18-in Mark VI Torpedo (UK)
The 18-in R.G.F. Mark VI Torpedo was a British torpedo developed at the Royal Gun Factory in 1904.[3]
Development and History
A single one was built in 1904. It was one foot longer than the Mark V* and could take 2000 psi. Anticipated speeds were 27 knots for 2,000 yards or 23.75 knots for 3,000 yards.[4]
Orders and production followed.
Particulars
Mark VI
The first order was made in the 1906-07 programme, for 31 Hook Bracket torpedoes.[5]
Mark VI G.S.
These were fitted with guide strips, perhaps allowing fire from the beam tubes of E Class Submarines. They were passed at 33-34 knots to 1,000 yards, with a speed drop not to exceed 1 knot.[6]
Mark VI*
The first order was made in the 1906-07 programme, for 336 Side Lug torpedoes, some of them set for S.R. and some for L.R..[7]
In 1907-08, seven H.B. and 74 S.L. torpedoes were ordered.[8]
Mark VI* H.
Come 1908, the Mark VI* torpedoes were being converted to employ heaters. That year, 17 H.B. models were to converted, and 12 of the S.L. torpedoes had been done.[9]
Its overall length including 4.5-in long pistol was 17 feet, 7.44 inches (see Plate).[10]
By the 1908-09, Mark VII variants were being ordered for production.
Mark VI**
In 1909-10, 53 Hook Bracket models were converted to heaters, becoming Mark VI** H. H.B.s.[11]
Mark VI** H.
In 1909, the H.B. variety was making 28-30 knots to 6,000 yards.[12]
In 1913, these, along with VII*, VII** and VIII** H. torpedoes being re-allocated to battleships between Dreadnought and Neptune, inclusive.[13]
Mark VI***
Mark VI*** H.
In 1913, these, along with VII*, VII** and VIII* H. torpedoes being re-allocated to battleships between Dreadnought and Neptune, inclusive.[15]
Footnotes
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1909. Plate 2.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1908. Plate 11.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1904. p. vi.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1904. p. vi.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1906. p. 8.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1913. p. 12.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1906. p. 8.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1907. p. 8.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1908. p. 7.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1908. p. 18.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1909. p. 7.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1909. p. 11.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1913. p. 8.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1910. Plate 6.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1913. p. 8.
Bibliography
