The Type VIIA was the victor, but it lacked behind in many desirable characteristics possessed by the Type IA. The first of the Type VII class, the VIIA was rigorously compared against the Type IA in an effort to determine the production model to be used for the U-boat force. The saddle tanks are also clearly visible. Note the external stern torpedo tube which could not be reloaded at sea. Sailors ready for an inspection on the deck of a Type VIIA. The earliest variants were also fitted with serrated net cutters on the bow, a specification carried over from World War 1 boats, but these were quickly discontinued. Diesel fuel tanks were situated inside the pressure hull to avoid leakages during a depth charge attack. These tanks however did not provide sufficient capacity, so additional saddle tanks were fitted to the sides of the hull.

Outside the pressure hull, external tanks were fitted at the bow and stern. The main tank was just below the control room, inside the pressure hull. Ballast was provided by several ballast tanks situated internally and externally of the pressure hull. To withstand sea water pressure up to a crush depth of 250 meters, the pressure hull was further reinforced with strengthening steel ribs inside the hull. There were seven main variants, Type VIIA, VIIB, VIIC, VIIC/41, VIIC/42, VIID and VIIF.Īll Type VIIs were attack boats with a single-hull design – which is to say the pressure hull is also the outer hull. Since the Type VII was a medium-tonnage boat, this meant that more could be built under the existing tonnage restrictions.Ī total of 709 Type VII U-boats of all variants were built during the war – this was more than any other submarine built by any other nation. This figure was later increased to 100 percent. Under the Anglo-German Naval Agreement, Germany was allowed to construct submarines up to 35 percent tonnage of that of the Royal Navy. Crew habitability, however, was very low on the priority list.īeyond the technical aspects, Naval policies also had an influence in the selection process. The number of sailors required to man the boat also had to be comparatively small. In order to build sufficient numbers in a war situation, the Type VII also had to be relatively cheap and quick to build. Technically, the Type VII had the necessary range, sea worthiness, armament, and maneuverability suitable to conduct a trade war in the North Atlantic. There were several reasons which contributed to the selection of the Type VII as the main workhorse of the U-boat force. For modelers, researchers, and u-boat fans. U-995 German Type VIIC U-Boat Illustrated GalleryĮxplore the last surviving German Type VIIC U-boat with over 600 Walkaround photos, videos, schematic plans, authentic sounds and a virtual tour. These additional variants resulted in an improved torpedo attack boat (VIIC), minelayer (VIID), supply boat (VIIF) and other variants such as Flak and repair boats. Like many other military designs, the original Type VII was quickly modified to provide longer range, better performance and revised armament.

First launched in June 1936, the Type VII was not the best submarine in any particular aspect, but it was the most successful of the war and formed the backbone of the U-boat force.

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