14-in Mark VI Torpedo (UK)
The 14-in R.L. Mark VI Torpedo was an early British torpedo manufactured by the Royal Laboratory at Woolwich.
Development and History
The genesis and specifics of this torpedo family is a little mysterious, owing to a gap in our primary source documents.
1890
Conversion of these torpedoes to some new standard had completed the conversion of 118 of them and that a good many of these had been sent to Malta's test range for adjustment.[1]
1891
Conversions of R.L. Mark VI continued, with 146 completed thus far.[2]
1896
An extensive report on torpedoes being adjusted at the test ranges shows the Mark VI* is still in use in 1896.[3]
At Horsea, average speeds to 600 yards:
- six R.L. torpedoes averaged 25.05 knots in 62.2 degree water.
Repaired torpedoes at Horsea, average speeds to 600 yards:
- nine R.L. torpedoes averaged 23.92 knots in 41.7 degree water.
At Plymouth, average speeds to 600 yards:
- two R.L. torpedoes averaged 24.48 knots in 60 degree water.
1919
In 1919, it was approved to break up all 14-in torpedoes except for a reserve of fifty each of 14-in Mark X* torpedo and 14-in Mark XI torpedo.[4]
Footnotes
Bibliography
