TORPEDO MINE A
The Type VIIB was also equipped with twenty-six mines, which allowed the submarine to perform its secondary strategic function as a minelayer. Although minelaying was an important role, it was not popular among U-boat crews - in addition to neither having the effectiveness nor the "immediacy" of a torpedo strike, the sense of achievement for the captain and crew was also far lower.
The mines employed consisted of three main types - the "floating" type TMA (Torpedo mine A), the magnetic TMB (Torpedo mine B), and later the powerful TMC (Torpedo mine C). All of these mines were laid by releasing them from the torpedo tubes.
Torpedo Mine A (TMA)
Date in service: c. 1935
Charge: 350kg (772lbs)
Type: Surface impact mine
Torpedo Mine B (TMB)
Date in service: c. 1939
Charge: 420-560kg (926-1235lbs)
Type: Ground-influence magnetic mine
Torpedo Mine C (TMC)
Date in service: c. 1940
Charge: 860-930g (1896-2050lbs)
Type: Ground-influence magnetic mine
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