SOVIET NAVAL AIR CUSHION VEHICLE DEVELOPMENTS

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CIA-RDP84T00171R000202350001-0
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RIPPUB
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S
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20
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December 28, 2016
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January 10, 2012
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1
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Publication Date: 
September 1, 1983
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REPORT
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Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Pm e E OR MUMMOM MUTE basic-imagery 6nterpvetatu?n Pepovt BIE: Va ous Usst NAVAL BASE FACOLOTOES Q2) uk_L7 u 25X1 I Z-12?76/83 INCA-66/0001/83 ? O:On T C:IYI BLE l 1983 copy 3 6 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 1 I Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Soviet Naval Air Cushion Vehicle Developments CIA. Base Map 77716, USSR Installation Name Geographic Coordinates Murmansk/Gryaznaya 69-03-46N Guba Seaplane Station 033-17-34E Chalmpushka Roslyakova 69-03-28N Ship Repair Yard 033-13-03E Leningrad Boatyard 59-57-21N Dekabristov 030-15-20E Baltiysk Naval Base 54-38-33N 019-54-34E Khabarovsk Naval Base 48-34-27N Ostrov Zayachiy 135-01-48E Feodosiya Naval Base 45-01-32N and Ship Repair Yard 035-23-36E Feodosiya Shipyard 45-07-11N Yuznaya Tochka 035-29-54E Ozero Donuzlav 45-23-49N Amphibious Force Base 033-08-08E Vladivostok Naval 43-05-32N Repair Yard Diomid 131-53-53E Vladivostok Naval Base 42-58-31N Ostrov Russiky 131-48-15E Baku Naval Base and 40-20-53N Ship Repair Yard 049-50-48E information cutoff date of this report is (S/WN) See below See below See below See below BE No Category COMIREX NIETB ABSTRACT 1. The Soviets have made a significant investment in the military application of air cushion vehicles (ACVs). Since 1967, five classes of ACVs have been produced. Additionally, the Soviets have increased the number of operational bases to six and have made improvements to the two production facilities. (S/WN) 2. This report, discussing Soviet ACVs, provides a brief historical perspective of the Soviet ACV program and a description of each class of ACV and associated facilities. Twenty-three annotated photographs, a location map, two line drawings, and two tables are included. The WNINTF_ L Z-12076/83 25X1 25X1 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 INTRODUCTION 3. It was not until 1960 that the Soviet military became actively involved in air cushion technology. The first large experimental naval ACV was completed in 1967 at Leningrad Boatyard Dekabristov (Figure 1). This vehicle-the MS-01 (Figure 2)-was a 30-ton craft designed by Firma Almaz, the Soviet high-speed design bureau? The MS-01 served as a research and development testbed from which operational ACVs evolved. (S/WN) 4. Since the launching of the MS-01 in 1967, the Soviets have become preeminent in military ACV production. They have produced five classes of naval ACVs and have the largest number of operational units in the world. Also, the Soviets have built the world's largest military ACV, the Aist. Table 1 illustrates ACV production in the Soviet Union. (S/WN) 5. The five classes of ACVs in the Soviet inventory are the Aist-class air cushion utility landing craft (LCUA), the Lebed-class air cushion medium landing craft (LCMA), the Utenok-class LCMA, the Tsaplya-class LCMA, and the Gus-class air cushion personnel landing craft (LCPA). (S/WN) 6. Two major naval ACV production plants-one at Leningrad on the Baltic Sea and one at Feodosiya on the Black Sea-are involved in, or have been involved in, extensive expansion programs. At least two classes of ACVs-the Aist LCUA and the Tsaplya LCMA-are being pro- duced at these plants. (S/WN) 7. The Soviets have six facilities where ACV overhaul, repair, and maintenance are per- formed. These facilities consist of conventional repair yards, where various types of