How Fast Did World War II U-Boats Travel? Surface and Submerged Speeds Explained

Discover the typical surface and submerged speeds of World War II U-boats, including variations by class and design.

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World War II U-boats typically had a surface speed of about 17 to 18 knots (31 to 33 km/h), and while submerged, they could reach up to 7 to 8 knots (13 to 15 km/h). Their speed varied depending on the class and design of the submarine, with later models being capable of slightly higher speeds.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What was the maximum surface speed of World War II U-boats? World War II U-boats typically reached a maximum surface speed of about 17 to 18 knots (31 to 33 km/h), depending on the class and design.
  2. How fast could U-boats travel when submerged during World War II? When submerged, World War II U-boats could reach speeds of approximately 7 to 8 knots (13 to 15 km/h), which was slower than their surface speed.
  3. Did U-boat speeds vary by model during World War II? Yes, the speed of U-boats varied by class and design, with some later models capable of slightly higher speeds both on the surface and underwater.