The ''Odin''-class submarine (or "O class") was a
class
Class or The Class may refer to:
Common uses not otherwise categorized
* Class (biology), a taxonomic rank
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of nine
submarine
A submarine (or sub) is a watercraft capable of independent operation underwater. It differs from a submersible, which has more limited underwater capability. The term is also sometimes used historically or colloquially to refer to remotely op ...
s developed and built for the
Royal Navy (RN) in the 1920s. The prototype, , was followed by two boats originally ordered for the
Royal Australian Navy, but transferred to the RN in 1931 because of the poor economic situation in Australia, and six modified boats ordered for the RN. Three modified boats were built for the
Chilean Navy as the s in 1929.
Design
The class was built to replace the ageing
L-class submarines which did not have adequate endurance for use in the
Pacific Ocean. These boats were theoretically able to dive to , though none were formally tested beyond . Armament consisted of eight
torpedo tubes (6 bow, 2 stern) and one gun. The boats were of a
saddle tank type with fuel carried in riveted external tanks. These external tanks proved vulnerable to leaking after
depth charge
A depth charge is an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) weapon. It is intended to destroy a submarine by being dropped into the water nearby and detonating, subjecting the target to a powerful and destructive Shock factor, hydraulic shock. Most depth ...
damage, thus betraying the position of the submarine. These boats were the first British submarines fitted with
Asdic and VLF radio which could be used at
periscope depth.
Boats
References
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External links
RN Subs 1925 - 1946: Odin Class
{{WWII British ships
Submarine classes