 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations .(August 2023) |
| This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations .(August 2023) |
| Designation | Codename | Propulsion | Dimensions - dia./length | Range (speed) | Warhead (pistol) | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KM# | Type | ||||||
| TI | G7a | Wet heater | 533.4 mm / 7163 mm | 120 hm (30kn 'NS') / 75hm (40 kn 'WS') / 50 hm (44 kn 'SS') | Ka (Pi1), Kc (Pi3) | The standard torpedo prior to World War II, used by all platforms during World War II: surface combatants (Kreuzer, Zerstörer, T-Boote, S-Boote) and U-boats at night. Nicknamed "ato" by German crews (i.e. atem- or air-torpedo, indicating the steam propulsion) to distinguish it from the G7e (electric torpedoes). 44 kn speed was only used for S-Boote. According to certain sources only used from surface vessels during the last part of World War II. | |
| TI Fat I | G7a | Wet heater | 533.4 mm / 7163 mm | 120hm (30 kn) / 75 hm (40 kn) / 50 hm (44 kn) | Ka (Pi1), Kc (Pi3) | Standard TI with Fat program-control type I (for security-reasons only used by night). | |
| TI Lut I | G7a | Wet heater | 533.4 mm / 7163 mm | 120 hm (30 kn) / 75 hm (40 kn) / 50 hm (44 kn) | Ka (Pi1), Kc (Pi3) | Standard TI with Lut program-control type I. | |
| TI Lut II | G7a | Wet heater | 533.4 mm / 7163 mm | 120hm (30kn) / 75 hm (40 kn) / 50 hm (44 kn) | Ka (Pi1), Kc (Pi3) | Standard TI with Lut program-control type II. | |
| TIü | G7a | Wet heater | 533.4 mm / 7163 mm | <120 hm (30 kn) / <75 hm (40 kn) | Exercise head only (light) | Torpedo dedicated for educational/training purposes with Schulboote at U-Flotillen. It had restricted settings on depth mechanism, a light (empty) exercise head and other minor modifications, to ensure positive buoyancy at the end of the run and reduced stress on the engine (=less damages and loss of torpedoes, i.e. achieving a higher number of shots). | |
| TIü Lut II | G7a | Wet heater | 533.4 mm / 7163 mm | <120 hm (30 kn) / <75hm (40 kn) | Exercise head only (light) | TIü with Lut program-control type II. | |
| TII | G7e | Electric, lead-acid battery (13T) | 533.4mm / 7163mm | 50 hm (30 kn) | Ka (Pi1) | Faulty pistols. Nicknamed "eto" (electric torpedo) by German crews for easy distinguishing from the G7a ("ato" air-driven torpedo). Could not be fitted with Fat or Lut due to its short range. | |
| TIII | G7e | Electric, lead-acid (13T battery) | 534,6 mm / 7163 mm | 50 hm (30 kn) | Kb (Pi2) | Improved pistols and batteries (cable-guide from the battery-chamber to the warhead for powering magnetic pistols). Nicknamed "eto" (electric torpedo) by German crews for easy distinguishing from the G7a ("ato" air-driven torpedo). | |
| TIII Fat II | G7e | Electric, lead-acid (13T battery) | 534,6 mm / 7163 mm | 50 hm (30 kn) | Kb (Pi2) | TIII with Fat program-control type II. | |
| TIIIa Fat II | G7e | Electric, lead-acid (17T battery) | 534,6 mm / 7163 mm | 75 hm (30 kn) | Ka (Pi1), Kb (Pi2) | TIII with improved battery and Fat program-control type II. | |
| TIIIa Lut I | G7e | Electric, lead-acid (17T battery) | 534,6 mm / 7163 mm | 75 hm (30 kn) | Ka (Pi1), Kb (Pi2) | TIII with improved battery and Lut program-control type I. | |
| TIIIa Lut II | G7e | Electric, lead-acid (17T battery) | 534,6 mm / 7163 mm | 75 hm (30 kn) | Ka (Pi1), Kb (Pi2) | TIII with improved battery and Lut program-control type II. | |
| TIIIb | G7e | Electric, lead-acid (13T battery) | 534,6 mm / 7163 mm | 40 hm (18.5 n) | Kb2 (Pi2f) | TIII with only one battery compartment to reduce weight (special adaptation for use on Marder midget submarine). | |
| TIIIc | G7e | Electric, lead-acid (13T battery) | 534,6 mm / 7163 mm | 40 hm (18.5 kn) | Kb2 (Pi2f) | Improved TIIIb (special adaptation for use on Biber, Hecht, Molch and Seehund midget submarines). | |
| TIIId | G7e | Dackel | Electric, lead-acid (17T 210 battery) | 534,6 mm / 11,000 mm | ca. 480 hm (9 kn) | Kb2 (Pi1d) | Special long-range anti-invasion torpedo with a variant of the Lut II program steering. Launched from S-Boote and barges (it saw operational use against the allied invasion-fleet in Normandy). |
| TIIIe | G7e | Kreuzotter | Electric, lead-acid (13T Special battery) | 534,6 mm / 7163 mm | 75 hm (20 kn) | Ke1 (Pi4c) | TIII specially adapted for use on Molch and Seehund midget submarines. |
| TIV | G7es | Falke | Electric, lead-acid | 534,6 mm / 7163 mm | 75 hm (20 kn) | Kd (Pi4a) | Simple acoustic homing. Only operational for a brief period before being replaced by the improved TV. |
| TV | G7es | Zaunkönig | Electric, lead-acid | 534,6 mm / 7163 mm | 57 hm (24 kn) | Ke1 (Pi4c) | Acoustic homing (three different type of seekers). Nicknamed "GNAT" by the allies (acronym from "German Naval Acoustic Torpedo). Generally regarded as the best German torpedo of World War II (between 5000 and 6000 launched, with a reported hit-rate of approximately 53%, a number that was considerably reduced after post-war analysis). TV torpedoes were modified to TXI from fall 1944. |
| TVa | G7es | Zaunkönig | Electric, lead-acid | 534,6mm / 7163 mm | 80 hm (21.5 kn) | Ke1 (Pi4d) | TV specially adapted for use on S-Boote (end-of-run detonation, reduced speed, longer range and different depth-mechanism). |
| TVb | G7es | Zaunkönig | Electric, lead-acid | 534.6 mm / 7163 mm | 80 hm (21,5 kn) | Ke1 (Pi4c) | TVa adapted for use as an anti U-boat torpedo. |
| TVI | G7es | Electric, lead-acid | 534,6 mm / 7163 mm | 75 hm (30 kn) | Kf (Pi6) | TIIIa with minor changes (probably with Lut II) and a special warhead which was never fielded. | |
| TVII | G7ut | Steinbutt | Walter turbine | 534,6 mm / ? mm | 80 hm (45 kn) | Kb (Pi2), Kf (Pi6) | Ingolin (peroxide)/dekalin/helman/water fueled BO VI-turbine. Combustion-chamber arranged horizontally in the longitudinal axis. Approximately 100 torpedoes produced, but never fielded - mainly due to several problems with both pistol and start ballistics. |
| TVIII | G7ut | Steinbarsch | Walter turbine | 534.6mm / ?mm | 80hm (45kn) | Kb (Pi2), Kf (Pi6) | Development of the TVII, with different internal organisation of the various mechanisms. More than 100 torpedoes produced. Was due to be fielded in April 1945, despite several problems during testing. |
| TIX | G5ut | Goldbutt | Walter turbine | 534.6 mm / 5490 mm | 40 hm (45 kn) | "Goldfisch"-variant planned for the German "Kleinst-Uboote". As development of the U-boat ended, so did the program for the TIX. | |
| TX | G7ef NYK | Spinne | Electric, lead-acid (13T battery) | 534.6 mm / 7163 mm | 50hm (30 kn) | Ka (Pi1) | Developed from the TII torpedo. Wire guided by means of visual sight from a command bunker / observation site. Intended for coastal defence and use from beach-batteries (wagenbatterie), later evolved to also include special harbour installations (molenbatterie) and mobile launchers (schiffbatterie). Only 200 torpedoes were built (gerät 43d), originally for 35 "spinne sperrbatterie" to be established on the French channel- and Mediterranean coastline from July 1944. Some batteries were also established in Belgium, and after the allied invasion in July 1944 most of the French batteries were moved to the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark (85 TX torpedoes were located in 14 Danish batteries after the war). |
| TXa | G7ef NYK | Spinne | Electric, lead-acid (13T battery) | 534.6 mm / 7163 mm | 50 hm (30kn) | Ka (Pi1) | A new version (gerät 43 cp) of the TX tested for use on midget submarines (Marder/ Molch/ Seehund) with good results. It was planned for operational use on the Seehund from August 1945. |
| TXI | G7es | Zaunkönig II | Electric, lead-acid | 534.6 mm / 7163 mm | 57 hm (24 kn) | Ke1 (Pi4c) | TV with improved acoustic homing and depth mechanism. Operational. About 90 torpedoes in stock by September 1944 (a combination of new torpedoes and the ongoing upgrade of existing TV), but no certain record of usage during the war (five TXI torpedoes were recovered from the U-534, now on display in Birkenhead, UK. Four of the TXIs were picked for parts and blown up. Only one torpedo remains on display with the U-boat). |
| TXII | G5e | Electric, lead-acid (9T battery) | 534.6mm / 5550 mm | 30 hm (30 kn) | Kb (Pi2) | Short torpedo developed for the smaller type XVII coastal submarines. Was intended as a temporary solution until the ingolin-torpedoes were ready for operational use, but never fielded. | |
| TXIII | G7ut | K-Butt | Walter turbine | 534.6 mm / 7163 mm | 30 hm (45 kn) | Kb2 (Pi2) | Ingolin/dekalin/helman/water fueled BO VI-turbine. Less fuel than the "Goldbutt", but 7 m length. Experimental development for the Seehund midget submarine. With sinker-mechanism. Approximately 60 torpedoes produced, planned for fielding by end of April 1945. |
| TXIV | G7a | Wet heater | 534.6 mm (527 for airtank) / 7163 mm | 25 hm (34 kn) | Kc (Pi3) | TI with changed buoyancy (max air pressure reduced from 200 to 100 kg/cm^2) developed as a replacement for TIIIc (failing batteries) for use on the Seehund midget submarine. With sinker-mechanism. Never fielded. | |
