Japanese Type 93 Torpedo Propulsion Unit

Name/Title

Japanese Type 93 Torpedo Propulsion Unit

Entry/Object ID

1979.005.001

Description

Propulsion unit for World War II "long lance" type 93 Japanese torpedo

Collection

Weapons Collection

Made/Created

Date made

1941

Lexicon

Nomenclature 4.0

Nomenclature Secondary Object Term

Torpedo

Nomenclature Primary Object Term

Missile

Nomenclature Sub-Class

Ammunition

Nomenclature Class

Armaments

Nomenclature Category

Category 05: Tools & Equipment for Science & Technology

Search Terms

SS Montebello, torpedo

Material

Steel, Brass

Interpretative Labels

Label

The Type 95 torpedo was used extensively by Japanese submarines during World War II. Its design was based on the Type 93 (also known as the Long Lance) torpedo found on cruisers and destroyers. This torpedo had a range of between 9,800 yards and 13,000 yards. It was the fastest torpedo commonly used by any navy in the Second World War, capable of reaching a speed of 59 miles per hour. It was also the largest torpedo used by any navy during this period. The torpedo on display at the Maritime Museum was entangled in a fishing net, and recovered in the vicinity of the attack on the SS Montebello. The original length of the torpedo was 23 ft, 6 inches. The interior view of the torpedo shows another unique aspect of its design – a kerosene-oxygen wet-heater engine rather than the compressed air engine used by the majority of torpedoes at this time. This produced less of a tell-tale trail behind the torpedo, making it harder to detect.