Submarine Classes
Italian Submarine Classes
‘H’ Class (1916-18) [five units]
H.1, H.2, H.4, H.6, H.8.
Displacement: 365/474 tons
Dimensions: 44.6m x 4.7m x 3.9m
Speed: 12.5/8.5 knots (Nelseco 448 HP/Electric Dynamo 620 HP).
Range: 3,300 miles at 7 knots, 130 miles at 2 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 80 metres.
Armament: 4 x 457mm (4 bow, 6 torpedoes), 1 x 76mm.
Crew 27.
These submarines, built by Canadian Vickers of Montreal, were used essentially for training and occasional defensive patrols.
X.2 class (1918) [Bernardis design, two units]
X.2, X.3.
Displacement: 410/468 tons
Dimensions: 47m x 5m x 3.15m
Speed: 10/6.2 knots
Range: 1,200 miles at 8 knots, 70 miles at 3 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 53 metres.
Armament: 2 x 450mm (2 bow, 2 torpedoes), 1 x 76mm, 9 tubes for 18 mines.
Crew: 25
These two submarines were briefly used for training purposes at the beginning of the war before being laid up on 16 September 1940.
BALILLA class (1928-29) [Laurenti design, four units]
Balilla, Domenico Millelire, Antonio Sciesa, Enrico Toti.
Displacement: 1,464/1,927 tons
Dimensions: 86.75m x 7.8m x 4.1m
Speed: 17/8.9 knots (Fiat 4,400 HP/500 HP (electrogen), Savigliano 2,200 HP).
Range: 7,050 miles at 8.5 knots, 110 miles at 3 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 100 metres.
Armament: 6 x 533mm (4 bow, 2 stern, 12 torpedoes, 8 forward, 4 aft), 1 x 120mm/45 cal., 4 x 13.2mm (Sciesa could also carry 4 mines).
Crew: 70
MAMELI class (1929) [Cavallini design, four units]
Pier Capponi, Giovanni da Procida, Goffredo Mameli, Tito Speri.
Displacement: 843/1,010 tons
Dimensions: 64.64m x 6.52m x 4.31m
Speed: 17/7.2 knots (Tosi 3,000 HP, CGE 1,100 HP)
Range: 2,960 miles at 8 knots, 80 miles at 4 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 100 metres.
Armament: 6 x 533mm (4 bow, 2 stern, 10 torpedoes, 6 forward, 4 aft), 1 x 102mm/35 cal., 2 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 49
PISANI class (1929) [Bernardis design, four units]
Giovanni Bausan, Marcantonio Colonna, Des Geneys, Vettor Pisani.
Displacement: 880/1,058 tons
Dimensions: 68.2m x 6.09m x 4.84m
Speed: 15/8.2 knots (Tosi 2700 HP/C.G.E. 1100 HP)
Range: 4,200 miles at 9 knots, 70 miles at 4 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 100 metres.
Armament: 6 x 533mm (4 bow, 2 stern, 10 torpedoes, 6 forward, 4 aft), 1 x 102mm/35 cal., 2 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 49
BANDIERA class (1930) [Bernardis design, four units]
Fratelli Bandiera, Luciano Manara, Ciro Menotti, Santorre Santarosa.
Displacement: 937/1,147 tons
Dimensions: 69.8m x 7.2m x 5.2m
Speed: 15.1/8.2 knots (Fiat 3000 HP/Savigliano 1300 HP)
Range: 4,740 miles at 8.5 knots, 60 miles at 4 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 100 metres.
Armament: 8 x 533mm (4 bow, 4 stern, 12 torpedoes, 6 forward, 6 aft), 1 x 102mm/35 cal., (except Menotti in 1942: 1 x 76/47mm), 2 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 52
FIERAMOSCA class (1930) [Bernardis design, one unit]
Ettore Fieramosca.
Displacement: 1,560/1,964 tons
Dimensions: 82.4m x 8.04m x 5.30m
Speed: 15/8 knots (Tosi 5,000 HP/Beardmore (electrogen) 325 HP, Marelli 2,000 HP)
Range: 5,300 miles at 8 knots, 90 miles at 3 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 100 metres.
