Universal boats of the KFK (Kriegsfischkutter) type were developed in late 1941 on the basis of a fishing seiner. They were built by various companies in Germany and other countries (including neutral Sweden). After a small reequipping, they could be used as trawlers (they could carry contact, magnetic, and acoustic trawls), submarine hunters (a hydroacoustic station was installed on the boats), or patrol boats. The boats’ hulls were made of wood, but some shipyards made them of metal or composite according to their technological requirements.
The basic armament included 20-mm or 37-mm guns, mounted on a platform in the bow and on top of the wheelhouse. Over time, armament options changed and could include one 37-mm and up to six 20-mm automatic guns
The Kriegsfischkutter (KFK for short) were German ships of the Second World War. These units were built in over 40 German shipyards, incl. in: Hamburg or Świnoujście. The first unit of this type was launched in 1942. In total, 612 units of this type were created in the course of production! The total length of units of this type was 24 m and a width of 6.4 meters. The maximum speed was 9-10 knots. The on-board armament consisted of a single 37 mm AA cannon, two AA cannons. caliber 20 mm and depth charges.
The genesis of the Kriegsfischkutter dates back to 1941, when it was decided to create a fishing boat that could also meet the requirements of the Kriegsmarine for a light multipurpose vessel. The aim was also to ensure maximum standardization of production and the lowest possible costs. In total, several types of Kriegsfischkutter were created: light escort and anti-submarine units (designation: UJ), trawl units (M), patrol and surveillance units (V) and non-specialized general-purpose units (designation: KFK). Kriegsfischkutter units were used in all waters, but mainly in the Baltic and North Seas. After 1945, the units were used to clear sea routes, and later they were distributed between the USSR, the USA and Great Britain.
