14-in Torpedo Dropping Gear (UK)
14-in Torpedo Dropping Gear was an assembly for dropping torpedoes into the water abreast a small vessel.
The torpedo would start when it was released.
It weighed just 380 pounds. In 1909 it was being used only in boats 45 feet or longer, and those 40 foot boats previously fitted with it were having it removed when it became defective.[2]
When required to work with the 14-in Mark VI torpedo, the length of a frame and firing bar were extended by 12.75 inches. A pull on the firing lanyard would suffice to trip the air lever to start the torpedo and to release the spreaders holding the torpedo.[3]
It could be used with the following torpedoes, which each required a small hole to be added to admit a steadying pin from the gear abaft the afterbody joint:
- 14-in Mark VIII torpedo
- 14-in Mark X torpedo and 14-in Mark X* torpedo
- 14-in Mark XI torpedo
- 14-in Weymouth Mark I torpedo
Mark II
Used small portable davits to place the torpedo in position.
Mark III
The davits were replaced by sheaves.
Electrical Release Gear
All those manufactured after 1909 were to have electrical release mechanisms, and existing gear was to be brought up to this same standard.[4] A battery and firing key (Pattern 1,458 in older boats and 2,333 in newer ones) would be situated in the cabin of the boat. The director would be shipped on a light portable stand mounted just in front of the steering wheel.[5]
Footnotes
See Also
