Intro
Explore the stealthy world of M-class submarines with our in-depth article, revealing 5 fascinating facts about these Soviet-era underwater vessels. From their Cold War origins to advanced torpedo capabilities, discover the history, design, and operational secrets of these formidable subs, also known as Project 651, and learn about their role in modern naval warfare.
M-class submarines were a type of submarine used by the British Royal Navy during World War I. These submarines played a significant role in the war, and their design and capabilities were quite unique for their time. Here are five interesting facts about M-class submarines:
Firstly, M-class submarines were designed to be armed with a 12-inch gun, which was a significant armament for a submarine at that time. This gun was intended to allow the submarine to attack enemy ships on the surface, rather than just using torpedoes. The submarines were also equipped with three 18-inch torpedo tubes, which were used to attack enemy ships underwater.
Design and Construction
The M-class submarines were designed by the British Admiralty's director of naval construction, and the first submarine of the class, HMS M1, was laid down in 1916. The submarines were built by several different shipyards, including Armstrong Whitworth, Harland and Wolff, and Vickers.
The M-class submarines were relatively large for their time, displacing around 600 tons of water. They were powered by a diesel-electric propulsion system, which gave them a top speed of around 15 knots on the surface and 8 knots submerged.
Operational History
The M-class submarines saw action during World War I, and were used for a variety of tasks, including reconnaissance, patrol duties, and attacking enemy ships. The most notable action involving an M-class submarine was the sinking of the German submarine UB-30 by HMS M2 in 1918.
Unfortunately, the M-class submarines had a number of accidents and losses during their service. HMS M1 was sunk in a collision with a Swedish ship in 1925, while HMS M2 was sunk in a diving accident in 1932. HMS M3 was scrapped in 1932, and HMS M4 was sold for scrapping in 1935.
Legacy
The M-class submarines played an important role in the development of submarine warfare, and their design influenced the development of later submarine classes. They were also notable for being the first submarines to be armed with a gun, which was a significant innovation at the time.
In conclusion, the M-class submarines were an important part of the British Royal Navy's submarine fleet during World War I, and their design and capabilities were significant for their time. Their legacy can still be seen in the modern submarines used by navies around the world today.
M-Class Submarines Specifications
- Displacement: 600 tons
- Length: 223 feet
- Beam: 20 feet
- Draught: 12 feet
- Propulsion: Diesel-electric
- Speed: 15 knots (surface), 8 knots (submerged)
- Armament: 1 x 12-inch gun, 3 x 18-inch torpedo tubes
- Crew: 40
M-Class Submarines Gallery
M-Class Submarines Image Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main purpose of M-class submarines?
+The main purpose of M-class submarines was to attack enemy ships on the surface using their 12-inch gun, as well as to conduct reconnaissance and patrol duties.
How many M-class submarines were built?
+Four M-class submarines were built: HMS M1, HMS M2, HMS M3, and HMS M4.
What was the fate of the M-class submarines?
+HMS M1 was sunk in a collision with a Swedish ship in 1925, HMS M2 was sunk in a diving accident in 1932, HMS M3 was scrapped in 1932, and HMS M4 was sold for scrapping in 1935.