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Project 106 class


NATO: Vydra class


Overview


Vydra class

Two Egyptian navy Vydra class with armament installed.
Source: Unknown author - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Landing craft
Entered service
Late 1960's
Status
Limited service
Development
Late 1950's
Developer
Soviet Union
Production
1967 - 1969 (USSR)
1975 - 1978 (Bulgaria)
Producer
Soviet Union
Bulgaria
Number produced
About 50 built in USSR, plus 13 in Bulgaria
Designations
Vydra (NATO reporting name)
Project 106 (built in USSR)
Project 106K (built in Bulgaria)
Notable users
Soviet Union
Bulgaria
Egypt

Description


Introduction

The Project 106 class is a class of landing craft of Soviet origin. The NATO reporting name is Vydra. The Vydra was designed in the 1950's as a landing craft with secondary cargo carrying capacity. The design is based on the German World War 2 era MFP class, some of which were captured by Soviet forces.

Layout

The Vydra has a conventional design with a ramp at the front, cargo area in the middle and superstructure and engine compartment at the rear. For full continuous wartime service a crew of 20 is carried. Standard day jobs can be carried out with less. The capacity consists of 200 tons of cargo or three tanks or 100 troops.

Firepower

Most Vydra were unarmed. Some were fitted with two 23mm ZSU-23-2 at the front of the superstructure. During the 1973 Yom Kippur war many Egyptian Vydra were fitted with two twin 37mm M1939 anti-aircraft guns. Both the ZU-23-2 and M1939 are anti-aircraft guns that can also be used against ground targets during landing operations, hence their forward facing position. In 1993 five Bulgarian units were converted to minelayers.

Sensors

For navigation purposes there is a basic radar system. An IFF system was fitted to most of the class. There is no automated fire control.

Mobility

Vydra landing craft are fitted with two diesel engines delivering 600 hp and powering two shafts. The maximum speed is 12 kt and the range is 2.500 nm at a speed of 10 kt. Due to their design the seagoing capability in rough weather is limited.

Users

About 60 Vydra have been built. About half of them were used by the Soviet navy. Many ended up in Russian service and have now been phased out. The second largest user was Bulgaria. Egypt received 9 units and used them during the 1973 Yom Kippur war. Due to age the Vydra has now become an obsolete vessel and most remaining units are in need of replacement.

Details


Vydra class

An unarmed Vydra class of the Azerbaijan navy.
Source: Unknown author - © copyright lies with original owner

Variants

The Vydra is a landing craft of Soviet origin developed in the 1950's. There are no real variants, although armament may differ. The Project 106K was produced in Bulgaria and is practically similar to the original Soviet model.

Most units were unarmed, but several were fitted with two ZU-23-2 gun mounts. Egyptian units were fitted with two twin 37mm M1939 or 40mm Bofors. Five Bulgarian units were converted to minelayers.

Details


Facts Project 106
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Landing craft utility
Complement
20
Dimensions
Displacement
425 t standard
550 t full load
Length
54.8 m
Beam
7.7 m
Draft
2 m
Propulsion
Arrangement
Twin diesel engine
Engines
2x Type 3-D-12 diesel
Power output
600 hp
Propulsion
2 shafts
Mobility
Speed
12 kt
Range
2.500 nm at 10 kt
Sensors
Navigation radar
Don 2, I-band
Systems
IFF
High Pole
Guns
Anti-aircraft guns
2x2 23mm ZU-23-2 mounted at forward superstructure

Related articles


23mm ZU-23-2

Two twin mount 23mm ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns are fitted on the forward superstructure in many of the Vydra class. These can be used against helicopters, surface targets and for fire support during landing operations.

37mm 70-K

Some Egyptian vessels are armed with 37mm anti-aircraft guns. This is most likely a local upgrade.