[Capn_Sinky]

I have basically found that in the default SH4 and playing on Normal skill level that I have a 50%-70% failure rate for the Mark 14s. In WWII from 41 early 43 it was about this high. Most commanders have more duds than think but dont realize it. The Navy Ordinance Dept in 1942 basically told the Sub Commanders that either they were dumb or didn't take care of their torps. In some cases sub commanders had their torp crews field strip each torp before firing so they could verify that the torps inner mechanics were functioning. Course when they reported this to the Ord Dept they basically said "well that eliminates the torp, so you must be an idiot." Navy Ord Dept officials were not the most liked individuals at parties. There were several recorded instances of Jap freighters making it to their destinations with unexploded torps sticking out of the hull. Nothing ticks a sub commander off more than to risk life and limb to sneak in undetected, fire a full spread of fish, escape back to port and be called an idiot by a know nothing desk jocky.

Basically there are 3 types of failure actually 4 if you count the dreaded circle back (aka Tang killer) The game actually only informs you of one type, the dud warhead. In this case the torp strikes the target and if you are watching and it is running shallow enough you can actully see a splash on the side of the target. To compensate for this make sure the torp is set to slow speed and that it strikes the target at an angle of 70 degrees or less. basically this failure was due to a bad exploder firing pin that was crushed or bent on impact. This was eventually corrected by late 42 early 43 interestingly enough by using stronger firing pins made from jap props from aircraft shot down at Pearl. Talk about the benefits of recycling. "Hey and its even a "Green Torpedo" take that that Tojo."

The most common failure that I have seen and the computer didn't tell me it was a dud was the mag exploder failure. Basically the earths magnetic field causes the mag exploder to detonate before the torpedo impacts the target. I have on several occasions had the fish explode less than 100 yrds from exiting the tube. I thought the escorts were shooting at my periscope, until I went to the tactical map and saw only two fish headed toward the target and I knew I had fired three fish. To combat this set the exploder to contact only. Yes its against the regs, but hey my hand slipped oh-kay.

The third failure was because of a last minute redesign to the Mark 14. This resulted in the fish running on avg 11 feet too deep. This also is not reported as a dud. You just think you missed, untill you flip over to the tactical map and see a spread of fish swim harmlessly under a Isa BS. This combined with the reg stating to set the exploder to mag and the run depth set to 5 feet below the keel of the target basically meant a zero chance for a kill. To combat this find the depth of keel in the manual, multiply by 3.25 (got to do the metric conversion thingy) then subtract 12 and set to contact only. You may still have a run under every now and then in rough seas, but combine this with an angle of impact of less than 70 degrees and speed set to slow and you will see some drastic changes in torp performance.

The last and rarest failure is the circular run torp. This one basically circles around and spanks you on your backside. OUCH! As Bart S. would say "While I thought that it was physically impossible, this both sucks and blows at the same time!" Have not had to opportunity to experience this wonder as of yet (knock on the XO's skull) my best guess would be "Ahead Flank! Crash Dive!" Followed quickly by a few propositions to a higher diety that one's choices regarding women and drink will change if the boat can pass through 100ft before the fish completes its turn.

The other thing to assist you in your mission prior to mid 42 is to swap out some Mark 14s for some older Mark 10s before you go on patrol. I make it a habit of replacing about half of my Mark 14s with Mark 10s before leaving port. I have yet to return from patrol empty handed. It takes a little cognative re-assessment when planning your attack, but it will be well worth the effort.

Good Luck and Good Hunting!

Capn_Sinky (aka Stinky)
O.I.C.I.C.
Officer In Charge of Ice Ceam

USS Drum