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K-class (USSR)

1939 COLD WAR WORLD WAR 2

History of K-Class (Soviet Union)

On the eve of World War II (1939-1945), the Soviet Navy adopted the P-class diesel-electric submarines, with only three of the four planned. However, these were not successful because they were somewhat limited.

Still looking for an efficient ocean-going submarine, the Navy got a new design in the K-class, which was already planned during the construction of the P-class. In every respect, the K-class was a major improvement over the failed P-class ships and became one of the more important components of the Soviet Navy during World War II.

A total of twelve ships were completed, five of which were lost in action. Seven survived to see retirement and one specimen survived.

As constructed, the K-Class displaces 1,500 tons when surfaced and 2,600 tons underwater. The total length is 97.65 meters, the width is 7.4 meters, and the draft is 4.5 meters. Propulsion comes from a diesel-electric unit, with the diesel engine providing 8,400 hp for surface operations and the electric motor providing more than 2,400 hp for underwater travel. With a range of an impressive 14,000 nautical miles, the double-hull design was tested at a depth of 230 feet.

There are 67 crew members on board, including 10 officers.

The equipment has been improved compared to the P tier. Leading the way are six bow-mounted torpedo tubes. This is complemented by a pair of torpedo tubes facing the stern, with two additional torpedo launchers mounted externally to face the stern.

For surface warfare, the ship is equipped with 2 x 100mm deck guns and carries 2 x 45mm guns to repel attacking aircraft. Can carry about 20 mines to block strategic waterways.

Compared to the previous P-Class, the K-Class is able to go further offshore, achieving good dive times and offshore speeds. They are also easier to control in rough seas and provide better crew comfort for their time.

Her equipment was also significantly better than previous Soviet ship designs, making the K-class an overall improvement for the Navy.

The ship's profile has been cleaned up compared to earlier P-classes, with relatively flat deck lines and more restrained sails. The sails were set forward amidships and gradually adapted to the deck gun artillery. The bow is pointed and raised slightly, as is the stern.

Below the stern is a rudder control spanned by a twin propeller unit.

The completed ships were K1, K2, K3, K21, K22, K23, K51, K52, K53, K54, K55 and K56, which were launched from December 1936 to 1941 and were determined to serve with the Soviet Northern Fleet. K1, K2, K3, K22 and K23 were sunk in WWII battles, while K51, K52, K53, K54, K55 and K56 were captured during the Siege of Leningrad (1941-1944), which was not completed until after the war . The K21 survived the war to become a training platform and was then preserved. The K51, K52, K53, K54 and K55 all survived the war effort and were eventually decommissioned and scrapped.

Launched in 1940, the K56 was depleted in a nuclear test in 1957.

The K-class ships should have been developed at the initiative of the KU-class and should have welded hulls. The squad had already started work in 1941 with about 24 ships in new and improved groups, but the program was terminated.