Armament: 8 x 533mm tubes (4 bow, 4 stern, 14 torpedoes, 7 forward, 7 aft), 1 x 120mm/45 cal., 4 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 78
SQUALO class (1930-31) [Bernardis design, four units]
Delfino, Narvalo, Squalo, Tricheco.
Displacement: 937/1,146 tons
Dimensions: 69.8m x 7.2m x 4.2m
Speed: 15.1/8 knots (Fiat 3,000 HP/C.R.D.A. 840 HP)
Range: 5,650 miles at 8 knots, 100 miles at 3 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 100 metres.
Armament: 8 x 533mm (4 bow, 4 stern, 12 torpedoes, 6 forward, 6 aft), 1 x 102mm/35 cal., 2 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 52
BRAGADINO class (1931) [Bernardis, two units]
Marcantonio Bragadino, Filippo Corridoni.
Displacement: 981/1,167 tons
Dimensions: 68m x 7.2m x 4.3m
Speed: 11.5/7 knots (Tosi 1,500 HP/Marelli 830 HP)
Range: 4,180 miles at 6.5 knots, 86 miles at 2.2 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 100 metres.
Armament: 4 x 533mm (4 bow, 6 torpedoes), 1 x 100mm/47 cal., 2 x 13.2mm, 2 tubes aft for 16 to 24 mines.
Crew: 55
SETTEMBRINI class (1932) [Cavallini design, two units]
Luigi Settembrini, Ruggiero Settimo.
Displacement: 953/1,153 tons
Dimensions: 67.5 x 6.6m x 4m
Speed: 17.7.5 knots (Tosi 3,000 HP/Ansaldo 1,300 HP).
Range: 5,300 miles at 8 knots, 100 miles at 3 knots (subm.), depth: 100 metres.
Armament: 8 x 533mm (4 bow, 4 stern, 12 torpedoes, 6 forward, 6 aft), 1 x 102mm/35 cal., 2 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 56
ARGONAUTA class (1932-33) [Bernardis design, seven units]
Argonauta, Fisalia, Medusa, Jalea, Jantina, Salpa, Serpente (ex-Nautilus).
Displacement: 667/811 tons
Dimensions: 61.5m x 5.65m x 4.66m
Speed: 14/8 knots (C.R.D.A 1,250 HP, Fiat or Tosi 1,250 HP/Marelli 800 HP)
Range: 3,340 miles at 9 knots, 110 miles at 3 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 80 metres.
Armament: 6 x 533mm (4 bow, 2 stern, 6 torpedoes), 1 x 102mm/35 cal., 2 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 36
SIRENA class (1933-34) [Bernardis, twelve units]
Ametista*, Anfitrite, Diamante, Galatea*, Naiade*, Nereide*, Ondina*, Rubino, Sirena*, Smeraldo, Topazio, Zaffiro.
Displacement: 679/842 tons
Dimensions: 60.2m x 6.45m x 4.7m
Speed: 14/7.7 knots (Fiat* 1,350 HP or Tosi 1,500 HP/C.R.D.A.* or Marelli 800 HP)
Range: 3,750 miles at 8 knots, 75 miles at 4 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 80 metres.
Armament: 6 x 533mm (4 bow, 2 stern, 6 torpedoes), 1 x 100mm/47 cal., 2 to 4 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 45
Ametista was the first submarine used experimentally with human torpedoes or SLC (maiali).
ARCHIMEDE class (1934-35) [Cavallini design, two units]
Luigi Ferraris, Galileo Galilei.
Displacement : 978/1,257 tons
Dimensions : 70.51m x 6.87m x 4.4m
Speed: 17/7.7 knots (Tosi 3,000 HP, Ansaldo 1,400 HP)
Range: 5,900 miles at 8 knots, 80 miles at 4 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 100 metres.
Armament: 8 x 533mm (4 bow, 4 stern, 12 torpedoes, 6 forward, 6 aft), 2 x 100mm/47 cal., 2 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 55
This class included the original Archimede and Torricelli, who were sold to Spain in 1937, where they became General Sanjurjo and General Mola.
GLAUCO class (1935) [Bernardis design, two units]
Glauco, Otaria.
Displacement: 1,059/1,321 tons
Dimensions: 73m x 7.2m x 5.1m
Speed: 17/8 knots (Fiat 3,000 HP/C.R.D.A. 1,120 HP)
Range: 9,670 miles at 8 knots, 110 miles at 3 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 100 metres.
