Comparison of WW1 & WW2 U-boats, Specifically...
 

How similar were the Type IX boats of WW2 to the famous "U-cruisers" of WW1? I've been playing Silent Hunter 4 Dark Waters (Fifi's wonderful remake of OM for SH4,) and just managed to sink 8 ships totaling 40,953 GRT without using a single torpedo - all from my deck gun.



Historically though, were the Type IX boats meant to be a newer version of U-cruisers, or were they an all-together new design/concept, and just meant to have longer range than the type VII, without necessarily being designed for much more deck-gun action?



My knowledge of WW2 U-boats is good, but my knowledge of those from WW1 is somewhat lacking. Anyone know?