Soviet M class submarine
Encyclopedia
The M-class submarines, also Malyutka-class , 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.
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. 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 submarine
s (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.
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.
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
and used during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. 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
Volga River
The Volga is the largest river in Europe in terms of length, discharge, and watershed. It flows through central Russia, and is widely viewed as the national river of Russia. Out of the twenty largest cities of Russia, eleven, including the capital Moscow, are situated in the Volga's drainage...
, after which the sections were railed to Leningrad
Leningrad
Leningrad is the former name of Saint Petersburg, Russia.Leningrad may also refer to:- Places :* Leningrad Oblast, a federal subject of Russia, around Saint Petersburg* Leningrad, Tajikistan, capital of Muminobod district in Khatlon Province...
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. These vessels were mainly used in the Black Sea Fleet
Black Sea Fleet
The Black Sea Fleet is a large operational-strategic sub-unit of the Russian Navy, operating in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea since the late 18th century. It is based in various harbors of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov....
and the Baltic Fleet
Baltic Fleet
The Twice Red Banner Baltic Fleet - is the Russian Navy's presence in the Baltic Sea. In previous historical periods, it has been part of the navy of Imperial Russia and later the Soviet Union. The Fleet gained the 'Twice Red Banner' appellation during the Soviet period, indicating two awards of...
. 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. Two submarines of the early series of this class, along with two Soviet S class submarine
Soviet S class submarine
The S-class or Srednyaya submarines were part of the Soviet Navy's underwater fleet during World War II. Unofficially nicknamed Stalinets , boats of this class were the most successful and achieved the most significant victories among all Soviet submarines...
, (S-52 and S-53) and two Shchuka class submarine
Shchuka class submarine
The Shchuka class submarines , also referred to as Shch or SC class submarines were a medium-sized class of Soviet submarines, built in large numbers and used during World War II...
s (under lease, S-121 and S-123) were handed to People's Liberation Army Navy
People's Liberation Army Navy
The People's Liberation Army Navy is the naval branch of the People's Liberation Army , the military of the People's Republic of China. Until the early 1990s, the navy performed a subordinate role to the PLA Land Forces. Since then, it has undergone rapid modernisation...
in June, 1954, thus becoming the foundation of the submarine force of the People's Republic of China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
. 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.
Versions
Series VI: 30 submarines were constructed between 1932 and 1934Series 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.