HMS Selene was an S-class submarine of the third batch constructed for the Royal Navy during World War II. Launched on 24 April 1944 by Cammell Laird & Co Limited in Birkenhead, she represented the culmination of modifications made to the final 17 boats of her class, featuring a stronger hull, increased fuel capacity, and revised armament. With an overall length of 217 feet (66.1 meters), a beam of 23 feet 9 inches (7.2 meters), and a draft of 14 feet 1 inch (4.3 meters), Selene displaced 814 long tons on the surface and 990 long tons submerged. She was crewed by 48 officers and ratings and could reach a diving depth of 350 feet (106.7 meters). Powered for surface travel by two 950-brake-horsepower (708 kW) diesel engines driving separate propellers, Selene could achieve a top speed of approximately 14.75 knots (27.3 km/h). When submerged, her propulsion switched to electric motors delivering 650 horsepower (485 kW) per propeller, allowing her to reach 9 knots (16.7 km/h). Her operational range was substantial, with 7,500 nautical miles (13,900 km) at 10 knots on the surface and 120 nautical miles (220 km) at 3 knots submerged. Armament comprised six 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes located at the bow, with six reloads, totaling a dozen torpedoes, or alternatively, twelve mines could be carried. She also featured a 4-inch (102 mm) deck gun for surface combat. During World War II, Selene served primarily in the Far East, sinking five Japanese sailing vessels and three coasters, while damaging another sailing vessel and coaster. She survived the war and, in the early 1950s, was modified into a fast, unarmed underwater target for anti-submarine training, with her torpedo tubes and gun removed, streamlined hull modifications, and a reduced superstructure with a single periscope. Throughout the 1950s, she operated with the Second Submarine Squadron at Portland. Ultimately, Selene was sold for scrap, arriving at Gateshead on 6 June 1961 for dismantling, and remains the only Royal Navy vessel to bear the name Selene.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.