18-in Fiume Mark III Torpedo
The 18-in Fiume Mark III Torpedo was a torpedo manufactured by Whitehead from 1904.[3]
Development
It seems likely that this torpedo was a productised version of No. 401, one of two "new" Whitehead torpedoes being tried out in 1903; the other, No. 398, had an R.G.F. tail and so would seem unlikely to be dubbed "Fiume" type. It is clearly stated that an order was being contemplated.[4]
In 1904, 100 were on order from Whitehead's Weymouth factory.[5]
In 1919, it was approved to break up all 18-in Weymouth and Fiume torpedoes.[6]
Particulars
Mark III
These are detailed in the Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1904.[7]
At 60 degrees Fahrenheit, they made ~32 knots to 1,000 yards, 28.63 knots to 1,500 yards, 25.18 knots to 2,000 yards, and ~20 knots to 3,000 yards.
Total length 16 feet 7.4", maximum diameter 17.7". Initial pressure of 2,100 psi (106 pounds air) yielding a charged weight of 1,406 pounds.
The warhead weighed 280 pounds without a pistol (6.8 pounds additional), carrying 205 pounds of wet guncotton and 9 pounds of ballast.
The 4-cylinder FIume type engine weighed 87.5 pounds. The 43 square inches of piston area drove through a 3.544" stroke.
They were to be passed at 2,00 yards range, the H.B. model being approved for 25.25 knots +/- .25 knots.
Mark III*
Mark III* H.
This model had a heater retrofitted. It is mentioned in ARTS 1903.[8]
Mark III**
In the 1906-07 fiscal year, 144 Hook Bracket models were ordered, along with 40 Side Lug models, split between Long Range and Short Range configurations.[9]
F. Mark III** V.B. torpedoes were supplied to Gorgon and Glatton for their 18-in submerged Elswick tubes. They had an S.R. setting of 26.25 knots to 2,000 yards and L.R. 19 knots to 4,000 yards.[10]
Mark III** H.
Its overall length including 4.5-in long pistol was 16 feet, 7.466 inches (see Plate).[11]
Footnotes
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1904. Plate 10.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1908. Plate 11.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1904. p. 28.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1903. pp. 53-4.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1904. pp. 28, 41.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1919. p. 11.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1904. pp. 41-2.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1903. p. 8.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1906. p. 8.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1916. p. 46.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1908. p. 18.
Bibliography