Armament: 8 x 533mm (4 bow, 4 stern, 12 torpedoes, 6 forward, 6 aft), 2 x 100mm/47 cal., 2 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 57
Originally built for Portugal as Delfin and Espadarte, respectively, the order was cancelled, and they were completed for the Regia Marina.
PIETRO MICCA class (1935) [Cavallini design, one unit]
Pietro Micca.
Displacement: 1,567/1,967 tons
Dimensions: 90.3m x 7.7m x 5.3m
Speed: 14.2/7.3 knots (Tosi 3,000 HP/Marelli 1,700 HP).
Range: 5,700 miles at 8 knots, 70 miles at 4 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 100 metres.
Armament: 6 x 533mm (4 bow, 2 stern, 10 torpedoes, 6 forward, 4 aft), 2 x 120mm/45 cal., 4 x 13.2mm, 40 mines.
Crew: 72
CALVI class (1935-1936) [Laurenti design, three units]
Pietro Calvi, Giuseppe Finzi, Enrico Tazzoli.
Displacement: 1,530/2,032 tons
Dimensions: 84.3m x 7.7m x 5.2m
Speed: 16.8/7.4 knots (Fiat 4,400 HP, S. Giorgio 1,800 HP).
Range: 11,400 miles at 8 knots, 120 miles at 3 knots (subm.), max. depth: 100 metres
Armament: 8 x 533mm (4 bow, 4 stern, 16 torpedoes, 8 forward, 8 aft), 2 x 120mm/45 cal., 2 to 4 x 13.2mm. Tazzoli could take 14 mines,
Crew: 67
PERLA class (1936) [Bernardis, ten units]
Ambra, Berillo, Corallo, Diaspro, Gemma, Iride, Malachite, Onice, Perla, Turchese.
Displacement: 696/852 tons
Dimensions: 60.2m x 6.45m x 4.7m
Speed: 14/7.5 knots (Fiat 1,500 HP or C.R.D.A. 1,550 HP/C.R.D.A. 800 HP)
Range: 5,200 miles at 8 knots, 74 miles at 4 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 80 metres.
Armament: 6 x 533mm (4 bow, 2 stern, 6 torpedoes), 1 x 100mm/47 cal., 2 to 4 x 13.2mm.
Crew 36
ADUA class (1936-38) [Bernardis, seventeen units]
Adua, Alagi, Aradam, Ascianghi, Axum, Beilul, Dagabur, Dessié, Durbo, Gondar, Lafolè, Macalle, Neghelli, Scirè, Tembien, Uarsciek, Uebi Scebeli.
Displacement: 705/852 tons
Dimensions: 60.18m x 6.45m x 5.35m
Speed: 14/7 knots (Fiat or Tosi 1,500 HP or C.R.D.A. 1,550 HP/C.R.D.A. or Marelli 800 HP).
Range: 4,800 miles at 8 knots, 76 miles at 4 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 80 metres.
Armament: 6 x 533mm (4 bow, 2 stern, 6 torpedoes), 1 x 100mm/47 cal., 2 to 4 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 46
ARGO class (1937) [Laurenti design, two units]
Argo, Velella.
Displacement: 809/1,018 tons
Dimensions: 63.15m x 6.9m x 4.45m
Speed: 14/8 knots (Fiat 1,500 HP/C.R.D.A. 800 HP).
Range: 10,176 miles at 8.5 knots, 100 miles at 3 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 100 metres.
Armament: 6 x 533mm (4 bow, 2 stern, 8 torpedoes, 6 forward, 2 aft), 1 x 100mm/47 cal., 2 or 4 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 40
FOCA class (1937-39) [Cavallini design, three units]
Atropo, Foca, Zoea.
Displacement: 1,333/1,659 tons
Displacement : 82.9m x 7.2m x 5.3m
Speed: 15.1/7.4 knots (Tosi 2,900 HP or Fiat 2,880 HP/Ansaldo 1,300 HP).
Range: 4,260 miles at 8 knots, 84.5 miles at 4 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 100 metres.
