Narwhal torpedo load out
 

I was reading the first war patrol of the Narhwal from this web site:

http://www.earth2.net/usnavy/ss167/ss167_05.php

After reading the report, I discovered much to my amazement that the boat carried 36 torpedoes!

Now no where in the report you will find the phrase 36 torpedoes unless you count them.

The Narwhal made 3 torpedo attacks firing a total of eight torpedoes.

In the final report on the last page, the number of torpedoes listed as being left on board at the end of the patrol comes to 28.

So how would this load out.

You have 4 torpedoes that can be stored under the gun deck.

Four torpedoes in external tubes.

Thats eight which leaves 28 more.

Six torpedoes in the internal tubes with 4 forward two aft leaves 22 internal reloads.

Does anyone have any difinitive info on the exact number the Narwhal could carry?

Just from memory I seem to recall that the V-class NARWHAL & NAUTILUS were refit with new engines in the summer of 1943 (ARGONAUT was lost by then) resulting in losing 12 torpedoes; lowering the load out from 26 to 14 torpedoes after that refit. I don't think it was ever 36. (I could be wrong)

I used to have some bookmarks and scans of old books on this subject on my old computer because at one time this was a hotly contested topic.... Maybe I'll do some digging and see if I can find them.

Happy Hunting!

Art

I think I could put those 36 torpedos to good use <G> Send em' may way!

On the topic - do any of the mods change (increase) the torpedo loadout(s)?

Akula4745

I never saw that thread. However the 26 torpedoes got me to thinking.

I took a look at the Narwhal diagram and the top down view shows 6 reloads under the gun deck as well as the the two added aft firing tubes and the two external added tubes on the bow.

That means 10 were loaded outside leaving 26 inside. So it fits with the Narwhal's first patrol log if the extra firing tubes were added at the same time the external reloads were.

What a monster - love those 6" guns too, but before the engine upgrades at Mare in 43 I've heard it described as a real pig to control.

I am looking forward to and hope that the WIP NARWHAL gets finished someday.

Happy Hunting!

Art