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» Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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» Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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» Topic:
Torpedoes Fired from Tubes
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Board members:
When a torpedo was fired from a tube aboard a PT boat, how and when did the forward domed cover of the tube open? Did it just fall away during the firing or was it removed prior to the firing? Did it stay attached to the tube so that it would not be lost during the action? Did they then reattach the cover to the empty tube after the firing but before a new torpedo could be obtained, or did they just run with the tube open?
Allan
Posted By: Allan | Posted on: Dec 4, 2011 - 6:43am
Total Posts: 161 | Joined: Sep 18, 2007 - 7:07pm
Allan
The domed covers were simply used to keep the salt water from entering the tube. The insides of the tubes were covered with grease/solvent so that the torpedo would slip out of the tube when firing, and slip into the tube easier when loading. Many of the domed covers were replaced with a torpedo cover made from water proof materials (canvas) as it was easier to slip on and off. Many of those domed covers were used in shipments of the tubes to the boat builders as well. Once in the War Zone, many of those domed covers for the tubes were not used..............
Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Dec 4, 2011 - 7:04am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am
Thanks Frank... but... would they be removed before firing or did it not matter? Were they break-away type covers? Were they retained after firing?
Allan
Posted By: Allan | Posted on: Dec 4, 2011 - 5:35pm
Total Posts: 161 | Joined: Sep 18, 2007 - 7:07pm
Allan
No they were not break away covers. They had to be removed before any torpedo could be launched..................
Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Dec 4, 2011 - 5:52pm
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am