How many of you use the XXI?

[Steel_Tomb]

I've been using the XXI in a new career in late 44 and was wondering how many of you guys use it? Only one XXI (U-2511 - same numbers as my birthday lol, 25/11/1987) ever went on patrol.

[GoldenRivet]

I only used the XXI boat once in a stock campaign but that was pre-GWX, i got the boat, encountered a task force which consisted of something like 4 to 6 DDs one carrier and a cruiser...on 100% realism i had managed to destroy the entire task force in an engagement that lasted less than 20 minutes. the next day or two later i received a radio message that the war ended.

Post GWX is a different story -

got the XXI out of Norway. Found a task force and fired a few shots at the carrier in the middle. My shots took her out but not before several aircraft arrived on the scene and bombed my periscope to bits. A couple of compartments were in the red and flooding badly. I was depth charged to **** and back on the way down. everyone astern of the command room was killed in the DC attack. We struck the bottom at around 300 meters and everyone in the bow compartments started dropping dead.... then it was just all over!

[Kaleun Hals]

Hmm...it;s still early 1941 for me and I've heard a few rumours at the base that we're developing new wonder boats. I've heard the name "Walther" mentioned and even heard someone say "electro-boot"...

pah...such new fangled things. You'll be telling us next that there's a device for making a u-boat run submerged on diesels so we can sneak about...:-?

[Kaleu. Jochen Mohr]

never used a XXI, just good old IXB U-124 :smug:

[STEED]

Sometimes, but most of the time it's the IX for me.

[USS Sea Tiger]

Hi

Looking forward to the wonder weapon, Currently in march of 44, Ive seen them on the drawing board, and only Capt with 30,000 will get them I heard! So , I am currently at 21ooo and saving, and even managed to get stations in Bergen to get first crack at them!

Currently,, sailing a VII C FLAK,, I will so hate to loose her, those guns are something! but as of late, i snort from start to finish, only surface long enough to get the two externals inside.

They will turn the tide of the war I am told.

[Sailor Steve]

Hmm...it;s still early 1941 for me and I've heard a few rumours at the base that we're developing new wonder boats. I've heard the name "Walther" mentioned and even heard someone say "electro-boot"...

pah...such new fangled things. You'll be telling us next that there's a device for making a u-boat run submerged on diesels so we can sneak about...:-?
I wouldn't know about that, but I've been told by a friend I trust that there's a new torpedo in the works that can actually chase a ship around until it finds and hits it...all by itself!

[silentwayIII]

I configured GWX so that I could use the XXI from Jan 44 onwards. Its a beast! You can't even get out of sub pen and into the harbor with out backing up (Lorient/Brest) once so you can make the turn. The big plus with the XXI are fourfold for me:

#1 the underwter speed allows you to get to the target submerged and out of sight of aircraft patrols...20-25k meters to close with this submarine is possible.

#2 Because of the battery capacity of this submarine, you can stay submerge for really long periods of time. Replenishing air suppy and batteries can be accomplished via the snorkle so having to surface often, as in any other class of submarine, is not critical.

#3 Torpedo loading, even in the 44 version of the submarine is very fast allowing you to fire, evade, if you have to, and return to the target (s) for another attack very quickly.

#4 Its quite. Silent speed and three kts is possible, but I usually won't go above two kts when I'm attacking a convoy and there are DD's and DE's near.

Downside: its a bear to maneuver, turning radius is very large, slowing it down quickly takes forever. Its a deep sea boat so keep away from water less than 100 meter deep. Because anti-submarine warfare in 44-45 is so deadly there are no guantees even in this boat. Drive it smartly and as always cautiously.

I have not had the opportunity to make a really long trip (Capetown, Carribbean) in the XXI because if I run into a convoy onmy way there, and I can attack it 2-3 times, I'm usually out of torpedo's or very low on them and return to base.

Currently I'm on my 11th patrol (began in Jan 44 out of Lorient) and am based in Bergen...its March of 45 now.

[Puster Bill]

Honestly, I'd rather have a playable XXIII than the XXI. Several XXIII boats actually made patrols, and they sank five ships.

Only one XXI made a war patrol, and didn't sink anything.

[Iron Budokan]

I started a career with one and, frankly, wasn't all that impressed. But I've always meant to give it another try later. I'm currently playing a IX, once that career is done (i.e. GWX slaughters me) I'm going back to a VIIC and then I'll try the XXI again. :yep: