Torpedo Dimensions?

[SSWarlock]

...anyway, what's the worst that could happen?

With Marines accessing torpedoes?!? The mind boggles...

Some U.S. sailors tapped the alcohol in torpedoes during WWII.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torpedo_juice

 

[barnest2]

Some U.S. sailors tapped the alcohol in torpedoes during WWII.

Thats... :shock: .... just what any enterprising marine would do
I bet they would find a way to make alcohol from pure water given half a chance

 

[locarno24]

I don't think it has to be slender at all. There no streamlining issues to deal with. Logically it would spherical or egg shaped as that gives the smallest surface area to volume.

A slender cylinder, however, gives the largest volume compared to 'projected surface area' - i.e. the calibre of the ammunition rails and launch tube that each torpedo launched has to pass through.

The 'best case' is a balancing act between the two depending on requirements and other factors (required cross-section for guidance sensors, for example, versus desire to present as little 'head on' target for enemy point defence as possible).

Note that the torpedo boat actually has the outline of the torpedo itself visible on the deck plan - it's a classic ICBM "cylinder & nosecone", If I remember correcly.

 

[DFW]

The 'best case' is a balancing act between the two depending on requirements and other factors (required cross-section for guidance sensors, for example, versus desire to present as little 'head on' target for enemy point defence as possible).

In space, the projectile will end up presenting most of its surface to a distant target at one time or another as both maneuver. So, a sphere presents the smallest overall cross-section. Also, even today at TL 7, sensors are linked between friendly craft.

 

[barnest2]

Also, even today at TL 7, sensors are linked between friendly craft.

To the point where there is a system aboard modern warships (at least in the RN) that will tell you where ANY ship in the world is, right now, along with stationary stuff like reefs and wrecks.

There is a second smaller system, that tells you were the Russians and the Chinese are. But my lecturer isn't supposed to talk much about that one.

 

[Rikki Tikki Traveller]

Seeing as we just had a discussion in the PBP about where to fit more torpedoes for an extended tour aboard an 8000 ton ship... I wants one for the Swiftsure dammit!

(p.s., we finally shoved some in the troop sections of the ships many boarding craft... the marines are not happy)

This is common practice aboard US submarines. Most attack submarines use the torpedo storage area as a bunking area as well. Yes, guys actually have to sleep on/around torpedoes...

 

[DFW]

Also, even today at TL 7, sensors are linked between friendly craft.

To the point where there is a system aboard modern warships (at least in the RN) that will tell you where ANY ship in the world is, right now, along with stationary stuff like reefs and wrecks.

There is a second smaller system, that tells you were the Russians and the Chinese are. But my lecturer isn't supposed to talk much about that one.

Same in the USN. Add in SOSUS for additional data...