14-in Mark XI Torpedo (UK)

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The 14-in Mark XI Torpedo was a British torpedo manufactured by the Royal Gun Factory at Woolwich.

Development and History

The torpedo was introduced in 1903, and featured a nickel steel air vessel and a more powerful engine, permitting an even speed of 27-8 knots for 1,000 yards.[1]

Mark XI

The characteristics of the torpedo are spelled out in the Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1903.[2] [TO BE CONTINUED - TONE]

Manufacture and Use

1903

An order for 100 Mark X* and Mark XI torpedoes was made in 1903, but the proportion of each is not specified.[3]

1904

Seventy-seven are ordered.[4]

1905

54 H.B. types are ordered.[5]

Manufacture of 14-in types was completed by 1906.

1916

In 1916, it was decided that the warhead of 14-inch torpedoes should be filled with Amatol. The Mark XIs were to have 120 pounds of this explosive.[6]

1918

10 of 129 remaining torpedoes were broken up in 1918.[7]

1919

In 1919, it was approved to maintain a reserve of fifty Mark X* and fifty 14-in Mark XI torpedoes and to break up all other 14-in torpedoes.[8]

Footnotes

  1. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1903. p. vi.
  2. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1903. pp. 46-7.
  3. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1903. p. 32.
  4. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1904. p. 28.
  5. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1904. p. 28.
  6. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1916. p. 47.
  7. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1918. p. 10. (G. 8472/18).
  8. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1919. p. 11.

Bibliography

See Also