How was a German U boat different from a standard ww2 American submarine?

In comparison to the submarines of the United States, which were already very advanced and won the Pacific theatre, German U-boats displayed greatly enhanced underwater speed and endurance, with highly streamlined hulls and snorkels, and in this way posed one of the most serious risks to the Allied powers in WWII—as …

Why were submarines like German U-boats especially effective during the war?

U-boats were naval submarines operated by Germany, particularly in the First and Second World Wars. Although at times they were efficient fleet weapons against enemy naval warships, they were most effectively used in an economic warfare role (commerce raiding) and enforcing a naval blockade against enemy shipping.

How long could a Uboat stay submerged?

The typical U-boat was 214 feet long, carried 35 men and 12 torpedoes, and could travel underwater for two hours at a time.

Did the US have submarines in WW2?

Submarine in World War II. During the Second World War, submarines comprised less than 2 percent of the U.S. Navy, but sank over 30 percent of Japan’s navy, including eight aircraft carriers. World War II submarines were basically surface ships that could travel underwater for a limited time.

Did US have subs in WW2?

Submarine in World War II. During the Second World War, submarines comprised less than 2 percent of the U.S. Navy, but sank over 30 percent of Japan’s navy, including eight aircraft carriers. Gato-class boats carried the brunt of the U.S. submarine war early in World War II.

Who had the most submarines in World War II?

The Imperial Japanese Navy operated the most varied fleet of submarines of any navy, including Kaiten crewed torpedoes, midget submarines (Type A Ko-hyoteki and Kairyu classes), medium-range submarines, purpose-built supply submarines and long-range fleet submarines.

How did submarines work in ww2?

World War II submarines were basically surface ships that could travel underwater for a limited time. Diesel engines gave them high surface speed and long range, but speed and range were severely reduced underwater, where they relied on electric motors powered by relatively short-lived storage batteries.

How many German submarines were lost in WW2?

In World War II Germany built 1,162 U-boats, of which 785 were destroyed and the remainder surrendered (or were scuttled to avoid surrender) at the capitulation.

Which country has the best submarines in WW2?

Their U boats were notorious all throughout the Atlantic Ocean. Many cargo vessels and allied ships dreaded a torpedo attack from a U boat at night. However, the country that made the best submarine was Japan.

How did the U-boat compare to the other submarines of WW2?

In comparison to the submarines of the United States, which were already very advanced and won the Pacific theatre, German U-boats displayed greatly enhanced underwater speed and endurance, with highly streamlined hulls and snorkels, and in this way posed one of the most serious risks to the Allied powers in WWII—as will be…

How did the Allied submarine force change during the Pacific War?

The size and effectiveness of the Allied submarine force increased greatly during the Pacific War. The U.S. increased production of modern submarines from 1942 onward. The efforts of Admiral Charles A. Lockwood were crucial for the rectification of the Mark 14’s problems (which were nevertheless not resolved until September 1943).

How many submarines did the US lose in WW2?

Documents digitized in the Navy Library Online Reading Room provide details of the 52 U.S. Navy submarines lost during World War II as well as the extent of Japanese naval and merchant ship losses. Naval art commemorating the “Silent Service” can be found in this online gallery.

Where was the US submarine base in the Philippines in 1941?

Following the loss of their base at Cavite, Philippines, in December 1941, U.S. Navy submarines were primarily based at Brisbane and Fremantle, Australia (for operations in the south and southwest Pacific), and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (north and central Pacific).