Difference between revisions of "S-38"

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{{Specs-Card|code=germ_s38}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=germ_s38
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
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}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
<!--''In the first part of the description, cover the history of the ship’s creation and military application. In the second part, tell the reader about using this ship in the game. Add a screenshot. If a beginner player has a hard time remembering vehicles by name, a picture will help them understand which ship is being discussed.''-->
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<!-- ''In the first part of the description, cover the history of the ship's creation and military application. In the second part, tell the reader about using this ship in the game. Add a screenshot: if a beginner player has a hard time remembering vehicles by name, a picture will help them identify the ship in question.'' -->
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German motor torpedo boat {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]] as part of the fleet closed beta test.
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German motor torpedo boat {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]] as part of the fleet closed beta test.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
<!--Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armament separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Tips for preserving survivability should be saved for the "Use in battle" section.
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{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.'' -->
  
If necessary, use a graphic template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.-->
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The S-38 is a wooden-hulled vessel with a steel superstructure. The S-38 offers little resistance to damage as a result of its construction. The S-38 has a crew of 31, which means the S-38 can absorb reasonable amounts of damage when fired upon. Fire is a tangible threat on the S-38 because of its wooden hull. Due to the long construction of the ship, the crew is fairly spaced out. However, it is worth mentioning the S-38's bridge and radio station are in close proximity, meaning if one is damaged, it is likely the other will be damaged soon after.
  
The S-38 is a wooden-hulled vessel with a steel superstructure. The S-38 offers little resistance to damage as a result of its construction. The S-38 has a crew of 31, which means the S-38 can absorb reasonable amounts of damage when fired upon. Fire is a tangible threat on the S-38 because of its wooden hull. Due to the long construction of the ship, the crew is fairly spaced out. However, it is worth mentioning the S-38's bridge and radio station are in close proximity, meaning if one is damaged, it is likely the other will be damaged soon after.
+
Ammunition storage is near the main guns. The ammo racks are fairly large targets and, due to the limited protection offered by the hull, can easily be hit. The ammo is also near the ship's fuel tanks and radio room, meaning if an enemy vessel is firing upon either, they could easily strike the ammo racks.
 
 
Ammunition storage is near the main guns. The ammo racks are fairly large targets and, due to the limited protection offered by the hull, can easily be hit. The ammo is also near the ship's fuel tanks and radio room, meaning if an enemy vessel is firing upon either, they could easily strike the ammo racks.  
 
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
<!--Write about the ship’s mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward speed and reverse speed.-->
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{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}
 +
<!-- ''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.'' -->
  
 
The S-38 is a quick boat, capable of achieving roughly 101 KPH (63 MPH) forwards in arcade, and 33 KPH (21 MPH) in reverse. The vessel's acceleration is good, and the S-38 has a tight turning radius. Due to the balanced distribution of the ship, it will not roll too far when turning. The boat has a shallow draft that makes fighting in shallow waters and littorals possible.
 
The S-38 is a quick boat, capable of achieving roughly 101 KPH (63 MPH) forwards in arcade, and 33 KPH (21 MPH) in reverse. The vessel's acceleration is good, and the S-38 has a tight turning radius. Due to the balanced distribution of the ship, it will not roll too far when turning. The boat has a shallow draft that makes fighting in shallow waters and littorals possible.
  
 
It is fair to say the ship is capable of getting itself into and out of combat quickly.
 
It is fair to say the ship is capable of getting itself into and out of combat quickly.
 +
 +
{{NavalMobility}}
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armament ==
 
== Armament ==
 +
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
 
=== Primary armament ===
 
=== Primary armament ===
<!--Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>.
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{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}
 
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<!-- ''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>. Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.'' -->
Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.-->
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{{main|2 cm/65 C/30 (20 mm)|2 cm/65 C/38 (20 mm)}}
{{main|MG C/30L (20 mm)|MG C/38 (20 mm)}}
 
