What Was the Speed of WWII Submarines? Exploring Their Capabilities
Discover the top speeds of WWII submarines and how they balanced speed and stealth in warfare.
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WWII submarines typically had a top surface speed of around 17 knots (about 20 mph or 32 km/h) and a submerged speed of 7-9 knots (8-10 mph or 13-17 km/h).** German U-boats, such as the Type VII, exemplified these capabilities, balancing speed and stealth for effective warfare.
FAQs & Answers
- What was the purpose of submarines in WWII? Submarines were used primarily for stealth attacks on enemy ships and for disrupting supply lines.
- How did WWII submarines communicate? WWII submarines used radio communication to receive orders and report their positions, but had to minimize radio usage to avoid detection.
- What advancements were made in submarine technology during WWII? WWII saw advancements in sonar technology, submerged speed capabilities, and more effective torpedoes.
- Were U-boats successful in WWII? Yes, German U-boats had initial success in disrupting Allied shipping, but improvements in anti-submarine warfare led to significant losses.