18-in Mark I Torpedo (UK)
The 18-in R.G.F. Torpedo was a British torpedo torpedo manufactured at the Royal Gun Factory in 1892.[2]
Development
"Long" and "short" 18-in torpedoes from R.G.F. and from Fiume were evaluated in 1890. A single example was run 400 times to test different propellor designs. The "short" models were to weigh 850 pounds and be 11.5 feet long. The R.G.F. articles proved lighter, at 831 pounds. A second design was 12 feet 4 inches long and 850 pounds, and had a larger engine giving greater stability. As this still worked in the experimental tube, two more of these were ordered.[3]
A delivery of 150 18-in torpedoes from Fiume were completed in 1890, two of which were "short" were found to do 28.44 knots to 800 metres in 65 degree water.[4]
The second order of 100 long torpedoes at Woolwich was placed in 1891-92, and a further 96 were ordered in 1892-93.
Short torpedo orders amounted to 48 in 1891-92, and the first five completed weapons did 28.2 knots over 600 yards in 51 degree water.[5]
The first order of 85 long torpedoes from the R.G.F. was completed in 1892. After adjustment at the Horsea range, the 55 fitted for A.W. fire averaged 30.73 knots over 600 yards in 58 degree water, taking 18 runs to pass each on average. Average speed to 800 yards was estimated to be about a knot less, but the Horsea range only permitted 60 yard runs.[6]
The torpedoes set for submerged fire averaged 28.53 knots in 54 degree water, taking 16 runs to pass the average specimen.[7]
Footnotes
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1890. Plate 1.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1892. p. 26.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1890. pp. 22-4.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1890. p. 29.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1892. p. 27.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1892. pp. 26-7.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1892. p. 27.
Bibliography
