Mark 13 torpedo

The Mark 13 torpedo was the U.S. Navy's most common aerial torpedo of World War II. It was the first American torpedo to be originally designed for launching from aircraft only. They were also used on PT boats.

Mark 13 torpedo
A Mark 13B torpedo being loaded onto a Grumman TBF Avenger aboard the Wasp in 1944; the torpedo is fitted with wooden breakaway nose and tail protection which is shed upon hitting the water
TypeAerial torpedo
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1936–1953
Used byUnited States Navy
WarsWorld War II, Korean War (Only on the Hwacheon Dam)
Production history
DesignerBureau of Ordnance
Bureau of Aeronautics
Designed1925
ManufacturerNaval Torpedo Station
Pontiac Motor Division
Amertorp Corporation
International Harvester
Produced1942–1945
No. built16,600
VariantsMod 1
Mod 2
Mod 2A – Mod 13
Specifications
Mass2,216 pounds (1,005 kg)
Length161 inches (4.1 m)
Diameter22.5 inches (57 cm)

Effective firing range6,300 yards (5.8 km)
WarheadTorpex
Warhead weight
  • Mod 0: 400 pounds (180 kg)
  • Mod 2: 600 pounds (270 kg)
Detonation
mechanism
  • Mk 4, contact
  • Mk 8, contact

EngineTurbine
Maximum speed 33.5 knots (62.0 km/h)
Guidance
system
gyroscope
Launch
platform
Douglas TBD Devastator
Grumman TBF Avenger
Curtiss SB2C Helldiver
Mark 1 Lightweight Rack
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