Japanese torpedoes

Type 92 Mod 1, used in submarines, was copied from the Germans and contd 660 lbs of HE (no data). It was electrically driven, while other Japanese torpedoes were steam-driven Type 94 Mod 1, used in submarines, was 22 ft long 21 inches in diam. It contd 870 lbs of Type 97 or Shimose... 

The so-called Japanese torpedoes appear to be an American invention. They contain a paper cap placed between two masses of gravel, and in general require to be thrown somewhat harder than silver torpedoes to make them explode. The same torpedo board is used as in the manufacture of silver torpedoes, but a gravel board which holds only about half as much gravel. After the gravel has been put in the paper cups, a paper cap, still moist, is placed on top of it, more gravel, substantially equal in amount to that already in the cup, is added to each, and the tops are twisted. 

Japanese torpedoes do not keep much over a year as the phosphorus decomposes and after awhile disappears entirely from the cap Following are the principal sizes and packings of torpedoes ... 

These are made aimilar to those described under Japanese Torpedoes with such venations of detail as ere necesaary to their special requirements. They are of ci>urse punched out by machinery, a sbeet at a time. 

TNT 55.7, HNDPhA 27.9 A1 16.4%, was used in Ger for torpedoes and mines. The Japanese used compns similar to Novit under the names Seigata and Type 97 Explosive ... 

Note The compressed Guncotton contg about 18% moisture proved to be so successful that it was adopted by several countries (especially by Russia) for loading not only of sea mines but also of Whitehead torpedoes and cannon shells. Russian Artillery used it during the Russo-Japanese War (1904—1905), but it proved to be inferior to Japanese shells loaded with Shimose (cast Picric Acid). Senior author of this Encycl, who served in 1917 in the Russian Navy, remembers that torpedoes on his destroyer of 1905 vintage were loaded with compressed, moist Guncotton... 

As to Japanese ammunition itself, one can point out the great variety of improvised devices, such as Mines Depth Charges made from wooden boxes, burlap bags with rubber lining, oil drums Grenades made of pottery, glass gas pipes Booby Traps made of tin cans and Bangalore Torpedoes made of bamboo tubes... 

Alphabetical List of Japanese Explosives and Related Items Aerial Torpedo. Kurai... 

Japanese used HNDPhA in the following expl mixts Seigata or Type 97 HNDPhA 40 St TNT 60% used in bombs and to a certain extent in torpedo warheads and depth... 

To the above discussion may be added that the Russians used compressed Guncotton, contg ca 17% of moisture since about the 1860 s for loading ammunition but during the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), Russian shells loaded with Guncotton proved to be much inferior to Japanese shells loaded with Shimose (cast Picric Acid). Some Whitehead torpedoes of the Russian Navy were loaded with Guncotton as late as WWI. One of the older P.ussian expls, known as Slonit (Elephantit) consisted of Guncotton hydraulically compressed to the hardness of elephant s bone... 

Akordit. Get name for Acardite A(ko) or Type A Explosive. A Japan expl similar to Ger Hexamit TNT(or TNAns) 60, HNDhA 24 A1 powder 16%. It was intended for use in torpedo warheads and depth charges to replace die Type 94 and Type 97 Explosives (See Japanese Type Explosives) Refs 1)R. A.Cooley et al, PBL Rept... 

Uses of Chlorate Explosives, Most chlorate expls have been used for industrial purposes, but during WWI WWII some were used by the French, Russians, Italians, Japanese and Germans for loading mines, torpedoes, hand grenades depth charges(but not in artillery shells). Many expls contg chlorate have been used in primers and detonators (See also under individual expls, such as CHEDDITES)... 

I looked up the formula for paper caps in Weingart s Pyrotechnics, under "Japanese or Cap Torpedoes". The formula called for potassium chlorate, sulphur, chalk and amorphous (red) phosphorous. The formula plainly said to moisten the ingredients before mixing. In my ignorance,... 

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