Jymy-class motor torpedo boat explained

The Jymy-class motor torpedo boats (English: "Rumble") or J class was an Italian-designed and built class of motor torpedo boats, seeing service during World War II with the Royal Italian Navy and later with the Finnish Navy. The four boats of the J class were built by Cantieri Baglietto in Genoa, Italy and purchased by the Finns on 5 June 1943. Following World War II, the vessels were rearmed according to the Paris Peace Treaty of 1947, losing their torpedo capabilities and given more guns. They were removed from service in 1961.

Design and description

The J class were initially four motor torpedo boats of the Italian . The MAS 526 class were a lengthened version of the preceding with a displacement of 25t, measuring 18.7m (61.4feet) long with a beam of and a draught of . The motor torpedo boats were propelled by two propellers powered by two Isotta-Fraschini petrol engines creating 2000bhp. They had a maximum speed of 42kn. The vessels carried of fuel giving them a range of 1100nmi at or at 42 knots. The J class were armed with two 450mm torpedo tubes, one Breda gun and one machine gun.

Vessels of the class

Jymy class construction data
NumberShipBuilderLaunchedCommissionedFate
J 1Jylhä (ex-MAS 526)Baglietto, Varazze22 August 19382 March 1939Acquired by Finland in 1943, stricken 1961.
J 2Jyry (ex-MAS 527)30 January 193930 March 1939Acquired by Finland in 1943, stricken 1961.
J 3Jyske (ex-MAS 528)28 February 193929 August 1939Acquired by Finland in 1943, stricken 1961.
J 4Jymy (ex-MAS 529)3 April 193930 June 1939Acquired by Finland in 1943, stricken 1961.

Construction and career

All four vessels were constructed in Italy and served with the Royal Italian Navy during World War II. Finland acquired the four motor torpedo boats on 5 June 1943. The Paris Peace Treaty of 1947 was signed following the end of World War II, and Finland was prohibited by the treaty from having torpedo-carrying vessels. The ships were converted into motor gunboats in 1949, in accordance with the treaty. The vessels were rearmed with a gun in addition to the 20 mm gun. Their maximum speed was reduced to and their displacement decreased to 22t. The J-class vessels were stricken from the naval vessel register in 1961.

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