Hi,

zakarpatska Wrote:

> I assume that the mine must have been ejected fast
> enough and the submarine traveling slow enough
> that there was no danger of collision between the
> submarine and the mine. It would still be
> interesting know the speed of the subamrine and
> ejected mine during the mine laying operation.

The speed of ejection - interesting question. The torpedo left the tube with
the speed of ~10 m/s (~20 knots), so mines (ejected with higher pressure)
should leave the tube with higher velocity. I would assume that during
mine-laying operation, the U-Boat would cruise with low speed (enough to
be responsive to the diving planes and rudder) ~2-3 knots. So in such case,
there would be no danger of collision. The magnetic mines TMB were equipped
with influence igniter, which activation could be delayed up to 6 days.

For interesting details see: "INTERROGATION OF SURVIVORS FROM U-453"
[www.uboatarchive.net]
chapter "CHAPTER V. MINELAYING PATROLS OF U-453".

"Mines laid from periscope depth at slow speed. The spacing of mines was
timed, the interval between each mine being about 40 to 50 seconds."

--
Regards
Maciek


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