14-in Mark V Torpedo (UK)
The 14-in R.L. Mark V Torpedo was an early British torpedo manufactured by the Royal Laboratory.
History
Two test articles were made in 1885; one was run 10 times and the other, 14 times.
The torpedoes' design improvements over the Mark IV were counted as nine in number. Deviation in the 24 test runs had not exceeded 6 feet at 400 yards, and they had made speeds of 21.5 and 22.25 knots - about that of the Mark IV torpedoes - though improvement upon this was expected as the water was 45 degrees during the test runs.[1]
In 1885, the Royal Laboratory at Woolwich was asked to manufacture the first 200 of the weapons.[2]
Recent expansion of the plant in Woolwich was anticipated to soon offer the capacity of 250-300 torpedoes per year.[3]
1896
An extensive report on torpedoes being adjusted at the test ranges shows the Mark V* is still in use in 1896.[4]
At Horsea, average speeds to 600 yards:
- three R.L. torpedoes averaged 24.25 knots in 66.3 degree water.
Repaired torpedoes at Horsea, average speeds to 600 yards:
- seven R.L. torpedoes averaged 25.26 knots in 58.3 degree water.
At Plymouth, average speeds to 600 yards:
- two R.L. torpedoes averaged 25.46 knots in 52 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.[5]
Footnotes
Bibliography
