N700121 RN R CLASS SUBMARINES

The R-class units were British classic diesel-electric submarines that were built and launched between 1917 and 1918. A total of 10 ships of this class were built, out of 12 planned. A single unit of this type was 50 m long and 4.9 m wide, with an underwater displacement of about 500 tons. The maximum underwater speed was as high as 14 knots, which at that time was a very good result! The armament consisted of 6 bow 457 mm torpedo tubes with a torpedo reserve of 12. The R-type units were built for the Royal Navy and it is assumed that they were the first submarines in history designed to search for and combat other submarines. Units of this type were distinguished by very streamlined hulls, for those times - great underwater speed, up to 14 knots, and were able to fire a very powerful torpedo salvo. Despite their advantages, they also had significant disadvantages - above all, they were very difficult to control when sailing under water, after surfacing, they had a low maximum surface and cruise speed and, at most, average seaworthiness. R-ships took a very limited part in the Great War of 1914-1918, and by 1923, eight of the ten ships built were sold for scrap. The other two shared the same fate in 1929 and 1934.