KYIV. July 9 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Mykolaiv-based State Research & Design Shipbuilding Centre has started the development of its new project, the Kentavr [Centaur] armored fast assault craft for a foreign customer.
According to Interfax-Ukraine defense sources the preparation of new the Kentavr project, which is a development of the production line of the small armored artillery crafts Gurza and Gurza-M, was ensured by the April contract with Ukrspecexport state enterprise. The details of cooperation and name of the foreign customer haven’t been revealed.
According to the manufacturer, in contrast to the Gurza and Gurza-M, Kentavr has extended functions to execute special tasks and solve complicated tasks in sea and river water zones through combat or by transporting 32 assault troopers.
“In prospect, the possibility of realizing Kentavr project as a part of international cooperation both on Ukraine’s capacity and abroad at the interest of Ukrainian Navy isn’t left out,” the source said.
Manufacturing of Gurza-M boats, as ordered by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, is carried out by Kyiv-based Leninska Kuznia PJSC. The boat’s full load displacement is 50,7 tonnes, its length is 23 meters, its width is 4.8 meters and its draught is one meter. The boat’s maximum speed is 25 kts, its cruise speed range is 700 miles, and its endurance is a maximum of five days. The boat has two remote controlled BM-5M.01 fight modules made by Mykolaiv Repair Mechanic Plants, an optoelectronic fire control system and a set of portable anti-aircraft weapon systems.
According to information made public by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, by the end of 2015, the Ukrainian Navy will be reinforced with two Gurza-M boats, and by 2020 – with 18 boats.
