A heavily damaged vessel has been recovered, with reports indicating the attack occurred on March 7th.
Both the Naval Forces and the Main Intelligence Directorate initially reported the destruction of an enemy vessel, classifying both as “02510 BK-16.” It remains unclear whether both reports referenced the vessel pictured in the released photograph.
According to “Militarnyj,” the Russian Black Sea Fleet currently has approximately six “Raptor”-type vessels remaining, with some potentially transferred from the Baltic Fleet. The primary and most advanced unit of this class is the “BK-16.”
“03160 Raptor”
The 03160 Raptor-class high-speed amphibious assault craft is a fast-attack coastal patrol boat designed by the Leningrad Shipbuilding Pella Design Bureau for the Russian Navy. Construction takes place at the Pella shipyard in Vidradno, Leningrad Oblast.
These vessels are designed for operation in coastal areas, straits, and river mouths, both day and night, within a range of up to 100 nautical miles from their base.
They can also be incorporated into larger amphibious assault ships or universal landing ships, providing security within the larger vessel’s internal deck.
The engine compartment is located in the stern of the ship and, according to the manufacturer, is equipped with two American Caterpillar C18 ACERT turbocharged diesel engines, each producing 1150 horsepower at 2300 rpm, with an 18.1-liter displacement and an L6 cylinder block configuration.
Power is delivered through a gearbox to a Rolls-Royce Kamewa 36A3 HS steerable propeller system manufactured in the UK.
These steerable propellers are designed to operate in partially filled waterways, ensuring maneuverability even at significant hull angles. The water channel volume is specified at 170 liters by the manufacturer, reports “Militarnyj.”
Technical specifications of the 03160 “Raptor” vessel:
- Length: 16.9 m (maximum)
- Width: 4.1 m (maximum)
- Height: 3.6 m Draft: 0.9 m
- Displacement: 8 tons (empty)
- Displacement: 23 tons (loaded)
- Characteristics: The vessel can navigate in any direction with wave heights up to 5 points
- Range: 300 nautical miles at economical speed
- Speed: 48 knots (maximum speed, approximately 88 km/h)
- 28 knots at a wave height of 2.5 m
- 20 knots at a wave height of 4.5 m
- Engines: Two CAT C18 ACERT diesel engines, each producing 1150 hp (847 kW) at 2300 rpm
- Total power: 2300 hp (1694 kW)
The reported damage to a Russian Navy vessel highlights the ongoing impact of the conflict on Black Sea naval assets. Although the exact type of vessel remains somewhat unclear, the incident underscores the vulnerability of Russia’s coastal defense capabilities and could have implications for regional maritime security. The “Raptor”-class vessels, though relatively minor, play a key role in patrolling and securing coastal waters, and their loss represents a reduction in Russia’s naval presence in the area.
The 03160 Raptor-class vessels, built by Pella shipyard, are designed for rapid deployment and coastal defense, utilizing American-made Caterpillar engines and British Rolls-Royce propulsion systems. This reliance on foreign components could present logistical challenges for Russia as international sanctions continue to impact supply chains.
The incident comes as Ukraine continues to target Russian military infrastructure in the Black Sea, aiming to disrupt supply lines and weaken Russia’s naval power. The destruction of even a single vessel can have a strategic impact, forcing Russia to reassess its naval deployments and potentially diverting resources to repair and replacement efforts.
The limited number of remaining “Raptor”-class vessels – approximately six according to reports – suggests that any further losses could significantly diminish Russia’s ability to project power in the region. The potential transfer of vessels from the Baltic Fleet indicates a growing need to reinforce the Black Sea Fleet amid the ongoing conflict.
