- Soviet M class submarine
The "M"-class submarines, also "Malyutka"-class ( _ru. Малютка; "baby" or "little one"), were a class of small, single-, or 1½-hulled submarines built in the
Soviet Union and used duringWorld War II . The submarines were built in sections so they could easily be transported by rail. The production was centered in theGorky Shipyard on theVolga River , after which the sections were railed toLeningrad for assembly and fitting out. This was the first use of welding on Soviet submarines.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.
By 1945, some 111 "M"-class submarines had been completed, with another 30 "XV"-series being completed between 1945 and 1947.
These vessels were mainly used in the
Black Sea Fleet and theBaltic Fleet . Although being quite a good design, only limited results were obtained and losses were heavy with 33 submarines sunk between 1941 and 1945.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 50 after. These were 53.0 m long, displaced 420 tons submerged (350 tons surfaced) and were built in seven sections.
References
* Erminio Bagnasco, "Submarines of World War II", Cassell & Co, London. 1977 ISBN 1-85409-532-3
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.