HMS L53
| Industry | Shipbuilding |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Newcastle-Upon-Tyne , United Kingdom |
HMS L53 was an advanced L-class submarine constructed for the Royal Navy during the First World War. Although the vessel was not finished before the conflict ended, it remained in existence until being sold for dismantling in 1939.
Design and description
Starting with L52 and subsequent vessels, modifications were made to increase the quantity of 21-inch (53.3 cm) torpedoes housed in the forward section. The submarine measured 235 feet (71.6 m) in overall length, with a beam spanning 23 feet 6 inches (7.2 m) and an average draft of 13 feet 2 inches (4.0 m).[1] Its displacement was 960 long tons (980 t) when surfaced and 1,150 long tons (1,170 t) while submerged. Crewed by 44 personnel including officers and ratings,[2] these submarines were capable of diving to depths of approximately 150 feet (45.7 m).[3]
For propulsion on the surface, the submarine utilized two 12-cylinder Vickers[4] diesel engines, each delivering 1,200-brake-horsepower (895 kW) and driving a separate propeller shaft. When submerged, propulsion was provided by two electric motors rated at 600-horsepower (447 kW) each. The vessel could achieve speeds of up to 17 knots (31 km/h; 20 mph) on the surface and 10.5 knots (19.4 km/h; 12.1 mph) underwater. Surface endurance extended to approximately 4,200 nautical miles (7,800 km; 4,800 mi) cruising at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph).[1]
Armament included six 21-inch torpedo tubes located in the bow, with eight additional torpedoes carried as reloads, totaling twelve torpedoes onboard.[5] Additionally, the submarine was equipped with two deck guns measuring 4-inch (102 mm) in calibre.[2]
Construction and Service
The keel of HMS L53 was laid on 19 June 1917 by Armstrong Whitworth at their shipyard located in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. The vessel was subsequently launched on 12 August 1919. Following the launch, she was transferred to HM Dockyard in Chatham, Kent, where final fitting-out was completed on 16 January 1925. HMS L53 was eventually sold for dismantling on 23 January 1939.
Notes
References
- Akermann, Paul (2002). Encyclopaedia of British Submarines 1901–1955 (reprint of the 1989 ed.). Penzance, Cornwall: Periscope Publishing. ISBN 1-904381-05-7.
- Template:Cite Colledge2006
- Gardiner, Robert & Gray, Randal, eds. (1985). Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1906–1921. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 0-85177-245-5.
- Harrison, A. N. (January 1979). "The Development of HM Submarines From Holland No. 1 (1901) to Porpoise (1930) (BR3043)". RN Subs. Retrieved 27 September 2022.