marine craft are repaired, and more specialized facilities, which have been specifically configured to support ACVs. (S/WN) 8. The Soviets have six ACV operating bases; three of these bases are new, and two have recently been enlarged. ACV activity has included participation in Warsaw Pact exercises in both the Baltic and the Black Seas. ACV deployment is illustrated in Table 2. (S/WN) BASIC DESCRIPTION Air Cushion Utility Landing Craft 9. The Aist LCUA (Figure 3) is the world's largest operational military ACV. Like the much smaller and less capable Gus LCPA, the Aist was designed and developed by the Firma Almaz Bureau; the first prototype was ob- served at Leningrad Boatyard Dekabristov in May 1967. Since then, 15 units have been built at Dekabristov. The 15-year-production run of this unit is the longest for any class of Soviet ACVs. There have been no indications that series production will cease. Two new units became operational in 1982, and one new unit was launched in August 1983 but has not yet been observed at an operational base. (S/WN) 10. The Aist is equipped with bow and stern ramps, giving it a drive-through capabil- ity for up to three modern armored personnel carriers (APCs) and over 100 men. The vehi- cle's cargo capacity as well as its high-speed and long-range abilities make it a valuable asset in the Baltic and Black Sea Fleets. The Aist has not yet been deployed to the Pacific or Northern Fleets. (S/WN) Air Cushion Medium Landing Craft 11. The Lebed LCMA (Figure 4) is the first Soviet ACV with an enclosed well deck. It is capable of not only carrying vehicles but also of being transported long distances in an R CA-06/0001/83 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 SECRET Table 1. Estimated Soviet Production of ACV, 1969-1982 Class Shipyard Total Produ ction Dates Gus Leningrad Bo Dekabristov atyard 4 1969 -1970 Aist Dekabristov 15 (2 1969- present Lebed Dekabristov 0-2" 1972- 1973 Gus Feodosiya Sh Yuzhnaya Toc ipyard hka 27 1971 - 1976 Lebed Yuzhnaya Toc hka 14-16" 1974- 1980 Utenok Yuzhnaya Toc hka 2 1981 - 1982 Tsaplya Yuzhnaya Toc hka 1 (1-2) 1982- present Data in parentheses provides the estimated number of ACVs under construction. The first two Lebeds may have been built at either yard. This table in its entirety is classified Table 2. Soviet Deployment of ACVs, Fleet and Base Aist Gus Lebed Utenok T saplya Baltic Sea Fleet Baltiysk Naval Base Black Sea Fleet 8 10 4 0 0 Ozero Donuzlav Amphibious Force Base Pacific Fleet 6 0 4 2 1 Vladivostok Naval Base Ostrov Russiky 0 0 4 0 0 Khabarovsk Naval Base Ostrov Zayachiy Northern Fleet 0 14 0 0 0 Murmansk/Gryaznaya Guba Seaplane Station Caspian Sea Flotilla 0 0 4 0 0 Baku Naval Base 0 5 0 0 0 Unlocated or Stricken 1 2 0 0 0 Totals 15 31 16 2 1 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 -~_jP MURMANSK 5._BALTIYSK } l,LENINGRAU r OZERO DONUZLAV ? ?-"--SEVASTOPOL FEODOSIYA FIGURE 1. LOCATIONS OF ACV FACILITIES, USSR KHABAROVSK VLADIVOSTOK~0/ Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Iq Next 1 Page(s) In Document Denied Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 SECRET amphibious ship. Lebeds can be transported as deck cargo on a transport/cargo ship, or two Lebeds can be transported inside the flooda- ble well deck of the Ivan Rogov-class am- phibious assault transport dock (LPD; Figure 5). (S/WN) 12. The first unit of the Lebed was not observed until it had been deployed to Baltiysk Naval Base, an operational base, in early 1973. In November of that year, unit 2 was observed at Dekabristov; this unit, like the first, was complete when it was first observed. This was the only time that the Lebed was observed at Dekabristov. It is not known whether the first two units of the Lebed were constructed at Dekabristov or at Feodosiya Shipyard Yuznaya Tochka, where the subse- quent 14 units were constructed. (S/WN) 13. The Utenok LCMA (Figure 6), for- merly the Yuz-B, was first observed at Feo- dosiya Shipyard Yuznaya Tochka in April 1979, when the first unit was being fitted-out. A second unit was subsequently observed at this facility. This