Project 1241.2 Molnaya 2-class (Pauk)
Ex-USSR corvette, introduced in 1979, displacing 589 tons, propelled by two diesel engines.
| Subtype | Anti-submarine corvette |
| Displacement | 589 tons |
| Crew | 40 members |
| Width | 9.4 m (30.8 ft) |
| Length | 57.0 m (187.0 ft) |
| Propulsion | 2 shaft M504 diesels, 20,000 shp (14,914 kW) |
| Range | 1650 km at 14 knots |
| Maximum speed | 34 knots |
- 1 SA-N-5 SAM (1x4)
- 1 × 76mm AK-176 gun
- 1 × 30mm AK-630 gun
- 2 × RBU-1200 anti submarine rocket launchers
- 4 × 406 mm (16 in) anti submarine torpedo tubes
Description
The Project 1241.2 Molniya-2, designated by NATO as the Pauk class, is a series of small anti-submarine corvettes developed for the Soviet Navy. Constructed between 1977 and 1989 at the Yaroslavl and Vladivostok shipyards, the class was designed for coastal patrol and inshore anti-submarine warfare. The design is a patrol derivative of the Project 1241.1 Tarantul class, though Project 1241.2 features a longer hull and diesel propulsion. Of 41 planned units, 36 were completed.
The class is configured for anti-submarine operations, utilizing hull-mounted medium-frequency sonar and Bronza dipping sonar, the latter of which is also employed by Soviet naval helicopters. Sensor and electronic systems include air and surface search radars, the Vympel-R2 electronic warfare suite, and decoy launchers. The vessel's armament consists of surface-to-air missiles, artillery guns, anti-submarine rocket launchers, and torpedo tubes.
Operational service includes the Soviet and Russian navies and the Russian Coast Guard. The class was exported to several nations. India acquired four vessels, designated the Abhay class; a proposal for licensed production in India was cancelled in favor of the indigenous Kamorta class. Bulgaria operates the vessels Reshitelni and Bodri, and Cuba operates a single unit. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, ships were transferred to Ukraine for the Ukrainian Navy and Sea Guard. In 2014, several Ukrainian units, including Uzhhorod, Khmelnytskyi, and Poltava, were captured by Russia. The Cheboksary is preserved as a museum ship in Russia. While many units have been decommissioned, vessels remain in active service with the Bulgarian Navy, the Cuban Revolutionary Navy, the Russian Coast Guard, and the Ukrainian Sea Guard.