RADZIECKIE KUTRY RZECZNE JAROSŁAWIEC JA-5 I JA-6

The Jarosławiec type cutters, of which the Ja-5 and Ja-6 units belonged, are the type of Soviet river cutters from the interwar period and World War II. The length of the hull of these units was about 20 m, and their displacement did not exceed 23 tons. Cutters of this type were powered by a diesel engine, which allowed them to reach speeds of up to 10 knots. Jarosławiec cutters were developed according to project by Eng. LG Piskunowa at Factory no. 345 (de facto shipyard) in Jarosławsk. Finally, cutters were created with a relatively simple, but reliable structure, with low production and operating costs. Two variants of these cutters were developed, which differed in that their hull was made of either wood or steel. Until the outbreak of World War II, boats of this type performed civilian tasks, serving, among others, on the Volga and Kama. However, after the outbreak of World War II, these units began to be incorporated into the Soviet armed services and to produce (from 1942) variants armed primarily with anti-aircraft weapons. They were used for the first time in combat on a larger scale during the Battle of Stalingrad (1942-1943). After 1943, Jarosławiec-type cutters were used as part of the Baltic Fleet, but also on the Danube and Dnieper rivers. Some of these units served until 1960!