New missile hovercraft joins the Russian Baltic fleet after tests

Published: 1/12/2000

The testing of the Samum missile hovercraft has been satisfactorily completed, according to Valeryan Korolkov, Chief Project Engineer. While still requiring a final check and painting, the vessel, which was first launched eight years ago, will officially become part of the Russian Baltic Fleet in Kaliningrad. Samum has a displacement of more than 1,000 tonnes and with a combined diesel/gas-turbine power plant is capable of reaching speeds of more than 50 knots. Operated by a crew of around 80, it is equipped with quadruple launchers for the Mosquito missile system, one 76-millimetre and two 30-millimetre guns and an Osa anti-aircraft system. During tests the Samum has covered 1,400 miles in 29 voyages. Successful anti-aircraft and gun firing tests have been carried out on both drone and marine targets. Previous use of a similar catamaran, Bora, in combat training by the Black Sea Fleet led to the belief that this kind of vessel is suitable for operating in ice-free waters of the Baltic.

Article ID: 1304