A new type of submarine had been evolved by the French, and of the twenty boats ordered, most were the new type. This was not a new departure in submarine design and construction like the Narval, but, being only 70 tons, the new type could hardly be described as an improved Morse. It was rather an improved Gymnote. Four of these 70-ton boats had been ordered from Cherbourg, whilst no less than ten were to be laid down at Brest.