MOSCOW, September 23 (RIA Novosti) - Two new roadstead cutters with joystick handling have started moving toward the Caspian Sea where remaining tests on the boats will be conducted before their inclusion into the Caspian Flotilla (CFl) in October or November, the Southern Military District's press service reported Tuesday.
"Two new roadstead cutters of the Comprehensive Rescue Project 23040 with the new system of joystick handling started moving toward the Caspian Sea. Provided by tugs on the inner river routes the vessels will pass about 1,500 kilometers [932 miles]," the statement said.
Upon the arrival to the CFl, expected at the end of September, the vessels will undergo remaining state tests, and if completed successfully, will be included into the flotilla after the signing and approval of documents by Russian Navy commander-in-chief Victor Chirkov.
The cutters from Project 23040 are designed to perform various tasks during rescue operations on rivers and seas. With a completely new system of joystick handling, the vessels are capable of precise maneuvering in all weather conditions.
The boats, whose cruising range at 10 knots is 200 miles, are equipped to carry a crew of eight for five days.
