Once in the water, the Type XXIII proved to be of sound design and exhibited responsive handling in all quarters of submarine activity. A low reserve buoyancy and lack of most of its outer casing meant that the system could submerge itself in a matter of seconds, as fast as 9 or 10 seconds according to some sources. Its size, power and limited operating depth forced the craft to attack targets within close range. Conversely, its size and operational abilities allowed the vessel to utilize stealth practices to ensure it was unseen before firing its payload.
The Type XXIII operated through to the end of the Second World War to which just seven total units were lost and these to air attacks. Only three survived in the post-war months while the rest were either sunk by controlled Allied fire after capture or scuttled by their German crews. Construction was handled by Deustche Werft at Hamburg and Germaniawerft at Kiel. 48 boats were constructed at Hamburg alone. Though 280 were initially ordered, a fraction of these were constructed and eventually entered active service with only a few actually seeing combat action.
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