How deep could a WWII submarine dive?

200 to 280 metres
World War II German U-boats generally had collapse depths in the range of 200 to 280 metres (660 to 920 feet). Modern nuclear attack submarines like the American Seawolf class are estimated to have a test depth of 490 m (1,600 ft), which would imply (see above) a collapse depth of 730 m (2,400 ft).

How long could a ww2 submarine stay underwater?

After 48 hours, it would be unbearable and you would have to surface. The World War II submarine that had the longest possible underwater endurance was the German Type 21. It could stay down for up to 75 hours, which gives you a tad over 3 days.

Why did ww2 subs have to surface?

World War II submarines were basically surface ships that could travel underwater for a limited time. Diesel engines gave them high surface speed and long range, but speed and range were severely reduced underwater, where they relied on electric motors powered by relatively short-lived storage batteries.

How deep can modern submarines dive?

What is the maximum depth for a submarine? It’s generally accepted that the maximum depth (depth of implosion or collapse) is about 1.5 or 2 times deeper. The latest open literature says that a US Los Angeles-class test depth is 450m (1,500 ft), suggesting a maximum depth of 675–900m (2,250–3,000 ft).

How deep was the water the Hunley sank in?

The wreck was actually 100 yd (91 m) away from and on the seaward side of Housatonic in 27 feet (8.2 m) of water. The submarine was buried under several feet of silt, which had both concealed and protected the vessel for more than a hundred years.

How long could a U-boat stay submerged?

Originally Answered: How long can a WW2 uboat stay under water? Under normal operations, roughly 24 hours; in emergency (with crew remaining still and minimizing even their talking, up to 72.

What did submariners eat in WW2?

Meat, vegetables (mainly potatoes), bread and fruits were the basic ingredients in the submariners’ menu on German U-Boats during World War 2.

What is diving depth in WW2?

Diving Depths Diving depths were usually secret and even now are not easily found for World War II submarines. Even the meaning of “diving depth” can be unclear as these words can be used to represent at least three very differ- ent figures. Is is usually possible to distinguish the following depths. OPERATIONAL DEPTH.

What is the difference between WW2 submarines and WWII submarines?

Later in the war they were joined by the 122 boats of the similar Balao -class; the main difference was a thicker pressure hull for increased operating depth. World War II submarines were basically surface ships that could travel underwater for a limited time.

What was the first US submarine launched in WW2?

USS Gato (SS-212), launched 21 August 1941, was the first of 54 submarines in her class. Gato -class boats carried the brunt of the U.S. submarine war early in World War II. Later in the war they were joined by the 122 boats of the similar Balao -class; the main difference was a thicker pressure hull for increased operating depth.

Why did the US Navy dive underwater in WW2?

Many dives were made to inspect sunken enemy ships in an attempt to recover materials of intelligence value. The Navy’s Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) were created when bomb disposal experts and Seabees (combat engineers) teamed together in 1943 to devise methods for removing obstacles the Germans were placing off the beaches of France.