Type XIB

[predavolk]

I'm thinking of switching to a IXB from my VIIB in the summer of 1940. I'd like to experience different boats. I think I'll switch back to a VIIC-42 when they come on line, then a Type XXI if I last that long. Before I make the switch, I have a few questions:

1- Does switching back cost renown? I.e., if I hate the IXB, and switch back to the VII, do I have to pay for it again?

2- Is the 10.5cm gun much more effective than the 8.8? That could make a significant difference in the effectiveness of the boat at this stage.

3-I know that the boat is bigger, but how much is the effect? The dive times aren't radically different. What about turning times? Acceleration? And detection ranges (surface/submerged)?

I'll also gladly take any Type IX tips that I can get (I have searched, but it can't hurt to ask again!). Thanks!

[Keelbuster]

You have to pay to get yer old boat back.

The 10.5 cm IMHO is a much better gun.

The IX class subs are sluggish to maneuver. This is sort of made up for by their firepower - launch massive attacks from a distance and don't get caught.

[papa_smurf]

If you want to go for long range patrols (i.e USA and back), then go for a Type IX. If not stick to the Type VII's. Its down to your prefered style of command.

[Brag]

The biggest deficiency of a IX it's its dive time. Makes a big difference when aircraft appears. When on the surface in hot aircraft areas I often stay with decks awash to reduce the diving time.

[Zajcev]

Do not take IXB unless you start with it. It has 1 less torpedo than IXC, and also shorter range, that is not much greater than VIIB. VIIB with engine upgrade and good crew can give you range of IXB - enough for a one way trip to new york at 10kts. IXC is also only slightly more expensive than IXB.

[von hally]

lo mate


i asked this qustion not long ago

look here http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=131868

i do miss the type7.....but the extra 9 or so torpedoes certainly make up for a slower diving boat


try it mate...you can always go back

[Zajcev]

I just swapped VIIB for VIIC and bought all upgrades in dec 1941. Maximum range seems to be the same as on VIIB ~17800 at 9-10kts. So you don't need a IX for long range.

[Antiacus]

In my current career i decided to go to extremes. I upgraded to a 2d as soon as available then switched to the 2nd flotilla out of Willem. Once we tranfer to France i'll upgrade to a ixc.

For now i'm a shallow water/harbor raider. Later i'll be an open water long range attacker.

Should make for a nice contrast in styles. I love the type 2 for it's escapability.

[Grayson02sept1980]

the type 7 vs type 9 boats is just a matter of taste and how you play the game and in what timeframe you are

in the early war the type 9 is giving you so much firepower it is ridiculous... you can rip apart a complete comvoy!

later the smaller and quiker type7 imho is better.

Try it... just a matter of tast

but I would always go with the Cs... the Bs as far as I kow do not have the capability for the upgrades the Cs have

[Tessa]

With the Belchen Supply Ship you can still use a type VII to patrol the shores of the North America or the lucrative convoys that got through the AK & AL areas. You could go as far as use the supply ship as a base (knowing that you won't get any reknown for completing any patrols) and go convoy raiding. Heading back to the supply ship is almost universally quicker than returning to home port to resupply.

The type IX's all carry a lot of firepower that can decimate convoys, and allow you to travel pretty much anywhere. That can work against you though as you can get assigned to patrol a grid near South Africa which could leave you at sea for up to two months at times, sometimes even longer. Diving times are noticeably slower, come mid 1943 you'll constantly be haranged with air attacks. At the very least each time you dive your flak stations will take damage or be destroyed. Underwater they're also massive targets for DD's once they improve their sonor; getting away from them with such a large boat is difficult (unless you're in the XXI).