14-in Mark II Torpedo (UK)
The 14-in R.L. Mark II Torpedo (or 14-in R.L. II) was an early British torpedo manufactured by the Royal Laboratory.
A total of 131 were manufactured between 1879 and 1882 at which time production switched over to the Mark III torpedo.[1]
In 1919, it was approved to break up all 14-in torpedoes except for a reserve of fifty each of 14-in Mark X* torpedo and 14-in Mark XI torpedo.[2]
Mark II
At the start of 1881, Portsmouth had 11 in store and received another 41 from Woolwich. They ended the year with 40 in store.[3]
Test runs from Mercury and Devastation in 1882 indicate it could be adjusted to run to 320, 400, and 500 yards at a 10 foot running depth.[4]
At the end of 1884, the Royal Navy tore down a 14-in Fiume Mark II torpedo in England and found its engine had 17% more power than the Brotherhood engine in the R.L. Mark II. However, in short 250 yard tests limited by a canal, the Fiume torpedo was 0.9 knots slower than the Mark II.[5]
These torpedoes, along with 14-in torpedoes R.L. Marks I & III and Fiume Marks I-II were deemed obsolete in 1892.[6]
An extensive report on torpedoes being adjusted at the test ranges shows they are not in use in 1896.[7]
Mark II*
By the end of 1884, some 25 of these were apparently made by altering Mark II torpedoes.[8]
Footnotes
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1884. p. 47.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1919. p. 11.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1881. p. 34.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1882. pp. 38, 40.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1881. pp. 27-8.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1892. p. viii.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1896. pp. 42-44.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1884. p. 47.
Bibliography