  
The S-38 carries two 20mm automatic cannons. The S-38's weapons are, in proper hands, effective against enemy boats and aircraft. They have small magazines of 40 and 20 rounds respectively. The rearward cannon will run out of ammunition when the frontal cannon is half way through its magazine. Overheating is not a concern with these cannons; they do not overheat. Being small cannons, the S-38's 20mms traverse quickly, and offer decent angles of fire.  
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The S-38 carries two 20mm automatic cannons. The S-38's weapons are, in proper hands, effective against enemy boats and aircraft. They have small magazines of 40 and 20 rounds respectively. The rearward cannon will run out of ammunition when the frontal cannon is half way through its magazine. Overheating is not a concern with these cannons; they do not overheat. Being small cannons, the S-38's 20mms traverse quickly, and offer decent angles of fire.
  
 
When upgraded, the S-38's 20mm cannons are noteworthy. They should not be used beyond ranges of .8 Km (.5 Mi).
 
When upgraded, the S-38's 20mm cannons are noteworthy. They should not be used beyond ranges of .8 Km (.5 Mi).
  
=== Torpedo armament ===
+
=== Additional armament ===
<!--Many ships are armed with torpedo launchers, and for some vessels such as boats, torpedoes are an extremely important means of defeating an opponent. Evaluate the position of the torpedo launchers, discuss the ammunition available, firing specifics such as dead zones, features of the torpedoes themselves, etc.-->
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{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}
{{main|G7a}}
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<!-- ''Describe the available additional armaments of the ship: depth charges, mines, torpedoes. Talk about their positions, available ammunition and launch features such as dead zones of torpedoes. If there is no additional armament, remove this section.'' -->
 +
{{main|G7a (533 mm)|WBD depth charge}}
  
The S-38 carries two G7a torpedoes, which are launched from tubes that are integrated into the front of the hull. The tubes are mounted at very shallow angles. The torpedoes are better used on slow targets, or at extreme ranges. These torpedoes have a slight blind spot in the front of the ship, but this blind spot is often negligible.  
+
The S-38 carries two G7a torpedoes, which are launched from tubes that are integrated into the front of the hull. The tubes are mounted at very shallow angles. The torpedoes are better used on slow targets, or at extreme ranges. These torpedoes have a slight blind spot in the front of the ship, but this blind spot is often negligible.
  
 
The G7a has a range of roughly 6 Km (3.73 Mi) and travel at a speed of 82 KPH (51 MPH) when stock. The upgraded torpedo travels slower at 56 KPH (35 MPH), yet travel up to 14 Km (8.7 Mi). The G7a is packed with the equivalent of 358.4 Kg TNT (790.1 Lb. TNT), and strike at the waterline, meaning the torpedo will deal fatal damage to most maritime targets.
 
The G7a has a range of roughly 6 Km (3.73 Mi) and travel at a speed of 82 KPH (51 MPH) when stock. The upgraded torpedo travels slower at 56 KPH (35 MPH), yet travel up to 14 Km (8.7 Mi). The G7a is packed with the equivalent of 358.4 Kg TNT (790.1 Lb. TNT), and strike at the waterline, meaning the torpedo will deal fatal damage to most maritime targets.
 
=== Special armament ===
 
<!--Depth charges, mines, rocket launchers and missiles are also effective in skilled hands and can be an unexpected surprise for an opponent. Evaluate the ammunition of this type of armament and rate its performance in combat.-->
 
  
 
The S-38 can carry 6 WBD depth charges, which carry 130 Kg TNT (286 Lb. TNT) of explosive power. When used skillfully, these charges can be used to deal away with pursuers, or destroy inattentive enemies.
 
The S-38 can carry 6 WBD depth charges, which carry 130 Kg TNT (286 Lb. TNT) of explosive power. When used skillfully, these charges can be used to deal away with pursuers, or destroy inattentive enemies.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
<!--Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don’t get try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
 
The S-38 is often used for rushing capture points. This is one use for the boat. The S-38 can be used to deliver surprise attacks, and deal away with targets behind enemy lines; the vessel is quick enough to speed past enemies and take "long ways" around enemy vessels. Using the S-38 in frontal, or even close, combat is not advisable. Though the main cannons traverse quickly and deal notable damage, the hull is too fragile to support sustained frontal engagements. It is also not advisable to engage more than one target at once. The S-38's cannons are not suited for fighting in numerical inferiority. Either chose lone targets, or operate in larger groups.
 
