WWII GERMAN U-BOAT SUBMARINE NAVY ARMY BOAT SHIP MODEL

During WWII, Germany launched over 1,000 U-boats into combat against the Allies. Prowling the Atlantic Ocean, these U-boats waged a commerce war which nearly choked the shipping lanes of Great Britain. Together, they sent over 2,900 ships and over 14 million tons of allied shipping to the bottom.  Type VII submarines were the most widely used u-boats of the war and were the most produced submarine class in history, with over 700 built. The type had several modifications.

Type VIIC

The Type VIIC was the workhorse of the German U-boat force, with all commissioned from 1940 to 1945. Boats of this type were built throughout the war. The Type VIIC was an effective fighting machine and was seen almost everywhere. The VIIC came into service as the "Happy Time" at the beginning of World War II was almost over, and it was this boat that saw the final defeat by the Allied anti-submarine campaign in late 1943 and 1944.

Type VIIC was a slightly modified version of the successful VIIB. They had very similar engines and power, but were larger and heavier which made them slightly. Many of these boats were fitted with the Schnorchel in 1944 and 1945.

On the surface the boats were propelled by two supercharged Germaniawerft, 6 cylinder, 4-stroke M6V 40/46 diesels totaling between 2,800 and 3,200 bhp (2,400 kW) at a 470 to 490 rpm.

For submerged propulsion several different electric motors were used, Early models used the VIIB configuration of two AEG GU 460/8-276 electric motors, totaling 750 shp with a max rpm: 296, while newer boats used two BBC (Brown Boveri & Co) GG UB 720/8, two GL (Garbe Lahmeyer) RP 137/c electric motors or two SSW (Siemens-Schuckert-Werke) GU 343/38-8 electric motors with the same power output as the AEG motors.

Perhaps the most famous VIIC boat was U-96, featured in the movie Das Boot.

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. Like many other military designs, the original Type VII was quickly modified to provide longer range, better performance and revised armament. 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.

There were several reasons which contributed to the selection of the Type VII as the main workhorse of the U-boat force. Technically, the Type VII had the necessary range, sea worthiness, armament, and maneuverability suitable to conduct a trade war in the North Atlantic. In order to build sufficient numbers in a war situation, the Type VII also had to be relatively cheap and quick to build. The number of sailors required to man the boat also had to be comparatively small. Crew habitability, however, was very low on the priority list.

Beyond the technical aspects, Naval policies also had an influence in the selection process. Under the Anglo-German Naval Agreement, Germany was allowed to construct submarines up to 35 percent tonnage of that of the Royal Navy. This figure was later increased to 100 percent. Since the Type VII was a medium-tonnage boat, this meant that more could be built under the existing tonnage restrictions.

VII U-boats of all variants were built during the war – more than any other submarine built by any other nation. There were seven main variants, Type VIIA, VIIB, VIIC, VIIC/41, VIIC/42, VIID and VIIF.

General Specification

All Type VIIs were attack boats with a single-hull design – which is to say the pressure hull is also the outer 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. Ballast was provided by several ballast tanks situated internally and externally of the pressure hull. The main tank was just below the control room, inside the pressure hull. Outside the pressure hull, external tanks were fitted at the bow and stern. These tanks however did not provide sufficient capacity, so additional saddle tanks were fitted to the sides of the hull. Diesel fuel tanks were situated inside the pressure hull to avoid leakages during a depth charge attack. 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.

This is Not from a kit, not plastic.  Comes fully assembled and ready to display.

Dimensions: 18" length x 7" height

Condition: Brand new in original packaging.