Mk-48 Torpedo Results

Bilge_Rat · 02-16-12, 09:18 AM

yes, hindsight is always 20/20.

We also have to remember that pre-war, few people seriously thought there would be a war with Japan or that the Japan would be a serious threat if there was one. Everyone was focused on Germany and the possible U-Boat threat. Pre-1939, there were also many USN/RN officers who thought subs were obsolete because of advances in sonar and depth charges. So even though there was more money for the Navy, the submarine service was still way down on the priority list. They had to fight just to get new subs built, never mind re-testing an existing weapon system.

Plus in 39-41, German successes seemed to prove the magnetic exploder worked. U-Boats were racking up impressive kills. It was known the Germans were using magnetic exploders. The British had captured and examined a German magnetic mine in 1939 and a magnetic mine had severely damaged HMS Belfast, so there was no serious reason to doubt the concept.

02-16-12, 09:18 AM	#19
Bilge_Rat Silent Hunter Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: standing watch... Posts: 3,856 Downloads: 344 Uploads: 0	yes, hindsight is always 20/20. We also have to remember that pre-war, few people seriously thought there would be a war with Japan or that the Japan would be a serious threat if there was one. Everyone was focused on Germany and the possible U-Boat threat. Pre-1939, there were also many USN/RN officers who thought subs were obsolete because of advances in sonar and depth charges. So even though there was more money for the Navy, the submarine service was still way down on the priority list. They had to fight just to get new subs built, never mind re-testing an existing weapon system. Plus in 39-41, German successes seemed to prove the magnetic exploder worked. U-Boats were racking up impressive kills. It was known the Germans were using magnetic exploders. The British had captured and examined a German magnetic mine in 1939 and a magnetic mine had severely damaged HMS Belfast, so there was no serious reason to doubt the concept. __________________