Thorsten Nordenfelt built the Nordenfelt II (Abdülhamid) in 1886 and Nordenfelt III (Abdülmecid) in 1887, a pair of 30 metre long submarines with twin torpedo tubes, for the Ottoman Empire navy. Abdülhamid became the first submarine in history to fire a torpedo while submerged under water. Nordenfelt's efforts culminated in 1887 with the Nordenfelt IV which had twin motors and twin torpedoes. It was sold to the Russians, but proved unstable and ran aground off Jutland; when the Russians refused to pay for it, it was scrapped.
Abdülhamid and Abdülmecid were found by Germany in Istanbul in 1914. The submarines were briefly considered for use in harbour defence but it was found that their hulls were too badly corroded.
Abdülhamid and Abdülmecid were found by Germany in Istanbul in 1914. The submarines were briefly considered for use in harbour defence but it was found that their hulls were too badly corroded.
3 comments:
What a find! How cool is that photo! Love the sailor manning the Nordenfeldt gun on the outer casing - simply brilliant - now who makes one of these in nominal 1/1200th scale? :-).
Its great isnt it! Its a must for any self-respecting Aquanef fleet :-)
Methinks I have some data on this in The Ottoman Steam Navy - certainly the Turkish Aquanef fleet will be getting some!
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