[7] The submarines of the K XIV class were fully riveted and their pressure hull were made of 14 mm thick steel.

[9] However, this did allow the submarines of the K XIV class to dive as deep as 80 meters,[10] while withstanding the enormous water pressure.

[17][13] Besides the two diesel engines, the submarines also had two electric motors that each could produce 430 hp and 192 cells batteries with a capacity of 4740 Ah.

[10] The submarines of the K XIV class were equipped with passive sonars made by the German firm Atlas-Werke.

[13][21] The retractable radio antenna used the same mechanic as a normal periscope to move upward and downward.

The fourth compartment was the nerve center of the K XIV class submarines, since this was the place where all control panels, instruments and command tower were located.

[3][7][25] During this major refit the bridge of both boats were reconstructed, which resulted in the loss of the forward 40 mm anti-aircraft guns.

K XIV, K XV and K XVI were built by Rotterdamsche Droogdok Maatschappij and K XVII and K XVIII at the Wilton-Fijenoord shipyard.