Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:01:38-2:02:06

Why gunfire rarely stops an approaching torpedo

A visible wake does not make a torpedo easy to defeat because ordinary rounds lose effectiveness in water and the weapon may be running below their reach.

Close In DefenceDamage ControlNaval GunneryTorpedoesUnderwater Ballistics
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Question

Could bridge crews stop a visible incoming torpedo with .50-calibre, 20 mm, or 40 mm gunfire?

Short answer

Only in theory against a shallow torpedo; water and depth usually prevent ordinary gun ammunition from reaching it effectively.

Notes

Gunfire could in theory stop a torpedo running near the surface. The ammunition would need to behave effectively after entering the water. A deeper-running torpedo could remain beyond what ordinary rounds can affect. The visible wake therefore does not establish that .50-calibre, 20 mm, or 40 mm fire can reach the weapon effectively.