Controls


When the VELELLA was on the surface, it operated like any other boat demonstrating good seaworthiness. Maintaining the various ballast tanks full of air provided buoyancy.


Rudder

The rudder (semi-compensated) was controlled electrically from the control room, or manually for the aft torpedo room. Also, there was a wheel in the cunning tower in an enclosed wheelhouse.


Diving Planes

As standard on most submarines, VELELLA was equipped with two sets of diving planes. The forward planes were collapsible (folded upward) for surface navigation and were placed above the waterline. The aft planes were fixed and placed below the waterline in line with the two propellers. The forward planes were used to control depth, while the aft ones were used to control the angle of the boat. The planes were controlled electrically from the control room, but could also be manually operated from the torpedo rooms.


Anchors

The VELELLA was equipped with a primary anchor, installed on the port side, and the chain was stored in a well located below the forward torpedo room.