NAVYPEDIA

Ships

Name	No	Yard No	Builder	Laid down	Launched	Comp	Fate
U1		236	Deutsche Werke, Kiel	2.1935	15.6.1935	6.1935	sunk 16.4.1940
U2		237	Deutsche Werke, Kiel	2.1935	1.7.1935	8.1935	collision 8.4.1944
U3		238	Deutsche Werke, Kiel	2.1935	19.7.1935	8.1935	stricken 8.1944
U4		239	Deutsche Werke, Kiel	2.1935	31.7.1935	8.1935	stricken 8.1944
U5		240	Deutsche Werke, Kiel	2.1935	14.8.1935	9.1935	foundered 19.3.1943
U6		241	Deutsche Werke, Kiel	2.1935	21.8.1935	9.1935	stricken 8.1944

Technical data

Displacement standard, t
Displacement normal, t	254 / 303
Length, m	40.9
Breadth, m	4.08
Draught, m	3.83
No of shafts	2
Machinery	2 MWM diesels / 2 SSW electric motors
Power, h. p.	700 / 360
Max speed, kts	13 / 6.9
Fuel, t	diesel oil 12
Endurance, nm(kts)	1600(8) / 35(4)
Armament	3 - 533 TT (bow, 5 or 18 mines)
Electronic equipment	GHG hydrophone
Complement	22
Diving depth operational, m	80

Project history

First submarines built in Germany after a cancellation of Versailles limitations. As prototype Finnish submarine Vesikko, designed in Germany on the basis of coastal submarines of types UB-II and UF of the First World War period was been taken.  II series submarines differed from a prototype by increased machinery power and fuel stowage and improved manoeuvrability. These submarines received in Kriegsmarine nickname "canoe".

Single-hulled, with internal ballast tanks. Operational diving depth was 80m, maximal 120m; diving time was 25-35sec. Welding, widely used at building, allowed to lower hull weight. Differences between types were brought together basically to increasing of hull dimensions and fuel stowage. First two series originally did not receive artillery, guns were installed already during service. Instead of torpedoes submarines could carry 12 TMA or 18 TMB mines.

To beginning of war majority of boats of II series served in training role, but then they began to be got to take part in battle operations, including minelaying.

Modernizations

1938 - 1939, all: + 1 x 1 - 20/65 C/38

1942-1943, most survived: + FuMB 1 Metox ECM suite

1943-1944, most survived: - FuMB 1 Metox ECM suite; + FuMB 3 Bali, FuMB 6 Palau ECM suites

Naval service

U1 was lost, possibly, 6.4.1940 N off Terschelling on mines laid by British destroyers Esk, Express, Icarus and Impulsive. U2 was sunk 8.4.1944 as result of collision with trawler Helmi Suhle W off Pillau, salvaged 9.4.1944 and handed over on demolition. U5 was sunk 19.3.1943 as result of underwater accident W off Pillau.

In 1944 U3, U4 and U6 were stricken and taken apart on spare parts.