18-in Mark V Torpedo (UK)

The 18-in R.G.F. Mark V Torpedo was a British torpedo developed at the Royal Gun Factory in 1899 and approved for orders in 1901.

Development and History

The final design came from Design A which was used in comparative tests conducted in 1899 and 1900. It featured a modified afterbody.

Mark V

The final design's characteristics are detailed in the Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1901. [TO BE CONTINUED - TONE]

Mark V*

Perhaps introduced in 1902.^{[Fact Check]}

Mark V* G.S.

Mark V* G.S. Torpedo

Mark V* G.S. torpedoes were introduced in 1913^{[Fact Check]} to be fired from the beam tubes of E Class Submarines. Removal of the guide strips permitted them to be fired from bow or stern tubes. The passing conditions for the V* G.S. were 31.75-32.25 knots to 1,000 yards when fired from a frame, with a drop in speed not to exceed 1 knot. It was noted that the torpedoes would run 0.5 knots faster than their stamped speed when run without guide strips in place.

Manufacture and Use

The first order was made in the 1901-1902 programme, for a conservative 25 units from the Royal Gun Factory.

1905

In 60 degree water, 18-in Mark V H.B. were approved for the setting of 1,500 yards at 21.75 +/- 0.25 knots at 1,400 pounds pressure, and the V* H.B. torpedoes 25.25 knots +/- 0.25 at 1,700 pounds. The S.L.L.R. Mark V* torpedoes reached 26.75 knots and the S.L.S.R. torpedoes achieved 30.75 knots at the same 1,700 pounds.

1918

10 of 120 remaining Mark V torpedoes were broken up in 1918. Mark V* torpedoes were apparently not to be culled.

1919

In 1919, it was decided to break up none of the 112 remaining Mark V H.B. torpedoes, and to break up 90 Mark V* H.B. and S.L. torpedoes, leaving 321 remaining.