Armament: 6 x 533mm (4 bow, 2 stern, 8 torpedoes, 6 forward, 2 aft), 1 x 100mm/43 cal., 4 x 13.2mm. Fitted as a minelayer: 24 to 36 mines.
Crew: 61
They were mostly used as transport submarines to North Africa.
MARCELLO class (1938) [Bernardis design, nine units]
Barbarigo, Dandolo, Emo, Marcello, Mocenigo, Morosini, Nani, Provana, Veniero.
Displacement: 1,059/1,312 tons
Dimensions: 73m x 7.2m x 5.1 m
Speed: 17/8 knots (C.R.D.A. 3,600 HP/C.R.D.A. 1,120 HP)
Range: 9,760 miles at 8 knots, 110 miles at 3 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 100 metres.
Armament: 8 x 533mm (4 bow, 4 stern, 12 torpedoes, 6 forward, 6 aft), 2 x 100mm/47 cal., 2 or 4 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 58
CAPPELLINI class (1939) [Bernardis design, two units]
Comandante Alfredo Cappellini, Comandante Faà di Bruno.
Displacement: 1,083/1,339 tons
Dimensions: 17/8 knots (Fiat 3,000 HP, C.R.D.A. 1,120 HP)
Speed: 72.1m x 7.2m x 5.1m
Range: 9,960 miles at 8 knots, 110 miles at 3 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 100 metres.
Armament: 8 x 533mm (4 bow, 4 stern, 12 torpedoes), 2 x 100mm/47 cal., 4 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 57
BRIN class series I (1938-39) [Cavallini design, three units]
Benedetto Brin*, Luigi Galvani, Guglielmotti*.
Displacement: 1,016/1,265 tons
Dimensions: 72.5m x 6.8m x 4.2m
Speed: 17.3/8 knots (Tosi 3,400 HP/Ansaldo 1,300 HP)
Range: 5,662 miles at 8 knots (surfaced), 90 miles at 4 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 100 metres.
Armament: 8 x 533mm (4 bow, 4 stern, 12 torpedoes, 6 forward, 6 aft), 1 x 120mm/45 cal. or 1 x 100mm/43 cal. (* from 1942 1 x 100mm/47 cal.), 2 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 54
BRIN class series II (1938-39) [Cavallini design, two units]
Archimede*, Evangelista Torricelli.
Displacement: 1,110/1,402 tons,
Dimensions: 76.2m x 6.7m x 4.3m.
Speed: 17.3/8 knots,
Range: 6,109 miles at 8 knots, 120 miles at 4 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 100 metres.
Armament: 8 x 533mm (4 bow, 4 stern, 12 torpedoes, 6 forward, 6 aft), 1 x 100mm/43 cal. (* from 1942 1 x 100/47mm), 4 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 54
LIUZZI class (1939-40) [Cavallini design, four units]
Alpino Attilio Bagnolini, Reginaldo Giuliani, Console Generale Liuzzi, Capitano Raffaele Tarantini.
Displacement: 1,166/1,484 tons
Dimensions: 77.05m x 6.98m x 4.56m
Speed: 17.5/8.4 knots (Tosi 3,420 HP/Ansaldo 1,250 HP).
Range: 6,409 miles at 8 knots, 111 miles at 4 knots (subm.), maximum depth 100 metres.
Armament: 8 x 533mm (4 bow, 4 stern, 12 torpedoes, 6 forward, 6 aft), 1 x 100mm/47 cal., 2 or 4 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 57
MARCONI class (1940) [Bernardis design, six units]
Maggiore Baracca, Michele Bianchi, Leonardo Da Vinci, Alessandro Malaspina, Guglielmo Marconi, Luigi Torelli.
Displacement: 1,171/1,466 tons
Dimensions: 76.04m x 6.8m x 5.2m
Speed: 17.8/8.2 knots (C.R.D.A. 3,520 HP, Marelli 1,500 HP)
Range: 10,500 miles at 8 knots, 110 miles at 3 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 100 metres.
Armament: 8 x 533mm (4 bow, 4 stern, 16 torpedoes, 8 forward, 8 aft), 1 x 100mm/47 cal. (Baracca had 1 x 102mm/35 cal. replaced by 1 x 100mm/47 cal. before her last patrol), 4 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 56
CAGNI class (1941) [Bernardis design, four units]
Ammiraglio Cagni, Ammiraglio Caracciolo, Ammiraglio Millo, Ammiraglio Saint Bon.