  
===Modules===
+
The S-38 is often used for rushing capture points. This is one use for the boat. The S-38 can be used to deliver surprise attacks, and deal away with targets behind enemy lines; the vessel is quick enough to speed past enemies and take "long ways" around enemy vessels. Using the S-38 in frontal, or even close, combat is not advisable. Though the main cannons traverse quickly and deal notable damage, the hull is too fragile to support sustained frontal engagements. It is also not advisable to engage more than one target at once. The S-38's cannons are not suited for fighting in numerical inferiority. Either chose lone targets, or operate in larger groups.
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Tier
 
! colspan="2" |Seakeeping
 
! colspan="2" |Unsinkability
 
! colspan="2" |Firepower
 
|-
 
| I
 
| Dry-Docking
 
|
 
| Tool Set
 
|
 
| 20 mm HET magazines
 
|
 
|-
 
| II
 
|
 
| Rudder Replacement
 
| Fire Protection System
 
| Smokescreen
 
| 20 mm APT magazines
 
|
 
|-
 
| III
 
| Propeller Replacement
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
| Depth Charges
 
| Primary Armament Targeting
 
|-
 
| IV
 
|
 
| Engine Maintenance
 
| New Pumps
 
|
 
| Torpedo Mode
 
| Artillery Support
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
<!--Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".-->
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<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
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== History ==
 
== History ==
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''-->
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<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the ship and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Ship-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the ship's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
The S-38 was developed and built by the German Lürssen Werft in 1938/1939. In total, 8 units of the standard S-38 were built, followed by 16 units of the improved -B variant (see [[S-38b]]). Its main use was to protect German convoys in the Baltic Sea as well as attacking Soviet ships. The S-38's plans were later used for the development of the ''Silbermöwe class'' in 1952.
 
The S-38 was developed and built by the German Lürssen Werft in 1938/1939. In total, 8 units of the standard S-38 were built, followed by 16 units of the improved -B variant (see [[S-38b]]). Its main use was to protect German convoys in the Baltic Sea as well as attacking Soviet ships. The S-38's plans were later used for the development of the ''Silbermöwe class'' in 1952.
  
 
'''The information below comes from the interrogation of the crew after their capture.'''
 
'''The information below comes from the interrogation of the crew after their capture.'''
  
The S-38 was the lead ship of the S-38 class of Schnellboots (S-boots). 
+
The S-38 was the lead ship of the S-38 class of Schnellboots (S-boots).
  
 
S-38 was laid down at Lürssen Yards, Vegesack, as one of the series of S-boots laid down in 1937-1938 (S-32 to S-45). S-38 was commissioned in mid-October, 1940. Her first assignment was to the 1st S-Flotilla, operating out of Kiel, as a replacement for S-19; S-19 had struck a mine in August and had to be towed to Calais.
 
S-38 was laid down at Lürssen Yards, Vegesack, as one of the series of S-boots laid down in 1937-1938 (S-32 to S-45). S-38 was commissioned in mid-October, 1940. Her first assignment was to the 1st S-Flotilla, operating out of Kiel, as a replacement for S-19; S-19 had struck a mine in August and had to be towed to Calais.
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The crew of the S-38 first spotted one of the British destroyers to the starboard side. It seemed far away through the mist, but it soon became clear that it was steaming right towards them and was only 400 meters away. S-38 sent out a message to another S-boot warning them of the British ships.
 
The crew of the S-38 first spotted one of the British destroyers to the starboard side. It seemed far away through the mist, but it soon became clear that it was steaming right towards them and was only 400 meters away. S-38 sent out a message to another S-boot warning them of the British ships.
  
