “ TK-123", "TK-130", "TK-131" - "TK-134", "TK-140", "TK-142", "TK-143", "TK-146", "TK- 148", "TK-472" - "TK-481", "TK-607", "TK-608"). All of them were built at Tyumen plant No. 639. The boats had duralumin hulls with 5 waterproof compartments, tube torpedo tubes and 7-mm armor for the wheelhouse and machine gun mounts. Performance characteristics of the boat: standard displacement – 19.5 tons; full displacement – 20.5 tons; length – 18.7 m: width – 3.4 m; draft – 1.2 m; power plant - 2 gasoline engines, power - 2.4 thousand hp; maximum speed – 48 knots; cruising range - 240 miles; crew – 7 people. Armament: 2x1 – 12.7 mm machine gun; 2x1 – 457 mm torpedo tubes; release gear; 6 depth charges.
Large torpedo boats of the D-3 type (Project 19) were produced in two series. The first was built at Leningrad Plant No. 5 in 1940-1942. (26 units built). The second was built at plant No. 640 in 1943-1945. (47 units). During the war, 25 boats were lost, and 2 were written off. The boats had a wooden two-layer hull and torpedo tubes. The series differed from each other in weight, engines and weapons. Performance characteristics of series 1 boats: standard displacement – 30.8 tons, full displacement – 32.1 tons; length – 21 m.: width – 3.9 m.; draft – 0.8 m; power plant - 3 gasoline engines, power - 2.3 thousand hp; maximum speed – 32 knots; cruising range - 320 miles; crew – 9 people. Armament: 2x1 – 12.7 mm machine gun; 2x1 – 533 mm torpedo tubes; release gear; 8 depth charges. Performance characteristics of series 2 boats: standard displacement – 32 tons, full displacement – 37 tons; length – 21 m.: width – 3.9 m.; draft – 0.9 m; power plant - 3 gasoline engines, power - 3.6 thousand hp; maximum speed – 45 knots; cruising range - 500 miles; crew - 11 people. Armament: 1x1 – 20 mm anti-aircraft gun; 2x2 – 12.7 mm machine gun; 2x1 – 533 mm torpedo tubes or 2x4 – 82 mm rocket launcher; release gear; 8 depth charges.
The boat was built at Leningrad Plant No. 194 and put into operation in 1941. It was a variant of the D-3 type boat with a steel hull. The boat was decommissioned in 1950. Performance characteristics of the boat: standard displacement - 21 tons, full displacement - 34 tons; length – 20.8 m: width – 3.9 m; draft – 1.5 m; power plant - 3 gasoline engines, power - 3.6 thousand hp; maximum speed – 30 knots; cruising range - 380 miles; crew – 8 people. Armament: 2x2 – 12.7 mm machine gun; 2x1 – 533 mm torpedo tubes.
A series of boats of the "Yunga" type was developed on the basis of the "OD-200" type hunter, consisted of 5 units ("TK-450" - "TK-454") and was built at plant No. 341 in 1944-1945. The boats were decommissioned in the late 50s. Performance characteristics of the boat: total displacement – 47 tons; length – 23.4 m.: width – 4.4 m.; draft – 1.7 m; power plant - 3 gasoline engines, power - 3.6 thousand hp; maximum speed – 31 knots; cruising range - 490 miles; crew - 11 people. Armament: 3x2 – 12.7 mm machine gun; 2x1 – 533 mm torpedo tubes.
The series of boats of the "ZK" type consisted of 15 units ("K-193" - "K-196", "K-206" - "K-208", "K-220", "K-325" - "K- 331"), built in the Leningrad workshop of the OGPU Marine Border Guard (plant No. 5) and commissioned in 1941. During the war, 5 boats were lost. Performance characteristics of the boat: total displacement – 19 tons; length – 19.8 m: width – 3.3 m; draft – 1.2 m; power plant - 2 gasoline engines, power - 600 hp; maximum speed – 16 knots; cruising range - 350 miles; crew - 12 people. Armament: 1x1 - 45 mm gun or 1x1 - 12.7 mm machine gun; 1x1 – 7.62 mm machine gun.
A series of boats with a wooden hull of the KM-2 type were built as border guard, patrol and service boats. In 1935-1942. 91 boats were built at the Marine Border Guard Shipyard. During the war, 67 units were converted into patrol boats, and 24 into minesweepers. During the war, 27 boats were lost. Performance characteristics of the boat: total displacement – 7 tons; length – 13.8 m: width – 3.1 m; draft – 0.8 m; power plant – gasoline engine, power – 63 hp; maximum speed – 9 knots; crew – 10 people. Armament: 1x1 – 7.62 mm machine gun.
