18-in Mark VI Torpedo (UK)

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18-in R.G.F. Mark VI** Heater Torpedo (top)[1]
18-in R.G.F. Mark VI* H.[2]

The 18-in R.G.F. Mark VI Torpedo was a British torpedo developed at the Royal Gun Factory in 1904.[3]

Development and History

A single one was built in 1904. It was one foot longer than the Mark V* and could take 2000 psi. Anticipated speeds were 27 knots for 2,000 yards or 23.75 knots for 3,000 yards.[4]

Orders and production followed.

Particulars

Mark VI

The first order was made in the 1906-07 programme, for 31 Hook Bracket torpedoes and 336 Side Lug models, split between Long Range and Short Range configurations..[5]

In 1919, 70 of 97 remaining Mark VI H.B. and S.L. torpedoes were to be broken up.[6]

Mark VI G.S.

These were fitted with guide strips, perhaps allowing fire from the beam tubes of "E" Class submarines. They were passed at 33-34 knots to 1,000 yards, with a speed drop not to exceed 1 knot.[7]

Mark VI*

The first order was made in the 1906-07 programme, for 336 Side Lug torpedoes, some of them set for S.R. and some for L.R..[8]

In 1907-08, seven H.B. and 74 S.L. torpedoes were ordered.[9]

In 1919, it was approved to break up 34 of 54 remaining H.B. and S.L. torpedoes.[10]

Mark VI* H.

Come 1908, the Mark VI* torpedoes were being converted to employ heaters. That year, 17 H.B. models were to converted, and 12 of the S.L. torpedoes had been done.[11]

Its overall length including 4.5-in long pistol was 17 feet, 7.44 inches (see Plate).[12]

By the 1908-09, Mark VII variants were being ordered for production.

In 1919, it was approved to break up all 41 remaining specimens.[13]

Mark VI**

In 1909-10, 53 Hook Bracket models were converted to heaters, becoming Mark VI** H. H.B.s.[14]

Mark VI** H.

In 1909, the H.B. variety was making 28-30 knots to 6,000 yards.[15]

In 1913, these, along with VII*, VII** and VIII** H. torpedoes being re-allocated to battleships between Dreadnought and Neptune, inclusive.[16]

In 1919, it was approved to break up 50 of 129 remaining VI** H. and VI*** H. torpedoes.[17]

Mark VI***

Mark VI*** H.

18-in R.G.F. Mark VI*** Heater Torpedo[18]

In 1913, these, along with VII*, VII** and VIII* H. torpedoes being re-allocated to battleships between Dreadnought and Neptune, inclusive.[19]

In 1919, it was approved to break up 50 of 129 remaining VI** H. and VI*** H. torpedoes.[20]

Footnotes

  1. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1909. Plate 2.
  2. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1908. Plate 11.
  3. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1904. p. vi.
  4. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1904. p. vi.
  5. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1906. p. 8.
  6. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1919. p. 12.
  7. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1913. p. 12.
  8. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1906. p. 8.
  9. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1907. p. 8.
  10. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1919. p. 12.
  11. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1908. p. 7.
  12. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1908. p. 18.
  13. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1919. p. 12.
  14. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1909. p. 7.
  15. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1909. p. 11.
  16. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1913. p. 8.
  17. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1919. p. 12.
  18. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1910. Plate 6.
  19. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1913. p. 8.
  20. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1919. p. 12.

Bibliography

See Also