[TorpX]

Originally Posted by merc4ulfate

While this is true because of the malfunctions of the torpedoes the optimum became the "never use". It was only a temporary fix until the string of errors had been tracked down and resolved but skippers were told not to use the textbook firing procedures when it came to optimum track angles.

In the diagrams I have listed what I labeled as "worst" was actually what they recommended but Admiral Lockwood changed that because of the better success with the large obtuse angles. Glancing hits caused less duds when using the contact detonators. This fault was due to the guide rails and firing pins being crushed upon impact at optimum angles.

Yes, that is true, but Lockwood really didn't know this before he had the drop tests conducted, which was well into the war. Prior to that, all he could really be sure of, is that sometimes they functioned as intended, and sometimes they didn't. The nature of the problem was unknown.



The drop tests, where concrete filled warheads with Mk. 6 exploders were dropped on steel plates, were simple and easy to do. BuOrd could have done them before the outbreak of war, without destroying a single torpedo, but did not. It was a tragedy, really.
[I realize, you probably already know most of this.]

Another wrinkle that occurred to me, is that a torpedo warhead being dropped on a steel plate is not the same as one hitting a ship's hull. One dropped on a thick steel plate will be subjected to the full force of the impact (only reduced by the angle of the plate), whereas, one hitting a ships hull may dent or even burst through the hull plates, and suffer a less violent impact. This may account for the seemingly random results obtained by the Mk. 6. [I read one account of a German torpedo bursting through the side of a hull, skidding along the bottom, before smashing it's way out the other side; so this is not just speculation on my part.]

So basically until I get to late 1943 I should be trying for hits at greater than 90 degrees.

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I think, no matter what tactics you decide to use, you will have to reckon on using more torpedoes for every ship sunk. Adjusting speeds or gaming angles may give you more detonations, but will likely also get you more misses, as well. This is like a hitter in baseball that swings for the outfield every time. He gets a lot of home runs, but also strikes out a lot. There isn't rally a good substitute for a properly functioning torpedo (Lockwood's request for a giant book hook, aside.).