Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:00:10-3:00:42

Would more ASW aircraft replace Hedgehog development?

Hedgehog would still be developed, while earlier air coverage would chiefly reduce the survival and experience of the first U-boat crews.

Anti-Submarine WarfareAnti Submarine WeaponsHedgehog Anti-Submarine WeaponMaritime Patrol AircraftU-Boats
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Question

Would more early ASW aircraft redirect weapon development away from Hedgehog?

Short answer

No; Hedgehog's development would continue, while the aircraft would mainly increase early U-boat losses and disrupt force buildup.

Notes

The weapons path leading to Hedgehog was already underway during the 1930s and would not disappear because more aircraft entered service. The larger change would be operational: early U-boat crews would face more patrols and shorter careers. Those losses could then slow the growth and accumulated expertise of the German submarine arm.