Displacement: 1,702/2,184 tons
Dimensions: 87.9m x 7.8m x 5.9m
Speed: 16.5/8.5 knots (Fiat 4,370 HP, Fiat (electrogen) 600 HP, C.R.D.A. 1,280 HP)
Range: 19,500 miles at 7.5 kts, 10,700 miles at 12 kts, 107 miles at 3 kts (subm.), max. depth: 100 m.
Armament: 14 x 450mm (8 bow, 6 stern, up to 38 torpedoes, 22 forward and 16 aft), 2 x 100mm/47 cal., 2 to 4 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 78-85
Designed for long-range raiding but were to be used for transport.
ACCIAIO class (1941-42) [Bernardis, thirteen units]
Acciaio, Alabastro, Argento*, Asteria, Avorio, Bronzo*, Cobalto, Giada, Granito, Nichelio, Platino, Porfido, Wolframio*.
Displacement: 712/865 tons
Dimensions: 60.18m x 6.45m x 4.75m
Speed: 14/7.5 knots (Fiat 1,400 or Tosi * 1500 HP/C.R.D.A. 800 HP)
Range: 5,000 miles at 8.5 knots, 80 miles at 3 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 80 metres.
Armament: 6 x 533mm except* 8 x 533mm (4 bow, 4* or 2 stern, 8 torpedoes, 4 forward, 4 aft), 1 x 100mm/47 cal., 2 to 4 x 13.2mm (1 to 2 x 20mm may have been added on some units).
Crew: 50
TRITONE class, series 1 (1943) [Laurenti design, twelve units but only eight completed]
Flutto, Gorgo, Marea, Murena, Nautilo, Sparide, Tritone, Vortice.
Incomplete: Cernia, Dentice, Grongo, Spigola.
Displacement: 866/1,068 tons
Dimensions: 63.15m x 6.98m x 4.87m
Speed: 16.6/6.92 knots (Fiat 2,400 HP/C.R.D.A. 800 HP).
Range: 11,877 miles at 8.5 knots, 74.5 miles at 4 knots (subm.) maximum depth: 130 metres.
Armament: 6 x 533mm (4 bow, 2 stern, 12 torpedoes, 8 forward, 4 aft), 1 x 100mm/47 cal., 1 or 2 x 20mm 4 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 49
TRITONE class, series 2 (1943) [Laurenti design, twenty-four units, none completed]
Incomplete: Allumnio, Antimonio, Bario, Cromo, Ferro, Fosforo, Litio, Manganese, Piombo, Potassio, Rame, Silicio, Sodio, Zinco, Zolfo.
Projected only: Amianto, Cadmio, Iridio, Magnesio, Mercurio, Oro, Ottone, Rutenio,Vanadio.
Note: It was also proposed that five of these be renamed with names of Submarine Commanding Officers:
C.C. Ugo Botti (Medaglia d’Oro) [lost with Provana],
C.C. Alfredo Iaschi (Medaglia d’Argento and Medaglia di Bronzo) [lost with Tarantini]
C.C. Vincenzo Politi (Medaglia d’Argento) [lost with Jantina]
T.V. Giovanni Celeste (Medaglia di Bronzo) [lost with FR.111]
C.C. Guido Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo (Croce di Guerra) [lost with Gemma].
Displacement: 928/1131 tons
Dimensions: 64.2m x 7m x 4.9m
Speed: 16/8 knots (Fiat 2,400 HP/C.R.D.A. 800 HP),
Range: 5,400 miles at 8 knots, 80 miles at 4 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 130 metres.
Armament: 6 x 533mm (4 bow, 2 stern, 12 torpedoes, 8 forward, 4 aft), 1 x 100mm/47 cal., 2 x 20/65 or 20/70mm.
Crew: 49
In addition, three medium-sized submarines were built for the Brazilian Navy (Tupi-class) and three ocean-going submarines were built for Argentina (Santa Fé-class).
‘S’ class (German Type VIIC and VIIC/41-42) (1943) [nine units]
S.1, S.2, S.3, S.4, S.5, S.6, S.7, S.8 and S.9.
