[ETR3(SS)]

Ok I was able to replicate what I described earlier. It seems to be a problem that affects only the US Torpedo bomber (aka Helldiver), and is present in both 1.4 and 1.5. In both versions of the game the Japanese Kate performed as expected with their torpedoes. The Helldiver however when dropping its torpedo instead launches it back and up away from the mother aircraft. I witnessed the weapon skipping off the surface of the water several times before entering the water. At this point the weapon was still traveling backwards and after a short run of maybe 100yds the weapon proceeded to dive, reaching a 90º angle on its decent. I followed the weapon as far down as I could before it got too dark to see. Presumably at some point the weapons' astern motion was overcome and started moving forward and reached its run depth. Of 6 torpedoes dropped only 2 made it to the target.

The problem I believe lies in the Helldiver. Upon investigation I found that both aircraft use the same torpedo, so that can be ruled out as a possibilty. I then looked into each planes dat file and found immediate differences in the structure. The Kate has a node dedicated to just the torpedo, the US does not. This could be the reason for the odd torpedo behavior.

Now for something completely different! The torpedoes that you did drop. That behaved in precisely the manner the game told them. The "homing" torpedoes of the game use a passive homing system. If the target is not emitting any sound then the weapon will seek out the nearest target that is radiating sound. In this case the US carriers were the loudest sound. Another thing is the fact that the homing torpedoes can not change depth. The homing aspect of the weapon in game only controls the rudder.