With the Type XXI, Germany possessed the most advanced submarine in the world at the beginning of 1945. Thanks to numerous technical innovations, it could operate indefinitely underwater, as the diesel engines drew in the necessary fresh air through a special snorkel. The streamlined shape designed for underwater travel and a battery capacity three times greater resulted in a sensational underwater speed of 17 knots. Other innovations included quiet electric motors for stealth operations, highly sensitive locating devices, and 2 cm anti-aircraft gun turrets.

The model provides an authentic insight into this groundbreaking submarine through the separated left hull outer wall. Many compartments are faithfully recreated, including the diesel and electric motors. Views into the command center and crew living quarters give a glimpse of life underwater.

The decal includes interior details and markings for U2540, which was commissioned on February 24, 1945. After a short training voyage, U2540 was scuttled by its crew in the Flensburg Fjord on May 4, 1945. Raised again in 1957, it served the Federal Navy as the test boat Wilhelm Bauer. Today, U2540 can be visited as a museum boat.

The separated left hull outer wall provides insight into the interior. Detailed surface structures. Detailed torpedo room. Crew living quarters. Detailed command center. Tower with internal structure. Detailed diesel and electric motors. Battery and accumulator rooms. Movable depth and side rudders. Rotatable twin anti-aircraft turrets. Detailed tower structure with antennas, periscope, and snorkel mast. Authentic decal for U2540 with interior details.