U180 1942
| Name | No | Yard No | Builder | Laid down | Launched | Comp | Fate |
| U180 | 1020 | Deschimag, Bremen | 2.1941 | 10.12.1941 | 5/1942 | sunk 22.8.1944 | |
| U195 | 1041 | Deschimag, Bremen | 5.1941 | 8.4.1942 | 9/1942 | captured by Japan 6.5.1945 (伊506 [I506]) |
|
Displacement standard, t |
|
|
Displacement normal, t |
1610 / 1799 |
|
Length, m |
87.6 |
|
Breadth, m |
7.50 |
|
Draught, m |
5.40 |
|
No of shafts |
2 |
|
Machinery |
6 Daimler-Benz diesels / 2 SSW electric motors |
|
Power, h. p. |
9000 / 1100 |
|
Max speed, kts |
20.8 / 6.9 |
|
Fuel, t |
diesel oil 389 |
| Endurance, nm(kts) | 9500(14) / 121(2) |
|
Armament |
1 x 1 - 105/42 SK C/32, 1 x 1 - 37/80 SK C/30, 1 x 1 - 20/65 C/38, 6 - 533 ÒTT (4 bow, 2 stern, 24 or 72 mines) |
| Electronic equipment | FuMO 30 radar, S-Gerät sonar, GHG hydrophone, FuMB 1 Metox ECM suite |
| Complement |
57 |
| Diving depth operational, m | 100 |
Project history: Oceangoing submarines for operations in far areas. The design was developed on the basis of U81-86 submarine cruisers of the period of the First World War with application of decisions included in the I series. Double-hulled, maximal diving depth was 200m, minimal diving time was 35sec. At the same time, the big dimensions done these submarines less mobile and manoeuvrable and fast in submerged position.
A little independently there were series IXD boats developed as submarine cruisers with increased dimensions for providing of larger action radius. Two submarines of IXD-1 series were equipped by light high-speed diesels (three on the shaft with 9000hp totally), similar applied on "S-boots", that should ensure 20.8kts surface speed; however they have appeared unreliable and were changed by new ones, with only 2800hp, because of what at increased displacement surface speed has decreased to 15.8kts. In the early 1944 both submarines were converted to transport role: they lost TTs, the artillery was lightened and tanks for 252t of diesel oil were established to supply other submarines.
All boats of a series were distinguished by presence of three periscopes. Instead of torpedoes 44 TMA or 66 TMB mines (except U103, U124, U505 and U524 without minelaying equipment) could be carried. Strengthening of antiaircraft armament has begun from late 1942. 37mm gun was transferred from a deck to a special platform ("Wintergarten") behind CT (under which two additional spare torpedoes were stored), instead of 1 single 20mm MG 2 single or twin such MGs were installed, 105mm gun was removed. From the second half of 1943 submarines received snorkel.
Modernizations: 1943, both: diesels were replaced by 2 Germania (2800hp, 15.8kts surfaced, 12750(10) / 115(4)nm)
1943-1944, most survived: - S-Gerät sonar, FuMB 1 Metox ECM suite; + FuMB 3 Bali, FuMB 6 Palau ECM suites
early 1944, both: were converted to transport submarines: armament consisted of 1 x 1 - 37/69 FlaK M/42, 2 x 2 - 20/65 C/38 (TT were removed), cargo capacity was 252 t of diesel oil.
Naval service: During operations 150 of 194 commissioned IX series submarines were lost.
U180 after 23.8.1944 was lost in Bay of Biscay. U195 6.5.1945 was captured at Surabaya by Japanese and commissioned by IJN as I506, surrendered in August, 1945 and scuttled by Allies in February, 1946.
© Ivan Gogin, 2008-14