S-class submarine

British S-class submarines were commissioned by the Royal Navy in 1914 just before World War One, and created based on the design of the Italian Laurenti boats, which featured ten bulkheads.

The S-class submarines were among the less well known of those introduced to the Royal Navy during this time, and were the result of a visit by the Admiralty to FIAT-San Giorgio Le Spezia yard in Italy in 1911.

Scott shipyard, owned of FIAT’s Laurenti double hull licence since 1909, offered to build this type of submarine in 1911 and had their offer accepted by the Admiralty. The S1 was launched in February of 1914, featuring a double-hull and impressive buoyancy, as well as the notable ten bulkheads.

Unfortunately, the long diving time and top speed of the submarines meant they were ultimately labelled unfit for the North Sea and its difficult conditions. Eventually, all three of the vessels constructed were transferred to the Italian Navy in October 1915, who where more familiar with the war the submarines’ technology worked.

See the table below for more information on the characteristics of the S-class submarine: