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by Przemyslaw Budzbon.
Softcover (7.25×9.75 inches). 48 pages. 2025.
The nuts and bolts of Soviet Motor Torpedo Boat (MTB) design, development, construction, and capabilities of the various models receives a detailed look.
When Germany invaded on June 22, 1941, the Soviet Union fielded 290 MTBs (p38), of which 147 were sunk by the end of the war (p44). Although intended for swift attacks on naval ships, 1941 efforts yielded only one abandoned minesweeper sunk (p41). By 1942, they were used as personnel landing craft and minelayers (p41).
Interesting tidbit: In the 1930s, two divisions of MTBs, one in Black Sea and one in Baltic Sea, were outfitted with remote control devices. The operator would be in an airplane (p24). Apparently, there were a lot more remote-controlled devices in WWII than I originally thought.
The booklet contains 38 black and white photos, two color photos, one black and white illustration, one color illustration, two color one-page action illustrations, one color two-page cutaway illustration of G-5 series MTB, and 15 color camouflage illustrations. Lots of spec boxes are throughout the booklet.
While not the success envisioned, the Soviet MTBs contributed to ultimate victory in WWII.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
