Leandros -> RE: G5 LIZ, G8 Rita or B17 as torpedo bomber (4/6/2020 2:44:39 PM)
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The Germans did some work on minimizing losses to torpedo bombers in the Mediterranean by using an "angling technique" - just like their submarines did. Unlike a submarine, torpedo-bombers had to drop their load closer to the enemy ship because the launching could be immediately observed from the target, and therefore evaded. By approaching the target on an angle, say 45 degrees, the bomber did not have to pass over, or close to, the target. The ideal attack was for two parallel-flying bombers to approach the target on opposite courses on each side of the ship. Either way the ship evaded it would show its broadside to a torpedo. Those He111s carried an advanced torpedo calculator with the ability to adjust the parameters of the torpedo immediately before launching. They also carried a pair of under-slung torpedoes. It is described in "Torpedo Los" by Rudi Schmidt. I should think it possible to use a similar technique on B-17s or 24s. Particularly in open ocean areas where no enemy fighter escorts were available. But they would have to be adapted to it. After all, the "FIDO" was carried by the B-24. Fred
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