20 KVD 25
Translated by Google Translate from German.
Original document here
The high-performance diesel engine 20 KVD 25
A contribution to the history of diesel engine construction and the navy of the GDR.
By Günter Stavorinus and Werner Neundorf.
Prefaces
Foreword by Dipl.-Ing. Norbert Krümmling, division manager at WTZ Rosslau
There is now a very extensive literature on the history of technical developments in the former GDR, and the question arises as to what contribution this report can make to it. As the distance to the existence of two German states increases, it is possible to obtain information from formerly secret archives - both from industry and from the armed forces - which shows that technical developments were already being carried out at a very high level in the early 1950s. Of course, this article, with its detailed research into the history of a high-performance diesel engine for propelling fast naval boats, is a treat for enthusiasts in this field.
But he also truthfully reflects the problems of building a post-war economy with all its facets and decisions that are difficult to understand today. All of this was only possible because both authors joined forces at the right time.
This meant that there was a chance to speak to contemporary witnesses of this very secret but still eventful time and thus to find out things that are neither noted in reports nor in any reports. Gratefully, many people who had a large part, directly or indirectly, in the development of this engine were also mentioned, which represents a certain respect for their achievements. May this report be a valuable addition for friends of special diesel engine construction and for those interested in the technical history of their home country.
Instead of a foreword, comments from a contemporary witness.
From Captain z. See a.D. Dipl.-Ing. Gerhard Vandreier, Head of the Naval Technical Service until 1989 and Deputy Chief of Technology and Weapons in the People's Navy Command until September 1990.
The history of technology always reflects social history. In this study, the authors succeeded in excavating, analyzing and preserving a piece of the GDR's technological history.
It is pleasant to read that the experimental replica of the Daimler-Benz MB 511 marine diesel engine, which was fraught with many problems, was presented without pointing fingers.
The replica of this high-performance engine under the GDR designation 20 KVD 25 was of strategic importance in the 1950s for building the most efficient industry possible. The immediate goal was to cover the need for propulsion engines for fast naval vehicles.
Even from today's perspective, the enthusiasm with which those involved went about solving this complicated task is impressive. There were neither construction documents nor the necessary number of skilled workers. There was also a lack of qualified suppliers.
The test runs that began after assembly revealed a huge number of technical problems, both with the rebuilt machine elements, as well as with other engine parts and even the lubricating oil.
Continuity in development and testing was made additionally difficult by the frequent changes in management bodies or their structural changes. The events of June 17, 1953 had a significant impact. The authors succeeded in making the complicated structures of the GDR economy transparent in this area. They also point out the various difficulties that the development group had to overcome during the reconstruction of the individual parts and the production of the engine.
Thorough research allows us to conclude that at the time the order was canceled, the essential technical problems had been solved on both the engines and the “Forelle 0” boat hull intended for testing.
Towards the end of 1951, a replica of the 2500 hp Daimler-Benz high-performance diesel engine MB 511 was prepared in the GDR under the type designation 20 KVD 25.
The engine was intended to power fast ships and boats for the newly established naval forces. Their mission was to defend the coast of the GDR and its outskirts. Involved in military planning and as allies of the Soviet Union, they were also tasked with providing a limited offensive potential in the western Baltic Sea. Despite all the changes brought about by advances in military technology, little changed in this concept until the dissolution of the People's Navy in 1990. The formation, disguised as a police formation, was suggested by the occupying power, represented by the naval department of the Soviet Military Administration in Germany (SMAD), and implemented from 1949 onwards.
A development team began working in Berlin-Wilhelmsruh at the end of 1949. The new navy was presented to the public in June 1950 with the establishment of the Maritime Police Headquarters (HVS) in the Ministry of the Interior (Mdl). It received its military status as a People's Police Lake in 1952 before being taken over as a branch of the National People's Army (NVA) in 1956.