[1] For surface running, the boats were powered by two 600-brake-horsepower (447 kW) diesel engines, each driving one propeller shaft.

In 1938 she was reassigned to Tobruk but returned to Taranto by the end of 1939 and was assigned to the 46th Squadron (IV Submarine Group).

Bruno Zani, heading to her assigned area of operation, approximately 35 miles northeast of Derna.

Due to sustained heavy damage, the crew had to scuttle the submarine at approximately 7:00 in the position 35°29′N 20°06′E / 35.483°N 20.100°E / 35.483; 20.100.

The crew managed to throw overboard most of the secret documents, but some of them were retrieved by the British, including a copy of the Sommergibili Italiani SM 19/S code book.