Project 206M Shtorm class

NATO: Turya class

Overview

Project 206ME Shtorm

Forward view of Cuban Project 206ME Shtorm (Turya) large torpedo boat in 1984.
Source: US Navy (photographer unknown) - © public domain

Origin

Soviet Union

Type

Torpedo boat

Entered service

1970

Status

In service

Development

Late 1960's

Production

1969 - 1976 for Project 206M
1977 - 1985 for Project 206ME

Producers

Soviet Union - Vladivostok shipyard in Vladivostok
30 ships
Soviet Union - Almaz shipyard in Leningrad
3 ships
Soviet Union - Sredne-Nevskiy shipyard in Pontonny
4 ships
Soviet Union - Vympel shipyard in Rybinsk
3 ships

Number produced

A total of 40 ships built, production complete

Designations

Project 206M Shtorm (official name)
Turya class (NATO reporting name)

Description

Introduction

The Project 206M Shtorm is a late Cold War era large torpedo boat of Soviet origin. It was one of the last torpedo boats designed. In the West the Project 206M is known by NATO reporting name "Turya" class.

Layout

The Project 206M is a further development of the Project 206 (Shershen) class. The Project 206M improves on maneuverability by adding a hydrofoil, firepower is increased by adding a radar operated 57mm gun turret and its size improves its seagoing capability. The large gun turret is located at the rear in order to keep the bow as light as possible. Two torpedo tubes are fitted on either side of the superstructure.

Firepower

The primary armament consists of four 533mm torpedo tubes without reloads. The four torpedoes that are carried are either a combination of two 53-56V or VA and two 53-65K, or four USET-80 multipurpose torpedoes. Air and surface targets can be engaged by the manually operated 25mm 2M-3M gun turret on the bow or the 57mm AK-725 dual purpose gun on the stern. Additionally 10 depth charges are carried.

Sensors

The Project 206M features a limited sensor suite that consists of the MG-329 Sheksna sonar, MR-103 Bars fire control radar for the 57mm gun and a surface search and navigation radar.

Mobility

As required by its role the Project 206M emphasizes on speed. The three diesel engines provide up to 15.000 hp. This is enough to reach a speed of 44 kt. At 37 kt the range 600 nm, while at lower speeds increases significantly. The Project 206M is meant for green water operations, but has adequate sea going capacities and a 5 day endurance.

Users

The first 24 units that were produced were adopted by the USSR, the following 16 were exported to nations with close ties to the USSR. When the USSR dissolved in 1991 the remaining ships were inherited by Russia.

Variants

Project 206ME Shtorm

Vietnamese Project 206ME Shtorm (Turya) large torpedo boat on patrol.
Source: Unknown author - © copyright lies with original owner

Variants of the Project 206M Shtorm

Project 206M Shtorm

Original production model for use by the Soviet navy. Can easily be distinguished from the earlier Project 206 (Shershen) class by its increased size, presence of hydrofoils and large 57mm AK-725 gun turret at the stern.

Project 206ME Shtorm

Export model of the Project 206M large torpedo boat. It is completely similar to the original Project 206M but lacks the sonar system, reducing the effectiveness against submarines significantly.