Revell 1/72 German Submarine Type IXC/40 Platinum Edition # 05180

The German Type IXC/40 was a variant of the Type IX submarine, which was used by the German Navy (Kriegsmarine) during World War II.

It was primarily designed for long-range operations, allowing it to reach distant theaters of war such as the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and even the coast of the United States.

The Type IXC/40 was an upgraded version of the earlier Type IXC, offering enhanced capabilities for sustained patrols.

Key Features:

Displacement: The Type IXC/40 had a surfaced displacement of around 1,120 tons and a submerged displacement of approximately 1,232 tons, making it a relatively large U-boat for its time.

Dimensions: It measured about 76.76 meters in length, with a beam of 6.86 meters and a draft of 4.67 meters. Its size allowed for increased range and storage for provisions and torpedoes.

Propulsion: The submarine was powered by two MAN M 9 V 40/46 supercharged 9-cylinder diesel engines, which produced 4,400 hp for surface travel, and two Siemens-Schuckert electric motors, generating 1,000 hp for submerged operations. It could achieve a top speed of 18.3 knots on the surface and 7.3 knots when submerged.

Range: The range was a key feature of the Type IXC/40. It could travel approximately 13,850 nautical miles at 10 knots on the surface, making it ideal for long-range missions. When submerged, the range was much shorter, around 63 nautical miles at 4 knots.

Armament:

Torpedoes: The submarine was equipped with six torpedo tubes—four in the bow and two in the stern. It could carry 22 torpedoes.

Deck Gun: For surface engagements, it had a 10.5 cm SK C/32 naval gun with around 180 rounds.

Anti-aircraft armament: It also carried various anti-aircraft guns to defend against aerial attacks.

Crew:

The typical crew complement was around 48 to 56 men.

These submarines had more room and better living conditions compared to the smaller Type VII U-boats, though life aboard was still harsh during long patrols.

Patrols and Service:

Type IXC/40 submarines were operational from 1943 onwards and saw extensive service throughout the war.

They were involved in many long-range patrols, including hunting Allied convoys and commerce raiding.

Notable U-boats of this class include U-505, which was captured by the U.S. Navy in 1944 and is now preserved as a museum ship in Chicago.

Overall, the Type IXC/40 represented the peak of German U-boat design for long-range ocean-going operations.

Its extended range and increased capabilities made it a formidable threat to Allied shipping during WWII.

However, by the later years of the war, advancements in Allied anti-submarine warfare technologies and tactics diminished the effectiveness of the German U-boat fleet.