Impact Vs Magnetic Detonation
Recently there has been a lot said against the use of magnetic detonation on torpedoes.
the biggest argument against being their ineffectiveness in riugh seas.
Let's examine the problem.
ALL torpedoes come with impact and magnetic pistols. Your only control is setting the depth at which the torpedo will run.
Premature explosions occur when the torpeod broaches in rough seas. So the deeper the torpedo runs, the less chances for it to broach. Thus rough seas dictate the use of magnetics.
I believe that most magnetic torpedoe failures occur due to the torpedo depth not being set deep enough. My rule of thumb is a depth of 1.5 meters below the keel.
Anything less, in rough weather , could strike the hull of a heaving ship at an angle to the ship's skin which makes the impact detonator to fail.
Even in the early days of the war, I found magnetics no worse than impacts. It's all a matter of proper depth.
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