German U-Boat

Launched in February 14 1936, the Type IA was the first U-boat to be designed under German specification and was the first to receive the Type designation. This design was considered a failure as it had poor sea worthiness, poor maneuverability and was mechanically unreliable. Only two were built, which after initial trials, it was decided to cancel further production of this class. The two were relegated to training and for propaganda roles to fly the Nazi flag. Nevertheless, the Type IA served as a basis for the development of other types, namely the VII and IX class boats.

U-995 German Type VIIC U-Boat Illustrated Gallery
Explore the last surviving German Type VIIC U-boat with over 600 Walkaround photos, videos, schematic plans, authentic sounds and a virtual tour. For modelers, researchers, and u-boat fans. Click here now. Authored by Uboataces

Despite the fact that they were relegated to training and propaganda roles, the Type IA saw limited action at the outbreak of war. The first Type IA, U-25, commanded by Viktor Schutze sank six British freighters. She was then assigned to a new commander, Heinz Beduhn. On August 3 1940, while on a mine laying mission during the invasion of Norway, U-25 was lost with all hands on board – possibly victim to one of its own mines.

U-26, under Heinz Scheringer sank three freighters and damaged a fourth before being attacked and sank on July 1, 1940. All 48 crew members survived.

Technical Specification

	Type IA
Role	Attack U-boat
Displacement Surfaced Submerged	862 tons 983 tons
Dimensions Length Beam Draught	237.5ft (72.39m) 20.4ft (6.21m) 14.1ft (4.3m)
Top speed Surfaced Submerged	17.75 knots 8.3 knots
Maximum range Surfaced Submerged	6,700nm at 12 knots 78nm at 4 knots
Crush depth Crash dive time	328ft (100m) 30secs
Weapons Bow tubes Stern tubes Torpedo capacity Mines Guns	Four 21 inch Two 21 inch 14 TMA, TMB 1 x 105mm deck gun 1 x 20mm Flak
Officers and crew	4 + 39 = 43
Total built	2
First launch	February 14, 1936