APPENDIX K

German U-boat strength

January 1942 - May 1943

 


Date Operational Training
and Trials
Total New Boats
Commissioned in
Previous Quarter
January 1942
91 158 249 69
April 1942
121 164 285 49
July 1942
140 191 331 59
October 1942
196 169 365 61
January 1943
212 181 393 69
April 1943
240 185 425 69
July 1943
207 208 415 71

 

PRINCIPAL CHARACTERISTICS OF GERMAN U-BOATS TYPE VII C

NOTE: This was the type of U-boat most commonly employed on the convoy routes. A total of 567 were built and commissioned. A further 92 of similar type but with an increased diving depth of 394 feet also became operational.

Displacement
  Surfaced: 769 tons
  Submerged: 871 tons
Maximum Speeds (laden):
  Surfaced: 17.7 knots
  Submerged: 7.6 knots (for one hour)
Endurance:
  Surfaced: 9700 miles at 10 knots (Diesel-electric)
8850 miles at 10 knots (cruising)
6500 miles at 12 knots (cruising)
3450 miles at 17 knots (maximum sustained)
  Submerged: 130 miles at 2 knots
80 miles at 4 knots
Diving depth: 309 feet (In emergency could be considerably exceeded)
Armament:
  torpedo tubes: four bow, one stern
  outfit: 14 torpedoes (maximum)
12 torpedoes (normal)
  guns: 1-37 mm. A.A.
2-20 mm. A.A.
Crew: 44

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