The use of air cavity technology in the creation of small landing craft "Dugong" gave designers a huge increase in speed and maneuverability even when transporting troops on board.
And this is despite the large dimensions of the vessel. Semyon Aizen, a veteran of the Alekseev Central Design Bureau, told about this on the air of the program "Military Acceptance".
"The use of an air cavity on a ship makes it possible to increase the speed of the vehicle by 20-25% at the same speed, the same power. This significantly saves fuel, saves operational characteristics and at the same time improves its own characteristics. "Dugong" is perfection," the specialist said.
The dimensions of the small landing ship of project 21820 "Dugong" are 45 meters long and 8.5 meters wide, with a displacement of about 300 tons. It can take on board up to 120 tons, two tanks or a company of paratroopers can safely load on it. "Dugong" is capable of reaching a speed of 35 knots - 65 kilometers per hour.
Thanks to the hull design, this ship can land equipment or troops on an unequipped shore, getting close to it.