The KM-4 type boat series was a modernized version of the KM-2 and was equipped with two engines. In 1938-1944. 222 boats were built for the Navy. During the war, 45 boats were converted into patrol boats, and 165 into minesweepers. During the war, 13 boats were lost. Performance characteristics of the boat: total displacement – 12 tons; length – 19.3 m: width – 3.4 m; draft – 0.8 m; power plant - 2 gasoline engines, power - 126 hp; maximum speed – 10 knots; cruising range - 220 miles; crew – 10 people. Armament: 1x1 – 7.62 mm machine gun.
A series of boats with a steel hull of type “A” was built at plant No. 341 in 1940-1943. in two versions - mortar boats and minesweepers. The series consisted of 22 boats. Performance characteristics of the boat: total displacement – 8 tons; length – 15.6 m.: width – 3 m.; draft – 0.6 m; power plant – gasoline engine, power – 63 hp; maximum speed – 8 knots; crew – 6 people. Armament: 1x24 – 82 mm rocket launcher; 1x1 - 12.7 mm and 1x1 - 7.62 mm machine guns.
Boats with a steel hull of the "Rybinets" type were built at plant No. 341 in 1930-1932. as work and crew boats. During the war, 37 boats were converted into patrol boats, and 44 into minesweeper boats. During the war, 27 boats were lost. Performance characteristics of the boat: standard displacement – 26 tons, full displacement – 30.1 tons; length – 20.8 m: width – 3.3 m; draft – 1.1 m; power plant – diesel engine, power – 136 hp; maximum speed – 9.3 knots; cruising range - 800 miles; crew - 12 people. Armament: 1-2x1 – 7.62 mm machine gun.
The series of boats of the "MKM" type consisted of 6 units ("K-192", "K-210", "K-234", "K-273", "K-274", "K-335") built in 1939 -1940 The boat "K-234" was lost in 1943. Performance characteristics of the boat: total displacement - 18.3 tons; length – 16.2 m.: width – 3.6 m.; draft – 1.2 m; power plant – gasoline engine, power – 850 hp; maximum speed – 21 knots; cruising range - 370 miles; crew – 10 people. Armament: 1x1 – 7.62 mm machine gun.
Boats with a steel hull of the Yaroslavets type were built at plant No. 345 in 1942-1945. in two versions: mortar boats (35 units) and minesweepers (33 units). Performance characteristics of the boat: total displacement – 23.4 tons; length – 18.7 m: width – 3.6 m; draft – 1 m; power plant - diesel or gasoline engine, power - 65 - 93 hp; maximum speed – 10 knots; crew – 10 people. Armament: 1x24 – 82 mm rocket launcher; 2x1 - 12.7 mm or 1x1 - 7.62 mm machine gun.
Boats with a wooden hull of the Yaroslavets type were built at plant No. 345 in 1942-1945. in two versions: mortar boats (8 units) and minesweepers (8 units). Performance characteristics of the boat: standard displacement - 19 tons, full displacement - 22.6 tons; length – 19.8 m: width – 3.4 m; draft – 1 m; power plant - diesel or gasoline engine, power - 93 - 100 hp; maximum speed – 10 knots; crew – 10 people. Armament: 1x24 – 82 mm rocket launcher; 2x1 - 12.7 mm or 1x1 - 7.62 mm machine gun.
19 crew and service boats, built at plant No. 5 in the late 30s in 1942-1944. was rebuilt into minesweepers under the designation "D-2" and "D-4". Performance characteristics of the boat: total displacement – 20.3 tons; length – 16.9 m: width – 3.6 m; draft – 1 m; power plant – diesel engine, power – 75 hp; maximum speed – 7.5 knots; cruising range - 1.8 thousand miles; crew - 11 people. Armament: 1x1 - 12.7 mm and 1x1 - 7.62 mm machine guns.
The series of boats of the "BKM-2" type consisted of 5 units and was built on the basis of towing boats in 1943-1944 at plant No. 341. Performance characteristics of the boat: total displacement – 58 tons; length – 23 m.: width – 3.5 m.; draft – 1.2 m; power plant – 2 diesel engines, power – 500 hp; maximum speed – 12 knots; crew - 16 people. Armament: 1x16 - 132 mm rocket launcher or 1x1 - 37 mm anti-aircraft gun; 1x2 – 12.7 mm machine gun.
