Aist-class
Ex-USSR amphibious landing craft, introduced in 1975, reaches speeds of 70 knots using gas turbine propulsion. Key figures: displacement 303 tons, length 47 m, top speed 70 knots, crew 15, built 20. In service with 2 navies — Russia, Ukraine.
| Subtype | Air-cushioned landing craft |
| Displacement | 303 tons |
| Crew | 15 members |
| Width | 17.8 m (58.4 ft) |
| Length | 47.3 m (155.2 ft) |
| Propulsion | 2 × 9,600 hp (7.2 MW) DT-4 Kuznetsov NK-12MV gas turbines driving 4 axial lift fans and 4 propeller units (4 × four-bladed variable-pitch propellers, 2 pusher, 2 tractor) |
| Range | 120 nm at 50 knots |
| Maximum speed | 70 knots |
- 2 × twin AK-230 30 mm
- 2 × quadruple SA-N-5 SAM launcher systems
- 2 × PK-16 chaff launchers
Description
Project 12321 Dzheyran, designated by NATO as the Aist class, was the first large assault hovercraft developed for the Soviet Navy. The Almaz design bureau conducted the design work between 1964 and 1965. Construction took place at the Almaz Shipbuilding Company plant in Leningrad, with production spanning from 1970 to 1985.
The Aist class is an air-cushioned landing craft utilizing gas turbine propulsion to drive axial lift fans and variable-pitch propellers. These propellers are arranged in pusher and tractor configurations. The vessels are equipped with surface search and fire-control radars as well as IFF systems. The cargo deck is designed to transport armored vehicles, including medium tanks, light tanks, or armored personnel carriers, alongside infantry units. Armament consists of artillery systems, with select vessels also carrying surface-to-air missile launchers and chaff launchers.
The class entered service in 1975. A total of 20 vessels were completed, and the class has been operated by both the Soviet and Russian navies. Six units remain in active status. Registry numbers for vessels in the class include 609, 610, 615, and 700, as well as MDK 89 and MDK 113.
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- APR 72026 Updated Description updated in a site-wide editorial pass
- JAN 182026 Updated Range at cruise speed added; units, range and 3 more fields updated