18-in Mark II Torpedo (UK)

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The 18-in R.G.F. Mark II Torpedo was a British torpedo torpedo developed at the Royal Gun Factory in 1893.[1]

It may have been built in both long and short versions, but the short version is not clear.

It was very similar to the Mark I version, but had a strengthened head joint and could be set for 5 to 22 foot running depth.[2]

Mark I

It carried a charge of 188 pounds.[3]

In 1895, 126 were yet in service.

Mark IIa

First mentioned in ARTS 1894.[4]

Mark II*

First mentioned in ARTS 1894.[5]

Manufacture and Use

1905

In 60 degree water, 18-in H.B. torpedoes of Mark I* through IV were approved for the setting of 1,500 yards at 20.25 +/- 0.25 knots at 1,400 pounds pressure. The S.L.L.R. torpedoes of the same Marks did at 21.75 knots to 1,500 yards and the S.L.S.R. models 25.25 knots at 1,350 pounds pressure.[6]

1918

12 of just 33 remaining Mark II and II* torpedoes were broken up in 1918.[7]

1919

In 1919, it was approved to break up all 18-in R.G.F. torpedoes Mark I* to Mark III.[8]

Footnotes

  1. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1893. p. 52.
  2. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1893. p. 52.
  3. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1895. p. 30.
  4. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1894. p. 40.
  5. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1894. p. 40.
  6. Principal Questions Dealt with by the Director of Naval Ordnance, 1905. pp. 440, 441.
  7. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1918. p. 10. (G. 8472/18).
  8. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1919. p. 11.

Bibliography

See Also