Author Topic: Ok... so, which torps? (Read 698 times)

FDutchmn · « **on:** August 30, 2004, 05:33:41 AM »

I was just going to give more information on the Japanese torpedoes but while compiling a post (because Mitsu pointed out a website for Japanese torpedoes), I noticed that we do not seem to be clear on which one of the torpedoes are actually modelled on AH. The only thing clear is what is modelled for the Ju88A-4, which carries the F5B torpedoes.

The other platforms that delivers torpedoes in AH, the TBM-3, the B5N2, the Ki-67, and the Elco 80' PT Boat.

However, the American Torpedoes and Japanese torpedoes is lacking in specifics... for TBM-3, it just says 2000lb torpedo, the for PT, it says torpedoes, for the B5N2 and the Ki67, it says 800kg torpedo.

I found a comprehensive website on torpedoes here... Naval Weapons Of The World

For the TBM-3, it should be the Mk13 Torpedo... however, it seems Mk13 is still not specific enough as the information given there suggests that the performance was improved from a max launch speed of 110knots and max launch altitude of 50ft at the beginning of the war to 410knots and 2400ft respectively by the end of the war! This is the same Mk13?? I guess this is the same with the Japanese torpedoes where it was called the Type91 with numerous Models from mod 1 to mod 7 where the mod 3 had the mod 3, mod 3 improved, and mod 3 strengthened... confusing? well that's how life seems, I guess...

So, off I go surfing the web... looking for more information on this Mk13 torpedo... and came across several interesting read, which I would like to share if you are interested....

First... The Torpedo Legacy Interesting history of the development of the torpedoes in the US.

Second... Dud Torpedoes Compiles the reputation of Mk14 and Mk13 torpedoes.

More detailed information on the Mk13 torpedo... Mk 13 Air-Dropped, Surface-Launched Anti-Surface Torpedo On this page it says that the Mk13 can be dropped at 1000ft at high speeds by Feb. 1944, quite an improvement. And because the Mk13 does not require a sophisticated launcher, it says that Mk13 was used on PT boats as well because it can save weight.

Finally, I struck a website in reference to a book... The Mk 13 Aircraft-Launched Torpedo: A World War II Success Story Has anyone read this book? Sounds interesting...

Mitsu-san noted a website for Japanese torps ... Table of Torpedoes The last table is the one for Airborne torpedoes... In addition to the ones we already pointed out...
Please model Japanese Airborne Torpedoes
Information: Japanese Torpedoes
Pyro: Japanese Airborne Torpedo Info
Japanese Torpedoes

There are two 1000kg class torpedoes on this website (the rest are prototypes)...

Name: Type 4-1 Airborne Torpedo Mk2
Diameter: 45 centimeters
Length: 5.270 meters
Weight: 984 kilograms
Engine: Star-8cylinders
Explosives: 305 kilograms
Range and Speed: 1.5 kilometers at 42 knots
Max Launch speed: 400 knots

Name: Type 4-1 Airborne Torpedo Mk4
Diameter: 45 centimeters
Length: 5.715 meters
Weight: 1,108 kilograms
Engine: Star-8cylinders
Explosives: 418 kilograms
Range and Speed: 1.5 kilometers at 42 knots
Max Launch speed: 400 knots

Kinda be over weight for the B5N2 and the Ki67 I think... which planes where these torps used for? The H2K?

well... that's it... just wanted to share...

Angus · « **Reply #1 on:** September 01, 2004, 07:26:44 PM »

The Italians made some really good torps. Better than German ones I belive, and at a point in the war, Italian and Japanese torpedoes were the finest in the world.
You'd neet an italian plane to deploy them though... Or maybe the Germans had some?

gunnss · « **Reply #2 on:** September 02, 2004, 12:25:35 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Angus
The Italians made some really good torps. Better than German ones I belive, and at a point in the war, Italian and Japanese torpedoes were the finest in the world.

You'd neet an italian plane to deploy them though...

Or maybe the Germans had some?

Fiat G55 !!!!

Gunns

FDutchmn · « **Reply #3 on:** September 02, 2004, 07:59:14 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Angus
The Italians made some really good torps. Better than German ones I belive, and at a point in the war, Italian and Japanese torpedoes were the finest in the world.

You'd neet an italian plane to deploy them though...

Or maybe the Germans had some?

Quote

Naval Weapons Of The World
Ship Class Used On: Aircraft
Weight: 1,995 lbs. (905 kg)
Overall Length: 17 ft. 11 in. (5.460 m)
Explosive Charge: 441 lbs. (200 kg)
Range / Speed: 3,300 yards (3,000 m) / 40 knots
Power: Wet-heater
Notes: Fiume (Whitehead) torpedo. Early versions had a 375 lbs. (175 kg) warhead.
This torpedo was also used by the Germans and designated "F5W" type.

The F5W seems to be used before the arrival of the F5B... not sure if it was used on the Ju88A4 though...

Mitsu · « **Reply #4 on:** November 20, 2004, 10:00:26 PM »

Punt...?

FDutchmn · « **Reply #5 on:** November 21, 2004, 02:35:38 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Mitsu
Punt...?

Ohhhhh nooooo!!! Mitsu you have committed a crime!

Forum rules state...

Quote

13- Do not punt topics. Punting would be making a non-substantive post for the express purpose of bring the thread to the top of the thread list.

No punts! We gotta be more creative... like give information little by little? To let the thread live!

Karnak · « **Reply #6 on:** November 21, 2004, 10:08:16 PM »

The Ki-67 has two 1,800+hp engines. It could easily lift more weight than it does. I think Mitsubishi simply gave it the bomb load that the IJA specified in their specification document.

The Japanese never seemed to understand the usefulness of a large bomb load. Most Japanese bombers seem to be speced for a 800kg load. The G4M, IIRC, was speced for a 1,000kg load and the H8K2 could carry 3,000kg.