18" airdropped torpedo components

[hunton36]

Hi, I wonder if anyone can identify any of the components I have rescued from a ww2 18" airdropped tordedo, most parts are made of bronze or brass or steel, thankyou

 

[BMG50]

Interesting what's the story behind this find.

 

[Dronic69]

Hi,

The first 5 x photos are of the torpedo's pendulum depth control unit - I'll have a closer look at the others later.

Cheers
Drew

 

[hunton36]

the torpedo was dredged up in a fishing net around the isle of wight coast, i'm planning to polish the bronze pendulum to a high finish, think it would be a great ornament.

 

[hunton36]

thanks drew, yeah I understand the bronze pendulum operated some sort of rudder which kept the torpedo at the correct level. it would be great if you can identify any of the other parts.

 

[Dronic69]

I actually have one for sale /trade - a post war Mk VIII which has a rare training depth control mechanism set to ~70' (side black box).

Cheers
Drew

 

[hunton36]

that's impressive drew, nice to see how it looks cleaned up, I'm going to attempt to polish mine to a deep shine, how much are they worth?

 

[hunton36]

thanks drew,

 

[gravelbelly]

thanks drew, yeah I understand the bronze pendulum operated some sort of rudder which kept the torpedo at the correct level. it would be great if you can identify any of the other parts.

These torpedoes are negatively buoyant such that they will sink to the bottom when the motor stops. The depth control mechanism is a dual-purpose gizmo, the torpedo needs to run at a pre-determined depth below the surface and it has to run "nose up" in order to maintain that depth. So the depth mechanism has a heavy pendulum to control the "nose up" attitude combined with a sprung diaphragm to sense water pressure. So, if the nose up attitude (typically a few degrees) is wrong the pendulum will register this and move a servo valve to power the horizontal planes to correct the attitude. Similarly, if the water pressure (and hence depth) is wrong the spring is pushed to also move the same servo valve. Only when both attitude and depth are in agreement with the wishes of the Torpedo Officer will the servo valve be in neutral and closed.

gravelbelly