| G7es | Lerche | Electric (13T 210 Special battery) | 534.6 mm / 7163 mm | unknown | Ke1 (Pi4c, TZ5) | Development of the TV and TX with both active acoustic seeker and wire guidance. An operator in an U-boat could listen to the signal from the seeker and manually control the steering. Never fielded. | |
| G7t | Sauerstoff-turbine | 534.6 mm / 7163 mm | unknown | unknown (TZ2b, TZ5) | Experimental development of the oxygen-turbine. Dropped in favour of the ingolin-engines. | ||
| G7m | Kreismotor | 534.6 mm / 7163 mm | 270 hm (40 kn) / 180hm (48kn) | unknown (TZ2b, TZ6) | Experimental. Gasoline and compressed oxygen as fuel. Development was dropped in favour of the ingolin-engines. | ||
| G7p | Electric, with primary battery | 91.5hm (30kn) / 36.5 hm (40 kn) | Experimental, using two primary batteries (magnesium-carbon and zinc-leadoxide) for propulsion. It was proposed to get very good speed and range, but development ended due to lack of resources. | ||||
| M5 | Wet heater | 736.6 mm / 4880 mm | unknown (40 kn) | unknown | Experimental torpedo developed for coastal defence with a very large explosive charge and long range. Based on the TI with a 6-cylinder engine and only one speed-setting. 14 torpedoes built with 6 spare engines. Testing proved numerous "bottom-runners" due to failure of the launch and general poor quality of design and production. Two torpedoes were recovered and prepared for transport to the U.S. Ordnance Investigation Laboratory as museum pieces, but whether this was executed is doubtful. | ||
| G7es | Geier I and II | Electric | 534.6 mm / 7163 mm | unknown | Active sonar homing, experimental. Similar to the TV. Development-program with Luftwaffe, which ended up going for the "Pfau" instead. Otherwise successful design, which led to planning of a further development ("Geier III"). | ||
| LTIm | F5b | Wet heater | 450 mm / 5550 mm | 25 hm (40 kn) | GK3a (Pi51) | Luftwaffe F5b LTI torpedo adapted for use on Kriegsmarine Kleinstschnellboote. | |
| G7as | Wet heater | Acoustic homing, not fielded | |||||
| G7u | Klippfisch | Wet heater Walter turbine | 95 hm (40 kn) | Experimental intermediate model for the G7ut development (never planned for production). Ingolin/dekalin/Helman/Water-propulsion, using the aft-section and engine from the TI. | |||
| G7ut | Schildbutt | Walter turbine with seawater injection | 140 hm (45 kn) / 180 hm (40 kn) | Experimental. Ingolin/dekalin/Helman/Water pressure-injection fueled turbine, later developed with the Steinwal-BO VI turbine. | |||
| Zaunbutt | Ingolin Walter turbine | Acoustic seeker from the TV combined with the ingolin-propulsion. Proposed shorter range than the Steinbutt, due to losing space for fuel in favour of electronics for the seeker. The project was in model-testing phase, when all plans and models were destroyed in a bombing raid. The project was not continued. | |||||
| Wal / Steinwal | Ingolin Walter turbine | 192 hm (45 kn) | Experimental. Ingolin/dekalin/water pumped to the motor combined with Helman pressure-conveyor (BO VI-turbine). Development nearly finished by end of the war. | ||||
| G7f NY | Electric | 12.5 hm (30 kn) | Experimental surface-running torpedo remotely controlled by radio (several solutions were investigated, including control from airplane and shore-based relay-stations). Hexagon-shaped hull with hydrofoil wings and rocket-propulsion. | ||||
| G7m | Closed-circuit propulsion | 180 hm (48 kn) | Considered as replacement for both steam and electric propulsion. Never fielded. | ||||
| G7d | Oxygen-fueled wet-heater engine | 120 hm (45 kn) | In early stages of development by April 1945. German oxygen-torpedo of similar design as the Japanese Type 93 'Long Lance'. Based on the G7a(TI) (reusing the airtank, the waterchamber and the enginecompartment) combined with the turbine from the G7ut. Expected to have improved performance over the TI, with almost no bubbletrack. Also it would have superior safety for handling/storage on board, as well as less loss of energy over time in storage, compared to the ingolin-torpedoes. | ||||
| G7ur | Hecht | Walter rocket | Experimental | ||||
| G7ur | Mondfisch | Walter rocket | 700 hm (45 kn) | Experimental. Ingolin/dekalin/floran-fueled rocket-engine (BO VI-Turbine). Transverse combustion-chamber. | |||
| G5ut | Goldfisch | Walter turbine | 534.6 mm / 5490 mm | 34 hm (45 kn) | 5 m version of the "Steinfisch". Planned torpedo for the "Spezial-Uboote", with development ending as the U-boats were never realized. | ||
