German submarine U-1198 facts for kids
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|} The German submarine U-1198was a special type of submarinecalled a Type VIIC U-boat. It was built for Nazi Germany's navy, the Kriegsmarine, during World War II. This submarine was ordered in August 1941. Its construction started in March 1943 in Danzig. The U-1198was ready and officially joined the navy in December 1943. Its first commander was Gerhard Peters.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 Nazi Germany |
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| Name | U-1198 |
| Ordered | 25 August 1941 |
| Builder | F Schichau GmbH, Danzig |
| Yard number | 1568 |
| Laid down | 13 March 1943 |
| Launched | 30 September 1943 |
| Commissioned | 9 December 1943 |
| Fate | Surrendered on 8 May 1945; sunk as part of Operation Deadlight on 17 December 1945 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Type VIIC submarine |
| Displacement |
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| Length |
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| Beam |
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| 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 | 4 officers, 44–52 enlisted |
| Armament |
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| Service record | |
| Part of: |
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| Commanders: |
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| Operations: | None |
| Victories: | None |
Submarine Design and Features
The U-1198 was a Type VIIC submarine. These were a common type of U-boat. They were a bit longer than earlier models.
Size and Weight
When on the surface, U-1198 weighed about 769 tons. When it was underwater, it weighed more, around 871 tons. The submarine was about 67 meters (220 feet) long. Its main body, called the pressure hull, was about 50 meters (164 feet) long. The widest part of the submarine was 6.2 meters (20 feet). It stood about 9.6 meters (31 feet) tall. The part of the submarine underwater, called the draught, was 4.7 meters (15.5 feet).
Engines and Speed
The U-1198 had two powerful diesel engines for moving on the surface. These engines gave it a lot of power. For moving underwater, it used two electric motors. These motors were quieter and allowed the submarine to stay hidden.
On the surface, the submarine could travel at a top speed of 17.7 knots. This is about 33 kilometers per hour (20 miles per hour). Underwater, it was slower, reaching about 7.6 knots. This is around 14 kilometers per hour (9 miles per hour).
Travel Range and Depth
The U-1198 could travel very far. On the surface, it could go about 8,500 nautical miles (15,742 kilometers or 9,780 miles) at a speed of 10 knots. Underwater, it could travel about 80 nautical miles (148 kilometers or 92 miles) at 4 knots.
This submarine could dive deep into the ocean. It was designed to operate safely down to 230 meters (755 feet). Its deepest possible depth before it might break apart was between 250 and 295 meters (820 to 968 feet).
Weapons and Crew
The U-1198 was armed with several weapons. It had five torpedo tubes for firing torpedoes. Four of these were at the front, and one was at the back. It could carry 14 torpedoes or 26 mines.
For defense against other ships or aircraft, it had a large 8.8 cm (3.5 inch) deck gun. It also had anti-aircraft guns, including a 3.7 cm (1.5 inch) Flak M42 gun and two twin 2 cm (0.8 inch) anti-aircraft guns. The submarine usually had a crew of 44 to 52 sailors.
Submarine's Final Journey
On May 8, 1945, the U-1198 gave up to the Allied forces. This happened in Cuxhaven, Germany. Later, it was moved to Loch Ryan, Scotland.
The U-1198 was one of many German U-boats that surrendered at the end of the war. Many of these submarines were sunk on purpose in an operation called Operation Deadlight. This was done to prevent them from being used again. On December 17, 1945, the U-1198 was towed out to sea and sunk.
Today, the remains of the U-1198 can be found at these coordinates: 56°14′N 10°37′W / 56.233°N 10.617°W.
