Cable cutter?

[moscowexile]

Here's a submarine thing I've always wondered about: When I was a kid over half a century ago, I saw a picture of a WWII sub and asked my dad what the sawtoothed contraption on its prow was for. He told me that it was for cutting cables on anti-submarine nets.

Was he correct, I wonder? And if the thing was intended to cut cables, how effective was it? I can hardly imagine it being of any use whatsoever in such a function.

Modern subs don't have them, nor do immediate post-WWII ones.

Were they only installed in the hopes that they would be able to cut through a steel cable? Were they only ornamentation furnished as a result of wishful thinking?

[Sailor Steve]

Early (WWI) nets were easier to cut. The VIIBs started the war with them. I believe VIICs and later don't have them. This is reflected in the game.

[Von Manteuffel]

I suppose it could work, but using it would be a bitch - all that "Ahead full! Full astern! Ahead full! Full astern! Ahead full etc." Easier to go around. ;)

[Red Heat]

I personaly think its item is in herited from the W.W. I when the anti-submarines nets was made of simple rope and it was easy to cut... :yep:

[Jimbuna]

As soon as steel mesh was introduced, they became more or less obsolete.

[Brag]

I have never read of any succesful use of the net cutter, including WWI. It was probably wishful thinking.