Q&A · 3:29:24-3:31:39

Could American submarines use British torpedoes?

British torpedoes are considered as an emergency substitute for unreliable American weapons, but physical fit would leave unresolved fire-control and other compatibility problems.

Question

Could Gato-class and other American fleet submarines fire British torpedoes supplied at Singapore?

Short answer

They are described as broadly able to fit, but compatibility with American fire control remains uncertain; the proposed solution is speculative improvisation by the crews.

Notes

The suggestion relies on British torpedo stocks at Singapore becoming available to American submarines with unreliable weapons. Broad physical compatibility would still leave the question of making the torpedoes work with American fire-control equipment. Experienced chiefs, engineers and weapons officers are imagined working together on an emergency solution. Swapping detonators is one suggestion from the panel. No tested conversion or definite technical solution is established, and confidence in a repair rests on the ingenuity expected under wartime pressure.