The first Russian submarine “Dolphin” entered service 93 years ago (by order of the Naval Ministry of June 5, 1904).

On December 19, 1900, a commission headed by ship builder I. Bubnov was set up at the model testing basin to realize a submarine design. The main dimensions of the submarine, or “Destroyer No. 113″ (based on surface displacement), as it was called in the documents of that time, were as follows: length, 19.6 m; maximum width, 3.59 m, mean draft, c. 3 m; surface displacement, 113 t; submerged displacement, c. 123 t. The riveted hull was round over the entire length and made of nickel steel. The strong and light hull skins were 8 mm and 4 mm thick, respectively.

On the surface, the submarine was driven by a 300-hp gasoline engine, whereas underwater it was powered by a 120-hp electric motor. The armament comprised two external frame torpedo tubes designed by S. Dzhevetski. By order of July 9, 1901 construction of the hull was entrusted to the Baltic Plant.

Submarine trials began in August 1903. On June 5, 1904 it was christened “Dolphin”. On November 15, 1904 the submarine was dispatched by rail to Vladivostok. Immediately upon arrival, work was begun to assemble and debug various systems. Three months later the “Dolphin” left for sea trials, and seven days later sailed in search of enemy ships.