The unit will be operated with two marine propellers. The GTD-71 and GTD-76 engines with a total capacity of 10.5 MW are consecutively connected to the propellers via the reduction gears. The quick starting and acceleration are provided by twin-shaft gas generators in conjunction with free power turbines. The GTD-71 is a full speed engine rated at 7MW. Its compression ratio is 16.6 and the efficiency is 31.5%. The GTD-76 is a mid-flight engine rated at 3.5 MW. Its compression ratio is 13.5 and the efficiency is 30.5%.
Working separately the engines provide the required range of speeds. Owing to the intermediate shaft, connecting the reduction gears, the boat can sail on one engine with the equal rotation speed of both propellers. Their reversing is carried out by the turbines of engines. The Molnia boat was constructed by Vympel shipyard (Rybinsk). The sea trials are scheduled for the third quarter of 2007. The maximum design speed of the boats of this type is about 38 knots.
Zorya-Mashproekt is well-known for its marine gas turbine engines. Over 500 boats of different types have been equipped with gas turbines from Nikolaevsk during the last 50 years.