Project 1232.2 Zubr (Pomornik) - World Largest LCAC

one fast and bad ass hovercraft...

Project 1232.2 or known as Zubr (NATO designation Pomornik) of Almaz JSC Shipbuilding St Petersburg is the largest landing craft air cushion LCAC in the world with cargo capacity up to 400 square metre.

The Zubr is capable of carrying 3 main battle tanks (MBT) or 10 armoured personnel carrier (APC) together with 140 troops or it could land a battalion of marines consist of 500 troops with other equipments.Troops and vehicle can be loaded or disembarked from both the forward or stern ramps.

amphibious landing...

Project 1232.2 is fitted with 5 unit of NK-12MV gas turbine engine producing 11 836hp of thrust and moving the craft at a speed of 63 knots with operating range up to 480km.This massive craft is capable of approaching coastal areas with 5 degrees inclination or cross over obstructions up to 1.6m during landing operations.

The landing craft hull is built with square-shaped pontoon structure to provide a rugged, stable and seaworthy design. The pontoon's superstructure is divided by two longitudinal bulkheads into three functional sections.

The middle section accommodates the compartment for armoured vehicles to be landed with taxi tracks and loading and unloading ramps. The two outer sections house the main and auxiliary power plants, the troop compartments, crew living quarters, and life support and NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection.

Ventilation, air-conditioning and heating systems are installed in the amphibious troops compartments and in the crew living quarters. These areas are also fitted with thermal and sound insulation coatings and vibration isolation structures.

weapon systems on the Zubr...the AK-630 and the 140mm rocket launcher located on the forward part...

Fire support for troops landing at hostile area is provided by the craft 2 AK-630 gun and OGON 140mm rocket launcher together with 2 SA-N-5 Grail SSM launcher.Protection from air attack is provided by 3 Strela SAM systems.It is also knowned that Zubr is also equipped with electronic warfare systems.

Currently the Hellenic Navy operates 4 units of Zubr for amphibious landing purposes and designated as HS Kefalonia (L180),HS Ithaki (L181),HS Kerkyra (L182) and HS Zakynthos (L183).

Meanwhile Russia and Ukraine had 2 unit each in their services.  

 

displacement mode...3 of her 5 NK-12MV gas turbine powered the 3 propeller which drive the monster to speed up to 63 knots

 

 

coming close to shore...

 

 

-come to sea and see for yourself-