[TorpX]

Originally Posted by merc4ulfate

Batteries are less efficient in the cold. ...

Yes, I understand the chemistry well enough. However, this was late in the war, and I was under the impression that pre-heating the batteries and insulation, had more or less eliminated the problem. If that was not the case, why issue the Mk. 18? They knew where they were going, and as you pointed out, cold temps. there were not exceptional.

It makes me wonder if the Mk. 18's were used by choice, or if they were forced upon the crews. A torpedo that can't reliably make a 2,000 yd. run, isn't much of a torpedo.