U-206 Class

In 1962 IKL began studies for a follow-on development of its U-205 design. This new U-206 class, built of high-tensile non-magnetic steel, was to be use for coastal operations and had to conform with treaty limitations on the maximum tonnage allowed to West Germany. New safety devices for the crew were fitted, and the armament fit allowed for the carriage of wire-guided torpedoes.

After final design approval had been given, construction planning took place in 1966-68, and the first orders (for an eventual total of 18 units) were placed in the following year.

By 1975 all the boats, U-13 to U-30 were in service. Since then the class has been given extra armament in the form of two external GRP containers to carry a total of 24 ground mines in addition to their mines in addition to their normal torpedo armament.

From 1988 onwards 12 of the class were modernized with new electronics and torpedoes to form the U-206A class. In 2003, 12 examples remained in German service.

U-206A class
Entered service	1973
Crew	23 men
Diving depth (operational)	100 m
Diving depth (maximum)	?
Sea endurance	?
Dimensions and displacement
Length	48.6 m
Beam	4.6 m
Draught	4.5 m
Surfaced displacement	450 tons
Submerged displacement	498 tons
Propulsion and speed
Surfaced speed	10 knots
Submerged speed	17 knots
Diesel engines	2 x 600 hp
Electric motors	1 x 1 430 hp (approx)
Armament
Torpedoes	8 x 533-mm tubes
Other	24 mines carried externally

Source: Military Today

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