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Originally Posted by Wilcke
Hi Werner,
So far I have shot 50 mag influence torps with no failures.
Have shot about 25 torps set to impact, only 1 dud.
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Well, as far as I remember, the magnetic detonators failed all the time up until at least 1943 (plenty of prematures and duds, as well as a few circle runners) and contact torps suffered plenty of prematures, too, because the mag detonators would set them off even when disabled. They also had plenty of trouble maintaining depth up until mid '43-44 (torps ran an average of 10-15 feet deeper than they were set).
Though, admittedly, it is more fun to shoot with weapons that work, the frustration of failed torpedoes is definitely a realism factor. I know Wahoo (among countless others) experienced a good handful of torpedo failures during her patrols, including one that inadvertently launched into a closed outer door!