German submarine U-2345 facts for kids
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Postwar photo of Hecht (S 171), (former Type XXIII submarine U-2367). An identical sister ship of U-2345.
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 Nazi Germany |
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| Name | U-2345 |
| Ordered | 20 September 1943 |
| Builder | Deutsche Werft AG, Hamburg |
| Yard number | 499 |
| Laid down | 7 September 1944 |
| Launched | 28 October 1944 |
| Commissioned | 15 November 1944 |
| Fate |
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| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Type XXIII submarine |
| Displacement |
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| Length |
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| Beam |
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| Draught | 3.66 m (12 ft) |
| Installed power |
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| Propulsion |
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| Speed |
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| Range |
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| Test depth | 180 m (590 ft) |
| Complement | 14–18 |
| Armament |
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| Service record | |
| Part of: |
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| Commanders: |
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| Operations: | None |
| Victories: | None |
The U-2345 was a special type of submarine called a Type XXIII U-boat. It was built for Nazi Germany's navy, the Kriegsmarine, during World War II. This submarine was ordered in September 1943 and started being built in Hamburg in September 1944. It was finished and ready for use in November 1944, led by Commander Karl Steffen.
Contents
About the U-2345 Submarine
The U-2345 was a small but powerful U-boat. It was designed to be quick and easy to build. This made it useful for coastal operations.
Size and Weight
When the U-2345 was on the surface, it weighed about 234 tonnes (230 long tons). This is like the weight of about 234 small cars! When it was underwater, it weighed a bit more, around 258 tonnes (254 long tons).
The submarine was about 34.68 m (113 ft 9 in) long. That's roughly the length of two school buses parked end-to-end. It was 3.02 m (9 ft 11 in) wide and could go 3.66 m (12 ft) deep in the water.
How it Moved
The U-2345 had different engines for different situations. It had a diesel engine for moving on the surface. It also had two electric motors for moving underwater. One electric motor was for normal speed, and another was for very quiet, slow movement. This quiet mode was important for sneaking up on enemies.
Speed and Travel Distance
On the surface, the submarine could travel at a top speed of 9.7 knots (18.0 km/h; 11.2 mph). That's about 18 kilometres per hour (11 mph). Underwater, it was even faster, reaching 12.5 knots (23.2 km/h; 14.4 mph), or about 23 kilometres per hour (14 mph).
When surfaced, it could travel about 2,600 nautical miles (4,800 km; 3,000 mi) (about 4,815 kilometres (2,992 mi)) at a speed of 8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph). This is like traveling from London to Moscow! Underwater, it could go about 194 nmi (359 km; 223 mi) (about 359 kilometres (223 mi)) at a slower speed of 4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph).
Deep Diving and Crew
The U-2345 could dive very deep, down to 180 m (590 ft). That's like diving deeper than the height of a 50-story building! It needed a crew of 14 to 18 sailors to operate it.
Weapons on Board
This submarine was armed with two torpedo tubes at the front. It could carry two torpedoes, which are underwater missiles used to attack other ships. Unlike some larger submarines, the U-2345 did not have a deck gun.
Service During World War II
The U-2345 was part of the 32nd U-boat Flotilla. This was a group of submarines that trained and prepared for missions. Its commander was Karl Steffen.
End of its Journey
The U-2345 did not take part in any combat missions. On May 9, 1945, at the end of World War II, the submarine surrendered in Stavanger, Norway. It was then moved to Loch Ryan, Scotland.
Later that year, the U-2345 was chosen to be part of Operation Deadlight. This was an operation where many German U-boats that had surrendered were sunk by the Allied forces. On November 27, 1945, the U-2345 was towed out to sea and purposely sunk. Its wreck now lies underwater at 56°10′N 10°05′W / 56.167°N 10.083°W.
See also
