It is a hundred years (2009) this year since the launching of Norway first submarine.
The first submarine was the KOBBEN.
Built under yard No 140 as a submarine by Germania Werft, Kiel for the Norwegian Navy.
28 September 1907 contract was signed by Prime Minister Christian Michelsen, Prime minster from 1905-1907.
27 August 1908 keel laid down
05 May 1909 launched as the KOBBEN.
Displacement 207 ton surfaced, 235 tons submerged, dim. 39.25 x 3.7 x 2.99m. (draught).
Powered by two Korting Petroleum engines, 450 bhp and two electric engines 250 shp., twin shafts with controllable pitch propellers, speed 10 knots surface, 8.5 knots submerged.
Range by a speed 10 knots 1200 mile surfaced, 50 mile by a speed of 6.5 knots submerged.
Armament 3 – 18 inch torpedo tubes, two bow one stern, carried four torpedoes.
Diving depth 50 meter.
Crew 12.
28 November 1909 under command of Captain C. Tank-Nielsen.
07 December 1909 completed.
After successful diving tests in the Great Belt, she sailed to Norway and arrived at Horten Navy Yard on 12 December 1909.
21 February 1913 renamed in A1.
30 September 1919 decommissioned.
1926 Broken up. (Miramar gives 1933.)
This submarine, which was christened "Kobben" and later renamed A-1, surpassed all expectations and in 1911 a decision was made to build another three submarines at the same shipyard. A fifth was also started, but it was confiscated by the German navy when the first world war broke out.
The history of Norwegian submarines really began in 1808, when a village genius and blacksmith, Mikkel Hallsteinson Lofthus from Hardanger, designed the first known Norwegian underwater boat. He submitted drawings to a society in Bergen that promoted useful products, but the boat was never built. There was too little interest and not enough money. However this was put right 101 years later.
"Kobben" was commissioned on 28 November 1909 after its launching and completion of diving tests in the Great Belt. It arrived in Horten two weeks later and after a few days it went into full service with a crew of 12 men. "Kobben" remained in service until 1919. It was broken up some years later, but its conning tower was preserved and is mounted as a memorial at the Navy officers' training school in Horten.
Norway 2009 14.50Kr. sg?, scott?
Source: Norwegian Post web-site, Wikipedia. Watercraft Philately Vol 56 No 1.