[merc4ulfate]

In most situations the detonation rate in the early war years for the Mark 14 was 6 out of 20 fired. Yeah it was that bad sometimes. Ever after they changed tactic for glancing shots the rate only lifted to 50% detonations.

Thing was you never knew when it would happen. It was 1943 when they finally got most of the bugs out. The Magnetic exploder would cause them to go off to soon, they ran on average of 11 feet deeper than they were set and the schooled tactic of a 90 degree broadside shot meant total failure.

The detonators were a design from the 20 and 30's so they were not designed to withstand the force of impact of the higher speed Mark 14. They took Japanese Propellers from shot down planes at pearl harbor and made new pin guides which solved that issue. It was stronger than the old guides.

The depth gauge was set in the angled tail section so its readings were always off from the tilted angle. It had to be moved.

The contact detonator worked well at 10-50 degrees off perpendicular but in rough seas there could be a premature detonation if the fish broached a wave.

If BuOrd had done a better job and not blamed Captains for their mistakes the war might have been over two years earlier than it was.

There is plenty of documentation and writings on the subject.