German Submarine Type XXI
At the beginning of 1945 with type XXI Germany had the most advanced submarine in the world at that time. Due to numerous technical innovations it was capable of unlimited submerged travel as the diesel engines drew in the necessary fresh air through a special snorkel. It had a linear shape designed for submarine travel and its battery capacity was three times greater, giving it a sensational speed of 17 knots submerged.
Other innovations were noiseless electric motors for stealth, highly sensitive navigation instruments and 2 cm anti-aircraft gun turrets
11 additional images. Click to enlarge.