"The torpedoes used in World War II were usually 20 to 24 ft (6.1–7.3 m) long, carrying up to 600 lb (272 kg) of explosives at a speed of 50 knots for more than 10,000 yd (9,144 m)."

How fast did torpedoes travel?

It could travel about 180 metres (200 yd) at an average speed of 6.5 knots (12.0 km/h). The speed and range of later models were improved by increasing the pressure of the stored air. In 1906 Whitehead built torpedoes that could cover nearly 1,000 metres (1,100 yd) at an average speed of 35 knots (65 km/h).

How were ww2 torpedoes propelled?

Instead of using compressed air and alcohol to generate steam, the Type 93 used pure oxygen and kerosene. This mixture was dangerous and difficult to handle but was powerful enough to propel a massive torpedo. The Type 93 was 29.5 feet long, had a diameter of 24 inches, and weighed over 6,000 pounds.

How accurate were torpedoes in ww2?

About 50% of torpedoes fired at 45 kts. striking within 45 degrees of normal to the target failed to explode due to impact distortion of firing pin guide rails. This defect was corrected circa 1943.

What happens to a torpedo that misses its target?

For torpedoes that lacked this feature, most would simply run out of fuel/charge and sink under their own weight. As we previously mentioned, while torpedoes are close to neutral buoyancy, they are ever so slightly less so, meaning they will inexorably sink if they stop moving.

Insane Torpedo-Armed Fast Attack Vessel - WW2 Speed Demons

How fast was a ww2 submarine?

Thus, most WWII- era submarines were designed with a high surface speed (15-19 knots), when the diesel engines provided the energy, and a much lower submerged speed (seven to nine knots), when the battery capacity was the limiting constraint.

Can a torpedo sink an aircraft carrier?

It is impossible for a defensive aircraft carrier such as the Taiho to be sunk by the hit of a single torpedo. The main cause of the sinking of the Taiho was the fire disaster. The Taiho was constructed to be unsinkable; however, its special fight deck defense turned out to be of no use whatsoever.

Can a submarine survive a torpedo hit?

Nonetheless, the concept of adding an additional close-range layer of protection to submarines has merit given the increasing capability of modern torpedoes, and the sobering reality that a submarine would be lucky to survive even a single torpedo hit.

How fast is a modern torpedo?

The torpedo -- signature weapon of the submarine -- isn't very fast, either. The U.S. MK 48 torpedo achieves a top speed of about 55 knots, or 63 miles per hour.

What was wrong with us torpedoes in ww2?

The mechanical ones were faulty thanks to heavy firing pins that couldn't achieve the right momentum when the torpedo was at full speed, so they were replaced with a lighter metal alloy. Ironically, the alloy chosen had made it into U.S. arsenals after it was discovered in a Japanese fighter shot down at Pearl Harbor.

How long could German U boats stay submerged?

The Germans' most formidable naval weapon was the U-boat, a submarine far more sophisticated than those built by other nations at the time. The typical U-boat was 214 feet long, carried 35 men and 12 torpedoes, and could travel underwater for two hours at a time.

How fast is underwater torpedo?

The British Spearfish torpedo designed to counter high-speed Russian submarines, such as the Alfa-class submarine, is reputed to have a speed in excess of 70 knots (130 km/h). The Russian rocket-powered supercavitating torpedo VA-111 Shkval is reportedly capable of speed in excess of 200 knots (370 km/h).

How fast do submarines go in mph?

How Fast Can a Submarine Go? This is classified as well. However, U.S. nuclear-powered submarines can go faster than 23 miles per hour, which is 37 kilometers per hour or 20 knots (nautical miles per hour) underwater.

What fuel do torpedoes use?

Otto Fuel II is a distinct-smelling, reddish-orange, oily liquid that the U.S. Navy uses as a fuel for torpedoes and other weapon systems. It is a mixture of three synthetic substances: propylene glycol dinitrate (the major component), 2 nitrodiphenylamine, and dibutyl sebacate.

What is the world's largest torpedo?

According to Official Guinness Records, The Russian Type 65, a 65-cm (25.5-in) diameter torpedo, carries a warhead of 450 kg (992 lb) of conventional explosive, or a 15-kiloton nuclear warhead - giving it slightly less explosive power than the bombs that destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.

Could a modern torpedo sink a battleship?

During World War II, submarine and aircraft-dropped torpedoes sank hundreds of merchant ships and warships. Unlike the numerous aerial bombs or cannon shells required to sink large warships, just one or two torpedo hits could and sometimes did suffice to sink huge aircraft carriers and battleships.

How does the navy defend against torpedoes?

Torpedo defence includes evasive maneuvers, passive defense like torpedo belts, torpedo nets, torpedo bulges and active defenses, like anti-torpedo torpedoes similar in idea to missile defense systems.

Is there an anti-torpedo torpedo?

The new towed decoys are especially used against wake-homing torpedoes to trigger torpedo guns before reaching the ship. The final line of defense is a very new weapon – an anti-torpedo torpedo.

How long could ww2 subs stay submerged?

Model of the USS Balao (SS-285) Fleet Submarine

Two 126-cell battery groups gave her a submerged top speed of 8.75 knots (16.2 km/hr); holding her speed to 2 knots (4 km/hr), she could remain submerged for 48 hours.

How fast was a German U boat?

Since World War I, nautical technology has evolved at a rapid rate, but in 1914 U-boats were considered quite advanced. These vessels could reach maximum depths of 50 meters or 165 feet, achieve speeds of 16 knots at the surface and eight knots underwater, and had a range of up to 25,000 miles.