The Orion-class submarines were ordered in 1928 to a Loire-Simonot design.

The submarines had a surfaced displacement of 558 long tons (567 t) and a submerged displacement of 787 long tons (800 t).

Propulsion while surfaced was provided by two diesel engines with a total of 1,400 hp (1,044 kW) and two electric motors with a total of 1,000 hp (746 kW).

The submarines' electrical propulsion allowed it to attain speeds of 9 knots (17 km/h; 10 mph) while submerged and 14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph) on the surface.

Their surfaced range was 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 km) at 10 knots (19 km/h) with a submerged range of 82 nautical miles (152 km) at 5 knots (9.3 km/h).