Hansel Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> About the T-IIIa torpedoes with the 17T batteries,
> do you have any idea as to when they were first
> introduced, and did they completely replace the
> older types?

The longer running distance of the electric torpedoes
was needed, when torpedoes were equipped with the
pattern runnng devices (FAT and LUT).

The first tests with 17T battery were conducted
in summer, 1943.
I don't know for sure, if T-IIIa torpedoes were to
completely replace T-II and T-III, but I guess, that
there was such intention.

> Also, I take it that for whatever reason, the T-IV
> and V acoustic torpedoes were never fitted with
> the newer battery?

Well, T-IV (Falke) was powered from the standard battery (13T)
(as T-IV was developed in the 1942). But to make its running distance
longer and to lower noise caused by electric motor, differential gear
and propeller, the RPM was reduced, so the speed of the torpedo was
20 knots and running distance 7500 m (for pre-heated battery). But since
it was homing torpedo, there were no constraints caused by TVRe, which
I mentioned earlier.

First version of the T-V (Zaunkönig) were powered from 13T battery, but
it had lowered the speed for same reasons as T-IV to 24 knots, achieving
running distance of 5700 m. Next version of Zaunkönig: T-Va and T-Vb were
powered from 17T battery, and had speed and running distance 21 knots
and 8000 m respectively.

--
Regards
Maciek


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