Could it be the differances in tactics in the interwar period?
The americans most likely subscribed to the traditional theory of submarines, their role was to sit at periscope depth outside of the enemy home harbor and sink ships of the line as they sailed out for one big battle. The idea was that they were like torpedo boats that could hide for a bit, not roaming underwater death machines.
The germans thought this way as well, but due to the foe being much more obvious and the tactics based much more on attacking escorted supply convoys submerged and getting away underwater, the focus was indeed on long term underwater ops and a deeper diving depth would be needed.
Still cant for the life of my figure out why radar would be a bad idea. If you suspect air activity in the area than switch it off, why deprive yourself of a tool?
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