Traveling around our country, you discover something new every day. So today, on a cruise Moscow - Solovetsky Islands in Petrozavodsk, I discovered such a curiosity. These are the hydrofoil ships "Kometa" and "Meteor". Since I was not prepared to meet such ships, the Meteor practically did not make it into the frame, since I thought that they were the same. From Petrozavodsk, "Meteora" and "Comet" operate flights along Lake Onega to Kizhi, Velikaya Guba and Shala. The cost of travel, for example, to Kizhi is 1375 rubles one way. Pleasure is not cheap.
1. "Kometa" - a series of marine (the first in this class) passenger hydrofoil motor ships. The motor ship was developed in 1961 at the Central Design Bureau for hydrofoils named after. R. E. Alekseeva. They were serially produced in 1964-1981 at the Feodosia shipyard "More" (a total of 86 Komets were built, including 34 for export) and in 1962-1992 at the Poti Shipyard (project 342 ME, 39 ships).
2. Displacement 41.2 t (unladen), 58.3 t (full), length 35.1 m, width 11.0 m, height 7.8 m (when moving on the wings), draft 3.6 m (when parked) , 1.7 m (when moving on wings).
3. The ship is equipped with 2 M-401A diesel engines, 1 auxiliary diesel generator-compressor-pump. Power 2200 hp, propulsion 2 propellers, speed 60 km/h (maximum), 55-57 km/h or 30 knots (operational).
4. Crew 5 people, passenger capacity up to 120 people (depending on modification). Passengers are accommodated in three salons equipped with soft seats: bow, middle and stern. The passenger cabin resembles an airplane cabin, because even the seats are airplane-type.
5. When stationary and traveling at low speed, a hydrofoil vessel is kept afloat by the Archimedes force, just like an ordinary displacement vessel. At high speed, due to the lifting force created by these wings, the ship rises above the water. At the same time, the area of contact with water is significantly reduced, and, consequently, the hydrodynamic and drag resistance of the water, which allows you to develop a higher speed.
6. "Meteor", project 342E hydrofoil river passenger motor ship, designed by Rostislav Alekseev. Produced from 1961 to 1991 at the Zelenodolsk shipyard named after. A. M. Gorky. In total, more than 400 motor ships of this series were built.
7. And this photo is a bonus. This is the sunset on Lake Onega today.
My next post will be about the city of Petrozavodsk. As they say, Stay tuned.
Russia resumed production of hydrofoils June 17th, 2017
I was recently in Kazan and several times passed by the river technical school, in the courtyard of which there was a full-fledged "Rocket". I thought back then, those were the times...
And then I read that the Vympel shipyard (Rybinsk, Yaroslavl region) plans to launch the Project 23160 marine passenger hydrofoil ship "Kometa 120M" in 2017.
That is, we can say that Russia has resumed the production of high-speed sea passenger hydrofoil ships of the "Kometa" type. Greece is already showing interest in the project; they are ready to accept such vessels on the Black Sea coast of Russia.
The new Comets were discussed at a meeting of the co-chairs of the Russian-Greek mixed commission on economic, industrial, scientific and technical cooperation in Crete. The head of the Russian Ministry of Transport was asked whether sales of Komets to Greece, which purchased them thirty years ago, have resumed. To this Sokolov replied: “There are no sales yet, but production of the Comets has resumed.”
However, now the ship has received a different name, said Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov.
Photo 2. 
“We even called it the beautiful name “Chaika”, because it was laid down in Rybinsk in the Yaroslavl region, where Valentina Vladimirovna Tereshkova works as a deputy. You remember that her call sign during the flight into space was “Chaika”. Therefore, this “Comet” received name "Chaika". Now it is almost ready. Therefore, if Greek companies want to purchase it, then the contract, in my opinion, is still open," Sokolov said. As for the purchase of Komets by Greece, according to the minister, he is ready to assist them.
“We will be happy. And although shipbuilding is the competence of the Ministry of Industry, I, as the Minister of Transport and as co-chairman of the mixed commission, am ready to support any proposals from Greece,” said the head of the Ministry of Transport.
Photo 3. 
As RIA Novosti learned, Vympel Shipyard JSC in Rybinsk is cooperating with the Greek company Argonautiki Ploes on the construction and transfer of the Comet 120M. Negotiations are currently underway with a potential Greek customer on the signing of an agreement of mutual understanding, in which the main terms of the contract for the construction of four such vessels are reflected. The cost of each vessel exceeds six million euros.
Photo 4. 
There is interest in the new "Comets" not only in Greece, but also in Russia itself. At the end of April, President Vladimir Putin visited the Vympel plant in Rybinsk. During the meeting, the general director of the enterprise, in particular, told the head of state about the project to launch a hydrofoil ship between Yalta and Sochi.
