When would a u-boat switch to electric?

[jwilliams]

I've noticed that in SH5 the u-boat switches to electric at around 10 meters. Is this how a u-boat would switch to electics in real life?

I would've thought that the electrics would be engaged before the boat submerged, because the diesels needed air to run.

[Sailor Steve]

The order to dive is given. The first thing that happens is the diesels are shut down, immediately. The electric motors are engaged before the watch crew gets to the control room.

[jwilliams]

thx. :salute:

So its as i thought.

Electric motors are engaged before the u-boat even begins to dive.

[Pablo]

Hi!

They would also use electric motors going in and out of the U-boat pens, and alongside the piers. No point smoking out a closed-in bunker or your pierside cheering section.

Pablo

[Aufklarer]

the forward momentum from the diesels when they are switched off still allows the submarine to dive, while the electric motors are engaged, the whole process took around 20-30 seconds IIRC.

[Sailor Steve]

That's been an annoying mistake ever since SH2. The diesels don't shut off until the boat is actually submerged. In SH3 the crew disappears from the bridge the instant the dive key is pressed. I'm not sure about the engines because I have that sound turned down fairly low.