Real World Torpedo question

RSColonel_131st · 03-09-10, 06:01 AM

Hi all

This has been in the back of my mind for a while, but I never got around to ask...

How did actual real world torpedos of WW2 do the unguided aiming? Meaning, the course turn after leaving the tube?

Of course there are steering fins, but how were they controlled? By a timed mechanism, or by gyroscopic angle....? And obviously the required angle of turn could be set after the Torb was loaded in the tube and the tube closed?

It still fascinates me that something so basic did work so well.

looney · 03-09-10, 06:10 AM

Gyroscope. The torps where loaded into the tubes. Where a connection was made to the TDC (mechanical or electrical). So as soon the torp was launched and a set distance was traveled (the propellor on the front) the gyro would kick in and steer the torp on course.

RSColonel_131st · 03-09-10, 07:20 AM

Thanks. Do you happen to also know if the Torp was aimed in relation to his own ship (like: 30 degree left), or did they actually use absolute bearings for aiming?

ParaB · 03-09-10, 07:48 AM

The torpedoes were aimed in relation to the ship. The TDC 'calculcated' the necessary course from the boat's course and the target's AOB and position. In early versions the torpedo crew had to dial in the course directly via dials on the torpedo tubes, later versions of the TDC could do that automatically via mechanical rods/gears.

03-09-10, 06:01 AM	#1
RSColonel_131st Medic Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 164 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Real World Torpedo question Hi all This has been in the back of my mind for a while, but I never got around to ask... How did actual real world torpedos of WW2 do the unguided aiming? Meaning, the course turn after leaving the tube? Of course there are steering fins, but how were they controlled? By a timed mechanism, or by gyroscopic angle....? And obviously the required angle of turn could be set after the Torb was loaded in the tube and the tube closed? It still fascinates me that something so basic did work so well.

03-09-10, 06:10 AM	#2
looney Commodore Join Date: May 2007 Location: Sneek, The Netherlands Posts: 635 Downloads: 43 Uploads: 0	Gyroscope. The torps where loaded into the tubes. Where a connection was made to the TDC (mechanical or electrical). So as soon the torp was launched and a set distance was traveled (the propellor on the front) the gyro would kick in and steer the torp on course.

03-09-10, 07:20 AM	#3
RSColonel_131st Medic Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 164 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Thanks. Do you happen to also know if the Torp was aimed in relation to his own ship (like: 30 degree left), or did they actually use absolute bearings for aiming?

03-09-10, 07:48 AM	#4
ParaB Chief Join Date: May 2005 Location: Germany Posts: 327 Downloads: 16 Uploads: 0	The torpedoes were aimed in relation to the ship. The TDC 'calculcated' the necessary course from the boat's course and the target's AOB and position. In early versions the torpedo crew had to dial in the course directly via dials on the torpedo tubes, later versions of the TDC could do that automatically via mechanical rods/gears.