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Re: RE: ship with unexplode torpedo
Posted by: Rainer ()
Date: December 11, 2015 09:24PM

I can't help you identifying the movie, but depending on the type the torpedoes fired by U-boats weighted between 1.5 and 1.9 tons and struck a target at the speed of 30 to 40 knots. This certainly developed enough force to leave a big dent on the thin side plates of merchant ships, causing leaks through cracks or even penetrate the hull if hitting in one of the softer spots. At least one ship, the ALWAKI (see [uboat.net]) sank after being hit by two dud torpedoes.

However, if the contact detonator failed the whole warhead containing the explosives at the tip of the torpedo would simply be crushed by the impact force. So a dud torpedo would literally disarm itself but in the worst case leave a hole with a diameter of 53cm in the hull.

Best regards
Rainer

Crew member of uboat.net

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Subject Written By Posted
ship with unexplode torpedo chong 06/13/2001 08:10AM
RE: ship with unexplode torpedo Visje 06/13/2001 12:16PM
RE: ship with unexplode torpedo kurt 06/13/2001 08:04PM
Re: RE: ship with unexplode torpedo Natter 01/28/2016 08:06PM
RE: ship with unexplode torpedo chong 06/15/2001 10:39AM
RE: ship with unexplode torpedo Visje 06/17/2001 10:15AM
RE: ship with unexplode torpedo kurt 06/18/2001 01:35AM
Re: RE: ship with unexplode torpedo John Newman, Jr. 12/05/2015 06:23PM
Re: RE: ship with unexplode torpedo Rainer 12/11/2015 09:24PM


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