The M (Malyutka) class submarine USSR M-79.
Technical information
| Type | Submarine |
| Displacement | 158 / 198 BRT |
| Length | 37,50 m |
| Complement | 18 men |
| Armament | 2 torpedo tubes, 2 torpedoes (XV had 4 torpedo tubes and 4 torpedoes) |
| Max speed | 13,1 / 7,4 knots (surfaced/submerged) |
| Engines | Diesels / Electric |
| Power | 685 / 240 (surfaced/submerged) |
| Notes on class | These boats were designed in the beginning of the 30’s as typical coastal submarines. That is why their abilities were modest enough - initial range of VI-series was just 800 nm (later series had 3400), maximum patrol duration - 10 days and just two torpedoes. But far patrols were not for them - these cheap, mass-produced boats were intended to defend naval bases, blockade enemy harbors and, as a main feature, be railway-friendly to be transported from one war theatre to another. Many of these boats were transported 18.000-20.000 km ashore (by railway) to cover 3000-5000 nm during their sea patrols or even execute patrols on Ladoga Lake near Leningrad. It is reported that Malutkas were world’s first fully-welded submarines as of 1932.
There were four main series of M (Malutka): VI, VI-bis, XII and XV, where each latter has many improvements vs previous series (XV had four bow torpedo tubes) and fought at all theatres - Arctic, Baltic, Black Sea, Caspian Sea and at Pacific. The unusual features and advantages of these boats were confirmed during WWII. Russian word “malutka” means “baby, little one'” Only 4 series XV submarines were completed during the war, 11 more were laid down during the war but were completed post war. Much more were laid down after the war but these are not included here. Displacement: VI series - 158/198, VI-bis series - 161/201, XII series - 206/256, XV series - 281/351 BRT Length 37 m (50 m for XV) Complement 16-19 men (32 for XV) |
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1st group (Type VI)
2nd group (Type VI modified)
3rd group (Type XII)
4th group (type XV)
33 submarines of the M (Malyutka) class lost. See all Submarine classes. |
Soviet Navy (more on 
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M (Malyutka) class ships hit by U-boats (3) | |||
| 10 Jan 1942 | USSR M-175 | Sunk | U-584 |
| 23 Jun 1941 | USSR M-78 | Sunk | U-144 |
| 21 Jul 1941 | USSR M-94 | Sunk | U-140 |