how did the german u-boats change and improve during the course of the world war?

Answer 1

in the first year(s of war they still had the possibility's to operated at the surface from 1943 on the air force of the Allys was getting to strong so they had to adopt new technology's like the snorkel, anti radar mats , they were glued on the periscope and the snorkel so when they where on the surface they where less visible on radar, more flak so they could fight it out with the aircraft. Also new types of torpedo's like homing in onto the sound of a ship.
Also trying out all kind of decoys to lure the attackers of there boats away so that they could sneak away out of harm
They also did constant amelioration's to there U boats like extending the range on the type VII.
At the end of the war there was a new generation of U boats ready the XVIII and doing some successful experiment with a new engine the Walter engine but to late in war to be put into use

Answer 2

Basically the Germans developed snorkels, crude radar, longer range fuel tanks, bigger boats, higher grade metallurgy and improved communications (burst transmitters from buoys etc.). Doenitz evolved tactics as well, adopting the "wolf pack" strategy. The question that has always seemed uppermost in my mind was why did they fail? Or was it the technology race they lost.

Answer 3

don't forget the type XXI...
if the germans had it one year earlier....
the war in the atlantic would be harder for allies
this type was after the war the basic for the modern atomic submarines like the "nautilus"

Answer 4

they got wet --u foo