[TEC] German "MK-18" problem?

propbeanie · 01-26-17, 04:53 PM

...

- that one that got me in TMO? I'd had a run of six torps in a row just before that that had been duds... not the one that got me, of course...

CaptBones · 01-27-17, 06:06 PM

Good to know it wasn't a bug or some other random fault in the program.

I guess I'm now surprised that I haven't seen it before and more often, although it might explain one or two other unexplained "misses" way back when; I just didn't think to look on the attack plot on those occasions.

But, it also reminded me of a real-world incident. Acting as a target for MK-48 torpedo tests on the underwater range in the Straits of Georgia at Nanaimo, BC, we were "advised" by the test firing barge, using underwater phone ("Gertrude") that the barge had "lost contact" with the weapon and they recommended we sound collision alarm and set Material Condition Zebra.

Oh really, did they think we hadn't already done that in anticipation of being the first maneuvering target ship to have a 3500lb torpedo travelling at 50kts being wire-guided to pass two yards directly under our keel?

The next helpful report I heard was from Sonar..."high speed screws passing close overhead from the port bow, fading in the baffles, heading away off the starboard quarter." The weapon had apparently gone into a weaving search pattern with random depth changes, and the loss of guidance had not switched on active guidance sonar...thank you God.

The Test Director and I, with several others, found a quiet tavern in Nanaimo that night and we all had several calming beers.

Barkerov · 01-27-17, 08:21 PM

Bloody oath. I feel like I need a beer and I only read your story.

CaptBones · 01-27-17, 09:45 PM

Probably not the first time an entire crew needed a change of underwear, all at the same time. But might have been the first time that the crew of the "attacking" ship (well, barge anyway) also needed to change at the same time. We certainly all had a grand time gripping about it at the bar!

Now back to the original post...my hands and one leg/knee, were actually shaking during that brief episode and I got a headache and neck-ache from being tensed-up beyond belief. I wonder if the event actually triggered a subconscious recollection of the "real deal" back there in Georgia Strait?

Should have gone straight upstairs to the fridge and gotten a cold one!

J0313 · 01-27-17, 10:42 PM

My Grandfather was a plank owner on the USS Grenadier, SS210. And was on her till the bitter end when they had to scuttle her and became guests of the Emperor. Nuff said.

Delfi · 05-09-17, 12:42 AM

This happened to me several times with TMO. My response was always "Back emergency!" That is why your sonar operator in Dangerous Waters always calls out "unit is running normally."

01-26-17, 04:53 PM	#1
propbeanie CTD - it's not just a job Join Date: May 2016 Location: One hour from Music City USA! Posts: 10,130 Downloads: 452 Uploads: 4	... - that one that got me in TMO? I'd had a run of six torps in a row just before that that had been duds... not the one that got me, of course... __________________ "...and bollocks to the naysayers" - Jimbuna

01-27-17, 06:06 PM	#2
CaptBones The Old Man Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Rockton, IL Posts: 281 Downloads: 208 Uploads: 0	Many thanks all... Good to know it wasn't a bug or some other random fault in the program. I guess I'm now surprised that I haven't seen it before and more often, although it might explain one or two other unexplained "misses" way back when; I just didn't think to look on the attack plot on those occasions. But, it also reminded me of a real-world incident. Acting as a target for MK-48 torpedo tests on the underwater range in the Straits of Georgia at Nanaimo, BC, we were "advised" by the test firing barge, using underwater phone ("Gertrude") that the barge had "lost contact" with the weapon and they recommended we sound collision alarm and set Material Condition Zebra. Oh really, did they think we hadn't already done that in anticipation of being the first maneuvering target ship to have a 3500lb torpedo travelling at 50kts being wire-guided to pass two yards directly under our keel? The next helpful report I heard was from Sonar..."high speed screws passing close overhead from the port bow, fading in the baffles, heading away off the starboard quarter." The weapon had apparently gone into a weaving search pattern with random depth changes, and the loss of guidance had not switched on active guidance sonar...thank you God. The Test Director and I, with several others, found a quiet tavern in Nanaimo that night and we all had several calming beers.

01-27-17, 09:45 PM	#4
CaptBones The Old Man Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Rockton, IL Posts: 281 Downloads: 208 Uploads: 0	Almost forgot... Probably not the first time an entire crew needed a change of underwear, all at the same time. But might have been the first time that the crew of the "attacking" ship (well, barge anyway) also needed to change at the same time. We certainly all had a grand time gripping about it at the bar! Now back to the original post...my hands and one leg/knee, were actually shaking during that brief episode and I got a headache and neck-ache from being tensed-up beyond belief. I wonder if the event actually triggered a subconscious recollection of the "real deal" back there in Georgia Strait? Should have gone straight upstairs to the fridge and gotten a cold one!

01-27-17, 10:42 PM	#5
J0313 Grey Wolf Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 887 Downloads: 1823 Uploads: 0	Hmmm. My Grandfather was a plank owner on the USS Grenadier, SS210. And was on her till the bitter end when they had to scuttle her and became guests of the Emperor. Nuff said.

01-27-17, 08:21 PM	#3
Barkerov Soundman Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Australia Posts: 147 Downloads: 42 Uploads: 0	Bloody oath. I feel like I need a beer and I only read your story.

05-09-17, 12:42 AM	#6
Delfi Sailor man Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Below the thermocline Posts: 45 Downloads: 74 Uploads: 0	This happened to me several times with TMO. My response was always "Back emergency!" That is why your sonar operator in Dangerous Waters always calls out "unit is running normally."