German forces relied on a poor adaptation of a Norwegian design and imported Italian weapons while domestic output remained tiny. Later F5 variants improved, and intervention from Hitler pushed the program harder from 1942, but those developments came after the decisive prewar preparation period. Aerial-torpedo shortages persisted until late in the conflict despite the appearance of better weapons. A credible torpedo-bomber program required a reliable ammunition system and enough production to sustain wartime use.
Chapter · 16:27-18:40
Germany entered the war short of reliable aerial torpedoes
Domestic production, weapon reliability, and imports all fell short, preventing Germany from building a serious torpedo-bomber arm before 1942.