Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:26:39-2:27:56

Why the Rainbow class excelled at long-range submarine work

A long-range submarine comparison gives the early-war advantage to Britain's Rainbow class before American fleet boats became the stronger late-war answer.

Pacific WarRainbow Class SubmarinesRoyal NavySubmarinesWorld War II
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Question

Which navy had the best long-range submarine class in the Second World War?

Short answer

The United States by the end of the war, but Britain's Rainbow class is a strong candidate at the beginning because of its exceptional range.

Notes

American submarines were the strongest long-range designs by the end of the war, while the British Rainbow class is preferred for the opening years. Their exceptional range made them plausible Pacific boats even though three members were lost in the Mediterranean. The discussion also corrects the frequent attribution of HMS Rainbow's loss to Enrico Toti, identifying HMS Triad instead.