German submarine U-4702
.jpg) Postwar photo of Hecht (S 171), (former Type XXIII submarine U-2367). An identical sister ship of U-4702.
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
 Nazi Germany | |
| Name | U-4702 |
| Ordered | 7 July 1944 |
| Builder | Friedrich Krupp Germaniawerft AG, Kiel |
| Yard number | 944 |
| Laid down | 28 October 1944 |
| Launched | 20 December 1944 |
| Commissioned | 12 January 1945 |
| Fate | Scuttled on 5 May 1945 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Type XXIII submarine |
| Displacement | |
| Length | |
| Beam |
|
| Draught | 3.66 m (12 ft) |
| Installed power |
|
| Propulsion |
|
| Speed |
|
| Range |
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| Test depth | 180 m (590 ft) |
| Complement | 14–18 |
| Armament |
|
| Service record | |
| Part of: |
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| Identification codes: | M 50 558 |
| Commanders: | |
| Operations: | None |
| Victories: | None |
German submarine U-4702 was a Type XXIII U-boat of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II. She was ordered on 7 July 1944, and was laid down on 28 October 1944 at Friedrich Krupp Germaniawerft AG, Kiel, as yard number 944. She was launched on 20 December 1944 and commissioned under the command of Oberleutnant zur See Edgar Seeliger on 12 January 1945.[2]
Design
[edit]Like all Type XXIII U-boats, U-4702 had a displacement of 234 tonnes (230 long tons) when at the surface and 258 tonnes (254 long tons) while submerged. She had a total length of 34.68 m (113 ft 9 in) (o/a), a beam width of 3.02 m (9 ft 11 in) (o/a), and a draught depth of 3.66 m (12 ft). The submarine was powered by one MWM six-cylinder RS134S diesel engine providing 575–630 metric horsepower (423–463 kilowatts; 567–621 shaft horsepower), one AEG GU4463-8 double-acting electric motor electric motor providing 580 PS (430 kW; 570 shp), and one BBC silent running CCR188 electric motor providing 35 PS (26 kW; 35 shp).[3]
The submarine had a maximum surface speed of 9.7 knots (18.0 km/h; 11.2 mph) and a submerged speed of 12.5 knots (23.2 km/h; 14.4 mph). When submerged, the boat could operate at 4 knots (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph) for 194 nautical miles (359 km; 223 mi); when surfaced, she could travel 2,600 nautical miles (4,800 km; 3,000 mi) at 8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph). U-4702 was fitted with two 53.3 cm (21 in) torpedo tubes in the bow. She could carry two preloaded torpedoes. The complement was 14–18 men.[3] This class of U-boat did not carry a deck gun.[2]
Service history
[edit]On 5 May 1945, U-4702 was scuttled in Gelting Bay near Gelting as part of Operation Regenbogen. The wreck was later raised and broken up.[2]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Edgar Seeliger". Uboat.net. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
- ^ a b c Helgason, Guðmundur. "U-4702". Uboat.net. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
- ^ a b Gröner 1991, p. 89.
Bibliography
[edit]- Busch, Rainer; Röll, Hans-Joachim (1999). German U-boat commanders of World War II : a biographical dictionary. Translated by Brooks, Geoffrey. London, Annapolis, Md: Greenhill Books, Naval Institute Press. ISBN 1-55750-186-6.
- Gröner, Eric; Jung, Dieter; Maass, Martin (1991). German Warships 1815-1945: U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels. Vol. 2. Translated by Thomas, Keith; Magowan, Rachel. London: Conway Maritime. ISBN 0-85177-593-4.
- Williamson, Gordon (2005). Wolf Pack: The Story of the U-boat in World War II. Osprey. ISBN 1841768723.
External links
[edit]- Helgason, Guðmundur. "U-4702". Uboat.net. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
