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1915 - 1929: J Class

Designed as a counter to a perceived (but incorrect) threat from high speed German U-boats.

Reports that the Germans had submarines capable of speeds equal to that of surface vessels led to consideration of high-speed submarines by the Admiralty. The idea that submarines could keep up with and work alongside the surface fleet had already been attempted with the troublesome steam-powered K Class but the idea was taken further even though the reported German boats were proved to be non-existent.

This resulted in a diesel-electric design that was unique having three screws, which allowed them to reach a speed of 19.5 knots on the surface, slightly less than the top speed of current battleships.

Eight boats were originally planned, this dropped to six before settling at seven.

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1914 - 1916: W Class 1915 - 1926: K Class