| Electric, lead-acid | unknown | unknown | Two experimental torpedo models using the TIII engine, but replacing the conventional propellers with "schlagruder" (oscillating fins, similar to the tail of a whale). The hull was of an unconventional "manta" design, which had several benefits: Less drag in the water. Potential for much higher payload (a total weight of 4 tonnes using the TIII engine, compared to the 1.5 tonne total weight of the TIII). Much more stable travel compared to the traditional tube-formed torpedo hulls. One test model build. | ||||
| Ackermann | unknown | unknown | unknown | Wake-homing torpedo with acoustic/pressure seeker. Only theoretic planning. | |||
| Fasan | unknown | unknown | unknown | Active acoustic-seeker with Lut-program steering. Lut program active until a ships wake is crossed/detected, upon the acoustic homing would be triggered. Only at planning-stage. | |||
| Ibis | unknown | unknown | unknown | Active wake-homing acoustic-seeker. Project was dropped in favour of the "Fasan". | |||
| Märchen | unknown | unknown | unknown | Magnetic seeker. Only theoretic planning. | |||
| Taube | unknown | unknown | unknown | Low-frequency, passive acoustic seeker. Only theoretical planning. | |||
| G7v | Wet heater | 500 mm / 7083 mm | 120 hm (28,5 kn) | Older torpedo developed in the early 1920s (prequel for the 21-inch G7a) which saw limited use during World War II. It was used at least until October 1944 in the Ofotfiord-batteries outside Narvik, and most likely for the rest of the war on some "schwimmende" batteries protecting the major German battleships in their bases in northern Norway. | |||
| G/250 | Wet heater | 450 mm / 7083 mm | 60 hm (27 kn) / 25 hm (36 kn) | Older Whitehead-torpedo (developed at the end of WW1), which saw limited use during World War II. For instance, it replaced older Norwegian torpedoes at two shore torpedo batteries on the west coast of Norway during the war (original torpedoes often failed due to conditions at the site, as well as a wish for an increased explosive charge). | |||
| F5 | Wet heater | 450 mm / 6505 mm | 15 hm (45 kn) | Norwegian 45 cm torpedoes (beutewaffe) used at certain shore-based torpedo batteries in Norway. | |||
The first letter indicates the diameter:
The number indicates the approximate length (for example, the length of the TI is 7163 mm):
Next letter(s) indicates specific features regarding propulsion and control:
"r" and "t" were only used with "u" to further denote the features of the ingolin-torpedoes. Some sources claim that "s" only was used with "a" to denote the development of G7a with acoustic seeker-capability; however, it was no doubt used for the electric torpedoes with acoustic seekers (as "es" or just "s").
When the torpedo reached production status and was fielded (i.e. for operational use), Kriegsmarine gave it a short designation "T", or "Torpedonummer", with the number given in Roman lettering (TI, TII, TIII, TIV, etc.). For different versions of the main torpedo, a small Arabic letter was added (for example TIIId, TVa etc.) denoting changes from the main design.
Warheads were designated with the letter "K" (K = short for Kopf, meaning "head") and a small Arabic letter, with an additional number denoting variants of the head (for instance changing the material composition from bronze to steel, adding/removing spants during the course of the war or the method of installing the explosives). Examples: Ka, Ka1, Kb, Kb1, etc.
The explosive charge of warheads in German torpedoes during WW2, were different compositions of the Schießwolle (SW) that consisted mainly of a mixture of Trinitrotoluene (TNT) and Hexanitrodiphenylamin (HND):
A total of 41 different types of explosive charges were used in German underwater ordnance, all given a "S"-number (1-41) for identification (only those relevant for torpedoes are listed here):
List of Kriegsmarine warheads with weight/type of explosive charge:
Pistols used the "Pi" designations to begin with (Pi = short for pistole). The early models were named according to function and/or torpedo type like "PiG7H" or "PiG7A-MZ", but this was later replaced with a simple system of numbers, like "Pi1", "Pi2" etc.
To indicate variants within the main design, a small Latin letter was added after the number, like "Pi1a", "Pi1b" etc.
At some point, "Pi" was dropped for pistols with combination of mechanical (direct hit) and magnetic (influence) mechanisms, to the "TZ" designation (TZ = Torpedo-Zündeinrichtung). For example, the mechanical mechanism from the "Pi1" pistol combined with the magnetic mechanism from "Pi2" became the "TZ2".
The main booster charge used in German pistols was Pentrite, typically 300 g.
