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torpedo

thumb|upright=1.5|Bliss–Leavitt Mark 8 torpedo

AI overview

A torpedo is a self-propelled weapon designed to be launched from ships or submarines and travel through water to hit enemy vessels. It has been an important naval weapon, particularly for submarines, since its development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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Image: Lancement torpille L3 3.jpg

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Commons category: Torpedoes
Commons gallery: Torpedo

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~74 min read

Article

66 sections

Contents

Etymology
History
Middle Ages
Early naval mines
Invention of the modern torpedo
Production and spread
Torpedo boats and guidance systems
Use in conflict
Aerial torpedo
World War I
World War II
Frequency-hopping
Post–World War II
Propulsion
Compressed air
Heated torpedoes
Dry heater
Wet heater
Increased oxidant
Burner cycle engine
Wire driven
Flywheel
Electric batteries
Rockets
Modern energy sources
Propeller
Supercavitation
Guidance
Unguided
Pattern running
Radio and wire guidance<span class="anchor" id="Radio and wire guidance"></span>
Homing
Warhead and fuzing
Contact detonation
Proximity detonation
Damage
Direct damage
Bubble-jet effect
Shock effect
Control surfaces and hydrodynamics
Launch platforms and launchers
Ships
Submarines
Air launch
Handling equipment
Classes and diameters
Use by various navies
List of active torpedoes by place of origin
China
France
Germany
India
Iran
Italy
Japan
Pakistan
Russia
Republic of Korea
Sweden
Turkey
United Kingdom
United States of America
List of key WWII torpedoes
See also
References
External links

thumb|upright=1.5|Bliss–Leavitt Mark 8 torpedo

A torpedo is an underwater ranged weapon launched above or below the water surface, self-propelled towards a target, with an explosive warhead designed to detonate either on contact with or in proximity to the target. Historically, such a device was called an automotive, automobile, locomotive, or fish torpedo; colloquially, a fish.