S-38’s commanding officer ordered the ship to turn starboard in order to fire the starboard torpedo tube. For some reason, the torpedo was unable to be fired immediately, so the ship was turned to port, as was the tactic after an attempted torpedo attack. During that turn, a torpedo was launched without aim, and it is unknown which torpedo tube fired. At that point, the Germans first saw the second British destroyers off the port side.
+
S-38's commanding officer ordered the ship to turn starboard in order to fire the starboard torpedo tube. For some reason, the torpedo was unable to be fired immediately, so the ship was turned to port, as was the tactic after an attempted torpedo attack. During that turn, a torpedo was launched without aim, and it is unknown which torpedo tube fired. At that point, the Germans first saw the second British destroyers off the port side.
  
According to the German crew, the British had not spotted S-38 up until that point. Once they had spotted the S-boot, Campbell opened fire with close range weapons, hitting S-38’s port side. The bow and the starboard torpedo tube were damaged, while the steering gear, lighting system, engine room telegraph and fuel tank were also hit. According to the crew, S-38 was hit by seven or eight shells.
+
According to the German crew, the British had not spotted S-38 up until that point. Once they had spotted the S-boot, Campbell opened fire with close range weapons, hitting S-38's port side. The bow and the starboard torpedo tube were damaged, while the steering gear, lighting system, engine room telegraph and fuel tank were also hit. According to the crew, S-38 was hit by seven or eight shells.
  
 
In an attempt, the smoke generating system was turned on, but S-38 could only turn in a slight curve due to the damaged steering gear. The fuel tank caught fire, and one of the engines was knocked out. A few of the crew jumped overboard after the fire started.
 
In an attempt, the smoke generating system was turned on, but S-38 could only turn in a slight curve due to the damaged steering gear. The fuel tank caught fire, and one of the engines was knocked out. A few of the crew jumped overboard after the fire started.
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== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
 
 
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on ship;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the ship;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{ShipManufacturer Lürssen}}
 
{{Germany boats}}
 
{{Germany boats}}

Revision as of 13:16, 30 November 2021

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
S-38
germ_s38.png
GarageImage S-38.jpg
S-38
Research:4 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:2 100 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The S-38 is a rank I German motor torpedo boat with a battle rating of 1.3 (AB) and 1.7 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.79 "Project X" as part of the fleet closed beta test.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull40 mm (wood)
Superstructure4 mm (steel)
Number of section3
Displacement112 t
Crew31 people

The S-38 is a wooden-hulled vessel with a steel superstructure. The S-38 offers little resistance to damage as a result of its construction. The S-38 has a crew of 31, which means the S-38 can absorb reasonable amounts of damage when fired upon. Fire is a tangible threat on the S-38 because of its wooden hull. Due to the long construction of the ship, the crew is fairly spaced out. However, it is worth mentioning the S-38's bridge and radio station are in close proximity, meaning if one is damaged, it is likely the other will be damaged soon after.

Ammunition storage is near the main guns. The ammo racks are fairly large targets and, due to the limited protection offered by the hull, can easily be hit. The ammo is also near the ship's fuel tanks and radio room, meaning if an enemy vessel is firing upon either, they could easily strike the ammo racks.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB101 / 33 km/h
RB72 / 24 km/h

The S-38 is a quick boat, capable of achieving roughly 101 KPH (63 MPH) forwards in arcade, and 33 KPH (21 MPH) in reverse. The vessel's acceleration is good, and the S-38 has a tight turning radius. Due to the balanced distribution of the ship, it will not roll too far when turning. The boat has a shallow draft that makes fighting in shallow waters and littorals possible.

It is fair to say the ship is capable of getting itself into and out of combat quickly.

Mobility Characteristics
Game Mode Upgrade Status Maximum Speed (km/h) Turn Time (s) Turn Radius (m)
Forward Reverse
AB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 101 33
RB/SB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 72 24