The series of patrol boats of the "PK" type consisted of 7 units ("K-105", "K-108", "K-164", "K-165", "K-197", "K-239", "K -240") built in 1927-1928. Performance characteristics of the boat: total displacement - 16 - 29 tons; length - 17 - 22.6 m: width -3.4 - 3.8 m; draft - 0.8 - 1.5 m; power plant - diesel engine, power - 300 - 720 hp; maximum speed – 12 – 13 knots; cruising range -200 - 470 miles; crew – 7 – 13 people. Armament: 1x1 – 45 mm gun; 1 - 2x1 - 7.62 mm machine gun.
This section provides information about surface warships of both domestic and foreign production.
You can find the history of creation, description and technical characteristics of various types of warships of Russia and other countries. We will also talk about development trends in global military shipbuilding.
People began to fight at sea in ancient times. The first large-scale naval battles took place in the era of Antiquity. The ships of that time were wooden, sailing and rowing, the main tactics were ramming, arson or boarding an enemy ship. Sailors used similar techniques for centuries until firearms were introduced into warships.
After the advent of warships armed with artillery weapons, the tactics of naval battles changed significantly. This caused a revolution in naval affairs. Battleships with powerful artillery weapons and cruisers appeared, capable of operating on enemy communications in isolation from the main forces of the fleet. The first Russian warships armed with artillery appeared around the 17th century.
The next revolution that changed the rules of warfare at sea was the advent of steam-powered ships. Warships began to be made of metal, they received powerful armor protection and large-caliber artillery pieces. Until about the middle of the last century, there was an increase in the armor protection of ships and an increase in their artillery power.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the first submarines appeared, and combat aircraft took to the skies. In the future, this put an end to the dominance of heavy armored ships at sea. Already during the First World War, submarines became effective weapons that were used against both warships and civilian transport ships. The power of the submarine fleet has increased even more for the next global conflict.
By the middle of the last century, aircraft carriers began to play an increasingly important role in naval battles; carrier-based aircraft became their main striking force. A similar situation is observed today: the most powerful warships in the world are aircraft carriers or aircraft-carrying cruisers. Currently, aircraft carriers are the most powerful warships of the United States, the country with the most powerful navy on the planet.
The tactics of warfare at sea were significantly influenced by the improvement of missile weapons. Modern anti-ship missiles are capable of destroying a large warship thousands of kilometers away. The development of anti-ship missiles was one of the priority areas for the development of naval weapons in the Soviet Union. The USSR built several series of missile cruisers, the main weapons of which were anti-ship missiles. Submarines are currently equipped with this type of weapon.
Another interesting direction in the development of naval forces was the emergence of military boats. They carried torpedoes and did not have powerful armor protection, but had high speed and maneuverability. A little later, missile boats equipped with anti-ship missiles began to appear in service with the main maritime powers.
In addition, combat boats can be used for other purposes. American military boats were actively used during the Vietnam War.
On our website you can learn about the best military boats in Russia, as well as about similar ships that are in service with other countries of the world.
Project 1258 ships are designed to search for and destroy mines in base and raid zones, cover convoy and landing operations of naval forces, patrol in specified areas, and fight saboteurs. They were produced in several series, which differed slightly in performance characteristics. This project was the main type of mine-resistant ship in the raid zone of the USSR Navy.
In the fleet since 1985
Project 1259.2 ships are designed to search and destroy mines in the roadstead zone, in shallow waters, cover convoy and landing operations of naval forces, patrol in specified areas, and fight saboteurs.
In the fleet since 1990
Project 1253 ships are designed to search for and destroy mines in the roadstead zone, in shallow waters, cover convoy and landing operations of naval forces, patrol in specified areas, and fight saboteurs.
In the fleet since 1980
The R-60 missile boat of Project 1241.7 is a further development of Project 1241. It received a new promising air defense system and electronic equipment. The boat is designed to destroy ships and enemy fleet formations in the near sea zone, cover convoy and landing operations of fleet forces, provide air defense to fleet formations, and patrol in specified areas.
In the fleet since 1987
NB: In 2005 -2006 it was modernized in Sevastopol. Both AK-630s were dismantled and the Broadsword ZAK was installed.
The R-71 missile boat of Project 12417 is a further development of Project 1241. It has received a new air defense system and electronic equipment. The boat is designed to destroy ships and enemy fleet formations in the near sea zone, cover convoy and landing operations of fleet forces, provide air defense to fleet formations, and patrol in specified areas.
