U-Boat Type XXVIIB Seehund

The U-Boat Type XXVIIB Seehund, often referred to simply as the "Seehund," was a German midget submarine used during World War II. The Seehund was designed and employed by Nazi Germany during the later stages of World War II. It was used primarily for coastal and harbor defense, as well as in offensive operations against Allied naval vessels.

The Seehund was a small, two-man submarine measuring approximately 12 meters (39 feet) in length and weighing around 17 tons when submerged. It had a cylindrical hull and was powered by an electric motor for submerged operations and a small diesel engine for surface propulsion.

The Seehund was equipped with two externally mounted torpedoes, typically carrying G7e torpedoes. These torpedoes could be used against larger enemy ships and were capable of causing significant damage.

The crew of the Seehund consisted of two sailors, a pilot, and a co-pilot/navigator. The close quarters inside the submarine meant that the crew had to work in tight spaces for extended periods.

When submerged, the Seehund could reach a top speed of about 6 knots (11 kilometers per hour) and had a range of approximately 300 nautical miles (555 kilometers) at a cruising speed of 4 knots. On the surface, it could achieve speeds of up to 7 knots (13 kilometers per hour).

Seehunds were deployed in the latter stages of World War II, primarily in the waters around Western Europe, including the English Channel and the North Sea. They were used in hit-and-run attacks against Allied shipping, particularly in the final months of the war.

While the Seehund was a relatively simple and cheap submarine to produce, it had limited success in terms of sinking Allied ships. The Allies' anti-submarine measures and the challenging operating conditions in coastal waters made their missions perilous.

The Seehund is remembered as one of the final contributions of the German Navy's U-Boat program during World War II. It was one of the many innovative designs produced by Germany in an attempt to counter Allied naval dominance.

After World War II, the remaining Seehunds were either captured, scuttled, or decommissioned. Today, a few surviving Seehunds can be found in museums and maritime collections, serving as historical artifacts of naval warfare during that era.

Quality 3d-model with PBR-textures in the archive.