Admiral Beez
Captain
We have four engined anti-submarine and patrol aircraft aircraft that have carried torpedoes. But I'm more looking for a four engined, dedicated anti ship torpedo bomber, akin to a four engine Savoia-Marchetti SM.79.
Was a four engine torpedo bomber ever considered?
- Thread starter Admiral Beez
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Alan Stevens
Airman
- 75
- May 24, 2023
I suppose that a modified B-17 or B-24 could serve the role.
The Italians built a sole Piaggio P.108A as a prototype anti-shipping aircraft. As well as a 102mm gun its armament was to include up to 3 torpedoes.
Italian Piaggio P.108 Heavy Bomber
The Piaggio P108 was the only heavy four-engine bomber to see service with the Regia Aeronautica during World War Two. It was an innovative design.
comandosupremo.com
GrauGeist
Generalfeldmarschall zur Luftschiff Abteilung
Didn't the Lancaster carry over the early design requirements to carry two 18" torpedoes?
The torpedo dropping requirement in Spec P.13/36 that led to the Manchester was dropped on 26 Aug 1937, long before it ever flew or the Lancaster was conceived. Other elements dropped before the Lancaster was conceived were:-
The catapult launch requirement was dropped on 4 July 1938. However it seems that the weight saving this should have generated could not be taken advantage of in the first 20 Avro Manchester airframes as they were already on the production lines, and it is not clear if it was ever designed out, according to Robert Kirby's "The Avro Manchester". Why the weight saving from this and not the dive bombing requirement is specifically noted in more than one book I know not. It is also odd that the first production Manchesters did not come off the production line until July 1939, if 20 were already on it in July 1938.
The dive bombing requirement was dropped on 11 Aug 1938 as the 60 degree angle required was considered unobtainable.
The troop carrying requirement also in the original specification was not dropped until 30 January 1940.
- Thread starter
- #7
Admiral Beez
Captain
We'd want to start with a bomber that can fit torpedoes in its bomb bay. Though the Avenger's short torps might fit.
- Thread starter
- #8
Admiral Beez
Captain
102mm gun. Was that an auto cannon? If not, a better armament to keep the opposing AA gunners down would be a half dozen 20mm auto cannons in the nose. Also lots of frontal armour to protect the cockpit.The Italians built a sole Piaggio P.108A as a prototype anti-shipping aircraft. As well as a 102mm gun its armament was to include up to 3 torpedoes.
Italian Piaggio P.108 Heavy Bomber
The Piaggio P108 was the only heavy four-engine bomber to see service with the Regia Aeronautica during World War Two. It was an innovative design.
GrauGeist
Generalfeldmarschall zur Luftschiff Abteilung
The H8K was designed to carry torpedoes.
Alan Stevens
Airman
- 75
- May 24, 2023
Thumpalumpacus
Major
I still don't think so, the subdivision of the bomb-bay would still require mods even for the Mk13, I think.
- Thread starter
- #13
Admiral Beez
Captain
A rotary bay of two dozen torpedoes would be interesting. Like a cruise missile rotary pack.
Cruise Missile Launcher – Common Strategic Rotary Launcher (CSRL) For B-52 Bomber
Barksdale's 2nd Munitions Squadron's nuclear build team prepare a Common Strategic Rotary Launcher (CSRL) for
www.techandgeek.com
Thumpalumpacus
Major
A rotary bay of two dozen torpedoes would be interesting. Like a cruise missile rotary pack.
Cruise Missile Launcher – Common Strategic Rotary Launcher (CSRL) For B-52 Bomber
Barksdale's 2nd Munitions Squadron's nuclear build team prepare a Common Strategic Rotary Launcher (CSRL) for
24,000 lbs of torpedoes, plus the weight of the rotary assembly and mechanisms, plus the fuselage space to get it all in. Oh, and your getaway will be slowed down because you're lugging a big hunk of metal home that does nothing for you until you get there and reload.
Sure.
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SaparotRob
Unter Gemeine Geschwader Murmeltier XIII
Still, can you imagine being on a freighter watching half a dozen B-29s lining up on you for a torpedo run?
It should be an unforgettable experience.
