Could the VIIA actually dive deeper? Balaos dove far in excess of rated depth and survived, and post war boats which were little different went deeper still.
I think like radar in actual use, this is more necessity than anything else—not of design, but practice. Had the US faced better ASW, our boats would have gone deeper and deeper since when the alternative is certain death, risking a deeper dive is a chance worth taking.
As was said, comparisons are hard due to the situations faced. Seems like the added range and stores in the Fleets would have proved very useful since simply getting to sea was often troublesome for u-boats. Once there, duration on station would be desirable, right? I assume the allies paid special attention to patrolling approaches to u-boat bases. Were they successful in sinking many that were coming or going from port?
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