HMS R3

HMS R3 was one of ten R-class submarines built for the Royal Navy during the First World War. These submarines were designed as improved versions of the preceding H-class submarines.

Design and Description

The R-class were designed as patrol submarines intended to operate in the North Sea, tasked with intercepting German U-boats. Compared to the H-class, they had a larger pressure hull to increase diving depth and improved habitability for longer patrols.

HMS R3 had a displacement of 1,087 long tons (1,104 tonnes) when surfaced and 1,232 long tons (1,252 tonnes) when submerged. The submarine was 163 feet 9 inches (49.9 m) long overall, with a beam of 15 feet (4.6 m) and a draft of 9 feet (2.7 m). She was powered by two Vickers diesel engines, each rated at 1,200 brake horsepower (895 kW), which drove two propeller shafts. For submerged propulsion, she used two electric motors, each rated at 600 horsepower (447 kW). The submarine could reach a speed of 13.5 knots (25.0 km/h; 15.5 mph) on the surface and 9 knots (17 km/h; 10 mph) underwater. The R-class had a range of 2,400 nautical miles (4,400 km; 2,800 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) on the surface and 60 nautical miles (110 km; 69 mi) at 5 knots (9.3 km/h; 5.8 mph) underwater.

The submarine was armed with six 18-inch (457 mm) torpedo tubes in the bow. She carried a total of twelve torpedoes. She also had a 3-inch (76 mm) deck gun for surface engagements, but this was removed later in her career.

Construction and Career

HMS R3 was laid down by Vickers at their Barrow-in-Furness shipyard on 26 March 1917, launched on 21 November 1917, and commissioned on 22 February 1918. She served during the later stages of the First World War, primarily patrolling in the North Sea.

Following the war, she remained in service with the Royal Navy. In the 1920s, several R-class submarines, including R3, were used for experimental purposes. These experiments involved developing new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) techniques and testing new equipment.

HMS R3 was sold for scrap on 21 January 1935.

Summary

HMS R3 was an R-class submarine of the Royal Navy, built during the First World War. She served during the war and continued service afterward, participating in experimental work before being scrapped.