GWXOA: Attempting to put Deck Gun on Type XXI

[FUBAR295]

Originally Posted by TheNolan

Pretty sure the Germans missed out not loading up U-boats with guns. Could easily fit 2 on the front deck, another on the conning tower replacing the aa, and another on the rear deck. With this configuration and a low profile the allied destroyers would become the prey!

From the Uboat Commanders Handbook :


Section V
The Submarine as a Gunnery Vessel.
271.) The submarine as a gunnery vessel is in itself properly a contradiction in terms. Being
incapable of offering powerful resistance, and because of its low and unstable gunnery and
controlling platforms, which are directly exposed to the action of the sea, it cannot be said to
be built for artillery combat. In the use of gunnery, the submarine proper is fundamentally
inferior to any surface vessel of war, because every gunnery duel means that for the
submarine, unlike its adversary on the surface, everything is at stake, since a hit on the body
of the submarine may render it incapable of diving, and thus lead to its total loss.
A gunnery duel between the submarine proper, i.e., the torpedo-carrying submarine as a
weapon of attack, and surface vessels of war, is therefore impracticable.


Given these facts, multiple guns on Uboats not really a practical.