German submarine U-145 (1940) facts for kids
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|} The German submarine U-145was a special type of U-boat(a German submarine) used by Nazi Germany's navy, the Kriegsmarine, during World War II. It was built in Kielat a place called Deutsche Werke. Work on the submarine began on 29 March 1940. It was launched into the water on 21 September 1940 and officially joined the navy on 16 October 1940. Its first commander was Heinrich Driver. U-145served with two different groups of submarines, called flotillas. It first joined the 1st U-boat Flotilla and then moved to the 22nd flotilla. It stayed with the 22nd flotilla for most of its time in service.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 Nazi Germany |
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| Name | U-145 |
| Ordered | 25 September 1939 |
| Builder | Deutsche Werke, Kiel |
| Yard number | 274 |
| Laid down | 29 March 1940 |
| Launched | 21 September 1940 |
| Commissioned | 16 October 1940 |
| Fate | Surrendered on 5 May 1945; sunk as part of Operation Deadlight on 22 December 1945 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Type IID coastal submarine |
| Displacement |
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| Length |
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| Beam |
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| Height | 8.40 m (27 ft 7 in) |
| Draught | 3.93 m (12 ft 11 in) |
| Installed power |
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| Propulsion |
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| Range |
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| Test depth | 80 m (260 ft) |
| Complement | 3 officers, 22 men |
| Armament | |
| Service record | |
| Part of: |
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| Commanders: |
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| Operations: |
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| Victories: | None |
Understanding the U-145's Design
The U-145 was a Type IID submarine. These were larger versions of the earlier Type II submarines. When it was on the surface of the water, U-145 weighed about 314 tonnes (309 long tons). When it was underwater, it weighed about 364 tonnes (358 long tons).
Size and Dimensions
This U-boat was about 43.97 m (144 ft 3 in) long from end to end. Its main body, called the pressure hull, which protected the crew from water pressure, was 29.80 m (97 ft 9 in) long. The submarine was 4.92 m (16 ft 2 in) wide and 8.40 m (27 ft 7 in) tall. It sat 3.93 m (12 ft 11 in) deep in the water.
How the Submarine Moved
U-145 had two types of engines. It used two powerful diesel engines when it was on the surface. These engines gave it 700 metric horsepower (510 kW; 690 shp) of power. When it went underwater, it switched to two electric motors that provided 410 metric horsepower (300 kW; 400 shp) of power. These engines turned two propellers, each about 0.85 m (2.8 ft) wide.
Speed and Range
The submarine could travel at a maximum speed of 12.7 knots (23.5 km/h; 14.6 mph) (knots) when on the surface. Underwater, its top speed was 7.4 knots (13.7 km/h; 8.5 mph). When surfaced, it could travel about 3,800 nautical miles (7,000 km; 4,400 mi) (nautical miles) at a speed of 8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph). Underwater, it could go for about 35–42 nautical miles (65–78 km; 40–48 mi) at 4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph).
Depth and Crew
U-145 was designed to go as deep as 80–150 metres (260–490 ft) underwater. A crew of 25 people operated the submarine.
Weapons and Armament
The U-145 was equipped with three torpedo tubes at the front. It could carry five torpedoes or up to 12 or 18 naval mines. For defense against aircraft, it also had a 2 cm (0.79 in) anti-aircraft gun.
Operational History
U-145 went on three war patrols during 1941. However, it did not sink or damage any enemy ships during these missions.
End of Service
The U-145 surrendered on 5 May 1945, near the end of World War II. Later that year, on 22 December 1945, it was sunk as part of an operation called Operation Deadlight. This operation involved sinking many captured German U-boats.
