Torpedoes and Their Impact on Naval Warfare

Abstract

This history of the torpedo traces the weapons evolution from Robert Whiteheads invention of a self-propelled underwater missile in 1866 to the modern versions deployed and in development in the1980s. The book describes precursors of the torpedo, the revolutionary impact it had on naval tactics and strategy, how it was used in major wars all over the world by the navies of many nations, and the development by national governments and industry of a wide variety of torpedoes, including the modern weapon, for deployment from surface ships, submarines, and aircraft. The significant role of the torpedo in 19th and 20th century naval warfare is comprehensively documented in detailed descriptions of its effectiveness in naval campaigns, the radical changes made in fleet tactical doctrine and the design of new warships to counter the torpedos threat, and the development of new ship and aircraft classes designed to exploit the new weapons potential. The author researched and wrote this history after a distinguished career in torpedo research and development at the Naval Underwater Systems Center. His book is issued by the Undersea Warfare Weapons, Vehicles, and Defensive Systems Department of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, as an educational and reference resource.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2017
Accession Number
AD1033484

Entities

People

  • Arthur E. Burke

Organizations

  • Naval Undersea Warfare Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Boats
  • Employment
  • Engineers
  • Fire Control Systems
  • Fish
  • Geography
  • Health Services
  • Marine Transportation
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Organizations
  • Naval Operations
  • Naval Warfare
  • Navy
  • Ordnance Laboratories
  • Topography

Readers

  • Maritime and Naval Warfare Studies
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Systems Analysis and Design