18-in Mark VI Torpedo (UK)

From The Dreadnought Project
Revision as of 15:28, 27 October 2013 by Tone (talk | contribs) (→‎Mark VI)
Jump to navigationJump to search
18-in R.G.F. Mark VI** Heater Torpedo (top)[1]
18-in R.G.F. Mark VI* H.[2]

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 and 336 Side Lug models, split between Long Range and Short Range configurations..[5]

In 1919, 70 of 97 remaining Mark VI H.B. and S.L. torpedoes were to be broken up.[6]

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.[7]

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..[8]

In 1907-08, seven H.B. and 74 S.L. torpedoes were ordered.[9]

In 1919, it was approved to break up 34 of 54 remaining H.B. and S.L. torpedoes.[10]

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.[11]

Its overall length including 4.5-in long pistol was 17 feet, 7.44 inches (see Plate).[12]

By the 1908-09, Mark VII variants were being ordered for production.

In 1919, it was approved to break up all 41 remaining specimens.[13]

Mark VI**

In 1909-10, 53 Hook Bracket models were converted to heaters, becoming Mark VI** H. H.B.s.[14]

Mark VI** H.

In 1909, the H.B. variety was making 28-30 knots to 6,000 yards.[15]

In 1913, these, along with VII*, VII** and VIII** H. torpedoes being re-allocated to battleships between Dreadnought and Neptune, inclusive.[16]

In 1919, it was approved to break up 50 of 129 remaining VI** H. and VI*** H. torpedoes.[17]

Mark VI***

Mark VI*** H.

18-in R.G.F. Mark VI*** Heater Torpedo[18]

In 1913, these, along with VII*, VII** and VIII* H. torpedoes being re-allocated to battleships between Dreadnought and Neptune, inclusive.[19]

In 1919, it was approved to break up 50 of 129 remaining VI** H. and VI*** H. torpedoes.[20]

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1909. Plate 2.
  2. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1908. Plate 11.
  3. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1904. p. vi.
  4. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1904. p. vi.
  5. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1906. p. 8.
  6. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1919. p. 12.
  7. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1913. p. 12.
  8. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1906. p. 8.
  9. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1907. p. 8.
  10. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1919. p. 12.
  11. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1908. p. 7.
  12. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1908. p. 18.
  13. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1919. p. 12.
  14. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1909. p. 7.
  15. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1909. p. 11.
  16. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1913. p. 8.
  17. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1919. p. 12.
  18. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1910. Plate 6.
  19. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1913. p. 8.
  20. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1919. p. 12.

Bibliography

See Also

Retrieved from "http://dreadnoughtproject.org/tfs/index.php?title=18-in_Mark_VI_Torpedo_(UK)&oldid=77777"