List of World War II torpedoes of Germany


List of World War II Kriegsmarine torpedoes

''Kriegsmarine'' torpedo designation system

The first letter indicates the diameter:
The number indicates the approximate length :
Next letter indicates specific features regarding propulsion and control:
"r" and "t" were only used with "u" to further denote the features of the ingolin-torpedoes.
Some sources claim that "s" only was used with "a" to denote the development of G7a with acoustic seeker-capability; however, it was no doubt used for the electric torpedoes with acoustic seekers.
When the torpedo reached production status and was fielded, Kriegsmarine gave it a short designation "T", or "Torpedonummer", with the number given in Roman lettering.
For different versions of the main torpedo, a small Arabic letter was added denoting specific/minor changes within the main design.

Warheads and pistols

Warheads were designated with the letter "K" and a small Arabic letter, with an additional number denoting variants of the head. Examples: Ka, Ka1, Kb, Kb1 etc.
Pistols used the "Pi" designations to begin with. The early models were named according to function and/or torpedo type like "PiG7H" or "PiG7a-MZ", but this was later replaced with a simple system of numbers, like "Pi1", "Pi2" etc.
To indicate variants within the main design, a small Latin letter was added after the number, like "Pi1a", "Pi1b" etc.
At some point, "Pi" was dropped for pistols with combination of mechanical and magnetic mechanisms, to the "TZ" designation. For example, the mechanical mechanism from the "Pi1" pistol combined with the magnetic mechanism from "Pi2" became the "TZ2".

Code names

Code names were intended to be used only through the development period for security measures. However, in some cases they remained after the torpedo was fielded and had been designated with a "T"-number.
Torpedo pistols, program seeker-systems and other special arrangements also had their own "system" of code names, using the names of birds, fish or animals. During development, the pistols were often given code names designated by the industrial developer or manufacturer. Generally these consisted of simple words, syllables, or names associated with the firm or the engineers in charge of the pistols development.

Program steering

; Fat : Federapparat or Flächenabsuchender Torpedo, a mechanical device changed the torpedo's course over time so that it ran up- and down on parallel lines of 800 or 1600 m length. Three versions: Fat I, II and III.
; Lut : Lageunabhängiger Torpedo, changed the torpedo's course to a preset heading directly after launch, so the launching platform could fire torpedoes at targets without changing its own course. Two versions: Lut I and Lut II.
The program steering consisted of a mechanical construction coupled to the gyroscope, which changed the torpedo's course over time in different patterns, after an initial straight running distance.
Fat I :
The initial straight distance could be set from a minimum of 500 m to a maximum of 1500 m.
Two loop-patterns were available: "short" and "long", and in addition there was a choice of right or left turns.
For "short" loops, the straight distance between turns was 800 m, with a total width of the pattern-search of 1140 m
For "long" loops, the straight distance between turns was 1500 m, and a total width of the pattern-search of 1840 m.
The turning radius for both patterns were 170 m.
Fat II :
The same data as for Fat Il, but an additional choice for "circular" pattern, where the torpedo would run in a circle after the initial straight-run. This was an option primary used by U-boats against attacking surface-ships that ran a zig-zag pattern hunting the U-boat.
Fat III / Lut I :
Initial torpedo course can be chosen, so the torpedo platform does not need to change its bearing to an optimal course for torpedo launch.
The "Lut-speed" can be chosen, and subsequently the straight legs between turns will be adjusted accordingly.
Lut II:
Same as Lut I, but even slower Lut-speeds could be chosen.

List of World War II ''Luftwaffe'' torpedoes

''Luftwaffe'' torpedo designation system

As a general rule, Luftwaffe followed the Kriegsmarine system of code names and designations, but with some differences.
Variations for the letter indicating specific features regarding propulsion and control:
Instead of letters and numbers denoting dimensions and features, a single 3 or 4 digit number was used for some torpedo designs.
Luftwaffe also used the "LT" designation, but not limited to operational torpedoes. It also combined further letters and numbers to indicate type and features of the torpedo:
Designations for Luftwaffe pistols used the same system as Kriegsmarine, while the warheads used the designation GK followed by a number and a small Arabic letter for variants.

Bombentorpedoes

Luftwaffe also developed a passive weapon called "Bombentorpedo", which was planned to replace the conventional torpedoes.
It was airdropped from a low height and relative short distance from the target, would enter the water and travel the short remaining distance through the water solely driven by its kinetic energy. No BT's were ever fielded operationally.
DesignationWeightDimensions, dia. / lengthChargeNotes
BT200220 kg300mm / 2395mm100 kg
BT400435 kg378mm / 2946mm200 kg
BT700A780 kg426mm / 3500mm330 kg
BT700B755 kg456mm / 3358mm320 kg
BT10001180 kg480mm / 4240mm710 kgVariant fitted with a rocket-engine, but the design was not successful.
BT14001510 kg620mm / 4560mm920 kg
BT18501923 kg620mm / 4690mm1050 kg

German torpedo platforms (''torpedoträger'')

Kriegsmarine