18-in Fiume Mark III Torpedo

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18-in Fiume Mark III[1]
18-in Fiume Mark III** H.[2]

The 18-in Fiume Mark III Torpedo was a torpedo manufactured by Whitehead from 1904.[3]

Development

It seems likely that this torpedo was a productised version of No. 401, one of two "new" Whitehead torpedoes being tried out in 1903; the other, No. 398, had an R.G.F. tail and so would seem unlikely to be dubbed "Fiume" type. It is clearly stated that an order was being contemplated.[4]

In 1904, 100 were on order from Whitehead's Weymouth factory.[5]

In 1919, it was approved to break up all 18-in Weymouth and Fiume torpedoes.[6]

Particulars

Mark III

These are detailed in the Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1904.[7]

At 60 degrees Fahrenheit, they made ~32 knots to 1,000 yards, 28.63 knots to 1,500 yards, 25.18 knots to 2,000 yards, and ~20 knots to 3,000 yards.

Total length 16 feet 7.4", maximum diameter 17.7". Initial pressure of 2,100 psi (106 pounds air) yielding a charged weight of 1,406 pounds.

The warhead weighed 280 pounds without a pistol (6.8 pounds additional), carrying 205 pounds of wet guncotton and 9 pounds of ballast.

The 4-cylinder FIume type engine weighed 87.5 pounds. The 43 square inches of piston area drove through a 3.544" stroke.

They were to be passed at 2,00 yards range, the H.B. model being approved for 25.25 knots +/- .25 knots.

Mark III*

Mark III* H.

This model had a heater retrofitted. It is mentioned in ARTS 1903.[8]

Mark III**

In the 1906-07 fiscal year, 144 Hook Bracket models were ordered, along with 40 Side Lug models, split between Long Range and Short Range configurations.[9]

F. Mark III** V.B. torpedoes were supplied to Gorgon and Glatton for their 18-in submerged Elswick tubes. They had an S.R. setting of 26.25 knots to 2,000 yards and L.R. 19 knots to 4,000 yards.[10]

Mark III** H.

Its overall length including 4.5-in long pistol was 16 feet, 7.466 inches (see Plate).[11]

Footnotes

  1. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1904. Plate 10.
  2. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1908. Plate 11.
  3. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1904. p. 28.
  4. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1903. pp. 53-4.
  5. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1904. pp. 28, 41.
  6. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1919. p. 11.
  7. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1904. pp. 41-2.
  8. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1903. p. 8.
  9. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1906. p. 8.
  10. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1916. p. 46.
  11. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1908. p. 18.

Bibliography

See Also