These U-boat types were similar in most respects to their two predecessors with the exception of a slight decrease in speed with an increase in overall weight. The Type VIIC appeared through 19 and immediately became the star of the Type VII group, making up over 75% of the groups entire total production. Designations covered U-45 through U-55, U-73 through U-87 and U-99 through U-102.© The Type VIIB group produced some of the most famous U-boats of the war in this class. Power was a pair of MAN supercharged diesel engines (some fitted with Germaniawerft engines) along with twin AEG or BBC electric motors. This directly increased the types range and other improvements included a second rudder for better steering control, an increase to overall speed, and an increase in torpedo carrying to 14. This system appeared throughout 19 and featured external tanks holding some 33 tons of extra fuel. The Type VIIB followed the Type VIIA and tried to fix the fuel capacity limitation. Performance was good (though fuel capacity was limited) and construction was primarily handled at Deschimag AG Weser at Bremen. Power was derived from two MAN AG 6-cylinder diesel engines (surfaced) and 2 x BBC GG UB 720/8 type electric motors (submerged). These systems replaced the Type II vessels, featured four bow-facing torpedo tubes, a single stern-facing tube and 11 total torpedoes. Commissioned Type VIIA systems covered U-27 through U-36. The Type VIIA series was designed and constructed during 1935-1937 and represented the new generation of German assault boats. The ground-work was laid for a line of submarines that would eventually give control of the seas to Germany for an extended length of time. As was the case with other naval treaty limitations in the post-World War 1 world, Germany sought to construct weapons of war with optimized firepower and performance whenever possible while still (somewhat) adhering to the global terms, eventually giving birth to the Type VIIA, of which 10 were produced that weight in between 626 and 745 tons. The Type VII had its early origins in a 1918 design of the UB III, which was then followed the Finnish-inspired Vetehinen class during the early 1930's. In all, some 700 Type VII's were known to be commissioned from 1936 through 1945. The Type VII covered six major variants, each improving upon the limitations of the previous design. This class of fighting ship helped the German Navy reign the high seas between America and England for years and became the face of the U-boat Scourge in general, so much so that its legacy was solidified in Hollywood lore through the motion picture "Das Boot". See the emblem page for this boat or view emblems individually below.Type VII u-boats made up a large part of the u-boat fighting force in the Atlantic. Unlike many other U-boats, which during their service lost men due to accidents and various other causes, U-576 did not suffer any casualties (we know of) until the time of her loss. U-576 has accordingly been added to our U-boats discovered since their loss page. The wrecks are less than 250 yards apart. NOAA has reported that U-576 (Heinicke) has been discovered together with her last victim, the motor merchant Bluefields. Many reference sources claim Unicoi rammed U-576, but this can not be confirmed from original reports. Webb) of VS-9 based at MCAS Cherry Point, NC, part of the Carrier Air Group 9 and on temporary inshore patrol duty with Eastern Sea Frontier. Muhle) and four depth charges from two OS2U Kingfisher aircraft (pilots Ens. The U-boat sank one ship and damaged two others before she was sunk by shells from the stern gun of the US motor merchant Unicoi (Master J. On 15 July 1942 convoy KS 520, proceeding from Norfolk to Key West, Fla encountered U-576 off Cape Hatteras. See the 6 ships hit by U-576 - View the 5 war patrols
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