The main machinery of K26 was the same as that fitted in the K Class, but her design surface speed of 23.5 knots was 0.5 knots slower. At the time, the loss in speed was blamed on the repositioned after hydroplanes being in the wake of the propellers and on the increased draught. The increase in displacement was actually the reason. The 24 knots for the K Class was achieved at 1980 tons displacement carrying the normal load of 197 tons of oil fuel whereas K26 had a displacement of 2140 tons with 300 tons of oil fuel.
K26 could submerge more rapidly than previous steam submarines, and her diving depth was increased to 250 feet - although there is no apparent reason for the 50 feet increase over that of the K Class.
In 1924, K26 undertook a world voyage which attracted considerable attention. She proceeded via Gibraltar, Malta and the Red Sea, to Columbo and Singapore and, after a short stay there, voyaged back again. She decommissioned in April 1931.
