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.
Chapter 7: Double-Hull Overseas Types - Nautilus, Swordfish (1913), G & J Classes
The Development of HM Submarines from Holland 1 (1901) to Porpoise (1930)
Further Reading |
|
| Harwich Submarines in the Great War |
Mark Harris / Rear Admiral Jonathan Westbrook CBE The authoritative story of the Royal Navy's first submarine campaign, told using new research. The Harwich Submarine Flotilla played a key role establishing British dominance in the North Sea at the beginning of the First World War. Letters, diaries, memoirs and combat reports of the participants are used to give a complete account. |
Robert Aitken was the diver aboard X7 during Operation Source against the German Battleship Tirptiz. This is his story.
The submarine revolutionized naval warfare, progressing from the crude, steam-driven craft of the American Civil War to the silent nuclear machines that can cruise for months underwater without surfacing, only limited by the endurance of their crews, and carry intercontinental missiles mounting multiple nuclear warheads.
Submarines and Deep-Sea Vehicles traces the history of these vessels, starting with the earliest submersible craft, to the stealthy nuclear giants of the modern age. Since the end of programs for the exploration and exploitation of space, man has turned his attention to a frontier much closer to home, the ocean.
This is a highly illustrated examination of the remarkable technology that has been developed to enable man to explore a hidden world tens of thousands of feet deep, in conditions just as extreme as those found in space.
The sea offers man numerous resources and is the medium for a wide range of activities, spawning an equally diverse array of vessels to exploit them. Ranging from the military stealth submarines of the Cold War to biological research vessels, to the latest remotely-operated machines,
Submarines and Deep-Sea Vehicles is a stunning guide to man's exploration and exploitation of the fascinating world under the ocean and still our greatest frontier.
12 pages added or updated in the last Array month
Please help to maintain this site by reporting any Errors, Broken Links, Information or Site Issues on this page using this button
If you find this site useful, please consider supporting my work with a small Donation.
Please Note: Donations made using this option go directly to the site owner and not to the Submariners Association.
Thankyou for your support.
Chapter 7: Double-Hull Overseas Types - Nautilus, Swordfish (1913), G & J Classes
The Development of HM Submarines from Holland 1 (1901) to Porpoise (1930)
Further Reading |
|
| Harwich Submarines in the Great War |
|
Mark Harris / Rear Admiral Jonathan Westbrook CBE The authoritative story of the Royal Navy's first submarine campaign, told using new research. The Harwich Submarine Flotilla played a key role establishing British dominance in the North Sea at the beginning of the First World War. Letters, diaries, memoirs and combat reports of the participants are used to give a complete account. |
Robert Aitken was the diver aboard X7 during Operation Source against the German Battleship Tirptiz. This is his story.
The submarine revolutionized naval warfare, progressing from the crude, steam-driven craft of the American Civil War to the silent nuclear machines that can cruise for months underwater without surfacing, only limited by the endurance of their crews, and carry intercontinental missiles mounting multiple nuclear warheads.
Submarines and Deep-Sea Vehicles traces the history of these vessels, starting with the earliest submersible craft, to the stealthy nuclear giants of the modern age. Since the end of programs for the exploration and exploitation of space, man has turned his attention to a frontier much closer to home, the ocean.
This is a highly illustrated examination of the remarkable technology that has been developed to enable man to explore a hidden world tens of thousands of feet deep, in conditions just as extreme as those found in space.
The sea offers man numerous resources and is the medium for a wide range of activities, spawning an equally diverse array of vessels to exploit them. Ranging from the military stealth submarines of the Cold War to biological research vessels, to the latest remotely-operated machines,
Submarines and Deep-Sea Vehicles is a stunning guide to man's exploration and exploitation of the fascinating world under the ocean and still our greatest frontier.
12 pages added or updated in the last Array month
Please help to maintain this site by reporting any Errors, Broken Links, Information or Site Issues on this page using this button
If you find this site useful, please consider supporting my work with a small Donation.
Please Note: Donations made using this option go directly to the site owner and not to the Submariners Association.
Thankyou for your support.
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