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB166 → 204 Sl icon.png
RB251 → 308 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications4 450 Rp icon.png
2 680 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost300 Ge icon.png
Crew training600 Sl icon.png
Experts2 100 Sl icon.png
Aces45 Ge icon.png
Research Aces110 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
20 / 30 / 100 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Seakeeping Unsinkability Firepower
Mods new ship hull.png
Dry-Docking
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship rudder.png
Rudder Replacement
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
150 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship screw.png
Propeller Replacement
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship engine.png
Engine Maintenance
Research:
360 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods ship damage control crew.png
Damage Control Division
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods ship fire control crew.png
Fire Division
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
150 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
Smokescreen
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
150 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship pumps.png
New Pumps
Research:
360 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20 mm HET magazines
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20 mm APT magazines
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
150 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods depth charge.png
Depth Charges
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods new main caliber turrets.png
Primary Armament Targeting
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods torpedo.png
Torpedo Mode
Research:
360 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods ship art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
360 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png

Armament

Primary armament

Turret2 cm/65 C/30 automatic cannon
Ammunition2000 rounds
Belt capacity20 rounds
Fire rate276 shots/min
Vertical guidance-5° / 50°
Turret2 cm/65 C/38 automatic cannon
Ammunition2000 rounds
Belt capacity40 rounds
Fire rate480 shots/min
Vertical guidance-4° / 60°

The S-38 carries two 20mm automatic cannons. The S-38's weapons are, in proper hands, effective against enemy boats and aircraft. They have small magazines of 40 and 20 rounds respectively. The rearward cannon will run out of ammunition when the frontal cannon is half way through its magazine. Overheating is not a concern with these cannons; they do not overheat. Being small cannons, the S-38's 20mms traverse quickly, and offer decent angles of fire.

When upgraded, the S-38's 20mm cannons are noteworthy. They should not be used beyond ranges of .8 Km (.5 Mi).

Additional armament

Setup 12 x 533 mm G7a torpedo
Setup 26 x WBD depth charge
Setup 32 x 533 mm G7a torpedo
6 x WBD depth charge

The S-38 carries two G7a torpedoes, which are launched from tubes that are integrated into the front of the hull. The tubes are mounted at very shallow angles. The torpedoes are better used on slow targets, or at extreme ranges. These torpedoes have a slight blind spot in the front of the ship, but this blind spot is often negligible.

The G7a has a range of roughly 6 Km (3.73 Mi) and travel at a speed of 82 KPH (51 MPH) when stock. The upgraded torpedo travels slower at 56 KPH (35 MPH), yet travel up to 14 Km (8.7 Mi). The G7a is packed with the equivalent of 358.4 Kg TNT (790.1 Lb. TNT), and strike at the waterline, meaning the torpedo will deal fatal damage to most maritime targets.

The S-38 can carry 6 WBD depth charges, which carry 130 Kg TNT (286 Lb. TNT) of explosive power. When used skillfully, these charges can be used to deal away with pursuers, or destroy inattentive enemies.

Usage in battles

The S-38 is often used for rushing capture points. This is one use for the boat. The S-38 can be used to deliver surprise attacks, and deal away with targets behind enemy lines; the vessel is quick enough to speed past enemies and take "long ways" around enemy vessels. Using the S-38 in frontal, or even close, combat is not advisable. Though the main cannons traverse quickly and deal notable damage, the hull is too fragile to support sustained frontal engagements. It is also not advisable to engage more than one target at once. The S-38's cannons are not suited for fighting in numerical inferiority. Either chose lone targets, or operate in larger groups.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very mobile
  • Cannons offer effective stopping power for single target engagements
  • Torpedoes are very viable in combat, as they are mounted conveniently and deal significant damage
  • Inexpensive to operate
  • Good crew size of 31

Cons:

  • Hull offers minimal protection
  • Key components are close together (ammo is near engines, radio room is near the bridge)
  • Cannons have limited capacity per magazine
  • Does not do well in numerical inferiority
  • No anti-air cover beyond the main cannons

History

The S-38 was developed and built by the German Lürssen Werft in 1938/1939. In total, 8 units of the standard S-38 were built, followed by 16 units of the improved -B variant (see S-38b). Its main use was to protect German convoys in the Baltic Sea as well as attacking Soviet ships. The S-38's plans were later used for the development of the Silbermöwe class in 1952.

The information below comes from the interrogation of the crew after their capture.

The S-38 was the lead ship of the S-38 class of Schnellboots (S-boots).

