Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 53:03-53:27

Removing Hood's submerged torpedo tubes

The submerged tubes offered little combat value while adding weight and creating a dangerous flooding space in a capital ship.

BattlecruisersDamage ControlHMS HoodTorpedoesWarship Modernisation
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Why were HMS Hood's submerged torpedo tubes removed in the late 1930s?

Short answer

They saved little operational value, consumed weight and created a vulnerable flooding space that could be used more productively.

Notes

Removing the tubes freed weight for more valuable modernization work. Their underwater compartments could admit a large body of water if damaged, turning a marginal weapon into a damage-control liability. Battlecruisers rarely gained enough from submerged torpedo attacks to justify that risk. The tubes could therefore become worse than dead weight when exposed to heavy-shell hits.