(begun in KTB #109)

In 1889 Pullino embarked upon the design of a 'submersible armored torpedo boat' and by autumn of that year, such a vessel began to take shape in the shipyard of La Spezia. The ship was named DELFINO, which is the Italian word for Dolphin, a good name for a submarine.

By 1890, DELFINO had been launched and was completed in 1892. It had its first sea-trial on April 29, 1892 and was officially commissioned into the Italian Navy on April 1, 1894.

Here follow some technical details of DELFINO:

Displacement...................................................97/107 tons
Length.................................................................78.6 feet
Beam.....................................................................9.4 feet
Height....................................................................8.3 feet
Power.........................................single shaft electric; 65hp
Speed (surfaced)..................................................6 knots
Speed (submerged)...............................................5 knots
Range..................................................24 miles @ 2 knots
Crew........................................................................8 men
Depth of dive........................................................105 feet

In 1902 and again in 1904, DELFINO was modified resulting in a slightly longer and wider vessel, up to 80.8 feet long, 9.4 feet wide and 9.13 feet high. But the big improvement was to come in range.

With a newly installed gasoline engine of 130hp, range increased to 165 miles on the surface at a speed of 6 knots, and 20 miles submerged at 2 knots. It should also be noted that DELFINO was the first submarine in the world to be equipped with a periscope.

DELFINO had a long life. It stayed in service till September 26, 1918 and was finally decommissioned on January 16, 1919.

Pullino did not outlive his creation. In 1893 he was promoted to Inspector General of the Corps of Italian Naval Engineers and President of the ship-building committee. He shortly then left the service for reasons of poor health and became a member of Parliament during the term of the 18th Legislature. He died on August 16th, 1898.

In Italy though, Pullino's idea had finally taken hold. Between 1903 and 1914, 19 new submarines of greatly improved characteristics had been commissioned. By 1914 the Italian Navy had 20 submarines in service.

(continued in KTB #111)