class is slightly smaller than the Lebed LCMA but probably has better sea- keeping ability. Only two units have been built; both units had been deployed to Ozero Donuzlav Amphibious Force Base by 1982. (S/WN) Tsaplya LCMA 14. On the Tsaplya LCMA (Figure 7) was observed for the first time at Feodosiya Shipyard Yuznaya Tochka. This vehicle-originally given the interim de- signation of Yuzh-D-appears to be an im- proved design of the Lebed and may be in- tended as a replacement or a follow-on. The Tsaplya strongly resembles the Lebed although it is slightly larger, has a central pilot house, repositioned lift fans, a sloping foredeck, and increased armament. The enlarged size proba- bly increases the lift capability, which is neces- sary for transporting heavier T-72 and T-80 tanks. The sloping foredeck may provide im- proved stability and may prevent water inges- tion by the engines. Armament has been in- creased from one Gatling gun to probably three. The Tsaplya LCMA is presently at Ozero Donuzlav, probably undergoing test- ing. Only one unit has been observed al- though additional units are probably under construction. (S/WN) SECRET RCA-0610001183 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Iq Next 1 Page(s) In Document Denied Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 SECRET Air Cushion Personnel Landing Craft 15. The Gus LCPA (Figure 8) was the first Soviet military ACV to go into series pro- duction. This vehicle was designed by the Firma Almaz Bureau. The first four units were built at Leningrad Boatyard Dekabristov, and the first unit was observed there in April 1969. After four units were constructed, the pro- duction site was moved to Feodosiya Shipyard Yuznaya Tochka, where 27 additional units were built from 1971 to 1976. Twelve of the Feodosiya units were transported in sections to Khabarovsk Shipyard Ussuri South 876 (BE in the Soviet Far East, where they were reassembled for deployment along the Sino-Soviet border. Two additional units were later transported intact to the Far East. (S/WN) RCA-06/0001/83 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 SECRET FIGURE 9. SURA AGL (GUS MOTHER SHIP) 16. The Gus LCPA is used for amphibious assault and has been observed participating in Warsaw Pact exercises in the Baltic, where the Soviet Navy has used the Sura-class buoy ten- der (AGL) as a transport and mother ship (Fig- ure 9). The use of the Sura AGL significantly increases the range of the Gus and permits its use with conventional task forces. Addition- ally, the Gus is used as a river border patrol vessel in the Soviet Far East, where it is based at Khabarvosk Naval Base Ostrov Zayachiy on the Amur River near the Sino-Soviet border. (S/WN) Construction Facilities Leningrad Boatyard Dekabristov 17. Leningrad Boatyard Dekabristov (Fig- ure 10) was the first facility to be involved in the construction of military ACVs. ACVs pro- duced there include the MS-01 experimental prototype; the Gus LCPA; possibly the first two Lebed LCMA; and the Aist LCUA, which is still in series production. (S/WN) 18. ACV-related improvements at Deka- bristov began in 1965 with the excavation for the first of two ACV construction halls. This construction represented the Soviet Union's early commitment to ACV production, even before the first prototype was tested in 1967. (S/WN) 19. Since the mid-60s, the first construc- tion hall has been completed, an administra- tion building has been expanded, and a 10- story office building has been constructed. A second construction hall was completed in 1982. The completion of this second hall dou- bled the available floorspace for the prod- uction of ACVs; production could rise from one or two per year to three or four per year. (S/WN) SECRET RCA-06/0001/83 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 SECRET Feodosiya Shipyard Yuznaya Tochka 20. Feodosiya Shipyard Yuznaya Tochka (Figure 11) has been the primary construction site for the production of all Soviet naval ACVs, except the Aist LCUA. This shipyard is involved in the production of commercial and naval hydrofoils and patrol boats