Two Egyptian navy Vydra class with armament installed.
Source: Unknown author -
© copyright lies with original owner
The Project 106 class is a class of landing craft of Soviet origin. The NATO reporting name is Vydra. The Vydra was designed in the 1950's as a landing craft with secondary cargo carrying capacity. The design is based on the German World War 2 era MFP class, some of which were captured by Soviet forces.
The Vydra has a conventional design with a ramp at the front, cargo area in the middle and superstructure and engine compartment at the rear. For full continuous wartime service a crew of 20 is carried. Standard day jobs can be carried out with less. The capacity consists of 200 tons of cargo or three tanks or 100 troops.
Most Vydra were unarmed. Some were fitted with two 23mm ZSU-23-2 at the front of the superstructure. During the 1973 Yom Kippur war many Egyptian Vydra were fitted with two twin 37mm M1939 anti-aircraft guns. Both the ZU-23-2 and M1939 are anti-aircraft guns that can also be used against ground targets during landing operations, hence their forward facing position. In 1993 five Bulgarian units were converted to minelayers.
For navigation purposes there is a basic radar system. An IFF system was fitted to most of the class. There is no automated fire control.
Vydra landing craft are fitted with two diesel engines delivering 600 hp and powering two shafts. The maximum speed is 12 kt and the range is 2.500 nm at a speed of 10 kt. Due to their design the seagoing capability in rough weather is limited.
About 60 Vydra have been built. About half of them were used by the Soviet navy. Many ended up in Russian service and have now been phased out. The second largest user was Bulgaria. Egypt received 9 units and used them during the 1973 Yom Kippur war. Due to age the Vydra has now become an obsolete vessel and most remaining units are in need of replacement.
An unarmed Vydra class of the Azerbaijan navy.
Source: Unknown author -
© copyright lies with original owner
The Vydra is a landing craft of Soviet origin developed in the 1950's. There are no real variants, although armament may differ. The Project 106K was produced in Bulgaria and is practically similar to the original Soviet model.
Most units were unarmed, but several were fitted with two ZU-23-2 gun mounts. Egyptian units were fitted with two twin 37mm M1939 or 40mm Bofors. Five Bulgarian units were converted to minelayers.
Two twin mount 23mm ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns are fitted on the forward superstructure in many of the Vydra class. These can be used against helicopters, surface targets and for fire support during landing operations.
Some Egyptian vessels are armed with 37mm anti-aircraft guns. This is most likely a local upgrade.
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