HMS Solent was an S-class submarine of the third batch built for the Royal Navy during World War II. Launched on 8 June 1944 by Cammell Laird, she measured 217 feet (66.1 meters) in overall length, with a beam of 23 feet 9 inches (7.2 meters) and a draft of 14 feet 1 inch (4.3 meters). The submarine displaced 814 long tons (827 tons) on the surface and 990 long tons (1,010 tons) submerged. Designed for a crew of 48 officers and ratings, Solent had a maximum diving depth of 350 feet (106.7 meters). Her construction featured significant modifications from earlier boats in her batch, including a stronger hull, increased fuel capacity, and revised armament. She was powered on the surface by two 950-brake-horsepower (708 kW) diesel engines driving two propellers, enabling a top speed of approximately 14.75 knots (27.3 km/h). When submerged, she utilized two 650-horsepower (485 kW) electric motors, achieving a maximum submerged speed of 9 knots (17 km/h). Her operational range was substantial, capable of traveling 7,500 nautical miles (13,900 km) at 10 knots on the surface, with a submerged range of 120 nautical miles (220 km) at 3 knots. Armament for HMS Solent comprised six 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes located in the bow, with six reload torpedoes, totaling twelve torpedoes. Alternatively, she could carry twelve mines instead of torpedoes. The vessel was also equipped with a 4-inch (102 mm) deck gun for surface combat. During her service in World War II, primarily in the Pacific Far East, HMS Solent operated alongside her sister ship HMS Sleuth. Together, they sank fifteen Japanese sailing vessels and the auxiliary minesweeper Wa 3. Solent also engaged enemy vessels by sinking a Japanese patrol vessel and a landing craft, while damaging another. She survived the war and was eventually sold for scrap, arriving at Troon for dismantling on 28 August 1961. Her wartime service highlights her role in Allied naval operations in the Pacific theater.

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