The Soviet Echo Class submarines (Project 659) were among the most distinctive nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines of the Cold War. Developed in the late 1950s and entering service in the early 1960s, the Echo Class was designed primarily to carry and launch long-range cruise missiles against carrier groups and land-based targets. These submarines featured a characteristic raised missile deck with paired silos, giving them their unmistakable silhouette. Armed with up to eight missiles and supported by torpedoes, the Echo Class represented a significant leap in Soviet naval strategy, reflecting the shift toward nuclear propulsion and underwater missile platforms as a counterbalance to Western naval superiority. Though eventually superseded by more advanced classes, the Echo Class played an important role in shaping submarine development and nuclear deterrence during the Cold War.
The 1.4 Meter Multi-Piece 3D Printable Echo Class Model
For enthusiasts, modelers, and Cold War historians alike, I’ve created a 1.4-meter-long, highly detailed 3D printable model of the Echo Class submarine(<<<—Click this link to get the model). This model is carefully divided into more than 50 parts, designed to fit on standard 3D printers with a 22 × 22 × 25 cm build volume. The hull is hollow, giving makers the freedom to customize it for RC projects, lighting installations, or static display builds. Functional features include articulated missile hatches, dive planes, rudder, periscopes, and radar domes, all modeled with precision for both visual appeal and interactive play. To ensure strong assembly, the junction points are fitted with screw-together connections, making it possible to achieve both sturdiness and easy handling during the build.
Recommended print settings include 0.2 mm layer height, 20% infill, and PLA or PETG filament for a balance of detail and durability. Larger pieces may benefit from supports depending on printer orientation, but most components are optimized for straightforward printing.
The Desktop Display Model
For those who prefer a quicker and more compact project, there is also a single-piece desktop version of the Echo Class submarine, depicted cruising through moderate waves. This version is designed for easy printing without assembly, making it suitable for desk ornaments, teaching props, or naval collectibles. It is best printed in PLA or PETG with 0.16–0.2 mm layer height and 10–15% infill, and can be finished with paints to enhance its wave details and hull lines.
Free Download – High Poly Desktop Model
As a bonus for visitors, I’m offering a free download of a higher-poly version of the single-piece Echo Class desktop model. This improved mesh captures additional surface details, making it ideal for resin printers or high-resolution FDM printing. It’s a great way to start your Echo Class collection before tackling the larger, articulated version. Below is your free model.
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