A tension wire and fins helped the Swordfish deliver a torpedo with a flatter water entry, reducing the risk of striking the harbor bottom. This release arrangement helps explain the results achieved at Taranto with a small attacking force. It also imposed a speed constraint: an aircraft flying too fast could drag the torpedo instead of letting it fall properly. That could pull the weapon into an unwanted tail-heavy attitude. First World War work had reached the fin stage, while the tension-wire solution still lay ahead.
Notable Point · 25:25-27:25
Why a tension wire limited torpedo-release speed
The Swordfish's tension-wire arrangement improved shallow-water entry, but excessive aircraft speed could drag the torpedo and upset its attitude.