NAVYPEDIA

Photo

Rover 1931

Ships

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

Technical data

Max speed, kts, kn	17.5 / 8.8
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
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)
Electronic equipment	type 118A sonar
Complement	53
Diving depth operational, m	95

Standard scale images

Graphics

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 ("Р" class). "R" class boats had to had 120mm/45 gun instead of 102mm, therefore for it have placed lower, than on "Р" 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 ("Р" 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.