German submarine U-1002 facts for kids
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|} The German submarine U-1002was a special type of submarinecalled a Type VIIC/41 U-boat. It was built for Nazi Germany's navy, the Kriegsmarine, during World War II. The order to build U-1002was placed on 14 October 1941. Its construction started on 4 January 1943, at the Blohm & Voss shipyard in Hamburg. The submarine was officially launched on 6 October 1943. It began its service on 30 November 1943, under the command of Oberleutnant zur SeeAlbrecht Schubart.
Contents
- How Big Was It?
- What Powered the Submarine?
- How Fast and Far Could It Go?
- How Deep Could It Dive?
- Who Was on Board?
- What Weapons Did It Have?
| History | |
|---|---|
 Nazi Germany |
|
| Name | U-1002 |
| Ordered | 14 October 1941 |
| Builder | Blohm & Voss, Hamburg |
| Yard number | 202 |
| Laid down | 4 January 1943 |
| Launched | 6 October 1943 |
| Commissioned | 30 November 1943 |
| Fate |
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| General characteristics | |
| Type | Type VIIC/41 submarine |
| Displacement |
|
| Length |
|
| Beam |
|
| Height | 9.60 m (31 ft 6 in) |
| Draught | 4.74 m (15 ft 7 in) |
| Installed power |
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| Propulsion |
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| Speed |
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| Range | |
| Test depth |
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| Complement | 44-52 officers & ratings |
| Armament |
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| Service record | |
| Part of: |
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| Commanders: |
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| Operations: |
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| Victories: | None |
Understanding the U-1002 Design
The U-1002 was a Type VIIC/41 submarine. This type was an improved version of the earlier Type VIIC submarines.
How Big Was It?
When U-1002 was on the surface, it weighed about 769 tonnes (which is 757 long tons). When it was underwater, it weighed more, around 871 tonnes (857 long tons). The submarine was about 67.10 meters (220 feet 2 inches) long overall. Its main body, called the pressure hull, was 50.50 meters (165 feet 8 inches) long.
The widest part of the submarine was 6.20 meters (20 feet 4 inches) across. Its height was 9.60 meters (31 feet 6 inches), and it sat 4.74 meters (15 feet 7 inches) deep in the water.
What Powered the Submarine?
U-1002 used two different types of engines. For moving on the surface, it had two powerful diesel engines. These engines could produce between 2,800 and 3,200 horsepower.
When underwater, it switched to two electric motors. These motors produced 750 horsepower. The submarine had two propellers, each about 1.23 meters (4 feet) wide, to push it through the water.
How Fast and Far Could It Go?
On the surface, U-1002 could travel at a top speed of 17.7 knots (about 32.8 kilometers per hour or 20.4 miles per hour). Underwater, it was slower, reaching a maximum speed of 7.6 knots (about 14.1 kilometers per hour or 8.7 miles per hour).
When surfaced, it could travel a very long distance, about 8,500 nautical miles (15,742 kilometers or 9,781 miles) at a slower speed of 10 knots. Underwater, its range was much shorter, about 80 nautical miles (148 kilometers or 92 miles) at 4 knots.
How Deep Could It Dive?
The U-1002 was designed to operate safely at depths of up to 230 meters (750 feet). Its maximum calculated crush depth, meaning the depth at which the pressure would likely crush the submarine, was between 250 and 295 meters (820 and 968 feet).
Who Was on Board?
A crew of between 44 and 52 officers and sailors worked on the submarine.
What Weapons Did It Have?
The U-1002 was equipped with five torpedo tubes, which are tubes used to launch torpedoes. Four of these were at the front (bow) and one was at the back (stern). It could carry 14 torpedoes. Instead of torpedoes, it could also carry 26 Naval mines, which are explosives placed in the water to damage enemy ships.
For defense on the surface, it had an 8.8 cm (3.5 inch) naval gun with 220 rounds of ammunition. It also had anti-aircraft guns to defend against planes: one 3.7 cm (1.5 inch) Flak M42 gun and two 2 cm (0.79 inch) C/30 anti-aircraft guns.
U-1002 Service History
U-1002 was part of the 31st U-boat Flotilla from November 1943 to February 1945. Then it joined the 11th U-boat Flotilla until May 1945.
War Patrols and Commanders
The submarine went on only one war patrol during its service. This patrol lasted from 20 February to 9 April 1945. During this time, it did not damage or sink any enemy ships.
U-1002 had two main commanders:
- Oblt.z.S. Albrecht Schubart, from 30 November 1943 to 6 July 1944.
- Oblt.z.S. Hans-Heinz Boos, from 6 July 1944 to 9 May 1945.
The End of U-1002
On 9 May 1945, at the end of World War II, U-1002 surrendered to the Allied forces in Bergen, Norway. It was then moved to Lisahally on 30 May 1945.
U-1002 was one of 116 U-boats chosen to be sunk as part of Operation Deadlight. This operation aimed to prevent Germany from using its submarines again. On 13 December 1945, U-1002 was being towed out to the sinking area. However, it sank before reaching its destination due to unknown reasons.
The remains of U-1002 now lie at the coordinates 56°10′N 10°5′W / 56.167°N 10.083°W.
See also
