Biber (Beaver)

History

All the major naval powers of World War II (1939-1945) used some type of diving "dwarf" submarines. These small submarines are smaller versions of their big brothers, designed to sneak past traditional naval defenses and destroy unsuspecting targetsespecially when they are moored and highly vulnerable. One such German attempt became "Biber" ("Biber"), which was delivered in about 324 examples.

Despite their large numbers, their real impact on the war was minimal, and their contributions are largely forgotten today.

As designed, the Biber has a displacement of 6.3 tons (short), a barrel length of 29 feet, a beam of 5 feet 3 inches, and a draft of 5 feet 3 inches. These compact dimensions ensure that the vessel can navigate even the shallowest ports in search of potential targets.

Surface power is provided by a 32hp Otto petrol engine and underwater power is provided by a 1 x 13hp electric motor. The crew consists of only one operator, and the armament includes 2 x TIIIc series torpedoes. This can be replaced with a pair of mines if desired.

The boat can travel 6.5 knots when surfaced and 5 knots underwater. During surface voyages, the range is up to 100 nautical miles, and underwater operations are reported to reach depths of 20 meters.

The Beaver was developed especially in response to the footsteps of the Allies in Europe, first with the landings in Italy and then in northern France. In order to feed, clothe, and feed Allied troops on the Continent, waterways to the coasts of France, Italy, and the Low Countries were critical to Allied success in campaigns across Europe.

Biber was therefore quickly put into use, which undoubtedly has a design flaw.

The first Beaver prototype was completed in just six weeks in March 1944. Tests followed in May, during which the German Navy signed a contract for 24. The finished operational table is two meters longer than the prototype, adding more subtle changes.

Beaver operator training accelerated as the Allied advance became a recognized threat??, resulting in undertrained aircrews. Biber's practical use is limited to scanning and tracking surface ships, and no night vision support has been demonstrated. The first notable operation involving the Bibers took place near Terneuzen in December 1944, with 18 ships committed to sortie.

This resulted in the sinking of the cargo ship USS Alan A. Dale and only one Beaver submarine was able to return home. Later, more mysterious operational losses occurred, proving the dangers of a resource-limited one-man submarine in dark waters. The last mission with the Bider submarine was an attempt to sink the Soviet battleship Arkhangelsk, which was not in the port of Vaenga Bay at the time, and all possible ship targets.

The mission was scratched when Beaver was carried by the accompanying submarine mothership.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Wing