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Development & Construction

The first large amphibious hovercraft to be built in the former Soviet Union. Reports suggest that approximately 25 entered service up to 1994. Built in St Petersburg (Leningrad), it is similar in appearance to the SR.N4 Mk 2 Mountbatten class, though giving the impression of being very much heavier than the British craft. It is likely that the bare weight, equipped but no payload, crew or fuel is as much as 170 tons. The prototype was launched in 1970 and production began in 1975.
Several variants have been built and differ externally in fin height, overall length, superstructure detail and defensive armament.
An Aist combat mission simulator was introduced by the former Soviet Navy to improve the ability of Aist commanders in operating the craft across sea and beach interfaces.
A modified main engine intake was installed on all former Soviet Navy Aists in service with the Baltic and Black Sea fleets. The intakes are believed to incorporate new filters to reduce the ingestion of salt water, sand and dust particles into Aist's engines and machinery, limiting the effects of salt corrosion and erosion. Due to high cushion pressure, Aist develops exceptionally heavy cushion spray, especially at low speeds.
Since delivery to the Soviet Navy, craft of this type have been employed largely as amphibious assault landing and logistic supply craft, delivering naval infantry, its vehicles and weapons, mechanised infantry, self-propelled weapons, and main battle tanks to simulated beach-heads. Alternative military uses for amphibious craft of the Aist type would be mine countermeasures and fast patrol.

Lift & Propulsion

Integrated system with motive power supplied by two NK-12MV marinised gas-turbines each of which is likely to be rated at 20 to 24,000shp (1790kW), mounted in separate port and starboard engine rooms aft. Each gas turbine drives two 3.65m (12ft) diameter variable pitch axial fans and two identical pylon-mounted propellers, arranged in a facing pair, with the pusher propeller forward and the puller aft. The propellers, which are of the four-bladed variable and reversible-pitch type are mounted so closely as to be virtually contraprops. The diameter of each propeller is thought to be about 6m.
Modified engine air intakes are being installed on all Navy Aists. Several types are being tested. One modification involves the replacement of the original single, curved spine-like trunk above the longitudinal centreline, which has been split in two and replaced by a mushroom sectioned box forward and a ribbed, shortened arch duct aft. The T-piece running athwartships across the stern superstructure between the two fins has also been replaced by a ribbed arch duct. Alternative modifications involve removing the athwartships T-piece and the short-ended arch duct on the centreline leaving the mushroom sectioned box forward. Modified  lift fans and new lift fan intakes are also being introduced. Additional intakes appear to be sited in the sides of the superstructure towards the stern.
An auxiliary gas turbine is at the rear end of the combat information centre (CIC) at the back of the cabin superstructure.

Controls

Craft heading is controlled by the deflection of twin aerodynamic rudders aft, and differential propeller pitch. Fore and aft thrust ports provide low speed steering control. Rudders are controlled by a wheel, and propeller pitch by levers. All controls are in a raised bridge well forward on the superstructure.

Hull

The main hull, built in welded marine corrosion resistant aluminium alloys. Structure appears to follow standard practice for large amphibious ACVs. The main hull is formed by a buoyancy raft based on a grid of longitudinal and transverse frames which form a number of flotation compartments. Two main longitudinal vertically stiffened bulkheads run the length of the craft separating the central load deck from the outer structures, which contain the gas turbines and their associated exhausts, lift fans, transmissions, auxiliary power systems and seating for half a company of troops in cabins in the forward port and starboard quarters.
A full-width ramp is provided at the bow and a second at the stern, providing through-loading facilities.
Typical vehicle loads include two T-62 or T-72 tanks or four PT-76 tanks; mobile radio trucks, armoured troop carriers, supply vehicles and ambulances.

Accommodation

Crew accommodation includes the control cabin or commander's cabin (Aist is described as being the sole warship type in the Soviet fleet in which the commander himself is responsible for steering), galley, radio room, sleeping and living quarters, engine mechanic's watch room and combat information centre (CIC). Naval infantrymen are seated in cabins on both sides of the central vehicle deck. During exercises, the standard dress of the Soviet naval infantryman has been steel helmets, black jackets, trousers tucked in to short boots, with automatic rifles across their chests and shovels strapped to their sides.

Skirt

2.5m (8ft 3in) deep double bag type in rubberised fabric with finger fringe beneath. Features include a high bow skirt line to protect the bow door against wave impact.

Systems, Weapons

Two twin 30mm fully automatic dual purpose mountings, controlled by Drum Tilt radar for close-in AA defence and by optical director and manual control for surface targets, including the suppression of LMG and rifle fire during beach assaults.

Dimensions (estimated)

Length overall hard structure: 47.8m (156ft 10in)
Beam overall hard structure: 17.5m (57ft 5in)
Height, control cabin: 1.98m (6ft 6in)
Length, control cabin: 10.5m (34ft 6in)
Width bow ramp: 4.41m (14ft 6in)
Width rear ramp: 4.87m (16ft)

Weights (estimated)

Bare weight: 170 tons
Crew, fuel, AFVs or two main battle tanks & ½ company of naval infantry or troops: 90 tons
All-up-weight: 260 to 270 tons

Performance (estimated)

Maximum speed: 70 knots
Cruising speed: 50 knots
Endurance: about 5 hours
Range: 350 n miles
Clearance height: about 1.82m (6ft)

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