german type viic submarines were preceded by the shorter type viib submarines. "u-576" had a displacement of when at the surface and while submerged. she had a total length of , a pressure hull length of , a beam of , a height of , and a draught of . the submarine was powered by two germaniawerft f46 four-stroke, six-cylinder supercharged diesel engines producing a total of for use while surfaced, two brown, boveri & cie gg ub 720/8 double-acting electric motors producing a total of for use while submerged. she had two shafts and two propellers. the boat was capable of operating at depths of up to .