In the Black Sea Fleet since 1985.
NB: In 2005, the ZRAK “Dirk” was dismantled. It is planned to install an AK-630.
Project 1241.1 missile boats are designed to destroy ships and enemy fleet formations in the near sea zone, cover convoy and landing operations of naval forces, and patrol in specified areas. They were produced in several series, which differed slightly in performance characteristics. They were the main type of missile boat of the USSR Navy.
As part of the Black Sea Fleet:
"R-109"(1990, tail number 952),
"R-239"(1989, tail number 953),
"R-334" "Ivanovets"(1989, tail number 954).
The landing craft "DKA-144" of project 11770 "Serna" is a new generation landing craft on an air cavity. Its performance characteristics were improved compared to the DKA of previous generations. Landing boats are designed for landing troops, equipment and weapons on unequipped coasts, transporting troops and cargo in roadsteads. It is the main type of spacecraft of the Russian Navy.
In the fleet since 2008
Landing boats of Project 1176 "Shark" are designed for landing troops, equipment and weapons on an unequipped coast, transporting troops and cargo in roadsteads. They were produced in several series, which differed slightly in performance characteristics. They were the main type of landing boat of the USSR Navy.
In the fleet since 2009
Project 21980 anti-sabotage boats | ||
The Project 03160 Raptor patrol boat was first launched in mid-August 2013. This fast boat was made specifically for the Russian Navy at the Leningrad shipyard "Pella". The “donors” were the Swedish Combat Boat 90 boats (in its civilian modification), which were purchased by Russia in the period from 2004 to 2012 in the amount of 11 pieces. Since Sweden sold Russia only commercial versions of patrol boats, devoid of armor and weapons, it was decided to create their own version of an armored patrol boat on their basis.
As of 2015, the Russian Navy received 8 units of Raptor fast patrol boats, and in the period from 2016 to 2019, the Pella shipyard committed to supply the fleet with more than 10 boats of Project 03160. Raptor fast boats are by far the most fast military boats in Russia.
Project history 03160
In the Soviet Union, starting from the late 60s, close attention was paid to the development of small patrol boats designed for the following purposes:
- Interception and detention of surface targets that violated the borders of the territorial waters of the USSR;
- Patrolling water areas;
- Defense from the sea of naval bases from various types of sabotage;
- Carrying out search and rescue operations.
For these purposes, the Grif patrol boat, developed as part of Project 1400, was designed in 1967 and put into production in 1969. These 36-ton patrol ships at that time fully corresponded to their tasks. Over the years of production, which continued until 1990, about 300 boats of this series were produced. They were produced at three factories:
- PA "Almaz";
- Software "Sea";
- Batumi Shipyard.
In Ukraine, the construction of Grif boats continued in the 1990s.
Although about 100 Grif boats are still in naval service, they became morally and physically obsolete in the late 1980s. The rather worn-out boats, capable of reaching a speed of 29 knots, were significantly inferior in their characteristics to their foreign counterparts. Back in the late 80s, it was planned to launch a new project to create a more promising model of a combat patrol boat, but the collapse of the Soviet Union prevented the implementation of these plans.
For a long time, this niche remained unfilled, since funding for the Navy was practically stopped in the 90s. Only in the late 90s, at the Vympel shipyard in Rybinsk, a new high-speed patrol boat, the Mongoose, was developed as part of Project 12150. This boat, which began mass production in 2000, could accelerate to 53 knots, which compared to the speed of the outdated “Vultures” it was a real breakthrough.
However, the Mongoose speed boats did not quite correspond to the Russian IMF’s idea of an ideal patrol boat. In their opinion, such a boat should have the following characteristics:
- Availability of a ramp for landing;
- Serious weapons on board;
- Light hull armor;
- Small draft of the vessel.
The fast patrol boats "Mongoose", despite their outstanding speed performance, were boats of a slightly different class.
Immediate predecessors of the Raptor series boats
Since the domestic defense industry could not at that time provide the Russian Navy with high-speed patrol boats. A decision was made to purchase vessels of this class from Sweden. Between 2004 and 2012, 11 Combat Boat 90 boats were purchased from Dockstavarvet, which differed from their military modifications in the lack of armor and weapons.
Swedish military boats have been produced since 1991. Currently there are about 250 boats of this model. They are widely used in the Navy and law enforcement agencies of the following countries:
- Sweden;
- Norway;
- Mexico;
- Greece;
- Brazil and many other countries.
