German submarine U-2506 facts for kids
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|} German submarine U-2506was a special type of U-boatcalled a Type XXI. These submarines were also known as "Elektroboote" (meaning "electric boats"). This particular U-boat was built for Nazi Germany's navy, the Kriegsmarine, during World War II. The U-2506was started on May 29, 1944, at the Blohm & Voss shipyard in Hamburg, Germany. It was launched into the water on August 5, 1944, and officially joined the navy on August 31, 1944. Its commander was KapitänleutnantHorst von Schroeter, who led the submarine until May 9, 1945. Even though it was built for war, U-2506never went on any combat missions. It surrendered on May 9, 1945, in Bergen, Norway, as the war ended. Later, it was moved to Lerwickon June 18, 1945, and then to Lisahally on June 21, 1945. Finally, on January 5, 1946, U-2506was sunk as part of Operation Deadlight, a plan to sink many captured German U-boats.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 Nazi Germany |
|
| Name | U-2506 |
| Ordered | 6 November 1943 |
| Builder | Blohm & Voss, Hamburg |
| Yard number | 2506 |
| Laid down | 29 May 1944 |
| Launched | 5 August 1944 |
| Commissioned | 31 August 1944 |
| Fate |
|
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Type XXI submarine |
| Displacement |
|
| Length | 76.70 m (251 ft 8 in) (o/a) |
| Beam | 8 m (26 ft 3 in) |
| Height | 11.30 m (37 ft 1 in) |
| Draught | 6.32 m (20 ft 9 in) |
| Propulsion |
|
| Speed |
|
| Range |
|
| Test depth | 240 m (790 ft) |
| Complement | 5 officers, 52 enlisted |
| Sensors and processing systems |
|
| Armament | |
| Service record | |
| Part of: |
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| Commanders: |
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| Operations: | None |
| Victories: | None |
What Made U-2506 Special?
The U-2506 was a Type XXI U-boat, which was a very advanced design for its time. When it was on the surface, it weighed about 1,621 tonnes (1,595 long tons) (like a lot of cars!). When it was underwater, it weighed 1,819 tonnes (1,790 long tons).
Size and Shape
This submarine was quite large. It was about 76.70 m (251 ft 8 in) long, which is longer than two basketball courts. It was 8 m (26 ft 3 in) wide and sat 6.32 m (20 ft 9 in) deep in the water.
How It Moved
The U-2506 used a powerful diesel-electric system to move. It had two large diesel engines for when it was on the surface. It also had two strong electric motors for moving underwater. Plus, it had two special "silent running" electric motors. These allowed the submarine to move very quietly, making it harder for enemies to detect.
- When on the surface, it could go up to 15.6 knots (28.9 km/h; 18.0 mph) (about 18 miles per hour) using its diesel engines.
- Underwater, it could reach speeds of 17.2 knots (31.9 km/h; 19.8 mph) (about 20 miles per hour) using its main electric motors.
- Using its silent motors, it could move at a quiet 6.1 knots (11.3 km/h; 7.0 mph) (about 7 miles per hour).
How Far It Could Go
The U-2506 could travel very long distances.
- On the surface, it could go about 15,500 nmi (28,700 km; 17,800 mi) (over 17,800 miles) at a speed of 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph). That's like going halfway around the world!
- Underwater, it could travel about 340 nmi (630 km; 390 mi) (about 390 miles) at 5 knots (9.3 km/h; 5.8 mph).
Deep Dives
This submarine was built to go very deep. It could safely dive to a "test depth" of 240 m (790 ft) (about 787 feet). That's deeper than many tall buildings!
Crew and Weapons
The U-2506 needed a crew of 5 officers and 52 sailors to operate it.
For defense and attack, it was equipped with:
- Six torpedo tubes at the front. These could fire powerful torpedoes.
- It could carry 23 torpedoes, or a mix of 17 torpedoes and 12 mines. Mines are like underwater bombs that wait for ships to pass over them.
- It also had four 2 cm (0.79 in) anti-aircraft guns. These were used to shoot at enemy planes.
