National Interest: Russia Just Repaired the Largest Amphibious Assault Hovercraft Ever
Moscow has some impressive hovercraft to transport their soldiers and equipment about.
The Russian military currently operates a fleet of air-cushion small amphibious assault ships, and among the vessels is the Zubr-class Yevgeny Kocheshkov, the largest currently in service in the world. It is designed for loading Marines (maritime infantry) from a rough or prepared beach, with their combat gear, and landing them on a beachhead while providing fire support.
As with other commercial hovercraft, the Project 1232.2 Yevgeny Kocheshkov utilizes an air cushion design that allows it to move across the beach and even bypass small obstacles such as ditches and trenches, while it can also traverse minefields and even move across swamp areas. About 70 percent of the world’s coastlines are considered suitable for an air-cushion amphibious assault ship to conduct a landing operation.
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WNU Editor: I see this hovercraft as one big target.