14-in Mark IX Torpedo (UK)
The 14-in Mark IX Torpedo was a British torpedo manufactured by the Royal Gun Factory at Woolwich.
Particulars
It carried a charge of 79 pounds.[1]
In 1895, none were yet in service.
Development and History
The design was submitted and agreed to after changes were applied in December 1891. An overarching goal of the design was to incorporate lessons taken from manufacture of the new 178-in models. The body shape was the same as in the Mark VIII model, but the tail fins were to be like those of the new 18-in long R.G.F. model which could better pass through nets. Overall, its design was described as being different in 10 points from the Mark VIII's, and a pound lighter when charged (705 versus 706 pounds).[2]
The Admiralty stressed there was no hurry to have this new torpedo, as the coming year's small order could just be more of the Mark VIII design. They also asked that the idea of enlarging the warhead by fitting a bluffer head be considered, as these were proving the better shape anyway. It was understood that this might increase weight to about 750 pounds.[3]
They provided sketches of a model with these features with a warhead of 112 pounds. Order and manufacture of two articles was made in 1892.[4]
1897
Eighty are ordered and are under manufacture at Woolwich.[5]
Footnotes
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