Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:27:04-2:27:13

Adapting 24-inch torpedoes for submarines

A 24-inch weapon could be integrated, but converting an existing torpedo and designing an SSN around it would impose substantial handling and magazine costs.

Attack SubmarinesNaval ArchitectureSubmarinesTorpedoesWeapons Integration
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Question

How practical would a 24-inch torpedo be for submarines?

Short answer

It is feasible in a purpose-designed SSN, but conversion is difficult and the larger weapon reduces magazine capacity unless the submarine grows.

Notes

Adapting an existing 24-inch torpedo would require substantial redesign and integration work. Larger diameter changes tubes, storage, handling equipment, and internal arrangements. A purpose-designed SSN could carry the weapon if those systems were built around it. Each torpedo would consume more magazine volume, reducing the total load. Preserving weapon count would therefore require a larger boat or more space devoted to the magazine.