Member-only story

Submarine Torpedo Tactics: An American History

Xavier Bell

·3.8k Followers· Follow

Published in Edward Monroe Jones

5 min read

559 View Claps

87 Respond

Save

Listen

The submarine torpedo has been a key weapon in the United States Navy since its first successful use in combat during the American Civil War. Over the years, submarine torpedo tactics have evolved significantly, from the early days of hand-cranked torpedoes to the modern era of nuclear-powered submarines armed with guided missiles.

Submarine Torpedo Tactics: An American History

by Edward Monroe Jones

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4653 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	232 pages

Early Development

The first submarine torpedo was developed by the American inventor Robert Fulton in 1800. Fulton's torpedo was a wooden barrel filled with gunpowder and equipped with a contact fuse. It was designed to be launched from a submarine and detonated upon contact with an enemy ship.

Fulton's torpedo was never used in combat, but it inspired other inventors to develop similar weapons. In 1864, the Confederate Navy deployed the Hunley, the first submarine to sink an enemy ship in combat. The Hunley used a spar torpedo, which was attached to a long pole and detonated by a crewman inside the submarine.

World War I

During World War I, the submarine torpedo became a major naval weapon. German submarines used torpedoes to sink hundreds of Allied ships, including the British passenger liner RMS Lusitania. The sinking of the Lusitania led the United States to enter the war on the side of the Allies.

In response to the German submarine threat, the United States Navy developed new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) tactics and technologies. These tactics included the use of depth charges, sonar, and escort ships to protect Allied convoys.

World War II

During World War II, submarine torpedo tactics continued to evolve. American submarines played a major role in the Pacific War, sinking over 2,000 Japanese ships. The US Navy also developed new types of torpedoes, including the Mark 14 torpedo, which was the first torpedo to be guided by sonar.

The German Navy also made significant use of submarines during World War II. German submarines sank over 3,000 Allied ships, including the Royal Navy battleship HMS Hood. The German Navy also developed new submarine torpedo tactics, such as the "wolfpack" tactic, in which multiple submarines would attack a single target.

Cold War

During the Cold War, submarine torpedo tactics continued to develop. The United States Navy developed nuclear-powered submarines armed with nuclear-tipped torpedoes. These submarines were designed to deter the Soviet Union from launching a nuclear attack.

The Soviet Navy also developed nuclear-powered submarines armed with nuclear torpedoes. Soviet submarines were also equipped with advanced sonar and electronic warfare systems.

Modern Era

In the modern era, submarine torpedo tactics have continued to evolve. The United States Navy has developed new types of torpedoes, including the Mark 48 torpedo, which is guided by wire and can be used to attack both surface ships and submarines. The US Navy has also developed new submarine technologies, such as the Virginia-class submarine, which is equipped with advanced sensors and weapons systems.

The Russian Navy has also continued to develop its submarine fleet. The Russian Navy has developed new types of submarines, including the Borei-class submarine, which is equipped with nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles. The Russian Navy has also developed new torpedoes, such as the VA-111 Shkval torpedo, which is the fastest torpedo in the world.

Submarine torpedo tactics have evolved significantly over the years, from the early days of hand-cranked torpedoes to the modern era of nuclear-powered submarines armed with guided missiles. Submarine torpedo tactics have played a major role in naval warfare throughout history, and they continue to be a key part of the United States Navy's undersea warfare arsenal.

Submarine Torpedo Tactics: An American History

by Edward Monroe Jones

4.6 out of 5