The following torpedopistols reached operational status with Kriegsmarine during WW2:
Code names were intended to be used only through the development period for security measures. However, in some cases they remained after the torpedo was fielded and had been designated with a "T"-number.
Torpedo pistols, program seeker-systems and other special arrangements also had their own "system" of code names, using the names of birds, fish or animals (for example Pi "Leuchtfisch", GA "Specht", seeker "Storch", control "Viper", target detector "Salamander" etc.). During development, the pistols were often given code names designated by the industrial developer or manufacturer. Generally, these consisted of simple words, syllables, or names associated with the firm or the engineers in charge of the pistol's development (for example Pi "Otto", Pi "Atlas", Pi "Berlin" etc.).
Program steering was accomplished by a mechanical device (Federapparat) coupled to the torpedo's gyroscope to alter its course in various pattern. Two main types was fielded during WW2: "Fat" and "Lut".
The Fat or Lut mechanisms initiated control of the gyroscope after an initial (preset) straight running distance.
Fat I ("S-shaped" loop-patterns): The initial straight distance could be set from a minimum of 500 m to a maximum of 1500 m. Two loop-patterns were available: "short" and "long", and in addition, there was a choice of right or left turns (i.e. a total of 5 settings on the Fat-mechanism). For "short" loops, the straight distance between turns was 800 m, with a total width of the pattern-search of 1140 m For "long" loops, the straight distance between turns was 1500 m, and a total width of the pattern-search of 1840 m. The turning radius for both patterns was 170 m.
Fat II ("S-shaped loops or circular patterns): The same as Fat I, but with an additional choice for "circular pattern", where the torpedo would run in a circle after the initial straight-run. This was an option primarily used by U-boats against attacking surface-ships that ran a zig-zag pattern hunting the U-boat (the goal was to locate the torpedo's circle-run just ahead of the attacking ship, hoping for a "lucky" hit).
Fat III / Lut I ("zig-zag" pattern): Initial torpedo course could be chosen, so the torpedo platform did not need to change its bearing to an optimal course for torpedo launch. The "Lut-speed" (i.e. the resulting advance-speed of the torpedo, considering the zig-zag pattern) could be chosen, and subsequently, the straight legs between turns would be adjusted accordingly.
Lut II: Same as Lut I, but even slower Lut-speeds could be chosen.
| Designation | Codename | Propulsion | Dimensions, dia./length | Range (speed) | Warhead (pistol) | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lw# | Type | ||||||
| F5 | Wet heater | 450mm / 5550mm | 30hm (33kn) | unknown | Copy of the Norwegian F1 "Horten" torpedo. Limited drop-parametres (75kn airspeed/15-20m height) | ||
| LT I | F5a | Wet heater | 450mm / 5550mm | 26hm (33kn) | unknown | German development of the Norwegian F1 "Horten" torpedo. Improved drop-parametres (140kn airspeed/50m height) | |
| LT I A | F5b | Wet heater | 449,6mm / 5490mm | 30hm (40kn) | unknown | Improved version of the F5a (increased capacity air tank and higher performance engine). | |
| LT I A1 | F5b | Wet heater | 449,6mm / 5490mm | 20hm (40kn) | GK1, GK2, GK2a, GK3, GK3a, GK4, GK4a, GK6 (PiF5s, Pi30, Pi30m, P42s, Pi43, Pi45, Pi50, Pi51, Pi52, Pi60) | Developed by Kriegsmarine for Luftwaffe. Fielded in 1941. The main German aerial torpedo of World War II, alongside the F5w. | |
| LT I A2 | F5b | Wet heater | 449,6mm / 5490mm | 30hm (33kn) | GK1, GK2, GK2a, GK3, GK3a, GK4, GK4a, GK6 (PiF5s, Pi30, Pi30m, P42s, Pi43, Pi45, Pi50, Pi51, Pi52, Pi60) | Never fielded. | |
| LT I A3 | F5b | Wet heater | 449,6mm / 5490mm | 60hm (24kn) | GK1, GK2, GK3, GK4, GK4a, GK6 (PiF5s, Pi30, P42s, Pi43, Pi45, Pi50, Pi51, Pi52, Pi60) | GA IX gyroscope with 9a program steering. | |
| LT I B1 | F5b | Wet heater | 449,6mm / 5490mm | 20hm (40kn) | GK1, GK2, GK2a, GK3, GK3a, GK4, GK4a, GK6 (PiF5s, Pi30, Pi30m, P42s, Pi43, Pi45, Pi50, Pi51, Pi52, Pi60) | LT I A1 with electric depth- and gyroscope settings. Fielded early 1944. | |
| LT I B2 | F5b | Wet heater | 449,6mm / 5490mm | 30hm (33kn) | GK1, GK2, GK2a, GK3, GK3a, GK4, GK4a, GK6 (PiF5s, Pi30, Pi30m, P42s, Pi43, Pi45, Pi50, Pi51, Pi52, Pi60) | LT I A2 with electric depth and gyroscope settings. Was probably only used for training purposes. | |
