NAVYPEDIA

Photo

N1 1917

Ships

No	Name	Yard No	Builder	Laid down	Launched	Comm	Fate
SS53	N1	82	Todd, Seattle	7.1915	30.12.1916	9.1917	stricken 12.1930
SS54	N2	83	Todd, Seattle	7.1915	16.1.1917	9.1917	stricken 12.1930
SS55	N3	84	Todd, Seattle	7.1915	21.2.1917	9.1917	stricken 12.1930
SS56	N4		Lake, Bridgeport	3.1915	27.11.1916	6.1918	stricken 9.1922
SS57	N5		Lake, Bridgeport	4.1915	22.3.1917	6.1918	stricken 9.1922
SS58	N6		Lake, Bridgeport	4.1915	21.4.1917	7.1918	stricken 7.1922
SS59	N7		Lake, Bridgeport	4.1915	19.5.1917	6.1918	stricken 6.1922

Technical data

Displacement standard, t
Displacement normal, t	SS53 - 55: 348 / 414 SS56 - 59: 340 / 414
Length, m	SS53 - 55: 44.9 SS56 - 59: 47.3
Breadth, m	SS53 - 55: 4.80 SS56 - 59: 4.40
Draught, m	3.80
No of shafts	2
Machinery	SS53-55: 2 NLSE diesels / 2 electric motors SS56-59: 2 Busch-Sulzer diesels / 2 electric motors
Power, h. p.	600 / 300
Max speed, kts	13 / 11
Fuel, t	diesel oil 18
Endurance, nm(kts)	3500 / 30(5)
Armament	4 - 450 TT (bow, 8)
Complement	SS53 - 55: 25 SS56 - 59: 29
Diving depth operational, m	60

Standard scale images

Graphics

Project history

This class introduced metal bridges into US submarine practice. At the same time, power was actually reduced in the interest of greater engine reliability (to 480 or 600bhp from the previous 800-1200bhp). The success of this step led to a decision to use more moderate power for the 'O', 'R' and 'S' classes, and to the re-engining of many existing submarines. Even so, U-boat type diesels were adopted after World War One. This was the last US class designed without deck guns until 1946.

Modernizations

None.

Naval service

No significant events.