Destroyers - USSR: books - history, types and deployment

Soviet Destroyers of World War II (Osprey)

The Soviet Navy that faced the German onslaught in 1941 boasted a mixture of modern warships, often built with foreign technical assistance, and antiquated warships from the Tsarist era that were modernised for the conflict.

Some Soviet naval vessels saw limited involvement in the war against Finland in 1939-1940, but the main action occurred after the German invasion, when these destroyers escorted convoys, fought battles against other destroyers and the deadly threat posed by attacking aircraft, and provided fire support for Soviet troops.

From the Gnevny class of the pre-war period to the specialist destroyer leaders of the Leningrad class and the unique Tashkent, "Soviet Destroyers of World War II" is a detailed guide to the often forgotten destroyers of the Soviet Navy.

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Soviet Motor Torpedo Boats of World War II (Osprey)

NEW

In the 1920s and 1930s, aircraft designer Andrey Tupolev created a series of advanced torpedo boats for the Soviet Navy. This superbly illustrated book presents their first complete history in English.

Inspired by the 1919 British Kronstadt raid, when Coastal Motor Boats launched a daring torpedo attack, the Soviets sought to build similar fast craft. Lacking suitable shipbuilding facilities, the project was transferred to Tupolev's Aerodynamic Institute, where aircraft engines and techniques were adapted for naval use. His boats reached speeds of 50 knots, were visually striking, and became famous through propaganda films. Some were even fitted with remote-control systems, an early form of naval drone.

Written by a former Soviet naval architect, the book explains how Tupolev's designs - notably the Sh-4 and G-5 - were technically innovative yet flawed, and seldom used in their intended role during World War II. Instead, they were converted into landing craft, minelayers, subchasers, or rocket-firing support boats.

Richly illustrated with new artwork and rare photographs, this volume offers a detailed study of Tupolev's torpedo boats and the few other Soviet MTBs of the era - a remarkable example of Soviet naval innovation before the war.

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