as well as ACVs. (S/WN) 21. A major expansion program for this facility began in 1976. This program includes the construction of two large construction halls, a large transverser/launchway, an ad- minstration annex, and a probable wing-in- ground effect (WIG)/ACV vehicle ramp. The construction hall floorspace at the shipyard will be more than doubled when the two large construction halls are complete. The first hall-externally complete-probably will be used for ACV production. The second hall-in the mid-stage of construction-is twice the height of the first, resembles an aircraft assem- bly building, and will probably be used for construction of the KASP-B WIG vehicle. (S/WN) Repair and Maintenance Facilities Baltiysk ACV Overhaul/Repair Facility 22. Baltiysk Naval Base is the operational base for the largest contingent of ACVs. To provide for major repair and systematic over- haul of ACVs assigned to this base, the Soviets have constructed a small overhaul/repair facil- ity there. This overhaul/repair facility (Figure 12) consists of a small transverser, a platen area, and an open storage area. In addition, two small floating drydocks (YFDLs) are avail- able for repair and for transferring the ACVs to or from the transverser. These YFDLs are also used to repair conventional vessels. As many as two ACVs are usually undergoing repair at this facility. (S/WN) Baltiysk ACV Maintenance/Fuel Facility 23. Construction of a unique ACV main- tenance/fuel facility (Figure 13) began in 1980 at Baltiysk. This facility was constructed be- tween the two ACV parking facilities and con- sists of a large ACV ramp, a large parking apron, and a support building. Centrally lo- cated on the apron are three covered trenches, each with two circular points. ACVs have been parked over the covered trenches, and it is believed that preventive maintenance and fueling are performed there. The facility is well lighted for nighttime operations. (S/WN) Feodosiya Naval Base and Ship Repair Yard 24. Feodosiya Naval Base and Ship Repair yard (Figure 14) serves as a support base for naval missile trials and tests in the Black Sea and also as the maintenance and repair facility for Black Sea Fleet ACVs. This facility is close to the ACV construction facility at Feodosiya Yuznaya Tochka, which probably provides technical support for repair of ACVs. Aist LCUAs are usually repaired at one of the facilities at Sevasto of Ship Repair Yard Pa- naiotova Bay Figure 15), as their size precludes repair at Feodosiya. (S/WN) Vladivostok Naval Base and Repair Yard Diomid 25. Maintenance and overhaul of Pacific Fleet-based Lebed LCMAs are performed at Vladivostok Naval Base and Repair Yard Di- omid (Figure 16). This facility primarily serves as a repair base for medium-sized naval vessels and conventional submarines. Although this repair yard supports Pacific Fleet Lebed LCMAs, no special ACV facilities are present. Gus LCPAs are maintained at an operational base at Khabarovsk. (S/WN) Chalmpushka/Roslyakova Ship Repair Yard 26. Chalmpushka (Figure 17) is the only facility in the Northern Fleet where ACV repair and maintenance have been observed. ACVs were first observed at this facility in August 1983, when a Lebed was undergoing mainte- nance. This facility primarily serves as a minor repair base for Northern Fleet submarines and surface combatants. ACV maintenance may be observed at additional Northern Fleet repair bases in the future. (S/WN) - 13 - Z-12076/83 SECRET RCA-06/0001/83 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Iq Next 6 Page(s) In Document Denied Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 SECRET Operating Bases Baltiysk Naval Base 27. The ACV facilities at Baltiysk Naval Base (Figure 18) are strategically located on the central Baltic coast and are the most extensive in the Soviet Union. These facilities comprise a repair/overhaul area, a maintenance/fueling area, and two separate parking areas. The parking areas consist of two large parking ramps that slope into the water. Gus LCPA and Lebed LCMAs park on one ramp, and Aist LCUAs park on the other. ACVs from