Putin noted that this proposal is not the only one; several other shipbuilding companies in different regions are offering similar projects.
“The Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Industry have the opportunity to conduct quasi-competitive or competitive procedures and choose the best proposal. But I really like the proposal itself,” the president said, noting that the plan can be implemented with some support from the state in the form of benefits for leasing.
Photo 5. 
At the same time, Putin added that the Sochi-Yalta route is difficult in terms of weather conditions, since hydrofoils are dangerous to use in strong winds. But such ships can be sent to other routes on the Caucasian coast or in Crimea, this type of transport needs to be developed, it will be in demand, the president concluded.
Anapa is ready to host Comets
The other day, Rosmorport General Director Andrei Tarasenko said that preparations are already underway for the resumption of Komet flights along the Black Sea coast. According to him, an enterprise has already been created in Anapa that will be fully responsible for passenger transportation.
“Previously it was unprofitable, but now we have received applications, in particular from the Black Sea High-Speed Lines company, that many are interested in coming from Anapa to Sochi, many want to come to Yalta. Therefore, we are resolving the issue. I will not say exactly when this will be. Now the companies they receive licenses, there is a large set of documents for obtaining equipment,” Tarasenko said.
Passenger traffic will show whether this route will be popular and regular, he added.
Photo 6. 
Production of Komets at the Rybinsk plant was interrupted for almost two decades, but in 2013 the company began building hydrofoils again.
Then Maxim Sokolov, speaking at the laying ceremony of the first of the updated Komets, noted that the ships would be built using completely new technologies. According to him, the implementation of such developments will provide new opportunities for transporting passengers not only along the largest rivers of Russia, but also in the Black Sea basin and the Baltic Sea basin.
Photo 7. 
The high-speed hydrofoil "Kometa 120M" is designed to transport passengers in the coastal sea zone. The vessel, about 35 meters long and with a displacement of 73 tons, will be able to reach speeds of up to 35 knots and carry up to 120 passengers: 22 in business class, 98 in economy class.
Photo 8. 
Marine passenger hydrofoil ship "Kometa 120M" project 23160 - information
The area of operation is seas with a marine tropical climate. Distance from the port - refuge in the open seas up to 50 miles.
RS class: KM Hydrofoil craft Passenger – A
Overall length, m - 35.2
Overall width, m - 10.3
Displacement, t - 73.0
Overall draft afloat, m - 3.5
Speed, knots - 35
Crew, people - 5
Passenger capacity, people: 120
business class cabin 22
economy class cabin 98
Engine power, kW - 2 x 820
Hourly fuel consumption, kg/hour - 320
Cruising range at full displacement, miles - 200
Sailing autonomy, hours - 8
Photo 9. 
The marine passenger hydrofoil "Kometa 120M" is a single-deck vessel equipped with a twin-shaft diesel-geared power plant. The vessel is designed for high-speed transportation of passengers during daylight hours in new aviation-type seats. It is reported that this sea vessel project was designed on the basis of the SPK, which were created in the USSR according to the Comet, Colchis and Katran projects. The main purpose of this ship is to transport passengers in the coastal sea zone. It is reported that the ship will be able to reach a speed of 35 knots. Its main difference from the SECs previously built in our country will be the provision of a high level of comfort for passengers. For this purpose, the ship will have to have an automatic system for moderating pitching and overload. Modern vibration-absorbing materials will be used in the design of the ship, which should also have a positive effect on passenger comfort.
Photo 10. 
The spacious business and economy class cabins on the new Comet will have comfortable airline-type passenger seats, the maximum number of passengers is 120, and an air conditioning system will be installed in the cabins. The peculiarities of the ship include the accommodation of passengers in the bow and middle salons. There will be a bar in the aft saloon. There is also double glazing in the pilothouse and bar areas. The ship will receive modern means of communication and navigation. It is planned to reduce fuel consumption through the installation of modern 16V2000 M72 engines with electronic fuel injection, produced by the German company MTU, and propellers with increased efficiency.
Photo 11. 
Also, Sergey Italiantsev, who holds the post of director of the River-Sea Vessels program in the civil shipbuilding department of the United Shipbuilding Corporation, told reporters that USC is considering the option of completing two hulls of marine passenger hydrofoil ships of the Olympia project located at the Khabarovsk Shipyard . In the future, these completed ships could be used to provide passenger transportation at the Kerch crossing in Crimea. Also, if completed, these vessels could be used in the Far East. It is in the Black Sea and the Far East that today there are big problems with servicing passenger traffic.
