Upgraded Type VIIB Vs.Standard Type VIIC

Hello all Kriegsmarine Aces

After a very successfull patrolling in March - April 1940 with,originally 10 ships (total tonnage 39999 tonns) sunk during the patrol,I was offered to change my highly upgraded U-49 Type VIIB (Engine Upgrade - Germania,KDB,New AFA Batteries,7th Flotilla Badging) into a standard Type VIIC.

I decided,not to do that,and I will explain why:

1.After Germania-Engine Upgrade the speed of my U-49 Type VIIB became just amazing.It's now possible to push up to 19 knots on calm sea surfaced,8 knots and a bit more submerged.Extemely agile submarine.

2.What are the benefits of Type VIIC?I virtually see no any more reasonable benefits,excepting extended patrolling distances.But,most "hunting areas" in Silent Hunter III lie in BF,AL,AM areas and you can easily patrol them with the range of Type VIIB.

3.In reality,during World War II Type VIIB was more effective than Type VIIC,I mean those versions earned most tonnage for Kriegsmarine (for example Gunter's Prien U-47 that torpedoed "Royal Oak" battleship).

So I decided to stay with my Type VIIB U-49,which I actually like very much,through the rest of the war.

What do you think about my choice?I would be glad to read your opinions.

Good Hunting to all Kriegsmarine Captains

[Penelope_Grey]

The VIIC is better because it can have all those upgrades and more, such as radar for example, a range of better conning towers. The VIIC can also go slightly deeper than the VIIB before the bolts start to complain. The VIIC can reach 8 knots submerged, and with the MAN engine upgrade can do 20 knots flat out on the surface on a calm day so to say the VIIC is "slower" is a bit wrong, in the context of the game at least.

Plus a VIIC with the VIIC/3 tower is a formidable adversary to aircraft, and on the subject of aircraft, the VIIC will crash dive quicker than the VIIB can. But other than that I am not sure of any real reasons to upgrade. When the VIIC/41 and VIIC/42 comes along then you really see the maximum potential of the workhorse reached.

Penelope_Grey

Yes,you are right but...my Type VIIB is showing such performance,that I decided to stay with it.I just love my submarine,that proved itself just great in action.

[Ubåtskapten]

I like both the VIIB and C but I would personally switch to a VIIC later in the war when radar detection and other upgrades becomes vital (if VIIB can't get it?).

@Penelope_Grey
What upgrades is needed to make the VIIC go 8 knots submerged? As far as I remember my early war VIIC's have only been able to reach 7 knots on batteries.:hmm:

[NealT]

Once you can get a VIIC/42 model, then it is definately time to upgrade. Being able to go down to 250 meters certainly will be very, very handy. Plus, you get a whole lot more that you can upgrade as well...

Until then, it is your choice...

[Penelope_Grey]

Originally Posted by Ubåtskapten

@Penelope_Grey
What upgrades is needed to make the VIIC go 8 knots submerged? As far as I remember my early war VIIC's have only been able to reach 7 knots on batteries.:hmm:

I think having the better batteries helps. So if you leave it at flank long enough, maintaining depth, then eventually it will accelerate to 8 knots.

[Canovaro]

If you love your boat, then you should by all means stick to it.

[Jimbuna]

Later on in the war the VIIC gets the best upgrades (based on historical accuracy)