So once a torpedo is loaded, it recieves this information via a wire? If this is so, ive never seen any pics of the input wire on the tube or the torpedo.

But how else can the torpedo get this information once loaded?

 This must be the case as a "spread" , say three at once, with slight variations in trajectory, can be fired simultaneously to cover two or three ships. due to the different commands sent to each tube.

This obviously cannot be done manually once the eel is in its tube when seconds are vital.

I understand how the gyro and self contained guidance helps maintain a steady course. It was how the torpedo got these  commands once loaded that had me puzzled.

Impressive stuff for the times eh?

Hope this is clear, Thanks for the info chaps. something ive wondered about for years.

 Another Good Question!

The tropedo doesn't have a wire hooked to it. The Control board sends the message to a relay in each tube. This in turn sets the tropedo throuh a mechanical amining device like the one you have seen in this  fourm. 

Hope that helps!

Regards,

I see, and how does the relay in the tube connect to the trop to send the info from the control board? Is there a contact area on the surface of the torpedo? Sorry if i keep on about this, but its bugging me. Thanks so much for the info so far

 Hi Again!

These questions are OK! You must remember that the trop. was the most complicated device on the Boot.  The trop. has several contact areas on it that received the different instructions from the Control Room and the trop. control board. These contacts either mechanically or electrially gave the trop. its instructions before firing.  Most of these were mechanical however at that time.  Remember they did not have computers as we have today.  But that is basically how they worked. You would have to locate the actual manuals on trop. firing and the differents settings to get any more techincal.  Even after 60 plus years memories fade and on U-805 my father had the manuals there for him to refer to.  

dbauer wrote: my father had the manuals there for him to refer to.

WHAT< THE ACTUAL MANUALS STILL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You should really, really, really digitise those if you have the opportunity... I can sent you my scanner if you don't have one, or my digital camera.....

Mmm, do i sound  bit anxious

 Hi Sorry,

You may have misunderstood me. He had the manuals when he was on the U-Boot. I too wish I had some of these .

Regards,

 Hi !

No sorry! I know they would be of great value  historically.  I would imagine copies do exsist.  But most were destroyed at the end of the war.  But you never know, a copy may turn up .

Regards,

Now I see. This is the first time I have seen this, Anywhere!. Thanks  for clearing it up. Much appreciated dbauer