Kobben A-1, Royal Norwegian Navy first submarine   The Royal Norwegian Navy (RNorN) was one of the first navies to show an interest in submarines and sent an officer to watch the trials of USS Holland, SS-1, in 1901. Norway’s first proposal to build was made in1902, but it was not until 1907 that the parliament endorsed the navy’s plans. An order was then placed with Germania and the first boat was delivered on 28 November, 1909. It was named “Kobben” and later on in 1913 it was changed to A-1. The boat was generally a German U-1 type, mostly used for trails and training, but was used operationally during World War-I to defend Norway’s neutrality. She was stricken in 1926 and scrapped in 1933.   In may 1911 Norway next ordered a further 3 boats to a new design, and these, the A-2 class were again built by Germania , being launched in 1913 and delivered in early 1914.   Specifications, Kobben, A-1:   Displacement (srf/sub tons): 206/259             Dimensions (L*B*D feet/meter): 128`11*12`2*9`10/39.3*3.7*3.0 Propulsion: powered on the surface by 2*225hp Korting gasoline engines, 2*150hp electric motor for submergence driving 2 shafts/propeller, Speed (srf/sub knots): 11.9/8.9 Range (srf/sub n/miles@knots): 1,450@9/ 45@6.5 Diving depth (feet/meter): 164/50 Complement: 14 officers and enlisted Torpedo: 2*18" bow torpedo tubes and 1*18” on deck, containing a total of 4 torpedoes Mines: none Armament: none Construction Only 1 unit was built by Germania, similar to German U-1 type, completed in 1909. Back to History Index   Image Country Year Description Norway 2009 Kobben class submarine, 1909 (German U-1 type)