Torpedoing the L?tzow

[Romantic Technofreak]

It happened on June 13th, 1941, at 2 o´clock in the morning just before the Southern cape of Norway. German heavy cruiser Lützow, on her way to the Atlantic (no spark of learning from the Bismarck´s fate just about three weeks before), was met by a single torpedo fired from a Bristol Beaufort. Lützow had to return and was off service for seven months.

Although at this place and time the nights must be light, I wonder if it was possible to make a good torpedo throw just by eye aiming.

[PMN1]

Presumably it was a hit from an 18" torpedo, if it had been a US 22.5" torpedo would the damage have been enough to sink her?

[Ricky]

Hmmm, I would not have thought so - heavy German warships had an excellent reputation for being very difficult to sink.
This I believe was largely due to a very effective system of internal sub-division, meaning that a hole in the hull would not seriously inconvenience the ship beyond a slight weight gain / loss of bouyancy (spelling?).

[PMN1]

quote:Originally posted by PMN1

Presumably it was a hit from an 18" torpedo, if it had been a US 22.5" torpedo would the damage have been enough to sink her?


For the record, UK 18" torpedo - 388lb warhead, US 22.5" torpedo - 401-600lb warhead.

http://warships1.com/index_weapons.htm