Ondatra-class landing craft

The Ondatra class (Ru: Project 1176 Akula) is a class of landing craft built for the Soviet Navy and Russian Navy between 1971 and 2009.

Construction
The vessels were built by the Azovskiy Shipyard, Rybinsk Shipyard and Vladivostok Shipyard. Over 40 vessels of this type were built for service with the Soviet and Russian navies, and additional vessels were built for export. The vessels are designated as type DKA Desantanyy Kater and are similar in type to the US Navy Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM).

The Ondatra landing craft have a limited range (2-day, 330-500 nautical mile) and have a shallow draught that make them ideal for amphibious operations and littoral combat. The Ivan Rogov class landing ship carries 1 Ondatra for use as a tug for its Lebed class air-cushioned landing craft.

Although still under construction in 2009, the Project 1176 is a 1970s design that is reaching the end of its operational life. The class may be replaced by the newer Project 21820 Dyugon class landing craft that is currently under development by the Russian Navy. The Dyugon carries 2 MBT the Ondatra's single tank, is armed (2 MPTU-1 14.5mm), and can attain 35 knots to the Ondatra's 11 knots.

Ships in class
42 vessels are documented for the Soviet and Russian navies. the class.

Two additional vessels, possible Azovskiy yard no. 4022 and 4023, were exported to Northern Yemen in 1981.