New Ship

[ONTOS]

I would like a Fletcher Class Destroyer added. The reason is that it carried ten torpedoes, center line, in two quintuple tubes. This could be put in the same place with the PT boats and could be operated the same way. As you could select a PT, you select a destroyer. Besides the torpedoes, it would have the normal complement of guns. The torpedoes were more powerful than the PT's, also had two firing speed's, one at around 29 knots and the other about 49 knots.
OK, let the abuse begin.

[Volron]

Um, we already have the Fletcher.  So I believe this is: BONG!  Wish Granted! 

Silliness aside, I know what you mean.  Would be nice to have a player controlled DD to mess with, or just more ships in general.   But give them more time.

[Arlo]

[Ack-Ack]

If we're going to have a player controlled destroyer, it should be a DDE instead of a regular destroyer.

[ONTOS]

The Destroyer Escort (DE) had only three tubes I think. Ten tubes would be nice.

[Arlo]

I agree. Model it on the current Fletcher, whether it's player operable or not*.

The Fletcher mounted ten 21 in (530 mm) torpedo tubes fitted in two quintuple centerline mounts, firing the Mark 15 torpedo.

But ....

Due to the increasing threat from kamikaze attacks, fifty-one ships received further AA modifications beginning in 1945, replacing the forward torpedo tubes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fletcher-class_destroyer



* perhaps a 'launch torpedo' function could be added to the drones, allowing the player in control of the TF to select a heading and how many torps by clicking on the drone and accessing a menu. Know your bearings!

[Skyguns MKII]

American Summer class destroyer and Japanese Kumo class Torpedo cruiser 

[715]

How did they aim them?  Did they have to point the whole ship?

[Muzzy]

Sort of. They had to position the ship correctly then fire broadside. The tubes could be trained out port or starboard.

[Arlo]

Yes and no. The launchers were mounted on a spindle, amidships, and could pivot at various angles to either port or starboard. Having said that, there were no launches forward or aft. If the enemy was straight ahead or directly behind it would require some 'veer and shoot.'

[715]

Was there some kind of analog computer to aim them?  Otherwise I would think it would be quite difficult.  The only way I can ever hit anything with the PT torpedoes is to set up a CBDR condition (constant bearing decreasing range), i.e. a collision course, then drop the torpedoes when in range.  (Only works when you set the PT speed to match the torpedo's running speed of 40 mph.)