Best Pre 1942 Carrier Torpedo Bomber
- Thread starter syscom3
- Start date
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- #22
syscom3
Pacific Historian
I also think the Swordfish would have been at an even worse situation as compared to the Devestator when it came to attacking IJN carrier task forces.
It simply didnt have the speed to get in close enough to launch its torpedo.
It simply didnt have the speed to get in close enough to launch its torpedo.
trackend
Chief Master Sergeant
I agree SYS 3 it was a real old bus and totally out of date by 1939 when up against any real aircover the Stringbag got shot to bits (re the channel dash)
Being pretty much an eurocentric is that i want to make a question regarding the planes of the Navy in the PTO:
Did all their planes carry their torpedoes internally? That seems like a very interesting feature; it would seem to me that particular caracteristic greatly improved the performance of the plane while flying loaded with a torpedo.
Did all their planes carry their torpedoes internally? That seems like a very interesting feature; it would seem to me that particular caracteristic greatly improved the performance of the plane while flying loaded with a torpedo.
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- #25
syscom3
Pacific Historian
I know the Avenger carried its torpedo internally for just that reason.
I will have to check the IJN designs.
But, prior to 1942, all torpedo bombers carried its payload externally.
- Thread starter
- #26
syscom3
Pacific Historian
Heres some info on the IJN aerial torpedo's.
Type 91
Mod 1 17.7" diameter, 17' 4" length, 1728 lbs. weight, 331 lbs. warhead. 2000m @ 41 kts 260 kts. An older torpedo that was still being used in some land-based JNAF torpedo-bomber squadrons at the beginning of the war, including some of the units ('Nells') which attacked and sank Repulse and the Prince of Wales.
Type 91
Mod 2 17.7" diameter, 18' 0" length, 1841 lbs. weight, 452 lbs. warhead. 2000m @ 41 kts 260 kts. First deployed in April, 1941. Carried by the 'Kate' torpedo bombers which attacked Pearl Harbor.
Type 91
Mod 3 17.7" diameter, 17' 4" length, 1872 lbs. weight, 529 lbs. warhead. 2000m @ 41 kts 260 kts. First deployed in mid- to late-1942.
Type 91
Mod 1 17.7" diameter, 17' 4" length, 1728 lbs. weight, 331 lbs. warhead. 2000m @ 41 kts 260 kts. An older torpedo that was still being used in some land-based JNAF torpedo-bomber squadrons at the beginning of the war, including some of the units ('Nells') which attacked and sank Repulse and the Prince of Wales.
Type 91
Mod 2 17.7" diameter, 18' 0" length, 1841 lbs. weight, 452 lbs. warhead. 2000m @ 41 kts 260 kts. First deployed in April, 1941. Carried by the 'Kate' torpedo bombers which attacked Pearl Harbor.
Type 91
Mod 3 17.7" diameter, 17' 4" length, 1872 lbs. weight, 529 lbs. warhead. 2000m @ 41 kts 260 kts. First deployed in mid- to late-1942.
FLYBOYJ
"THE GREAT GAZOO"
Actually I said the opposite...
If we're solely comparing the Swordfish Mk.I to the B5N2 and disregarding everything but the torpedo-bomber role, then the B5N2 is quite extensively superior to the Swordfish.
The Swordfish was not completely fabric covered; the front sections were metal and the lower wings on the Mk.II were also metal. The survivability on both types was poor if any enemy aircraft were about.
All the torpedo bombers were painfully slow when carrying their torpedo, especially when going in for the bomb run. The Swordfish was the more stable of them all when doing the low speed run required to drop the torpedo.
I'm not saying the Swordfish is the best but it can't be written off instantly because looks older than the rest.
The Swordfish was not completely fabric covered; the front sections were metal and the lower wings on the Mk.II were also metal. The survivability on both types was poor if any enemy aircraft were about.
All the torpedo bombers were painfully slow when carrying their torpedo, especially when going in for the bomb run. The Swordfish was the more stable of them all when doing the low speed run required to drop the torpedo.
I'm not saying the Swordfish is the best but it can't be written off instantly because looks older than the rest.
- Thread starter
- #30
syscom3
Pacific Historian
The TBD devestator was used through the battle of Midway and then quickly retired.
The TBF Avenger made its debut at Midway in a limited role (it was based on the island, not the carriers).
Those are the only two USN torpedo bombers I know of.
- Thread starter
- #31
syscom3
Pacific Historian
This is striclty for the torpedo role, through the middle of 1942, when the Avenger began to be deployed.
Ultimatly, the aircraft must be able to carry its torpedo at a fast enough rate to keep up with the carriers fighters and dive bombers, as well as out to a good range.
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Chief Master Sergeant
Sorry Joe, still you're used to me making the odd **** up
FLYBOYJ
"THE GREAT GAZOO"
Sorry Joe, still you're used to me making the odd **** up
I agree, I am certainly not trying to take away anything from the Swordfish. It was a great aircraft and performed with distinction throughout the war but when compared to more modern Torp Bombers such as the Kate and eventually the Avenger it was outdated and outclassed due to its design.
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Chief Master Sergeant
I totally agree Adler
Soundbreaker Welch?
Tech Sergeant
Gave my vote to the Swordfish, on acount of the huge Bismarck getting horribly burned and drowned by this plane's torpedos.
Sunk to Davy Jones.
Sunk to Davy Jones.
- Thread starter
- #37
syscom3
Pacific Historian
Gave my vote to the Swordfish, on acount of the huge Bismarck getting horribly burned and drowned by this plane's torpedos.
Sunk to Davy Jones.
Only one torpedo hit the Bismark that did any damage.
But look at the scores of warships the Kate as responsible for (in part or whole).
Lucky13
Forum Mascot
Kate, hands down I'm afraid.
