Schnellboot S-Boot class 1939/1940 S-Boot class

[ezreader111]

My grandfather was the chief engineering officer of the only Torpedoboot flotilla to engage the Allied invasion fleet off Normandy. He said they were accompanied by a contingent of Schnellboote. Interestingly, he did not know that the allies referred to these vessels as "E-boats" He said he asked the flotilla commander what they hoped to achieve against the allies massive fleet. The commander responded "It's to prevent the invasion troops from getting any rest before they hit the beach."

[TheUSCam]

I dived on one located off Lesvos. We had been told it was a U-Boat by local divers who's diving technology was limited to comp air so it lay too deep for a visit by them,but it turned out to be a Shnellboot. I have often wondered what her hull number was.

There was a Shnellboot in original condition lying in the Canal-du-midi as late as 1983.

[Benelatus1]

One fool question, all the "S" boats have displacement hulls, and I've heard that one managed about 53 knots in trials, yet they only had a total engine capacity of around 6000 hp. My question to all you naval architects is simple, how?

A second question has also baffled me, after the war when there were many examples, why are all modern fast patrol boats built as hard-chine, and not the round bilge of the S-boats?

[willembrock]

Maximum speed of a S-Boot was around 40-42 kts with three MB 501 giving a total of 6000 hp. Later boats were fitted with three 2500 hp engines. and at the very end of the war, Mercedes delivered nine 3000 hp engines. Too late to fit them in more than two boats. Max speed attained was around 44 kts.

[lostthe80s]

wonderful craft, sturdy, powerful and great seaboats - need a few off the east African coast today

[deciomure45]

Memento audere semper

[friggingbomb88]

I am building a model of this Schnellboot, i wonder what ranks did a Schnellboot have =[

[nethead4223]

My Grandfater was machinist on one of these, the "S 67"

[ichmalealsobinich]

These are not the S-class boats of early series from 1939 but those of the armoured S-100 series of later periods (1943-45) which in Germany are called as Kalottenboote due to their tent like looking alloy armour of the bridge.

[joeram2003]

Awesome Footage...Where did You Find it..?? The Best PT boats ever built in World War 2...All Aluminum ..Diesel Engines...Heavily Armned! They gave the British a Big Headache...Thanks...Joe

[kblomquist]

not aluminium, wood! and not so heavily armed but fast caus of a low weight and the good engines, thats right.

[radio187]

Yes, the Slapton Sands incident was "their finest hour," one might say. I love torpedo boats, and these are probably the best of WWII, better than the US PT boats because of their speed and diesel engines, which are best for these applications. Love the PTs, though.

[williammann33]

Jawohl!