BK-16 Raptor Class Russian Fast Attack Craft

Russia`s Kalashnikov Group has developed a new fast attack craft (FAC). They were demonstrated at the Army-2017 international military-technical forum held outside Moscow from August 22-27. The company showcased the BK-16 FAC intended for offshore operations, troops transporting, fire support, counter-piracy and counter-terror missions, and search-and-rescue (SAR) operations. The hull and superstructures of the landing craft are made from AMG alloys. It has a crew of two members and can transport up to 19 servicemen. The craft features a cruising range of 400 nautical miles and an endurance of one day. The BK-16 is powered by two engines with a power output of 780 hp each. The FAC demonstrated at the Army-2017 international military-technical forum received a remote control weapon station (RCWS) with a heavy machine gun (HMG) and several medium machine guns. The type and number of weapons are mission-dependent. Furthermore, the landing craft’s ability to launch and retrieve an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was demonstrated during the International Maritime Defense Show (IMDS 2015) held in St Petersburg, Russia, in July 2015. The front section of the upper deck facilitates the launch and recovery of light reconnaissance UAVs such as ZALA 421-16EM developed by ZALA Aero Group. The UAV provides increased situational awareness and the ability to engage targets effectively over land and sea.