Editing U-boat (section)

=== Developments ===
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101II-MW-5536-01, Wilhelmshaven, U-Boot, Torpedo-Übernahme.jpg|thumb|A torpedo is loaded into a U-Boat through a torpedo hatch.]]
Compared to their World War I equivalents, the German U-boat designs of World War II were greatly improved. By using a new steel alloy and by [[welding]] instead of [[rivet]]ing, they had stronger hulls and could dive deeper. The diving time was decreased to thirty seconds for a medium U-boat. The power of diesel engines was increased, so U-boats had a greater surface speed. Range was increased by installing fuel [[Saddle tank (submarine)|saddle tanks]], which were on open to the sea on the bottom in order to balance pressure, with the diesel fuel floating freely on the seawater within the saddle tank. Also, a technique was developed for economical cruising where only one of the two diesel engines would be run and would drive the two propeller shafts through a coupling with the two electro engines.{{Sfn|Blair||pp=|p=37}}

Another vast improvement was the introduction of new torpedo types for the U-boats: the classic [[G7a torpedo]] propelled by compressed air had a much larger warhead than its WWI equivalent, but more important was the introduction of the electric [[G7e torpedo]].{{Sfn|Bekker||p=129}} This torpedo was slower and had less range, but it left no telltale bubble wake and was, hence, ideally suited for daylight attacks.{{Sfn|Blair||pp=|p=37}} During WWI, the Germans had briefly experimented with [[magnetic pistol]]s and these were further developed now as the standard pistol for torpedoes. The classic contact pistol required a torpedo to detonate against the ship's hull, whilst a magnetic torpedo could detonate below a ship, resulting in a much more damaging explosion. Thus, it was hoped that one torpedo would suffice to break the back of a ship, and a U-boat could sink many more ships with its supply of torpedoes.{{Sfn|Blair||p=38}}{{Sfn|Bekker||p=120}}

All U-boats were now also equipped with long- and short-wave transmitters, which enabled them to communicate with bases ashore and with fellow U-boats at sea. This allowed for better operational information and guidance.{{Sfn|Blair||p=38}}