Mark 18 info

DaveyJ576 · 12-02-10, 06:38 PM

The Mk 18-1 was the original production model and was full of bugs. It had battery problems, control problems, and it tended to hit the outer edge of the tube on its way out, damaging the rudder. The Mk 18-2 corrected many of these issues and by the end of the war was a reasonably reliable weapon. However, it performance characteristics did not change: 29 knots for 4000 yards.

For additional info see:

http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WTUS_WWII.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_18_torpedo

Gibus · 12-03-10, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveyJ576

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_18_torpedo

Yet I read in this link in July 1944, the Mk-18 speed was 40 knots (74 km: hour).

WernherVonTrapp · 12-03-10, 07:37 AM

Though Wikipedia is a great general reference, it's not a source of reliable information since just about anyone can contribute to it. I always double/triple check any references from Wikipedia.

Rip · 12-03-10, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WernherVonTrapp

Though Wikipedia is a great general reference, it's not a source of reliable information since just about anyone can contribute to it. I always double/triple check any references from Wikipedia.

Well when it agrees with every other credible source then you can believe it.

http://www.hnsa.org/doc/torpedomk18/index.htm

http://www.eugeneleeslover.com/USNAVY/CHAPTER-12-I.html

I know of no credible information indicating a higher speed version. If you know of somewhere that says otherwise, please enlighten us.

Rip

DaveyJ576 · 12-06-10, 11:02 AM

The Wikipedia article has a reference to the 40 knot figure from Clay Blair's Silent Victory. I had missed this earlier when reviewing the Wiki article. I pulled my copy and verified that it is in the book just like Wiki said. Blair is a very reliable source, but remember even the best author is only as good as his sources. Never in all my time researching have I ever come across anything that backs up his assertion that the Mk-18 speed was increased to 40 knots. Therefore, I would tend to question this account.

Blair explains it by stating that work done on the batteries increased the speed to as high as 40 knots, depending on the water temperature (which effected the electrical output of the battery). I can verify this. Water temp did effect the battery and this was one of the prime weaknesses of this weapon. Imagine the difficulty of determining a correct firing solution if you did not know precisely how fast the weapon was moving! So, yes, the speed of the Mk-18 tended to be slightly variable, but I have never come across another account which put it as high as 40 knots.

Blair was a very thorough researcher and maybe he came across a little known source that no one else had. This is entirely possible, but it stretches believability a little. I say the jury is out on this one for now.

BTW, the rest of the Wiki article on the Mk-18 is spot on.

12-03-10, 07:37 AM	#3
WernherVonTrapp Admiral Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Now, alot farther from NYC. Posts: 2,228 Downloads: 105 Uploads: 0	Though Wikipedia is a great general reference, it's not a source of reliable information since just about anyone can contribute to it. I always double/triple check any references from Wikipedia. __________________ "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." -Miyamoto Musashi ------------------------------------------------------- "What is truth?" -Pontius Pilate

12-02-10, 06:38 PM	#1
DaveyJ576 Officer Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Norfolk, VA Posts: 241 Downloads: 30 Uploads: 0	The Mk 18-1 was the original production model and was full of bugs. It had battery problems, control problems, and it tended to hit the outer edge of the tube on its way out, damaging the rudder. The Mk 18-2 corrected many of these issues and by the end of the war was a reasonably reliable weapon. However, it performance characteristics did not change: 29 knots for 4000 yards. For additional info see: http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WTUS_WWII.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_18_torpedo

12-06-10, 11:02 AM	#5
DaveyJ576 Officer Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Norfolk, VA Posts: 241 Downloads: 30 Uploads: 0	The Wikipedia article has a reference to the 40 knot figure from Clay Blair's Silent Victory. I had missed this earlier when reviewing the Wiki article. I pulled my copy and verified that it is in the book just like Wiki said. Blair is a very reliable source, but remember even the best author is only as good as his sources. Never in all my time researching have I ever come across anything that backs up his assertion that the Mk-18 speed was increased to 40 knots. Therefore, I would tend to question this account. Blair explains it by stating that work done on the batteries increased the speed to as high as 40 knots, depending on the water temperature (which effected the electrical output of the battery). I can verify this. Water temp did effect the battery and this was one of the prime weaknesses of this weapon. Imagine the difficulty of determining a correct firing solution if you did not know precisely how fast the weapon was moving! So, yes, the speed of the Mk-18 tended to be slightly variable, but I have never come across another account which put it as high as 40 knots. Blair was a very thorough researcher and maybe he came across a little known source that no one else had. This is entirely possible, but it stretches believability a little. I say the jury is out on this one for now. BTW, the rest of the Wiki article on the Mk-18 is spot on.