| LT I B3 | F5b | Wet heater | 449,6mm / 5490mm | 60hm (24kn) | GK1, GK2, GK3, GK4, GK4a, GK6 (PiF5s, Pi30, P42s, Pi43, Pi45, Pi50, Pi51, Pi52, Pi60) | LT I A3 with electric depth and gyroscope settings. Fielded in mid-1944. | |
| LT I B4 | F5b | Pfau | Wet heater | 449,6mm / 5490mm | 60hm (24kn) | GK5, GK9 (Pi43, Pi45, Pi52, Pi52a, Pi65) | Passive Acoustic seeker (was ready for use, but never fielded before the end of the war). |
| LT I C | F5b | Wet heater | 449,6mm / 5490mm | unknown | unknown | Never finished testing (development-program ended due to limited resources). | |
| LT II | F5u | Wet heater | 450mm / 5010mm | 14,8hm (45kn) | unknown | F5b with improved engine. 50 produced, never fielded. | |
| LT II B1 | F5u | Ingolin-engine | 449,6mm / 5490mm | 50hm (40kn) | unknown | Never finished testing (development-program ended due to limited resources). | |
| LT II B3 | F5u | Ingolin-engine | 449,6mm / 5490mm | 119hm (24kn) | unknown | GA 9b with 9b program steering. Never finished testing (development program ended due to limited resources). | |
| LT II C | F5u | Ingolin-engine | 449,6mm / 5490mm | unknown | unknown | GA 9b with 9b program steering. Never finished testing (development program ended due to limited resources). | |
| F5b | Geier I and II | Wet heater | 449,6mm / 5490mm | unknown | unknown | Active sonar homing, experimental. Similar to the Kriegsmarine TV. Development program with Kriegsmarine, but Luftwaffe ended up going for the "Pfau" instead. | |
| Geier III | unknown | unknown | unknown | Proposed development of the Geier II with system for enhancing and comparing the hydrophone echoes. Only reached planning phase. | |||
| F5i | Wet heater | 450mm / 5250mm | 30hm (40kn) | unknown | Italian standard aerial torpedo (unknown how much usage by Luftwaffe). | ||
| F5w | Wet heater | 450mm / 5460mm | 30hm (40kn) | unknown | Italian Whitehead torpedo. Standard torpedo in use by Luftwaffe alongside the LT I A1. | ||
| LT 280 | Electric | 500mm / 2600mm | 120hm (4-14kn) | unknown | Italian light torpedo. | ||
| LT 350 | Electric | ellipse-shaped hull 500mm / 2600mm | 150hm (4-14kn) | unknown | Italian parachute-torpedo. Dropped from a height of 100m. It ran autonomously irregular search-patterns within a 1000x800m box for about one hour with speed decreasing from 14 to 4kn. | ||
| LT 850 | Wet heater | 450mm / 5470mm | 20hm (42kn) | unknown | German designation for the successful Japanese airdropped Type 91 Mod 2 torpedo, using Japanese-devised pneumatic PID controller for roll stabilization. 70 torpedoes were delivered (it is not known which IJN sub delivered them), but none were used operationally. Intended weight of 810 kg (1,786 lb) complete for deployment. | ||
| LT 1000a | Ingolin turbine-engine | ellipse-shaped hull (390x200mm) / 5000mm | unknown (40kn) | unknown | Never finished testing (development-program ended due to limited resources). | ||
| LT 1000b | Ingolin turbine-engine | ellipse-shaped hull (460x800mm) / 5398mm | unknown (40kn) | unknown | A variant with altered tailsection/rudders. | ||
| LT 950 | F5b | Wet heater | 450mm / 5360mm | 30hm (40kn) | unknown | "Flugeltorpedo": F5b equipped with glider-attachment (wings and rudders). Experimental (several variants), not fielded. A maximum range of 2300m glidepath when dropped from a height of 800m were obtained during testing. | |
| LT 9,2 | F5b | Frosch | Wet heater | 450mm / 5100mm | unknown | unknown | A variant of the "flugeltorpedo" that was not pursued in favour of the LT950C. |
| LT 950C (L10 flugelantrieb) | F5b | Friedensengel | Wet heater | 450mm / 5100mm | 90hm | unknown | The final variant of the "flugeltorpedo". |
| LT 1200A | Ingolin rocket-engine (HWK) | 450mm / 5200mm | 22hm (40kn) | unknown | Development ended due to the torpedo being too heavy and having too short a range (weight: 815 kg). | ||
| LT 1200B | Ingolin rocket-engine (HWK) | 533,4mm / 7000mm | 50hm (35kn) | unknown | Development ended due to the torpedo being too heavy and having too short a range (weight: 1200 kg). | ||
| LT 1500 Turbinen-antrieb | Ingolin turbine-engine (HWK/CPVA) | 533,4mm / 7050mm | 35hm (40kn) | unknown | Improved version of the LT 1200, but similar the development ended due to the torpedo being too heavy and having too short a range (weight: 1520 kg). | ||
| LT 1500 Raketen-antrieb | Ingolin rocket-engine (HWK/CPVA) | 533,4mm / 7050mm | unknown | unknown | LT 1500 variant with rocket-engine. | ||
As a general rule, Luftwaffe followed the Kriegsmarine system of code names and designations, but with some differences.