Its combat capabilities have been repeatedly tested during numerous combat operations around the world.
Although there is no direct mention of this, there is no doubt that the Russian patrol and landing boat Raptor is a significantly improved modification of the Swedish Strb 90H boat. The main differences between the Russian development and the original are as follows:
- Increase in size;
- More modern equipment;
- Installation of more modern and powerful engines, which significantly increased the speed characteristics of the Russian model;
- Installation of a more powerful machine gun. Most machine guns installed on Swedish patrol ships have a caliber of no more than 12.7 mm. The Russian Raptor has a more powerful 14.5 mm machine gun;
- The armor of the Russian patrol ship is significantly superior to the standard armor of the Swedish military boat.
That is, currently the Russian development is significantly superior to its Swedish counterpart in almost all indicators.
Several Swedish boats were transferred to the federal security service in Moscow. In 2013, they became part of the Russian Navy. It is a widely known fact that Swedish boats were widely used during the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi. In 2014, the boats were transferred to Sevastopol, where they were widely used to ensure the security of President Vladimir Putin, who visited this city on May 9, 2014.
Since it was too expensive to create a patrol boat based on the Grif or Mongoose, it was decided to create the Raptor project based on Swedish ships, which were designed specifically as high-speed patrol boats.
Purpose of the Raptor boats
Raptor fast assault boats are designed to perform a wide range of missions. They can work effectively both in daylight and in the dark. The design of the patrol boat provides it with excellent speed and the ability to move through the sea even in seas up to 5 points inclusive.
The boat is capable of carrying up to 20 paratroopers in full gear. This feature allows it to be used for targeted airborne strikes. The patrol boat's armament is capable of providing fire support to the landing force, as well as providing it with cover during retreat. In addition, the Raptor patrol boat is capable of providing security for ship bases or escorting commercial and scientific vessels in dangerous areas.
Since the hull of the high-speed patrol boat is made of aluminum, it is not susceptible to corrosion. Thanks to special equipment, the boat can perform combat missions at a distance of 100 miles from its base.
Appearance and technical characteristics of the Raptor boats
If you compare the new Raptor project boats and the Swedish Combat Boat 90 patrol boats, their similarity is immediately striking. At the same time, Russian boats are more massive, technically advanced and better armed.
The weight of the Raptor landing patrol boat is only 8 tons. It became possible to achieve such indicators due to the use of aluminum in the construction of the ship’s hull. At the same time, it was possible to achieve high strength indicators; the Raptor can participate in operations on the high seas in waves up to 5 points.
The bow of the boat is equipped with a ramp for landing or receiving troops. Immediately behind the first compartment of the vessel there is a special hill - a navigation station. There is the captain of the ship and the helmsman-signalman, who is also responsible for the ship's armament.
The capacity of the Raptor is such that it can take on board an entire platoon of special forces, marines or combat swimmers, and they will be in full equipment. To accommodate soldiers, the patrol vessel has a large landing compartment, which is equipped with 20 seats equipped with safety belts. Each of the chairs has a lot of settings to suit the parameters of its user.
Immediately behind the landing compartment is the aft compartment, which houses the engine room. The engine room contains the following units:
- Two powerful diesel engines equipped with turbines;
- Clutch mechanism;
- Powerful water cannons.
The advent of special water cannons made it possible to give the Raptor series patrol boats amazing maneuverability. Now the ship can turn around literally in one place. A full-time engine mechanic monitors the operation of the engines and water jets.
All compartments of the boat are separated by powerful waterproof bulkheads. If there is a hole, the ship is able to stay afloat, since only one compartment will be flooded. Above the engine room there is a special platform, which has an armored bulwark. If the vessel is sent on a combat mission, 7.62 mm Pecheneg machine guns are installed on the swivel mounts of this platform.
The armor installed on the Raptor boat covers not only the platform for firing machine guns, but also the landing compartment along with the landing gear. The armor is made up of composite panels that can withstand a 7.62 mm bullet.
The main combat module of the Raptor
The main combat module of the Raptor amphibious patrol boat is located immediately behind the steering station. This is the latest development of NPO Karat OJSC, which is called the remote-controlled combat module Uprava-Kord. It consists of a 14.5 mm KPVT machine gun and an optical-electronic module.
This weapon is capable of independently detecting targets even against a background of interference. The system automatically calculates both the distance to the target and adjusts the fire, adjusted for the trajectory of movement and other factors. The system has several functions, including a “warning fire”. When this function is turned on, the system, having adjusted the target’s speed and distance, will fire a warning burst that will fall across the course of the intruder vessel.