Baltiysk have participated in numerous Warsaw Pact exercises in the Baltic. (S/WN) Z-12076/83 RCA-06/0001/83 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 SECRET Ozero Donuzlav Amphibious Force Base 28. Ozero Donuzlav Amphibious Force Base (Figure 19) is the only operational ACV base on the Black Sea. The ACV area of this base is on a peninsula on Lake Donuzlav. Facil- ities include six large, bermed Aist ramps; three bermed LCMA ramps; a multivehicle ramp; a maintenance building (previously as- sociated with LCPAs); and several small sup- port buildings. (S/WN) 29. The Aist LCUAs from Ozero Donu- zlav were involved in the Soviet Warsaw Pact exercise "Shield-82," which was held in Bul- garia in 1982. This is the first known instance of ACV use in a Black Sea Warsaw Pact exercise. Future exercises probably will involve greater numbers and more types of ACVs. (S/WN) Baku Naval Base and Ship Repair Yard 30. The ACV facility at Baku Naval Base and Ship Repair Yard (Figure 20) became operational in 1982. This facility consists of four concrete hardstands and two entry/exit ramps. This facility, supporting Gus-class LCPAs, is only 130 nautical miles from the northern Iranian border and is still under construction. (S/WN) Z-12076/83 SECRET R CA-06/0001/83 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Iq Next 2 Page(s) In Document Denied Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 I I Il I iii I II I I I I Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Khabarovsk Naval Base Ostrov Zayachiy 31. Khabarovsk Naval Base Ostrov Zaya- chiy-on an island in the Amur River (Figure 21)-consists of a large parking apron, two entry/exit ramps, a large garage, a mainte- nance building (associated with LCPA), and several small support buildings. (S/WN) 32. The Gus LCPs based at Khabarovsk are used to patrol the Sino-Soviet border along the Amur River. Their high-speed and shallow-water capabilities make them ideal for such operations. (S/WN) Vladivostok ACV Base Ostrov Russiky 33. Between November 1981 and August 1982, construction of an ACV facility was begun at Vladivostok ACV Base Ostrov Russiky (Figure 22). This facility was built next to the berthing area used by Alligator and Ropucha amphibious vehicle landing ships (LSTs). Facili- ties at the base presently include an ACV ramp. (S/WN) 34. It is likely that unit 2 of the Ivan Rogov-class LPD (which carries Lebed LCMAs) will be based at this facility. This LPD is presently undergoing sea trials. (S/WN) Murmansk/Gryaznaya Guba Seaplane Station 35. On ACVs were ob- served for the first time in t e Northern Fleet at Murmansk Gryaznaya Guba Seaplane Sta- tion (Figure 23). This facility was refurbished, and a ACV ramp was constructed between and In addition to the ramp, a large hangar and several administration and support buildings are present.* (S/WN) The ACV count in the Northern Fleet was doubled in July/August 1983, when two Lebeds were transferred to the North probably from the Baltic Sea Fleet. These ACVs were transported in an auxiliary repair dock through the inland waterway to Severodvinsk (Figure 24) and, later, were transferred to Murmansk. Z-12076/83 SECRET RCA-0610001183 ? 25X1 25X1 25X1 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 SECRET All applicable satellite imagery acquired through was used in the preparation of this 25X1 report. (S/WN) Small-Format Imagery Figure No Agency Accession No. Classification MAPS OR CHARTS CIA. Base Map 77716, USSR DOCUMENT DIA DIA DIA DIA DIA DIA Unknown 6 826 045 77 6011 0081 83 5376 5464 80 UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED SECRET UNCLASSIFIED NO REST 1. DIA. DST-13405-042-78, Air Cushion Vehicles (Current and Projected)-ECC (U), Jun 78 (SECRET NOFORN*) *Extracted information is classified REQUIREMENT COMIREX 99 Project 543057F Comments and queries regarding this report are welcome. They may be directed to CWO-4 SECRET RCA-06/0001/83 25X1 25X1 25X1 LJA I 25X1 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0 Secret Secret Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/10: CIA-RDP84T00171 R000202350001-0