Ivan Rogov combines beaching, docking, helicopters, and heavy weapons

The Ivan Rogov class could carry a naval infantry battalion with its vehicles and equipment. Bow doors and a flat-bottomed tank deck supported unloading amphibious vehicles into the water or across a beach, while a floodable docking well carried conventional or air-cushion landing craft. A hangar accommodated four helicopters, which could pass through the superstructure and down a ramp to the forward landing area because the funnel uptakes were split around their route. Air-defence missiles, dual-purpose guns, close-in weapons, and a 122 mm barrage-rocket launcher provided armament and landing support. The three ships were completed in 1978, 1982, and 1989, with four years between the first two and seven between the second and third. The guide also follows their assignments to the Pacific and Baltic fleets and the lead ship's return for the 1981 Zapad amphibious exercises.