Zerstörer 1942

Following the development of a new MAN diesel engine, plans were drawn up for a single prototype destroyer designated Zerstörer 1942. Its armament and dimensions were similar to the Zerstörer 1938B, but its propulsion system was unique. Six diesel engines driving three shafts were planned, while all other German destroyers used two shafts. To shorten construction time, only four engines were to be installed initially, with the remaining two added later.

The prototype Z51 was ordered in 1942, laid down at the Deschimag shipyard in Bremen in 1943 and launched on 2 October 1944. The incomplete vessel was badly damaged by bombs on 21 March 1945 and scrapped between December 1947 and February 1949. One of the four completed engines is now displayed at the Auto und Technik Museum in Sinsheim, Germany.