Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:37:22-1:39:14

Could US submarines use British Mark VIII torpedoes?

The shared tube diameter makes an emergency conversion imaginable, but control settings, fire-control data, length, and handling arrangements prevent simple interchangeability.

Mark 14 TorpedoMark VIII TorpedoSubmarine LogisticsTorpedo Fire ControlUS Navy Submarines
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Question

Could American submarines use British Mark VIII torpedoes if Singapore remained available?

Short answer

Not officially, but matching diameter and wartime necessity might permit a difficult improvised conversion.

Notes

Officially the British weapon was not a drop-in replacement for the unreliable American Mark 14. The diameter might let it enter the tube, yet crews would still have to solve targeting, control, and mechanical compatibility. The panel nevertheless expects submariners with no working alternative to improvise until the British torpedo could be fired. The exchange shows why ammunition commonality involves an entire weapon system rather than calibre alone.