[Aktungbby]

Originally Posted by TarJak

Undead thread.

...just came across this ancient thread doing some errant research; and decided to vote (VIIC!). At certain point in the war, IX Uboats with their 22 eel full capacity could not remain surfaced long enough to transfer the steam torpedoes below decks due to incessant bomber coverage and rough unstabilzing seas. They stopped carrying the full allotment of topside eels in 1943. The VII, with the quicker crash-dive and a smaller crew to feed and 12 of 14 eels inside the vessel, was more economical and safer. Only steam torpedoes could be stored on the exterior deck as electric eels required constant maintenance and battery heating for full 5000 meter range. Moreover any shockwave from a close-call depth charge attack could render exterior stored eels unusable; a particularly aggravating factor considering the risk/labor (4 hours) of surfacing to transfer them below decks only to find there's a problem.... https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/sho...d.php?t=244680 https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/sho...3&postcount=13