Type IX refers to a classification of submarines used by the German Navy during World War II. These submarines were larger than their predecessors, designed for long-range missions across the Atlantic Ocean. Type IX submarines were equipped with advanced technology for their time, including powerful engines and torpedo tubes, allowing them to engage enemy vessels effectively. The Type IX submarines played a significant role in the Battle of the Atlantic, where they targeted Allied shipping routes. Their design included a longer hull, which provided increased fuel capacity and operational range, making them formidable opponents in naval warfare.