Quote:
Originally Posted by stephenf555
Interesting.
So why then the return, or continuation at least, of designing boats that were much slower submerged, with deck guns and AA and all that? Did the fast running submerged boats not work strategically for some reason?
I suppose that it may have just been down to battery characteristics...if you can only stay running submerged for a few hours and it takes a few hours to recharge on the surface, then you're going to have to spend a lot of time surfaced, and therefore you require AA and deck guns, and hence you go slower when submerged.
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I would like to recommend you read "Ship Killers"
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=178746
This book is one of the few that goes into the strategic intent of torpedoes (and submarines). It explains how the Navy, in the 1920's-1930's) intended to use submarines.
That may help you understand why the design of submarines changed from a more hydrodynamic design to one that is more suitable for surface use.
As it turned out the 20-30' Navy's plan did not occur and submarines were used in a more individual tactical manner.
Anyway, I can highly recommend this book.
Good luck