Soviet M-class from
Wikipedia
The M-class submarines, also Malyutka-class (Russian:
baby or little one), were a class of small, single-, or 1½-hulled
submarines built in the Soviet Union and used during World War II. The
submarines were built in sections so they could easily be transported by
rail. The production was centered in the Gorky Shipyard on the Volga River,
after which the sections were railed to Leningrad for assembly and fitting
out. This was the first use of welding on Soviet submarines.
History
1930s to 40s |
Name: |
M-class |
Operators: |
Soviet Navy
Polish NAvy |
Completed: |
141 |
Length: |
37.50 m to 50.0 m |
Beam: |
3.1 m to 4.9 m |
Range - Surfaced: |
15,500 nmi (28,700 km) at 5 kn |
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Submarines of this class were in four series: VI,
VI-bis, XII, XV. Constructions of VI and VI-bis series were almost equal.
Series XII in fact was re-developed project with equal tactical characteristics.
First series were powered by one diesel engine and one electric motor.
Series XV had developed separately too and had improved characteristics,
such as main ballast in light hull and two shafts. These vessels were mainly
used in the Black Sea Fleet and the Baltic Fleet.
Although being quite a good design, only limited
results were obtained and losses were heavy with 33 submarines sunk between
1941 and 1945. By 1945, some 111 M-class submarines had been completed,
with another 30 XV-series being completed between 1945 and 1947.
Cold war
Two submarines of the early series of this class,
along with two Soviet S class submarine, (S-52 and S-53) and two Shchuka
class submarines (under lease, S-121 and S-123) were handed to People's
Liberation Army Navy in June, 1954, thus becoming the foundation of the
submarine force of the People's Republic of China. Both the M and S class
submarines were sold to China, and subsequently, two more M-XV series of
this class submarines, M-278 and M-279 were also sold to China a few years
later. Those purchased by China received Chinese names, and the two leased
S class submarine did not. The four M class submarines bought by China
were named as National Defense # 21, 22, 23 (ex M-278) and 24 (ex M-279)
respectively.
Modern times
An M-class submarine was discovered near Tallinn
in May 2012. The submarine is located between the islands of Aegna and
Naissaar, at an approximate depth of 65 to 66 meters. It's believed to
be the M-216, which was intentionally sunk in the area in 1962 for training
purposes. Divers have confirmed that many components, including the periscope,
are missing. It's also believed that the training exercise may have been
ordered as a result of several deadly submarine accidents in the 1950s.
One such accident happened near Paldiski, where the entire crew died as
a failure of the rescue operation.
Versions
Series VI
30 submarines were constructed
between 1932 and 1934
Series VI-bis
19 submarines were constructed
between 1934 and 1936) were 37.5 m long and displaced 202 tons submerged
(161 tons surfaced). They were built in four sections.
Series XII
45 submarines were constructed
between 1936 and 1941. These were 44.5 m long, displaced 258 tons submerged
(206 tons surfaced) and were built in six sections.
Series XV
4 submarines were constructed
during World War II and 53 after. These were 53.0 m long, displaced 420
tons submerged (350 tons surfaced) and were built in seven sections.
Both series VI and VI-bis were constructed by
A. N. Asafov. Serie XII was made by P. I. Serdyuk, serie XV was created
by F. F. Polushkin.
Serie VI |
Serie VI-bis |
Serie XII |
Serie XV |
|