German submarine U-1161

German submarine U-1161 was a Type VIIC U-boat of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II.

She was ordered on 25 August 1941, and was laid down on 27 October 1943 at Danziger Werft AG, Danzig, as yard number 133. She was launched on 8 May 1943 and commissioned under the command of Oberleutnant zur See Karl-Heinz Raabe on 25 August 1943.

Design
German Type VIIC submarines were preceded by the shorter Type VIIB submarines. U-1161 had a displacement of 769 t when at the surface and 871 t while submerged. She had a total length of 67.10 m, a pressure hull length of 50.50 m, a beam of 6.20 m, a height of 9.60 m, and a draught of 4.74 m. The submarine was powered by two Germaniawerft F46 four-stroke, six-cylinder supercharged diesel engines producing a total of 2800 to 3200 PS for use while surfaced, two SSW GU 343/38-8 double-acting electric motors producing a total of 750 PS for use while submerged. She had two shafts and two 1.23 m propellers. The boat was capable of operating at depths of up to 230 m.

The submarine had a maximum surface speed of 17.7 kn and a maximum submerged speed of 7.6 kn. When submerged, the boat could operate for 80 nmi at 4 kn; when surfaced, she could travel 8500 nmi at 10 kn. U-1161 was fitted with five 53.3 cm torpedo tubes (four fitted at the bow and one at the stern), fourteen torpedoes or 26 TMA mines, one 8.8 cm SK C/35 naval gun, 220 rounds, and an anti-aircraft gun. The boat had a complement of between 44 — 52 men.

Service history
U-1161 was originally handed over to Italy and renamed S 8 in exchange for transport submarines. However, with Italy's surrender on 8 September 1943 the Kriegsmarine took the boat back over on 10 September 1943 at Gotenhafen and recommissioned her on 27 September 1943.

U-1161 was scuttled near Flensburg, in Kupfermühle Bay, on 5 May 1945, as part of Operation Regenbogen. Her wreck was raised and broken up.