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Gunther
Matrose
Joined: 10 February 2007
Location: England
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| Posted: 10 February 2007 at 19:57 | IP Logged
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Hi to all
My first post and I have a question. I have read many books on uboats, and understand that the torpedo is fired using a computer, speed, distance and other variables are put into the computer before its fired. "los!"
Anyway, my question is, how does the torpedo in the tube, recieve these commands? is it through a wire plugged into it or what? thanks
Great website by the way
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Panther44
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Joined: 07 August 2006
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| Posted: 10 February 2007 at 20:01 | IP Logged
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Great question Gunther, wish I could answer it for you. Welcome to the forums, nice to have you aboard.
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The only tribute is a seagulls sweep,
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Pavel
Matrosen-Stabsgefreiter
Joined: 12 February 2007
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| Posted: 12 February 2007 at 01:32 | IP Logged
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My understanding is that it depends on the weapon. Unguided torpedos are much like firing unguided rockets or even rifle bullets. Through simple trigonometry we determine range, target bearing and speed, and position relative to our own, as well as our own bearing. Then we find a point at which the target will intersect the line of the projectile at a given time, aim for that point, and fire.
The torpedo can recieve various commands prior to being loaded into the tube. I cannot say with certainty, but I think it's most likely that the commands were based on a simple electrical computer and that these were loaded into the torp's guidance via a wire, if they weren't set prior to the weapon being slammed into the tube and declared ready to fire.
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trigger
Matrosen-Stabsgefreiter
Joined: 27 November 2004
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| Posted: 12 February 2007 at 08:37 | IP Logged
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I've seen some torpedo controls for real. The ones I've seen had a simple (well relative given the time they were used) control system that was preset before loading. Basically the depth it should run was set. Gyros kept it in a straight line. They just exploded on impact. The control I had in my hands actually came from Scapa Flow.
I believe some other systems were wire guided along the run, trailing a guide wire behind them. Don't know which period if time that was though.
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trigger
Matrosen-Stabsgefreiter
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| Posted: 12 February 2007 at 09:31 | IP Logged
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Click for a larger version
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Panther44
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| Posted: 12 February 2007 at 22:37 | IP Logged
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Thanks for the picture Trigger. Is this the one from Scapa Flow?
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There are no roses on a sailors grave,
No lillies on an ocean wave,
The only tribute is a seagulls sweep,
And the teardrop that a sweetheart weeps.
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trigger
Matrosen-Stabsgefreiter
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| Posted: 13 February 2007 at 08:24 | IP Logged
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Yes, at least, that't what I've been told...
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dbauer
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Joined: 15 November 2006
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| Posted: 13 February 2007 at 17:55 | IP Logged
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 Hello All!
What trigger said is basiclly correct. They usually set the timer via electric control. The UZO was mechanically and electrically set to the onboard Trop. Control Board. The Petty Officer in control of the Trops from the Control Room set the trops from each tube via this control panel. The Nr. 1 Officer gave the info down to the Trop. Officer via the UZO and voice commands. The Trop. Contol gave the fire commands down from the Nr. 1 to the Trop. Crewman in the foward or aft Trop. Rooms in the Boot! Hope I didn't confuse everyone now! Good Question!
Regards,
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Dan Bauer
Semper Fi
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Pavel
Matrosen-Stabsgefreiter
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| Posted: 13 February 2007 at 18:10 | IP Logged
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Okay, great information. Many thanks from a new hand!
So let's just double-check to be sure I understand. The timer [Which timer?] is set electrically.
The UZO device is connected to the Torpedo Control Board (TCB) via electric & mechanical mechanisms. Information from the UZO is transmitted to the TCB, monitored by a Petty Officer (PO). The PO then sets the torpedoes as required, via the TCB. Commands [Presumably fire/adjustment commands?] are relayed via UZO and/or shouting down an open hatch. The PO at the TCB, or the TCB itself, then gives the fire commands to the crewmen manning the forward or aft Torpedo Rooms. Yes?
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dbauer
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| Posted: 14 February 2007 at 14:57 | IP Logged
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Hello!
Yes, you basiclly have it. It is interesting to note that the Number 1 was in charge of settings and actual firing of the tropedoes. The Captian of the Boot selects the targets, but after that he gives control over to the Number 1 Officer. My father was the P.O in charge of the Control board and the Tropedo Mates on board the U-805.
Regards,
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Dan Bauer
Semper Fi
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U47.org Forum :: The Deck
Topic: Torpedo aiming (
Topic Closed)
