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Royal Navy P Class Submarine
This was the first major class of submarine to be built for the Royal Navy after WWII. The boats were originally a development of the late WWII "A Class" (an improved development of the "T Class"). However during construction they were substantially remodelled in structure and outline from these earlier classes, the end result being what we would all think to be the first of the modern design looking submarines.
These boats were ordered in the early fifties and commenced in 1954, however owing to the redesign work delivery was eventually commenced in 1958.
These were for their time large vessels displacing over 2,000 tons, surface speed was 12 knots, submerged 17 knots, range was about 9,000 nm @ 12 knots. They were fitted with six bow tubes, two stern tubes and thirty reloads. complement was 71 men and officers.
From this class onwards deck guns were no longer mounted on Royal Navy submarines, however many, to this day, still carry a deck gun in kit form with portable mountings which is stowed in the hull.
This class was the first to incorporate the ‘Snort’ underwater breathing system, the "PORPOISE" and later ‘Oberon’ classes were probably the most efficient conventional powered submarines in the world in their day. They were noted for their near silent running and a maximum diving depth of over 1,000 ft. was possible.
Ships in the class were built 1954 to 1960 and names were:-Our set of white GRP mouldings consists of :
The "P" Class or "PORPOISE" is one of the models we have bought in from John Darnell of ‘Darnell Model’ of Leavesden.
This twin screw model has been designed to operate on 4 channel radio control and can be submerged from stationary, using an air pump system, or in motion, using forward dive speed only.
When completed, with her all black colour scheme, she makes up into an unusual model of modern sleek lines and appearance, a bit different from the rest of our range, but none the less a nice model of manageable size.
Photo showing completed "Porpoise" class model.
