chuck wrote:
Thank you. I didn’t know the thick extensible tube on the port side of IX C bridge is an antenna. Several sources confirm IX B had three periscopes including one that is operated from the control room, and that third control room periscope was omitted in IX C. The extensible tube on early model IX C seems to be of similar diameter as the periscopes, so I assumed the omission occurred later during iX C’s production run. Early production IX C’s retained the Periscope. I stand corrected.
I wouldn't know any sources confirming the use of three periscopes, I cannot see the reason for having three. Can you see a practical reason why it would have a third periscope doubling one of the others? (being a very complex and expensive piece of equipment requiring a very complex installation as well.) If it would be doubling one of the others, I can only think of another search periscope, not another attack periscope.
chuck wrote:
However, that extensible tube does appears to be the same diameter as a periscope and far thicker than necessary for a rod antenna. Would I be correct in assuming the tube is actually an extensible housing for the antenna perper? The antenna proper actually telescopes out from the tip of the tube?
I believe you are right, only the tip of the mast is the antenna. Current subs operating regularly at periscope depth (like the Dutch navy) have a very similar telescopic mast and coms antenna.
chuck wrote:
Is the extensible tube designed to enable the Uboat to raise the antenna above water while the boat is at periscope depth?
Yes, definitely.