HUMAN TORPEDOES
Where it all started.. The Italian Origins
Maiale Specifications
Length: 6.7m
Width: 0.53m
Length including warhead: 7.3m
Propulsion: 1 x 1.6 h.p. electric motor
Surface speed: 4.5 knots
Range when surfaced: 15 nautical miles at 2.3 knots and 4 nautical miles at 4.5 knots.
Armament: Explosive charge increased in size from the initial 220kg, to 250kg, finally finishing at 300kg.
Crew: 2
Over the centuries, the Italians have been fascinated with diving apparatus and Man’s ability to explore the seas and oceans. In the 15th century, Mariano drew a diver being able to breathe from a leather bag, which he held over his nose and mouth. Leonardo de Vinci drew a diver breathing through a tube, which connected to the surface of the water.
In 1535, Guglielmo de Lorena successfully remained under water for an hour, using the first diving bell and the 17th Century saw Giovanni Borelli design a diving suit complete with brass helmet and flippers.
Guglielmo de Lorena’s success was an inspiration for others to continue in the development of small underwater craft. Many inventors were killed by their own inventions, and hundreds of years would pass before the notion of a free underwater swimmer would become a reality.
Chariot
Chariot_Mk1
Chariot_Mk2
Chariot
PRINCE PHILLIP (2)
PRINCE PHILLIP
TORPEDO 1
Torpedo-FEATURED
The British Human Torpedo
Length: 22 ft 3 in (6.8 m)
Breadth: 2 ft 9 in (0.8 m)
Height: 4 ft 0 in (1.2 m) at shield
Speed: 2.5 kt (5 km/h)
Weight: 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) with warhead
Depth: 90 ft (27 m)
Range: 5 hours (mileage dependent on sea currents)
Armament: 600 lb Torpex. Battery-operated detonation system
Crew: 2
Number Manufactured: 34
3 Body Sections
1. Main cylindrical centre section 3/32 inch thick steel stiffened by rings and bounded forward and aft by domed bulkheads.
2. Explosive head connected in early craft by securing bolt running through its axis. Later craft fitted with four wedge-shaped clips at joint with body.
3. Tail section bolted to centre body by 36 bolts. Hydroplanes and Rudder.
4. Superstructure built of wood and plywood.
Controls
Joystick-operated steering, pump control switches, main motor control (On, Off Reverse and 4-speed positions).
Instruments
Depth gauge, trim tank pressure gauge, High Pressure air gauge, clock, ammeter, clinometer.
Internal
2 air bottles, 2 x Mawdsley pump motors, electric motor 2 hp (1.5 kW) 960 rpm. 60 volt 4 pole. Batteries Type TFM27 60 volt lead acid 30 cells – 5 hours at 80 F (26.7 C). (210 ampere hours).
Painted with a metal primer then covered with olive green Bitumastic manufactured by Wailes Dove Bitumastic Ltd.
Modifications
Chariots No. XXVII to LX
Ammeters omitted
Connection straps to battery brackets fitted.
40 amp motor and 10 amp pump fuses fitted
Chariots No. LXII to LXXIV
Paired twin core supply leads
Strap at battery crate fitted
Built by Stothert and Pitt (Crane Makers) at Bath.
Mark II Chariot
Designed by Commander S.M. Terry, RN, Principal advantages are:
- Streamlined for more speed and economical propulsion.
- Crew sit inside back to back.
- A larger warhead.
- Better controls all contained in the driver’s cockpit.
- Depth gauge, air gauge, clock and compass.
- Guard wire over the cockpit protecting occupant’s head.
Length: 30 ft 6 in (9.3 m)
Diameter: 2 ft 6 in (0.8 m)
Max height: 3ft 3 in (1 m)
Weight: 5,200 lb (2,359 kg) with warhead
Armament: 1,000 lb explosive charge (weight 1,500 lb – 680 kg)
Max speed: 4.5 kt (8 km/h) @ 655 rpm
Range: 5-6 hours at full speed
Depth: 600 ft (183 m)
Operational depth: Limited to 30 ft (9 m)
Number built: 30
Built by Stothert and Pitt (Crane Makers) at Bath.
Painted with a metal primer then covered with olive green Bitumastic manufactured by Wailes Dove Bitumastic Ltd.
