msieving1 -> RE: OT - Aerial Torpedo Attack - High Speed High Altitude (1/21/2012 5:57:42 PM)
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ORIGINAL: spence Interesting. The surviving VT-8 pilot flying a TBF at Midway mentioned that he could launch his torpedo from 200 ft and at 200 kts in his AAR. The other survivors from VT-3 and VT-6 both speak to having to slow to launch speed and descend to launch altitude in their AARs (published at the Battle of Midway Roundtable). Was there some change to the Mk 13 that occurred about this time? In 1942, launching at 200 ft and 200 kts was pushing things quite a bit. Recommended height and speed was more like 50 ft and 110 kts. The video linked in the original post shows the modifications that were made to the Mk 13 torpedo to allow launching from over 2,000 ft and 400 kt. These modifications were in general use by mid 1944. The improved reliability is shown in the game by the reducing dud rate. I don't know if the game somehow reflects the increased height and speed of launch, which improved the torpedo bomber's survivability quite a bit.
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