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KRIEGSMARINE (GERMANY)

SUBMARINES

"IXD-2" and "IXD/42" types oceangoing submarines (1942-1945)

U876 1944

U883 1945

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. Boats of IXD-2 series were intended for actions in Southern Atlantic and Indian ocean and possessed biggest endurance in Kriegsmarine at expense of other machinery arrangement: besides of two main diesels, they had two 500hp diesel-generators for batteries recharging and slow surface cruising under electric motors. Series IXD/42 submarines with similar machinery were laid down as battle boats, but during building they were converted to transports as IXD-1 series, but with stern TTs. In total 78 boats of the given type have been ordered, but with the beginning of mass building of XXI series the majority of orders has been canceled: only U883 was commissioned and already launched U884 was lost during outfitting.

All boats of a series were distinguished by presence of three periscopes. Instead of torpedoes 44 TMA or 66 TMB mines 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. Part of IXD-2 series boats acting in Indian ocean, carried folding towed Focke-Achgelis FA 330 gyroplane, capable to reach 100m height.

Modernizations: 1943 - 1944, most survived and completed boats were rearmed with artillery consisted of 1 x 1 - 37/69 FlaK M/42, 2 x 1 - 20/65 C/38 or 2 x 2 - 20/65 C/38 or 1 x 4 - 20/65 C/38

1943-1944, most survived early built: - S-Gerät sonar, FuMB 1 Metox ECM suite; + FuMB 3 Bali, FuMB 6 Palau ECM suites

1943 - 1944, some boats: + 1 FA330 towed gyroplane

1944-1945, some survived: - FuMO 30 radar; + FuMO 61 radar

Naval service: During operations 150 of 194 commissioned IX series submarines were lost.

U177 was sunk 6.2.1944 by Liberator of USN VP-107 sqn in Southern Atlantic SW off Ascension. U178 was scuttled by crew 25.8.1944 at Bordeaux. U179 was sunk 8.10.1942 by British destroyer Active W off Capetown. U181 6.5.1945 was captured in Surabaya by Japanese troops and commissioned by IJN as I501, surrendered in August, 1945 and 16.2.1946 scuttled by Allies. U182 was sunk 16.5.1943 by American destroyer Mackenzie in Central Atlantic NW off Madeira. U196 after 30.11.1944 was lost in Indian ocean near Sunda Strait. U197 was sunk 20.8.1943 by Catalinas of 259th and 265th RAF sqns S off Madagascar. U198 was sunk 12.8.1944 by British frigate Findhorn and Indian sloop Godavari in Indian ocean S off Seychelles. U199 was sunk 31.7.1943 by Mariners of USN VP-74 sqn and Hudson of Brazilian Air Force E off Rio de Janeiro. U200 was sunk 24.6.1943 by Liberator of 120th RAF sqn in Northern Atlantic SW off Iceland.

U847 was sunk 27.8.1943 by Avengers and Wildcats of USN VC-1 sqn from escort carrier Card in the Central Atlantic W off Canary. U848 was sunk 5.11.1943 by Liberators of USN VP-107 sqn and Mitchell of USAF in Southern Atlantic SW off Ascension. U849 was sunk 25.11.1943 by Liberator of USN VP-107 sqn in Southern Atlantic E off Ascension. U850 was sunk 20.12.1943 by Avengers and Wildcats of USN VC-19 sqn from escort carrier Bogue SW off Azores.

U851 after 27.3.1944 was lost in the Central Atlantic by unknown cause. U852 was 3.5.1944 damaged by Wellingtons of 621st and 8th RAF sqns, ran aground and was blown up by own crew in Indian ocean off Cape Ras Hafun. U859 was torpedoed 23.9.1944 by British submarine Trenchant in Malacca Straits NW off Penang. U860 was sunk 15.6.1944 by Avengers and Wildcats of USN VC-9 sqn from escort carrier Solomons S off St. Helena. U862 6.5.1945 was captured at Surabaya by Japanese and commissioned by IJN as I502; surrendered in August, 1945, and was 13.2.1946 scuttled by Allies. U863 was sunk 29.9.1944 by Liberators of USN VP-107 sqn in Southern Atlantic SE off Recife. U864 was torpedoed 9.2.1945 by British submarine Venturer NW off Bergen. U871 was sunk 26.9.1944 by Flying Fortress of 220th RAF sqn NW off Azores. U872 was lost 29.7.1944 during raid of US 8th Air Army bombers to Bremen. U873 was transferred on reparations to the USA and BU in 1948. U876 was scuttled by own crew 3.5.1945 at Eckernförde.

U861, U874, U875 and U883 surrendered and were scuttled by Allies during operation "Deadlight".