[unkated]

I did like the Boras - the light cruiser sized hovercraft. They are just the kind of slightly outre engineering concept that the Soviets could make work - where a western government would stop to consider the opportunity cost vs benefit, and go build three of something else instead.

However, note that such a beast would use a LOT of fuel at each outing; and, of course making it large enough to carry a lot of fuel will make it too heavy to operate, so it will not have a lot of range. And presumably the lack of fuel is what stopped their further use.

[On a side note, where we all laughed at the Soviet hovercraft designs in the Soviet Vehicle Guide, the Soviets did have a small number of hover-transports for seaborne landings - some 50 that were platoon sized, 10 that were company-sized (100t), and a few that were battalion sized (310t); the Boras would be ~10xs as heavy.]

However, the two that attacked USS Munro off Australia had no reason to get within visual range at all; somehow I doubt that Munro could close the range if they can make 40-45 kn. The Boras would enter their radar envelope, get a fix, fire, turn away. Radar would tell them if probably if there is a hit; major change in Munro's speed would be a giveaway, at which point they could turn back for survivors. if not, they are already opening the distance on Munro.

Uncle Ted