T58-class minesweeper

The T58 class were a group of minesweepers built for the Soviet Navy in the 1950s The Soviet Designation was Project 264

Design
The specification for these ships was issued in 1949 and the lead ship was completed in 1957. These ships were larger than the previous T43 class and had increased sweep capacity and were fitted with more advanced mechanical, acoustic and magnetic sweeps. Heavier self-defence weapons were also fitted. The ships had steel hulls and were powered by 3 diesel engines (which were located on two levels to minimise length). No special provision was made to minimise acoustic or pressure signature. The ships were also fitted to operate in an NBC environment.

Variants

 * Project 254 A built from 1958 - Improved silening and degaussing gear, new sonar and radar, 30mm guns instead of 25mm and RBU-2500 anti submarine mortars


 * Radar Picket version - 3 units converted early 1970s. Fitted with large radar installation aft replacing one twin 57mm gun turret


 * Patrol ship - 19 units transferred to the Border Guard served until early 1990s


 * Valdai class submarine rescue ship - 7 units fitted with diving support equipment

Ships
45 Ships were built between 1957 and 1962. All were scrapped by the early 1990s.