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1903 - 1906: B Class

In an attempt to improve on the A Class shortcomings, a larger vessel was designed some 40 feet longer than A1, 10 inches more in beam, and 100 tons more displacement. This was the start of the B Class of which eleven were built between 1903 and 1906. The B Class were the first submarines to be fitted with deck casings. Surface performance was improved over that of the A Class, but underwater performance was substantially the same.

There were still no dividing bulkheads, accommodation space nor ventilation of the living area.

This Class was also the first British submarine to be built with a second pair of hydroplanes in addition to those fitted astern. These were initially fitted on the forward side of the conning tower, but later on were transferred further forward to the bows. This had been experimented with on A7 and would subsequently be fitted in all British submarines.

Still rather limited in endurance and meant for defensive purposes. The two 18 inch torpedo tubes in this class were angled downwards in the belief that torpedoes would be discharged while the submarine rose to the surface.

Two reload torpedoes were carried.This Class were still powered by a 16 cylinder petrol engine.

B6 thru B11 served in the Mediterranean and were sent to Venice to assist the Italians to patrol the main Austrian base at Pola in October 1915. These boats carried out 81 patrols in a period of just over a year.

1902 - 1920: A Class 1903 - 1906: C Class