Rainbow 1932
| Name | No | Yard No | Builder | Laid down | Launched | Comp | Fate |
| Rainbow | R16 - N16 | Chatham DYd | 7/1929 | 14.5.1930 | 1.1932 | sunk 15.10.1940 | |
| Regent | R41 - N41 | Vickers-Armstrong, Barrow | 6/1929 | 11.6.1930 | 11.1930 | sunk 18.4.1943 | |
| Regulus | R88 - N88 | Vickers-Armstrong, Barrow | 7/1929 | 11.6.1930 | 12.1930 | sunk 6.12.1940 | |
| Rover | R62 - N62 | Vickers-Armstrong, Barrow | 7/1929 | 11.6.1930 | 1.1931 | BU 7.1946 | |
| Royalist | Beardmore, Dalmuir | 1929 | --- | --- | cancelled | ||
| Rupert | Cammell Laird, Birkenhead | 1929 | --- | --- | cancelled |
|
Displacement standard, t |
1475 |
|
Displacement normal, t |
1763 / 2030 |
|
Length, m |
87.5 |
|
Breadth, m |
9.12 |
|
Draught, m |
4.90 |
|
No of shafts |
2 |
|
Machinery |
2 Admiralty diesels / 2 electric motors |
|
Power, h. p. |
4640 / 1670 |
|
Max speed, kn |
17.5 / 8.8 |
|
Fuel, t |
diesel oil 158 |
|
Endurance, nm(kts) |
7050(9.2) / 62(4) |
|
Armament |
1 x 1 - 120/45 QF Mk IX, 8 - 533 TT (6 bow, 2 stern, 14) Rainbow: 1 x 1 - 102/40 QF Mk XII, 8 - 533 TT (6 bow, 2 stern, 14) |
| Sensors | type 118A sonar |
|
Complement |
53 |
| Diving depth operational, m | 95 |
Project history: The further development of "O" class. The new form of a fore end called to improve seaworthiness became appreciable difference from predecessors. Also machinery power raised to 4640hp, however soon diesels were throttled down to 4100hp ("R" class) and 4340hp ("Ð" class). "R" class boats had to had 120mm/45 gun instead of 102mm, therefore for it have placed lower, than on "Ð" class, to preserve stability. CT height was decreased with the same purpose. Experience of usage of gun with separate loading on submarine has appeared unsuccessful, and in 1931, even before completion, 120mm guns were replaced by 102mm with unitary cartridge. The important innovation introduced on "R" class became welded construction of fuel tanks placed out of a pressure hull.
Submarines were built under 1927 ("Ð" class) and 1928 ("R" class) Programmes. Only 4 from 6 "R" were completed, order for 2 was cancelled by economic reasons.
Modernizations: early 1930s, all survived: engine power was reduced to 4100/1670hp; maximal surface speed was 17kts
1931, Regent, Regulus, Rover: - 1 x 1 - 120/40; + 1 x 1 - 102/40 QF Mk XII
1943 - 1944, Rover: + 1 x 1 - 20/70 Oerlikon Mk II/IV, she also received ability to carry 18 M2 mines instead of torpedoes, + type 286W or type 291W radar
1/1946, Rover: 1 x 1 - 102/40 S Mk I, 1 x 1 -20/70 Mk IIA S/M, 8 - 533 TT, type 286W or type 291W radar, type 118A sonar
Naval service: Rainbow was sunk 15.10.1940 by Italian submarine Enrico Toti in Mediterranean. Regulus was missed (most likely, was lost on a mine 6.12.1940) in Mediterranean. Regent was lost in Mediterranean 18.4.1943 on a mine.
Rover 1931
© Ivan Gogin, 2008-15