The Type IXs were excellent sea boats, which had sufficient range to operate in distant waters in the South Atlantic, Indian and even the Pacific oceans - although some had even reached the east coast of North America. It was designed to travel fast to and from distant operational zones, while carrying an adequate supply of torpedoes and stores for sustained solo patrols. It carried more torpedoes than the Type VII but the Type IX was handicapped with a slow diving time and was more vulnerable to attack – mainly due to its comparatively large size.