Hechte Midget U-Boat

Dimensions	10.5m X 1.7m
Displacement	12.5 - 11.8t
Propulsion	13hp electric motor.
Max Speed	5.6kts surf / 6kts submerged
Crew	2
Armament	1 torpedo/1 mine.
Number constructed	3 (planned 87)

 

The original design for the Hechte two man midget submarine was for a small minelayer, able to cary one limpet mine into action. The originally planned combat raduis was 90 miles, but as no small compass was available and the design was compelled to use a standard electric drive, its size was increased, with a corresponding reduction in combat radius.

There then arose difficulties regarding the equipping of the midget submarine with a suitable mine and before it could be used operationally, the whole project was dropped, the three midgets completed relegated to training duties. Experimental modifications were made to some units including:

1. An external underslung torpedo instead of a mine.

2. The forward mine compartment filled with additional battery storage to increase radius.

3. A wet and dry compartment fitted to allow use by frogmen.

Once the Hechte project was abandoned the Kriegsmarine threw its development energy into the Type XXVIIB, the more successful Seehund.