Displacement: 769/871 tons
Dimensions: 67.1m x 6.2m x 4.7m
Speed: 17.7/7.6 knots (3,200 HP/750 HP).
Range: 9,400 miles at 10 knots (surf.), 80 miles at 4 knots (subm.).
Armament: 5 x 533mm (4 bow, 1 stern, 13 torpedoes, 10 forward, 3 aft), 1 x 88mm, 1 x 37mm, 2 to 8 x 20mm.
Crew: 44
By 1943, the large size of Italian submarines proved unsuitable for Atlantic warfare. It was proposed that they would, instead, be used as transport vessels to bring goods from the Far East. Rubber was a commodity which was particularly sought. In return, Germany would provide nine brand new U-boats of the reliable type VIIC. Although these were completed by the time the Armistice was signed, they were still working up by their Italian crew in Danzig and were seized by the Germans.
‘R’ class (1943) [Cavallini design, twelve units but only two completed]
Remo, Romolo.
Incomplete: R.3, R.4, R.5, R.6, R.7, R.8, R.9, R.10, R.11 and R.12.
Displacement: 2,190/2,606 tons
Dimensions: 86.5m x 7.8m x 5.32 m
Speed: 14/6.5 knots (Tosi 2,600 HP/Marelli 900 HP).
Range: 12,000 miles at 9 knots, 110 miles at 3.5 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 100 metres.
Armament: 3 x 20mm [2 x 450mm on some].
Crew: 63.
Built as transport submarines to carry up to 600 tons of stores and to be used to supply North Africa.
Midget submarines
‘CM’ class (1943) [two units, only one completed]
C.M.1
Incomplete: C.M.2.
Displacement: 92/114 tons
Dimensions: 33m x 2.9m x 2.8m
Speed: 14/6 knots (FIAT 600 HP/C.R.D.A. 120 HP).
Range: 2,000 miles at 9 knots, 70 miles at 4 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 80 metres.
Armament: 2 x 450mm (2 bow, 2 torpedoes), [2 x 13.2mm projected only].
Crew: 8
‘CC’ class (1943) [three never completed]
Incomplete: C.C.1, C.C.2 and C.C.3.
Displacement: 100/117 tons
Dimensions: 33m x 2.7m x 2.2m
Speed: 14/9 knots (FIAT 700 HP/C.R.D.A. 120 HP).
Range: 1,200 miles at 10 knots, 70 miles at 4 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 80 metres.
Armament: 3 x 450mm (3 bow, 3 torpedoes), 2 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 8
‘CA’ class series I (1943) [two units]
C.A.1, C.A.2.
Displacement: 12/14 tons
Dimensions: 10m x 2m x 1.6m
Speed: 7/6 knots (MAN 60 HP/Marelli 25 HP).
Range: 700 miles at 4 knots, 70 miles at 2 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 55 metres.
Armament: 2 x 450mm or 8 demolition charges of 100 kg.
Crew: 2 (when equipped with torpedoes) or 3 (with demolition charges).
‘CA’ class series II (1943) [two units]
C.A.3, C.A.4.
Displacement: 13/14 tons
Dimensions: 10.5m x 2m x 1.6m
Speed: 7/6 knots (Marelli 21 Kw).
Range: 700 miles at 4 knots, 70 miles at 2 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 70 metres.
Armament: 8 demolition charges of 100 kg, 20 of 2 kg.
Crew: 3
‘CB’ class (1941-43) [twenty-six units, twelve were completed before armistice, eleven were completed after and three were incomplete]
Before Armistice: C.B.1, C.B.2, C.B.3, C.B.4, C.B.5, C.B.6, C.B.7, C.B.8, C.B.9, C.B.10, C.B.11 and C.B.12.
After Armistice: C.B.13, C.B.14, C.B.15, C.B.16, C.B.17, C.B.18, C.B.19, C.B.20, C.B.21, C.B.22 and C.B.23.
Incomplete: C.B.24, C.B.25 and C.B.26.
Ordered but not laid down: C.B.27 to .C.B.56.
Displacement: 36/45 tonsDimensions : 15m x 3m x 2.1m
Speed: 7.5/7 knots (Fraschini 90 HP/Brown Boveri 100 HP)
Range: 1,400 miles at 5 knots, 50 miles at 3 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 55 metres.
