Mk.13 (569 mm)
Contents
Description
| Data for Mk.13 (569 mm) torpedo | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Metric | Imperial | ||
| Overall Length | 4 m | 161 in | |
| Body Diameter | 570 mm | 22.5 in | |
| Filling Weight | 272 kg | 600 lb | |
| Total Weight | 1,005 kg | 2,216 lb | |
| Explosive Filling | Torpex | ||
| Bomb Type | High Explosive | ||
The Mk.13 torpedo was a guinea pig of a torpedo having been the subject of testing and modification since 1925. Used early in World War II, this torpedo failed to operate properly approximately 70% of the time with problems of running cold (dud – not exploding), sinking, not running true (deviating), improper depth or running on the surface. Aircraft were required to fly extremely slow and low when dropping the torpedo as to not damage it on impact with the water and to provide the most stable drop possible, unfortunately, this put the torpedo bomber in a bad position of being an easy target for anti-aircraft guns mounted on enemy ships.
Extensive testing in 1942 determined that the low and slow approach to the Mk.13 launch was actually counterproductive as it caused the torpedo to “belly-flop” on the water causing problems with its internal components. New modifications were tested which replaced fragile parts and components which were susceptible to damage upon impact with the water. A new study also implemented the addition of “drag rings”, “shroud rings” and box shaped tail stabilizers. These devices served to stabilize the torpedo during higher drops, lower the nose for the initial impact and reduce the depth at which the torpedo dove after impact. The wood drag rings and stabilizers were obliterated on impact with the water which absorbed some of the impact, protecting the torpedo. By 1944 the Mk.13 was essentially a brand new torpedo and was accepted as the best aircraft torpedo in the U.S. inventory at that time and was credited with the sinking of the Japanese battleship Yamato.
Vehicles equipped with this weapon
| Vehicles equipped with this weapon | |
|---|---|
| Bombers | ▄Avenger Mk II · PBY-5 Catalina · PBY-5A Catalina · ▄Catalina Mk IIIa · ▂PBY-5A Catalina · |
| SB2C-1C · SB2C-4 · ▄SB2C-5 · TBD-1 · TBF-1C | |
| Motor torpedo boats | PT-314 · PT-565 · Thunderbolt (PT-556) · PT-200 |
General info
| General Data for Mk.13 (569 mm) torpedo | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nautical | Metric | Imperial | |
| Average Drop Altitude | 235 m | 800 ft | |
| Maximum Drop Altitude | 730 m | 2,400 ft | |
| Average Drop Speed | 260 kts | 133 m/s | 300 mph |
| Maximum Drop Speed | 410 kts | 211 m/s | 470 mph |
| Speed in Water | 33.5 kts | 17.2 m/s | 38.5 mph |
| Run Depth | 0.54 fathom | 1 m | 3.2 ft |
| Max Distance | 3.0 nm | 5,720 m | 3.5 mi |
| Optimal Drop Angle | 22° - 32° | ||
Effective damage
Describe the type of damage produced by this type of torpedo (high explosive, splash damage, etc)
Comparison with analogues
Give a comparative description of torpedoes that have firepower equal to this weapon.
Usage in battles
Describe situations when you would utilise this torpedo in-game (vehicle, pillbox, base, etc)
Pros and cons
Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.
Pros:
- Can be dropped from higher altitudes (800 - 2,000 ft)
- Can be dropped at higher speeds (maximum 470 mph (756 kph))
- Higher release increases glide distance, decreases time in water to target
Cons:
- Aircraft typically only carry one or two at a time
History
Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/ History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />.
Media
- File:Torpedo Mk.13 Dropped from TBF-1C.pngMk.13 (569 mm) torpedo being dropped from a TBF-1C.
- File:Torpedo Mk.13 Successful Drop.pngSuccessful drop of a Mk.13 (569 mm) torpedo from a TBF-1C naval bomber.
See also
Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:
- reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;
- references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.
External links
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- topic on the official game forum;
- encyclopedia page on the weapon;
- other literature.
