Technology and Operations
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Re: Tactical depth decisions
Posted by:
Don Prince
()
Date: May 24, 2009 12:14AM
NAVAL ORDNANCE AND GUNNERY
VOLUME 1, NAVAL ORDNANCE
CHAPTER 14
ANTISUBMARINE WEAPONS
[www.eugeneleeslover.com]
It is extremely difficult to obtain a direct hit with depth charges, because the exact position of the submarine usually is not known. Consequently, depth charges depend on the percussive wave of the explosion for their effectiveness.
The effective radius of the percussive wave depends upon the structural strength of the attacked vessel, and no definite values can be stated. Approximate information indicates that a 600-pound charge may cause moderate damage at 80 feet, but to be fatal it must explode within about 30 feet. The 300-pound charge may prove fatal within 20 feet. It is to be noted that doubling the weight of charge does not double the effective radius.
Hello Karloin,
The above information indicates that the greater the U-Boat depth, then the less effective the expansion wave from the depth charge explosion because of the external pressure at depth. I do remember reading somewhere that U-Boat commanders were aware of this limitation. But, I can't seem to find the direct info...
Regards,
Don_
"A man's got to know his limitations..."
Harry Callahan, SFPD
VOLUME 1, NAVAL ORDNANCE
CHAPTER 14
ANTISUBMARINE WEAPONS
[www.eugeneleeslover.com]
It is extremely difficult to obtain a direct hit with depth charges, because the exact position of the submarine usually is not known. Consequently, depth charges depend on the percussive wave of the explosion for their effectiveness.
The effective radius of the percussive wave depends upon the structural strength of the attacked vessel, and no definite values can be stated. Approximate information indicates that a 600-pound charge may cause moderate damage at 80 feet, but to be fatal it must explode within about 30 feet. The 300-pound charge may prove fatal within 20 feet. It is to be noted that doubling the weight of charge does not double the effective radius.
Hello Karloin,
The above information indicates that the greater the U-Boat depth, then the less effective the expansion wave from the depth charge explosion because of the external pressure at depth. I do remember reading somewhere that U-Boat commanders were aware of this limitation. But, I can't seem to find the direct info...
Regards,
Don_
"A man's got to know his limitations..."
Harry Callahan, SFPD
Subject | Written By | Posted |
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Schnee Organ | Karloin | 09/18/2005 11:24AM |
Re: Schnee Organ | Rainer Bruns | 09/18/2005 02:36PM |
Re: Schnee Organ | Karloin | 09/18/2005 07:23PM |
Re: Schnee Organ | Rainer Bruns | 09/18/2005 09:43PM |
Tactical depth decisions | Karloin | 09/18/2005 10:30PM |
Re: Tactical depth decisions | Bronzewing | 05/11/2009 07:16PM |
Re: Tactical depth decisions | Seeker | 05/23/2009 08:40PM |
Re: Tactical depth decisions | Don Prince | 05/24/2009 12:14AM |
Re: Tactical depth decisions | Seeker | 05/24/2009 08:25PM |
Re: Tactical depth decisions | ThomasHorton | 06/03/2009 04:06PM |
Re: Tactical depth decisions | ROBERT M. | 06/04/2009 07:56AM |
Re: Tactical depth decisions | Don Prince | 06/06/2009 02:01AM |
Re: Tactical depth decisions | gebhart | 10/08/2009 03:25PM |
Re: Tactical depth decisions | ACR | 11/24/2009 01:14AM |
Re: Tactical depth decisions | rhokane | 07/06/2010 11:25PM |