The A-class control room placed command functions on one side and routine submarine-handling functions on the other, reducing the need for people to communicate across the captain. The officer regarded this as a fair rather than ideal compromise. Planners hoped to install American data-computing and angle-solving equipment, but delivery delays and lack of room prevented a complete fit. Submerged handling and unusually low vibration were important strengths. The closing forecast points to closed-cycle propulsion and more intelligent torpedoes as postwar priorities beyond this wartime compromise.
Notable Point · 6:41-7:23
A-class control-room lessons and the postwar submarine future
The assessment praises a cleaner separation of command and ship-handling functions, notes limits on fitting American fire-control equipment, and points toward closed-cycle propulsion and smarter torpedoes.