Welcome aboard Lieutenant. Torpedo strength was calculated in the following manner: the American torpedo had a whizz bang (technical term there) top secret killer app called the magnetic exploder.
This device was supposed to allow you to set depth to below the keel of your target. The whizz bang device sensed the magnetic field of the target and exploded the torpedo perfectly below the keel. In this way 100% of the explosive force would be exerted against the target's hull, resulting in total destruction.
When a torpedo actually strikes the side of a ship, perhaps 50% of the explosive force (actually a bit less) acts on the target and the other half makes a pretty splash for the spectacular photos.
The amount of explosive in the American torpedoes was calculated to do the job when properly exploded under the keel of the target. Unfortunately the magnetic exploder proved to have a good deal more whizz than bang. (and now you see the derivation of the technical term
) We were forced to go to contact pistols, making our torpedoes only half as effective as they were designed to be. This is accurately reflected in the game.
Interestingly, the Germans had a similar top secret (shhhhhh!) device and a similar explosive power to their torpedoes--and similar defects. Wonder if there could be some connection there? Could the Americans have copied the good, bad and ugly of the German torpedo, even including being exactly the same diameter? Naw!!!!!:rotfl:
Note: in your post, you extend the SH4 simulation by simulating the complaints of real sub skippers. Ubisoft WILL NOT be sending you a check.
