Glauco class submarine

"Glauco" was a class of submarines of the Regia Marina ("Italian Navy"). They were long-range single hull boats with internal ballast tanks and external blisters, derived directly from the sclass|Squalo|submarine|2. They had a maximum operational depth of 288 ft (90 m), and a normal fuel load of 59 tons.

Both boats of this class were ordered by Portugal in 1931, but the contract was cancelled the same year with construction continuing on behalf of the Italian Navy. They were considered to be successful submarines, strong, fast and manoeuvrable, with good internal arrangements. Both boats took part in the Spanish Civil War, and later served in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. After Italy declared war on the Allies in 1940 these submarines carried out a number of patrols in the Mediterranean, before being transferred to the Atlantic. "Glauco" was lost in 1941, and "Otaria" returned to the Mediterranean engaging in offensive patrols, transport to North Africa, and training. She was stricken in 1948.

ubmarines of the class

*, built by CRDA, launched 5 January 1935, commissioned 20 September 1935, scuttled 1941 near Gibraltar.
*, built by CRDA, launched 20 March 1935, commissioned 20 October 1935, surrendered to the Allies 9 September 1943 and stricken in 1948.

References

* Erminio Bagnasco, "Submarines of World War Two", Cassell & Co, London. 1977 ISBN 1-85409-532-3