This design, originally prepared in 1938, was more in line with the big U-Cruisers of the World War I era with a large radius of action and the sub would be mainly fought on the surface with big guns rather than with torpedoes underwater. There was even a plan to mount a watertight airplane hangar on the deck for a scout plane. This TYPE also planned a rather unusual hull arrangement, using two pressure hulls set side by side. The German auxiliary ships (raiders), cruisers and pocket battleships did all that the TYPE XI boats would do, so there was no need to build them.

According to official files, four of these big U-Cruisers were projected but construction was never begun. Other sources however, said that construction was actually begun on one or more of the TYPE XI boats; and a very reliable source tells us that one was actually built and based out of Vigo, Spain for clandestine missions. We are checking on this in a most vigorous manner!

Displacement 3,140/3,630 tons
Dimensions 377.5 x 31.25 x 20.25 feet
Power twin shaft diesel/electric
(diesel) 17,600hp
(electric) 2,200hp
Speed
(diesel) 23 knots
(electric) 7 knots
Bunkers unknown
Radius unknown
Tubes
(fwd) six 21 inch
(aft) two (21 inch) (carried total of twelve torpedoes)
Guns four 5 inch guns (two twin mounts)
AA Guns two 3.7cm and two 2.0cm
Crew 110