Description
Submarine of the "Molch" type
German small submarine of the Second World War
"Molkh" was a single-seater ultra-small submarine designed for operations in the coastal zone and belonged to the so-called amphibious assault forces of special purpose. During development, it received the designation "Thomas II", and production of serial models, known as "Molkh", began in July 1944. The mini-submarine was equipped with one electric motor for surface and underwater work, which limited its combat capabilities. ability. The diving depth was up to 60 meters, and the maximum speed in the underwater position was 5 knots. The hull consisted of three sections, with a seat for one crew member in the central part. The Molch was built at the Deschhimag shipyard in Bremen and a total of 393 units were built. As part of the special subversive formation "K", these submarines were used in the Mediterranean and North Seas, making 140 trips to the sea by the end of the Second World War.