60. [Question] Under what conditions were human torpedoes used? How many did each submarine carry? Was the operator expendable?
[Answer] Human torpedoes were used if target was out of range of other torpedoes and sometimes in order to avoid detection. Big subs carried 6 human torpedoes; 300-Type carried 3; I-Type carried 2.The operator was 100% expendable. KAITENS were about 1/3 successful. Hashimoto's only success with them was on the I-58 which sank a U.S. escort carrier (converted) near Guam in January 1945. He observed through the periscope that one hit out of the four launched.
Who is the brave skipper who wants to get into this torpedo and take a ride :hmm:  ???
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But this ship can't sink!...
She is made of iron, sir. I assure you, she can. and she will. It is a mathematical certainty.
Strength and honor
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