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Old 6th March 2017, 15:02
Paul Thompson Paul Thompson is offline
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Re: Did KG 26 hit the cruiser Molotov in 1942?

Here is another fact, which may be of some relevance to this incident. The source is not clear, unfortunately. I got the quote in question from this forum post:
http://www.ww2incolor.com/forum/show...What-Were-they

If the information presented is factually correct, it is possible that the more reliable LT F5W torpedoes were not available in the Black Sea, since they came from Italian production. This is a speculative comment, since there is no evidence that any aircraft torpedo hit the Molotov in the first place, so the question of torpedo detonation should not be relevant.

"Aircrafts have been spaced about 200-300 meters apart, and both LT F5b (improved version) and Italian LT F5W torpedoes were used. The F5W was preferred as the F5b’s whisker-type detonating pistol seldom operated when the target was hit at an sharp angle. Torpedoes were launched at a range of 1000 meters, and usually from a height of 40 meters (125 feet), the parent aircraft flying dead straight and level in order for the weapon to enter the water at the stipulated 12 degrees. AA fire, particularly that of 20mm Oerlikon guns, was considered a greater threat than escorting RN fighters. Observation of torpedo-tracks or hits was next to impossible, as the parent aircraft had to execute violent evasive action as soon as the weapon was dropped"
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