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Type XXI
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Type XXI

German submarine
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The Type XXI was a German submarine developed during World War II. It represented a significant advancement in submarine technology, often considered the first truly modern submarine.

Key features of the Type XXI included:
* Enhanced underwater capability: It could travel at 17.5 knots submerged for over an hour and maintain slower speeds underwater for extended periods, thanks to its advanced battery and electric motor systems.
* Snorkel device: This allowed the submarine to run its diesel engines while at periscope depth, enabling battery recharging without fully surfacing and reducing the risk of detection by radar.
* Increased operating depth: It could operate at depths of up to 850 feet, significantly deeper than previous submarines.
* Armament: It was equipped with torpedo tubes and guns.

These innovations made earlier submarine designs obsolete. However, the Type XXI was not ready for large-scale deployment before the war ended in the spring of 1945.12

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. U-boat
  2. submarine - World War II

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