Krylov Center presents new landing dock

St. Petersburg-based Krylov State Research Center is presenting a model of the UDK-E Piboy three-deck landing helicopter dock (LHD) project.

A source at the center says the future ship is meant as an alternative to the French Mistral-class amphibious assault ships, which Russia bought but never received. Last year's Army forum featured a similar scale model under the name Lavina (the name is visible on this year's Priboy model, too). Back then, it was presented by Nevskoe Design Bureau, which is taking part in the Priboy project as Krylov Centre's subcontractor.

The Priboy would accommodate up to 16 Kamov Ka-52K, Ka-27, and Ka-29 helicopters on her flight and hangar decks. The lower deck would carry 50 infantry fighting vehicles or 10 tanks.

The source at Krylov say the Priboy will have beyond-the-horizon landing capability. Depending on the layout, the assault hovercraft, landing craft and other landing equipment can be kept in the well deck or on the stern ramp. Floating tanks and armored personnel carriers can be deployed using the bow ramp. Krylov is currently working to design a ro-ro version of the ship.

The Priboy's other advantage is that her reinforced hull allows her to navigate Arctic waters, which is particularly important to the Russian Navy.