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fighting ships of the world

AUSTRALIAN NAVY - AUSTRALIA

SUBMARINES

OXLEY submarines (1927)

nearly sister-ship Odin 1940

 

Displacement standard, t	1354
Displacement normal, t	1636 / 1872
Length, m	83.8
Breadth, m	8.42
Draught, m	4.79
No of shafts	2
Machinery	2 Vickers diesels / 2 electric motors
Power, h. p.	3100 / 1350
Max speed, kts	15 / 8.5
Fuel, t	diesel oil 166
Endurance, nm(kts)	4560(10.3) / 60(4)
Armament	8 - 533 TT (6 bow, 2 stern, 16), 1 x 1 - 102/40 QF Mk IV
Electronic equipment	type 116 sonar
Complement	55
Diving depth operational, m	60

Project history: Design of "O" class submarines was developed on the basis of "L" class. New ships intended for service in the Far East and so they required increased endurance and improved seaworthiness in comparison with prototype. Lead Oberon had saddle-tank construction and was built under the 1923 Programme, operational diving depth was 60 m, maximal was 155 m. Oil fuel tanks were out of a pressure hull and were leaked at big depth. It was possible to be saved of this lack during repair, when riveted tanks were been replaced by welded (also fuel stowage has increased to 186t). Designed speed was 15/9kts, but it has not been even reached. Oberon became the first British submarine with sonar provided even at designing. Almost simultaneously with Oberon the order for two submarines was given out by the Australian government. Design of these boats was developed by firm Vickers-Armstrong, and they favourably differed from Admiralty designed Oberon. At the expense of minor alteration of hull lines and form of fore end Australian submarines have reached designed speed.

Modernizations: None.

Naval service: No significant events.

Oxley 1927