The ships of the Olympia project are able to carry up to 232 passengers. They are designed for high-speed transportation of passengers across seas with tropical and temperate climates at a distance of up to 50 miles from “ports of refuge”. A total of two such vessels were built, both of which were sold for export. The degree of completion of the two unfinished ships is approximately 80%. If a decision is made and a contract for their completion is concluded, the ships can be completed within 6-8 months, as noted on the website of the Central Design Bureau for Hydrofoils named after R. E. Alekseev.
Photo 12. 
Photo 13. 
Photo 14. 
sources
Many Russians and Ukrainians living on the banks of large rivers could see hydrofoils. “Rockets”, “Meteors” and “Comets” became the most popular river transport in the USSR and quickly gained popularity. After a many-year break, their production is being resumed in Russia. The new model “Kometa 120M” is a unique ship that will soon begin transporting passengers along our rivers and the Black Sea.
Hydrofoils have been produced in the USSR since the 1950s. They housed 70-120 people, who were transported across the water surface at speeds of up to 75 km/h. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the production of this amazing water transport, unfortunately, ceased; there was no time for high-speed ships in the country. Now only residents of St. Petersburg and several European countries can see these ships.
Years passed, and they decided to resume production of domestic hydrofoil motor ships. Project 23160 “Comet 120M” was developed by the same design bureau that designed the previous models. Actually, the new ship is very reminiscent of Soviet projects.
The characteristics of the vessel have not undergone major changes. The length of the Comet 120M is 35.2 meters, width - 10.3 m. Maximum capacity is 120 people, of which 22 are in the business class cabin. Passengers are accommodated in the front and middle parts of the ship. At the stern, near the engines, there is a pilothouse and a bar.
The power plant of the Comet 120M consists of two MTU diesel engines (Germany) with a power of 820 kW each. The engines consume 320 kilograms of fuel per hour of operation. The designers declared the ship's cruising speed to be 35 knots (65 km/h).
The maximum range of the hydrofoil vessel is 200 miles (370 kilometers), the crew is only 5 people.
Project 23160 vessels will be produced at the Vympel shipyard in Rybinsk. They are supposed to be used in the Black Sea basin. Individual copies of the Komet 120M are planned for sale for export to Greece. The estimated cost of the vessel is about 6 million euros.
Find out more about the predecessors of Comet 120M -.
MOSCOW, June 17 – RIA Novosti. Russia has resumed production of high-speed sea passenger hydrofoil ships of the "Kometa" type, said Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov. Greece is already showing interest in the project; they are ready to accept such vessels on the Black Sea coast of Russia.
The new Comets were discussed at a meeting of the co-chairs of the Russian-Greek mixed commission on economic, industrial, scientific and technical cooperation in Crete. The head of the Russian Ministry of Transport was asked whether sales of Komets to Greece, which purchased them thirty years ago, have resumed. To this Sokolov replied: “There are no sales yet, but production of the Comets has resumed.”
However, now the ship has received a different name, he clarified.
“We even called it the beautiful name “Chaika”, because it was laid down in Rybinsk in the Yaroslavl region, where Valentina Vladimirovna Tereshkova works as a deputy. You remember that her call sign during the flight into space was “Chaika”. Therefore, this “Comet” received name "Chaika". Now it is almost ready. Therefore, if Greek companies want to purchase it, then the contract, in my opinion, is still open," Sokolov said.
As for the purchase of Komets by Greece, according to the minister, he is ready to assist them.
“We will be happy. And although shipbuilding is the competence of the Ministry of Industry, I, as the Minister of Transport and as co-chairman of the mixed commission, am ready to support any proposals from Greece,” said the head of the Ministry of Transport.
As RIA Novosti learned, Vympel Shipyard JSC in Rybinsk is cooperating with the Greek company Argonautiki Ploes on the construction and transfer of the Comet 120M. Negotiations are currently underway with a potential Greek customer on the signing of an agreement of mutual understanding, in which the main terms of the contract for the construction of four such vessels are reflected. The cost of each vessel exceeds six million euros.
At the Black Sea
There is interest in the new "Comets" not only in Greece, but also in Russia itself. At the end of April, President Vladimir Putin visited the Vympel plant in Rybinsk. During the meeting, the general director of the enterprise, in particular, told the head of state about the project to launch a hydrofoil ship between Yalta and Sochi.
Putin noted that this proposal is not the only one; several other shipbuilding companies in different regions are offering similar projects.
“The Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Industry have the opportunity to conduct quasi-competitive or competitive procedures and choose the best proposal. But I really like the proposal itself,” the president said, noting that the plan can be implemented with some support from the state in the form of benefits for leasing.
At the same time, Putin added that the Sochi-Yalta route is difficult in terms of weather conditions, since hydrofoils are dangerous to use in strong winds. But such ships can be sent to other routes on the Caucasian coast or in Crimea, this type of transport needs to be developed, it will be in demand, the president concluded.
Anapa is ready to host Comets
The other day, Rosmorport General Director Andrei Tarasenko said that preparations are already underway for the resumption of Komet flights along the Black Sea coast. According to him, an enterprise has already been created in Anapa that will be fully responsible for passenger transportation.
“Previously it was unprofitable, but now we have received applications, in particular from the Black Sea High-Speed Lines company, that many are interested in coming from Anapa to Sochi, many want to come to Yalta. Therefore, we are resolving the issue. I will not say exactly when this will be. Now the companies they receive licenses, there is a large set of documents for obtaining equipment,” Tarasenko said.
Passenger traffic will show whether this route will be popular and regular, he added.
Updated "Comet"
Production of Komets at the Rybinsk plant was interrupted for almost two decades, but in 2013 the company began building hydrofoils again.
Then Maxim Sokolov, speaking at the laying ceremony of the first of the updated Komets, noted that the ships would be built using completely new technologies. According to him, the implementation of such developments will provide new opportunities for transporting passengers not only along the largest rivers of Russia, but also in the Black Sea basin and the Baltic Sea basin.
The high-speed hydrofoil "Kometa 120M" is designed to transport passengers in the coastal sea zone. The vessel, about 35 meters long and with a displacement of 73 tons, will be able to reach speeds of up to 35 knots and carry up to 120 passengers: 22 in business class, 98 in economy class.
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The new generation sea passenger hydrofoil "Kometa 120M" of Project 23160 is designed for high-speed transportation of passengers during daylight hours in cabins equipped with aircraft-type seats.
The vessel was developed by OJSC Central Design Bureau for SPK named after. R. E. Alekseeva."
Project 23160 vessels are planned to be used not only in river transportation, but also in the Black and Baltic Seas.
The marine passenger hydrofoil ship "Kometa 120M" was created on the basis of the SPK of the projects "Kometa", "Kolkhida", "Katran" and is intended for transporting passengers in the coastal sea zone. The SPK develops an operational speed of 35 knots. The main differences between this modern vessel and previously built SPCs will be a high level of passenger comfort, for which the vessel will use an automatic system for moderating pitching and overload. Spacious business and economy class cabins are equipped with aviation-type seats for 120 passengers and an air conditioning system. The vessel is equipped with modern control, navigation and communication systems, has reduced fuel consumption, which is achieved through the use of modern engines with electronic injection manufactured by MTU (Germany) and the use of propellers with increased efficiency.
On August 23, 2013, at the Vympel Shipyard OJSC, the keel-laying ceremony of the new generation hydrofoil lead marine passenger vessel (SHC) “Kometa 120M” (building number 02701) took place. March 13, 2015 from the first construction position to the second. According to a message dated August 17, 2017, the ship is from the ship assembly shop-sliphouse to the outfitting site. October 20 on the water. The godmother was the world's first female cosmonaut, deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Valentina Vladimirovna Tereshkova, who, according to maritime tradition, broke a bottle of champagne on the side of the ship. After launching, the Comet will be sent to the Black Sea for finishing work and sea trials. According to a message dated October 25, the ship is heading to Crimea. On November 15, she arrived in the Southern Bay of Sevastopol. On November 16, the SPK is being reloaded from a barge onto the water, and then by crane to the quay wall of the Perseus plant, where completion will be carried out. According to a message dated May 11, 2018, sea trials. In the 2018 season, it is planned to begin operation of the Kometa 120M SPK on routes in the Black Sea basin, in particular on the Sevastopol - Yalta line. During the launch, it was announced the creation of a subsidiary company - the operator "Maritime High-Speed Passenger Transportation", which will organize transportation on hydrofoil ships. The SPK was named "Sevastopol".
Main characteristics: Displacement 73.0 tons. Overall length 35.2 meters, overall width 10.3 meters. The afloat draft is 3.5 meters. Speed 35 knots. The crew is 5 people. The ship can accommodate 120 people: 22 in business class; 98 in the economy class cabin. The vessel is equipped with two engines with a power of 820 kW each. Hourly fuel consumption is 320 kg/hour. Cruising range at full displacement is 200 miles. Swimming autonomy 8 hours.
On June 21, 2018, in the city of Sevastopol, the SEC “Sevastopol” was leased to Marine High-Speed Passenger Transportation LLC. On July 30, a regular movement took place in Sevastopol. The ship will operate between Sevastopol and Yalta, making four trips per day. Travel time will be 2 hours. August 01 on the first flight. In August 12,772 passengers.