Variations for the letter(s) indicating specific features regarding propulsion and control:
Instead of letters and numbers denoting dimensions and features, a single 3 or 4 digit number was used for some torpedo designs.
Luftwaffe used the "LT" designation (= Lufttorpedo), but not limited to operational torpedoes. It also combined further letters and numbers to indicate type and features of the torpedo:
Luftwaffe warheads were designated GK (= Gefechtskopf) followed by a number and a small Arabic letter for variants. Exerciseheads was designated ÜK (= Übungskopf). The various types of explosives are described under the section of Kriegsmarine warheads above.
Operational warheads (weight/type of explosive charge):
Warheads in various state of development/test and production by end of the war (weight/type of explosive charge):
Designations for Luftwaffe pistols used the same system as Kriegsmarine.
The following torpedopistols reached operational status with Luftwaffe during WW2:
Luftwaffe also developed a passive weapon called "Bombentorpedo" (BT), which was planned to replace the conventional torpedoes. It was airdropped from a low height and relative short distance from the target, would enter the water and travel the short remaining distance solely driven by its kinetic energy. No BT's were ever fielded operationally.
| Designation | Weight | Dimensions, dia. / length | Charge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT200 | 220 kg | 300mm / 2395mm | 100 kg | |
| BT400 | 435 kg | 378mm / 2946mm | 200 kg | |
| BT700A | 780 kg | 426mm / 3500mm | 330 kg | |
| BT700B | 755 kg | 456mm / 3358mm | 320 kg | |
| BT1000 | 1180 kg | 480mm / 4240mm | 710 kg | Variant fitted with a rocket-engine, but the design was not successful. |
| BT1400 | 1510 kg | 620mm / 4560mm | 920 kg | |
| BT1850 | 1923 kg | 620mm / 4690mm | 1050 kg | |
Various aircraft designed for/configured as torpedo carriers:
A naval mine is a self-contained explosive device placed in water to damage or destroy surface ships or submarines. Unlike depth charges, mines are deposited and left to wait until they are triggered by the approach of, or contact with, any vessel or a particular vessel type, akin to anti-infantry or anti-vehicle mines. Naval mines can be used offensively, to hamper enemy shipping movements or lock vessels into a harbour; or defensively, to protect friendly vessels and create "safe" zones. Mines allow the minelaying force commander to concentrate warships or defensive assets in mine-free areas giving the adversary three choices: undertake an expensive and time-consuming minesweeping effort, accept the casualties of challenging the minefield, or use the unmined waters where the greatest concentration of enemy firepower will be encountered.
A modern torpedo is an underwater ranged weapon launched above or below the water surface, self-propelled towards a target, and with an explosive warhead designed to detonate either on contact with or in proximity to the target. Historically, such a device was called an automotive, automobile, locomotive, or fish torpedo; colloquially a fish. The term torpedo originally applied to a variety of devices, most of which would today be called mines. From about 1900, torpedo has been used strictly to designate a self-propelled underwater explosive device.
U-boats were naval submarines operated by Germany, particularly in the First and Second World Wars. The term is an anglicised version of the German word U-Boot, a shortening of Unterseeboot, though the German term refers to any submarine. Austro-Hungarian Navy submarines were also known as U-boats.
A depth charge is an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) weapon designed to destroy submarines by detonating in the water around the target and subjecting it to a destructive hydraulic shock. Most depth charges use high explosives with a fuze set to detonate the charge, typically at a specific depth from the surface. Depth charges can be dropped by ships, patrol aircraft and helicopters.
The Henschel Hs 293 was a World War II German radio-guided glide bomb. It is the first operational anti-shipping missile, first used unsuccessfully on 25 August 1943 and then with increasing success over the next year, ultimately damaging or sinking at least 25 ships. Allied efforts to jam the radio control link were increasingly successful despite German efforts to counter them. The weapon remained in use through 1944 when it was also used as an air-to-ground weapon to attack bridges to prevent the Allied breakout after D-Day, but proved almost useless in this role.
An anti-submarine weapon (ASW) is any one of a number of devices that are intended to act against a submarine and its crew, to destroy (sink) the vessel or reduce its capability as a weapon of war. In its simplest sense, an anti-submarine weapon is usually a projectile, missile or bomb that is optimized to destroy submarines.
The Sting Ray is a British acoustic homing lightweight torpedo (LWT) manufactured by GEC-Marconi, who were later bought out by BAE Systems. It entered service in 1983.
The Oerlikon 20 mm cannon is a series of autocannons based on an original German Becker Type M2 20 mm cannon design that appeared very early in World War I. It was widely produced by Oerlikon Contraves and others, with various models employed by both Allied and Axis forces during World War II. Many versions of the cannon are still used today.
