Technology and Operations
This forum is for discussing technological & operational matters pertaining to U-boats.
RE: Mk24 and "Cutie"
Posted by:
Don Baker
()
Date: September 26, 2000 05:04AM
Kurt
Thank you for your excellent comparison of submarines and weapons. It indicates a great amount of study went into your post.
I have one small comment to make regarding Mk24 "Fido" and "cutie". There seems to be some differences in the references you have used and the references I have access to. As you have pointed out, the Mk24 proved to be a highly effective anti-submarine weapon. However your information holds that Mk24 and "cutie" were two different weapons. My source indicates that the "cutie" was a Mk24 modified for a submarine launch and if that is true, the two are the same torpedo once in the water. However I really don't understand how the Mk24 could have been a very effective submarine weapon against surface ships. It had a speed of only about twelve knots for approximately 15 minutes and carried a warhead of about 100 lbs. This was suficient against a submerged U-boat but is not much of a weapon to launch against surface warships. It may have had limited use against merchant ships. My source on the Mk24 gives extensive statistics for its use against submarines but only limited information on its role as a submarine launched weapon. Apparently the Mk24 modified for submarine launch went into fleet use sometime in late 1944.
I would be interested in your comments on this.
Thank you,
Don Baker
Thank you for your excellent comparison of submarines and weapons. It indicates a great amount of study went into your post.
I have one small comment to make regarding Mk24 "Fido" and "cutie". There seems to be some differences in the references you have used and the references I have access to. As you have pointed out, the Mk24 proved to be a highly effective anti-submarine weapon. However your information holds that Mk24 and "cutie" were two different weapons. My source indicates that the "cutie" was a Mk24 modified for a submarine launch and if that is true, the two are the same torpedo once in the water. However I really don't understand how the Mk24 could have been a very effective submarine weapon against surface ships. It had a speed of only about twelve knots for approximately 15 minutes and carried a warhead of about 100 lbs. This was suficient against a submerged U-boat but is not much of a weapon to launch against surface warships. It may have had limited use against merchant ships. My source on the Mk24 gives extensive statistics for its use against submarines but only limited information on its role as a submarine launched weapon. Apparently the Mk24 modified for submarine launch went into fleet use sometime in late 1944.
I would be interested in your comments on this.
Thank you,
Don Baker