S-38 was laid down at Lürssen Yards, Vegesack, as one of the series of S-boots laid down in 1937-1938 (S-32 to S-45). S-38 was commissioned in mid-October, 1940. Her first assignment was to the 1st S-Flotilla, operating out of Kiel, as a replacement for S-19; S-19 had struck a mine in August and had to be towed to Calais.

On 9 November 1940, S-38 left Kiel for Borkum, travelling unaccompanied through the Kiel Canal. The ship spent the night in Borkum, and was then towed through the North Sea Canal from Delfzijl and Groningen to Zuyder Zee. She had to be towed through the canal because her minimum speed (even on only one engine) was 9 knots. S-38 arrived at Amsterdam and then proceeded through more canals to Rotterdam, arriving on 14 November 1940. No patrols were carried out until 19 November.

On 19 November 1940, S-38 and several other S-boots left Rotterdam at approximately 1700, and they separated at 2000. On this mission, S-38 was equipped with only 2 torpedoes in the tubes and two more at the ready. The crew described the mission as a patrol, with orders to sink any merchantman they found. S-38 reached the patrol area at 2130. The moon was shining brightly, but visibility was hindered by mist.

At 0158 BST on 20 November, HMS Campbell and HMS Garth (destroyers) sighted S-38 approximately 12 miles east of Southwold.

The crew of the S-38 first spotted one of the British destroyers to the starboard side. It seemed far away through the mist, but it soon became clear that it was steaming right towards them and was only 400 meters away. S-38 sent out a message to another S-boot warning them of the British ships.

S-38's commanding officer ordered the ship to turn starboard in order to fire the starboard torpedo tube. For some reason, the torpedo was unable to be fired immediately, so the ship was turned to port, as was the tactic after an attempted torpedo attack. During that turn, a torpedo was launched without aim, and it is unknown which torpedo tube fired. At that point, the Germans first saw the second British destroyers off the port side.

According to the German crew, the British had not spotted S-38 up until that point. Once they had spotted the S-boot, Campbell opened fire with close range weapons, hitting S-38's port side. The bow and the starboard torpedo tube were damaged, while the steering gear, lighting system, engine room telegraph and fuel tank were also hit. According to the crew, S-38 was hit by seven or eight shells.

In an attempt, the smoke generating system was turned on, but S-38 could only turn in a slight curve due to the damaged steering gear. The fuel tank caught fire, and one of the engines was knocked out. A few of the crew jumped overboard after the fire started.

With the intention of dropping depth charges into the path of the destroyers, a crewman ran aft but was forced to abandon that plan after the British opened up with machine guns. The crew was forced to hit the deck and take cover behind whatever they could - mostly using the spare torpedoes - to avoid the machine gun fire. Campbell passed only 20 m in front of the bow of the ship, continuing to rake it with machine gun fire. Under such heavy fire, the crew of S-38 did not attempt to return fire.

Pinned down and caught in the beam of a British searchlight, the German commanding officer ordered the German war flag to be hauled down. The crew attempted to pull the wounded to the stern, as the ship was at that time sinking bow-first.

S-38 sank at 0225; the crew claimed that the ship did not capsize, contradicting the British account of the action. Out of the crew of 23, 5 men were killed, with the other 18 being rescued by the British destroyers. Seven crew members and all three officers were wounded while the other eight sailors were unharmed.

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Lürssen Werft
Schnellboot 
Type S-38  S-38 · S-38b · MC 485*
Type S-100  S-100 · S-100 (1944) · S-204 Lang
Fast Attack Craft 
Jaguar-class  Jaguar
Albatros-class  Albatros · Bussard
  *S-67 in post-war Italian Service

Germany boats
Motor torpedo boats  LS 3 · LS 4 Esau · KM-5 · VS-10
  S-38 · S-38b · S-100 · S-100 (1944) · S-204 Lang · S-701
  R-301
  V-990
  Jaguar · Hugin · Pfeil
Motor gun boats  R-41 · R-130 · Krischan der Große
Motor torpedo gun boats  Albatros · Bussard · MZ1 · Pr. 206
Minelayers  VS-8