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Introduction  |
G7e Torpedoes |
Model Gallery |
| Photo
Gallery |
3D graphics |
Reference |
Ref.
Books |
Reserved
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German
Midget Sub. |
MOLCH Pocket Submarine |
Introduction and Specifications |
| The
German Molch - Conception and Design A successor to the Neger/Marder combination was the Molch ( Salamander ). This was basically nothing more than a slug-like craft which was a carrier for G7e torpedoes slung externally on either side of the craft. As with other German designs it was designed to use as many existing components as possible. The craft can be divided into two sections. The fore section contained the battery. The size of the battery meant that the Molch was a comparatively large craft with an impressive underwater range - although whether the single operator could stand such a voyage was another matter. |
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Behind the battery in the
after section was the operator's position. He sat between two trimming tanks whose
relatively small size and position must have made them almost useless in compensating for
the weight of the battery. In fact when the first production model went out on trials, it
proved impossible to make her submerge and therefore most Molch
operations were carried out with the craft running awash. Therefore a simple design fault robbed the Molch of its most important asset - concealment. The control were extremely simple. A magnetic compass was fitted externally although in some boats an automatic pilot was installed together with a simple hydrophone. A periscope was fitted but its use was negated by the fact that it could only be rotated 30° either side of the center line. Finally behind the operator was the electric motor. |
| Despite the problems associated with the Molch's handling, series production was begun in June 1944 with a total of 393 units being completed by the end of February 1945. Production was largely centered at the work of Deschimag AG Weser at Bremen. | |
| Operations Molch were deployed to Norway, Heligoland, the Low Countries and Southern France although actual operations were confined to the Schedlt Estuary in the bitter winter of 1944-45. Generally they were held in reserve since the Biber, considered a superior craft, was also operating in the same area. Any chance for success in this theater was removed on 3 February 1945 when the Molch depot at Poortershavn was virtually destroyed in an air raid by 617 Squadron. |
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| Molch Specifications | |
| Buiit by : | Lübecker Flenderswerft (?) Deschimag AG Weser |
| Quantity : | 390 units (?) |
| Displacement : | 10.75 tons |
| Dimensions : | 10.8 m ( 35 ft - 6 in ) x 1.8 m |
| Propulsion : | Single shaft, one 13 hp ( 9.7 kW ) motor powered by twelve Type 13 T210 battery troughs |
| Speed : | 4.3 kts (
surface ) 5 kts ( dived ) |
| Endurance : | 50 NM at 4
kts ( surface ) 50 NM at 5 kts ( dived ) |
| Armament : | Two G7e electric torpedoes |
| Crew : | one |
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| Introduction |
G7e Torpedoes |
Model Gallery |
| Photo
Gallery |
3D graphics |
Reference |
Ref.
Books |
Reserved
|
German
Midget Sub. |
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one35th - Last updated on :
Saturday, April 04, 2009 |
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