West Germany: Up Periscope

Down the ways of a Kiel shipyard last week slid a pocket-sized new version of World War II's most awesome vessel: West Germany's first postwar submarine. Christened the U-1, it is the first of twelve such subs that will become part of the West German navy by 1963 to guard the Baltic approaches. Diesel-powered and snorkel-equipped, the U-1 can run submerged for prolonged periods; its teardrop shape gives it an underwater speed equal to the fastest World War II submarines. Carrying a crew of 20, the U-1 is 145 ft. long, has...

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