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The Hidden Submarine Threat: Why Type XXI Became a Model of Naval Design?
During World War II, Germany designed a series of submarines called Type XXI. These new submarines were called "Electric Boats" (Elektroboot). Their design concept focused on long-term operations underwater. Very different from previous submarines. Although the number of Type XXIs reached 118, only four were combat capable, and ultimately only two actually participated in combat patrols. The design of this series of submarines became the model for many subsequent naval submarines.
Type XXI submarines are the first batch of submarines designed specifically for long-term underwater operations, successfully pushing the strategy and technology of underwater navigation to a new peak.
Type XXI submarines have been innovated in many aspects, including improved hull design, powerful electric drive motors and a new submersible system. Design features of these submarines significantly increase underwater speed, allowing them to recharge using only their newly developed jet-powered diesel engines as they rise to the surface. The Type XXI's ability to operate underwater is clearly significantly better than that of previous models, allowing for improved survivability in combat.
However, there are also many problems in the design and construction process of Type XXI submarines. Due to a rushed design, these submarines lacked mechanical reliability and were susceptible to battle damage. Some experts believe that the structure of Type XXI submarines was assessed after the war as fragile and in some cases unable to withstand depth charge attacks.
“The Type XXI’s superior design failed to reach its full potential due to a disorderly production policy.”
Between 1943 and 1945, the Type XXI was built at several wave shipyards in Germany. The construction process of these submarines was a modular manufacturing process that was advanced than other submarines. Each submarine was made up of nine prefabricated components, a new method that was supposed to speed up construction but instead suffered serious quality issues. The end result was that only four were operationally capable by the end of the war in Europe.
Judging from post-war evaluations, the design of Type XXI influenced many navies to move towards modern submarine designs. After World War II, the Soviet Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom all used it as a reference to develop a new generation of submarines. The design of these submarines is largely based on the Type XXI philosophy.
"Type XXI submarine has changed the design direction of modern submarines. It has played an important role in promoting the way naval operations are conducted, both in a technical and strategic sense."
Many countries have made effective modifications and uses of Type XXI submarines after acquiring them. For example, France transformed U-2518 into the French submarine Roland Morillot and put it into actual use in many battles; while the United States adjusted U-2513 to facilitate naval combat missions at the time. However, the history of these submarines in service with different countries also shows that early submarine designs also faced adaptation and technical challenges.
Multinational fleets have successively integrated the characteristics of Type XXI submarines into their own new submarine designs, demonstrating its importance in later naval designs. For many submarine designers, Type XXI became the focus of their research and represented the pinnacle of a design career.
The evolution of these submarines has also caused the navies of many countries to undergo strategic changes. Modern submarines are no longer simply underwater combat modules, but have become comprehensive strategic weapons, responsible for reconnaissance, anti-submarine, and even the launch of cruise missiles. Their designs have gradually incorporated the concepts of multi-function and comprehensive operations.
“However, technological development is always a double-edged sword, so will future submarines be able to escape the threats posed by modern technology?”
