Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:21:15-2:21:27

Why Conqueror used older torpedoes against Belgrano

Older Second World War torpedoes were chosen against the armoured cruiser because they were expected to work reliably against that target.

ARA General BelgranoFalklands WarHMS ConquerorTigerfish TorpedoTorpedoes
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Question

Why did the Royal Navy not use Tigerfish against General Belgrano in the Falklands War?

Short answer

Conqueror needed reliable weapons against an armoured target, and the older torpedoes available were judged better suited to that task.

Notes

ARA General Belgrano's armour mattered more than using the newest available weapon. HMS Conqueror carried older Second World War torpedoes that were expected to work reliably against a heavily protected cruiser. Retaining older weapons also gave the Royal Navy an option against large Soviet ships. The choice suited the target and tactical problem without settling Tigerfish's value in every circumstance.