RHE 174 Iris

New 1/1250 scale model of the French submarine Iris by Rhenania (RHE 174).

Iris was one of the six Minerve class submarines. The class were improved 630 Series designs with more power and better armament. The class had six internal 550 mm torpedo tubes (four in the bow and two in the stern) and three 400 mm tubes mounted externally on a moveable triple mount.

Iris was built by Ateliers et Chantiers Dubigeon, Nantes. She was laid down July 1, 1932, launched September 23 1934 and commissioned September 15, 1936.

She was one of four boats of the class that remained under Vichy control after the fall of France. In November when the French fleet was scuttled at Toulon Iris was able to get underway and sailed to Cartagena, Spain where she was interned. She returned to French control in November 1945 and was struck February 1, 1950.