The G7a(TI) was the standard issue Kriegsmarine torpedo introduced to service in 1934. It was a steam-powered design, using a wet heater engine burning decaline, with a range of 7,500 metres (24,600 ft) at 40 knots (74 km/h; 46 mph) speed. In 1936, the Kriegsmarine's first electrical powered torpedo was introduced with the G7e(TII). It was replaced beginning in 1942 by the G7e(TIII). The G7a(TI) remained in service as the main torpedo of Kriegsmarine for the length of the war, being the only torpedo used from surface vessels, and alongside electric torpedoes on the uboats.
The G7e torpedo was the standard electric torpedo used by the German Kriegsmarine submarines in World War II. It came in 20 different versions, with the initial model G7e(TII) in service at the outbreak of the war. Due to several problems, leading to the German "Torpedokrise" which lasted until the end of 1941, the improved G7e(TIII) took over as the standard electric torpedo used by German U-boats for the rest of the war. G7e torpedoes measured 533.4 mm (21.00 in) in diameter and about 7.2 m (24 ft) in length. Depending on the type, the warhead contained a main charge of 250–280 kg (550–620 lb) of Schießwolle 36, a mixture of dipicrylamine and TNT. All were powered by 60–72 kW (80–100 hp) electric motors and lead-acid batteries which required onboard maintenance to maintain their functionality.
The Mark 14 torpedo was the United States Navy's standard submarine-launched anti-ship torpedo of World War II. This weapon was plagued with many problems which crippled its performance early in the war. It was supplemented by the Mark 18 electric torpedo in the last two years of the war. From December 1941 to November 1943 the Mark 14 and the destroyer-launched Mark 15 torpedo had numerous technical problems that took almost two years to fix. After the fixes, the Mark 14 played a major role in the devastating blow U.S. Navy submarines dealt to the Japanese naval and merchant marine forces during the Pacific War.
The Graf Zeppelin-class aircraft carriers were four German Kriegsmarine aircraft carriers planned in the mid-1930s by Grand Admiral Erich Raeder as part of the Plan Z rearmament program after Germany and Great Britain signed the Anglo-German Naval Agreement. They were planned after a thorough study of Japanese carrier designs. German naval architects ran into difficulties due to lack of experience in building such vessels, the situational realities of carrier operations in the North Sea and the lack of overall clarity in the ships' mission objectives.
In military munitions, a fuze is the part of the device that initiates function. In some applications, such as torpedoes, a fuze may be identified by function as the exploder. The relative complexity of even the earliest fuze designs can be seen in cutaway diagrams.
Stonefish is a naval influence mine manufactured by British defence company BAE Systems. It has been exported to friendly countries such as Australia, which has both warstock and training versions of Stonefish. There has been conjecture that South Africa, Chile, Iraq, Libya and possibly other countries may have gained access to either some early Stonefish information or to similar technology. The mine is named after the venomous stonefish.
A mine shell or high-explosive, high-capacity (HEHC) in British military nomenclature, is a military explosive shell type characterized by thin shell walls and a correspondingly high quantity of explosives, much higher than the traditional high explosive shell type per caliber, meaning that mine shells trade fragmentation effect for a higher pressure wave effect when comparing to traditional high explosive shells.
The Henschel Hs 297 Föhn or 7.3 cm Raketen Sprenggranate was a small German surface-to-air rocket of the Second World War. The associated multiple rocket launcher was known as the 7.3 cm Föhn-Gerät.
The Mark 6 exploder was a United States Navy torpedo exploder developed in the 1920s. It was the standard exploder of the Navy's Mark 14 torpedo and Mark 15 torpedo.
Pi3 toxin is a purified peptide derivative of the Pandinus imperator scorpion venom. It is a potent blocker of voltage-gated potassium channel, Kv1.3 and is closely related to another peptide found in the venom, Pi2.
The Type 1941 torpedo boats were a group of 15 torpedo boats that were built for Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II. Ordered in late 1942, none of the ships were finished before the German surrender on 8/9 May 1945, although four of the ships had been towed west to be completed earlier in that year. They were all either scuttled or demolished in the shipyard in 1945–1946.
The Type 1940 torpedo boats were a group of 24 torpedo boats that were intended to be built for Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II. Although classed as fleet torpedo boats by the Germans, they were comparable to contemporary large destroyers. They were designed around surplus Dutch propulsion machinery available after the Germans conquered the Netherlands in May 1940 and were to be built in Dutch shipyards. Hampered by uncooperative Dutch workers and material shortages, none of the ships were completed before the Allies invaded Normandy in June 1944. The Germans towed the three ships that were most complete to Germany to be finished, but one was sunk en route by Allied fighter-bombers and no further work was done of the pair that did arrive successfully. The remaining ships in the Netherlands were later broken up for scrap and the two that reached Germany were scuttled in 1946.