The combat module is capable of detecting a target at a distance of up to 3 km. In this case, fire can be fired at a distance of up to 2 km. A powerful machine gun retains the destructive power of a bullet at a distance of up to 8 km. If the distance to the target is up to 500 meters, 14.5 mm bullets are capable of penetrating 32 mm of armor.
If the combat potential of the KPVT machine gun is not enough to complete the intended combat mission, an automatic grenade launcher can be installed on the module.
Advantages and disadvantages of Project 03160 combat boats
Compared to the outdated patrol boats of the Grif series, the Raptor amphibious patrol vessels look very modern. Their main advantages are as follows:
- The boats have on board the most modern communication, navigation, detection and tracking systems;
- Powerful engines are capable of providing the combat boat with speeds of up to 48 knots. At the same time, they work so quietly that the Raptor is able to get close to its target almost silently. Such noise insulation is made specifically for silent night landing operations;
- In order to simplify as much as possible the procedure for lifting a boat onto the shore or deck of a carrier ship, special eyelets are provided;
- The entire crew of the boat undergoes not only mandatory multi-level training at the Joint Training Center of the IMF of Russia, but also studies their future ship at the manufacturing plant.
Despite a lot of positive aspects, amphibious patrol boats also have some disadvantages:
- When making aluminum body parts, it turned out to be impossible to use the standard stamping procedure, so they have to be made entirely by hand;
- Since the basic design of the Raptor boat was copied from Swedish boats of a similar type, the question arises of using imported components and components. Under the conditions of sanctions that the West has been applying to Russia over the past few years, production often simply stops due to a lack of necessary components, so work is now underway aimed at complete import substitution.
It is worth noting that the share of foreign components used in the construction of Raptor series boats is decreasing every year.
Project 03160 represents the successful implementation of a plan to develop modern amphibious patrol boats. Despite financial difficulties, the number of patrol boats at the Russian IMF continues to grow.
While increasing their military presence in Vietnam, the Americans were faced with the need to conduct military operations on the country's rivers, primarily in the Mekong Delta. Existing combat boats and ships were poorly suited for this purpose - they were too large and had too deep a draft, so it was necessary to quickly develop a small, inexpensive boat optimized for patrol duty on the waterways of Vietnam. This is how the universal patrol boat PBR (Patrol Boat, River) appeared. Two versions of the boat were produced: PBR Mk I and PBR Mk II.
The hull of the PBR boat was made of fiberglass; only the sides of the wheelhouse and machine gun shields were covered with ceramic armor. Basically, the calculation was on the speed and maneuverability of this baby. However, the small size of this boat did not prevent it from inflicting enormous damage on enemy forces, sinking their ships with ammunition and delivering sabotage groups of Green Berets to the rear.
PBR patrol boats were heavily armed. The bow turret was equipped with twin Browning M2HB machine guns and the same machine gun was installed in the turret in the stern. In the middle part of the boat, an M60 machine gun and an Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher were mounted on armored shields. Sometimes a 20-mm cannon was installed.
PBR boats were equipped with two 220 hp. With. Detroit Disel 6V53N engines with water-jet propulsion and reached a maximum speed of 25.5 or 28.5 knots (53 km/h). Especially for operations in the narrow and shallow inland waterways of Vietnam, their draft did not exceed 1 m.
In the period 1966-1973. About 500 PBR river patrol boats were built, of which 160 PBR Mk I, the rest are PBR Mk II. After the end of the Vietnam War, 293 boats were transferred to South Vietnam. Also receiving these boats were: Cambodia - 25, Thailand - 37. Israel had 28 boats, most of which were built locally and only 22 of the latter remain in service in the US Naval Reserve for training purposes.
Main characteristics of PBR river boats:
Crew, people: 4;
Displacement, t: 8.9 (Mk II);
Length, m: 9.4 (MK I), 9.8 (MK II);
Width, m: 3.2 (MK I), 3.5 (MK II);
Draft, m: 0.61 (MK I), 0.8 (MK II);
Engines: 2 x Detroit Diesel 6V53N with water-jet propulsion;
Power, l. pp.: 2 x 220 (164 kW);
Travel speed, knots: 28.5 (53 km/h);
Armament: 2 x 12.7 mm M2HB coaxial machine gun (front, in rotating turret), 1 x 12.7 mm M2HB machine gun (rear), 2 x 7.62 mm M60 machine guns, 1 x 40 mm Mk grenade launcher 19