Armament: 2 x 450mm (2 bow) or 2 mines, one light machine gun (8mm).
Crew: 4
Captured submarines
Ex-Yugoslav
Smelli-class (1929) [two units]
Antonio Bajamonti (ex-N-2, ex-Smeli), Francesco Rismondo (ex-N-1, ex-Ostvenik).
Displacement: 665/822 tons
Dimensions: 66.5m x 5.4m x 3.9m
Speed: 14.5/9.2 knots (MAN 1480 HP/CGE 1,100 HP).
Range: 5,000 miles at 9 knots, 120 miles at 1.3 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 80 metres.
Armament: 6 x 550mm (4 bow, 2 stern, 8 torpedoes), 1 x 100mm/35 cal., 2 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 42
These submarines were French-built.
Hrabri-class (1928) [one unit]
N-3 (ex-Hrabri).
Displacement: 975/1,164 tons
Dimensions: 72.1m x 7.3m x 4m
Speed: 15.7/10 knots (2,400 HP/1,600 HP).
Range: 5,000 miles at 9 knots.
Armament: 6 x 533mm (6 bow, 12 torpedoes), 2 x 40mm
Crew: 46
This submarine was British-built. Was never operational after her capture. Her sister ship, Nebojsa, escaped to Alexandria.
Ex-French
Requin-class (1926-27) [four units]
FR.111 (ex-Phoque), FR.113 (ex-Requin), FR.114 (ex-Espadon), FR.115 (ex-Dauphin),
Displacement: 974/1,441 tons
Dimensions: 78.5m x 7.0m x 5.4m
Speed: 15.5/9 knots (Sulzer 2,900 HP/CGE 1,800 HP).
Range: 7,000 miles at 9 knots, 105 miles at 5 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 100 metres.
Armament: 10 x 533mm (4 bow, 2 stern, 4 external, 10 torpedoes), 1 x 100mm/40 cal., 2 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 54
Only FR.111 was operational. The other three were being converted to transport submarines when they were seized by the Germans.
Saphir-class (1930) [two units]
FR.112 (ex-Saphir), FR.116 (ex-Turquoise)
Displacement: 669/925 tons
Dimensions: 66m x 7.2m x 4.3m.
Speed: 12/9 knots (1,300 HP/1,100 HP).
Range: 2,500 miles at 8 knots.
Armament: 3 x 550mm, 2 x 450mm (6 torpedoes), 1 x 75mm/35 cal., 32 mines.
Crew: 40
It was a very successful design, as sister-ship Rubis was one of the most successful mine-laying submarines of the war. However, they lacked spare parts when captured and were never operational.
Sirène-class (1929) [one unit]
FR.117 (ex-Circé).
Displacement: 615/776 tons
Dimensions: 64m x 5.4m x 3.9m
Speed: 14/7.5 knots (Schneider 1,250 HP/CGE 1,000 HP).
Range: 2,000 miles at 10 knots, 75 miles at 5 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 80 metres.
Armament: 7 x 550mm (3 bow, 2 stern, 2 external,13 torpedoes), 1 x 75mm/35 cal., 2 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 40
She was sunk in Bizerte before becoming operational.
Archimède-class (1931) [one unit]
FR.118 or 119? (ex-Henri-Poincaré). In addition, Achéron, Espoir, Vengeur, Fresnel, Redoutable, and Pascal were considered for repairs.
Displacement: 1,570/2,084 tons,
Dimensions: 92.3m x 8.2m x 4.9m.
Speed: 17/10 knots (Schneider 6,000 HP/CGE 2,000 HP).
Range: 10,000 miles at 10 knots, 100 miles at 5 knots (subm.), maximum depth: 80 metres.
Armament: 9 x 550mm (4 forward, 5 external), 2 x 400mm (external) (11 torpedoes of 550mm and 2 of 400 mm), 1 x 100mm/40 cal., 2 x 13.2mm.
Crew: 61
Aurore-class (1940)
Aurore was considered for repairs, but these were never completed.
Displacement: 805/1,150 tons
Dimensions: 72.6m x 6.5m x 3.7m
Speed: 15/9 knots (3,000 HP/1,400 HP).
Armament: 9 x 550mm, 1 x 100mm/40 cal., 2 x 13.2mm.