Technology and Operations
This forum is for discussing technological & operational matters pertaining to U-boats.
Re: U480 A stealth Uboat
Posted by:
J.E.
()
Date: April 06, 2011 09:30AM
In addition to being a stand-off device, there was some hope that if a magnetic AT weapon were to gain a magnetic hold on the hull through the layer of Zimmerit, that the charge/bomb wouldn't gain a solid hold and vibrations of the moving tank (If it were moving, at least) would cause it to slide off.
I think the ridged or waffle pattern of the stuff, once applied, was supposed to reduce the surface area, and thus, friction, with the charge.
The only thing was that besides the rumors, the Germans were really the only ones to use magnetic AT weapons (The Hafthohlladung for example) so it was pointless to protect your vehicle against something your enemy wouldn't use.
On the subject of rubber coatings, does anybody know if there are any remaining samples of the material, or if any could be recovered from diveable wrecks assuming it's still intact?
I think the ridged or waffle pattern of the stuff, once applied, was supposed to reduce the surface area, and thus, friction, with the charge.
The only thing was that besides the rumors, the Germans were really the only ones to use magnetic AT weapons (The Hafthohlladung for example) so it was pointless to protect your vehicle against something your enemy wouldn't use.
On the subject of rubber coatings, does anybody know if there are any remaining samples of the material, or if any could be recovered from diveable wrecks assuming it's still intact?
