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Album: German Submarines
Image: 347 / 473
File name: _mg_6925s.jpg
Date: 2014-03-11 09:46:47
Tags: Chicago, Illinois, Museum of Science and Industry, Submarines, Type IX, U 505

Twin 2cm Anti-Aircraft Gun
(2cm Flugabwehrkanone c/30 Flak 38)

One of the biggest threats to a U-boat came from Allied aircraft dropping bombs. As the war progressed, Allied aircraft gained more and more air superiority until there were no longer any safe areas of the ocean for a U-boat to maneuver or hide. In response to the increasing Allied air threat, U-boats were equipped with more antiaircraft weapons to protect themselves.

U-505's Anti-Aircraft Guns

On November 11, 1942, the U-505 was bombed and heavily damaged by a British seaplane. The boat was repaired over the next six months and her new, enlarged conning tower was outfitted with one 3.7-centimeter and two, twin 2-centimeter antiaircraft guns so the U-505 could better protect herself. In the end, her crew never had the opportunity to fire the anti-aircraft guns in combat.