It is 17.5" or 44cm long. The kit box art says that the real submarine is 558 feet long and 75 feet wide. Revell molded this version with a bulbous nose that houses the underwater detection gear and has also simulated the specially designed rubber tiles covering most of her surfaces. Their purpose is to absorb enemy sonar/radar detection. The paint finish is overly shiny on this model to act as a better water barrier when temporary (7 days)submerged in water in the fish tank. Also, when I built this kit 5 or 6 years ago I had no picture references and it turns out that the dark grey paint topside (maybe even all over?) should be much darker, almost black.