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:

G = 53 cm
F = 45 cm
H = 60 cm
M = 75 cm

The number indicates the approximate length :

7 = 7 m
6 = 6 m
5 = 5 m

Next letter indicates specific features regarding propulsion and control:

a = Atem, i.e. Pressluft/Dampfgemisch-Antrieb
e = Elektrischer Antrieb
f = Fernlenkung
d = Sauerstoff/Dampfgemisch-Antrieb
p = Primärbatterie-Antrieb
m = Verbrennungsmaschine mit Kreislaufverfahren
u = Sauerstoffträger Ingolin spurenfreier Antrieb
x = Torpedo mit 3-Achsen Steuerung
r = Raketen- oder Düsenantrieb
s = Schall, Torpedo mit akustischen Suchkopf
t = Turbinenantrieb

"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 changes from the main design.

Warheads

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.
The explosive charge of warheads in German torpedoes during WW2, were different compositions of the Schießwolle that consisted mainly of a mixture of Trinitrotoluene and Hexanitrodiphenylamin :

Schießwolle 18: 60% Trinitrotoluol, 24% Hexanitrodiphenylamin, 16% Aluminumpowder
Schießwolle 36: 67% Trinitrotoluol, 8% Hexanitrodiphenylamin and 25% Aluminumpowder
Schießwolle 39: 45% Trinitrotoluol, 5% Hexanitrodiphenylamin, 20% Aluminumpowder, 30% Ammonium Nitrate
Schießwolle 39a: 50% Trinitrotoluol, 10% Hexanitrodiphenylamin, 35% Aluminumpowder, 5% Ammonium Nitrate
Schießwolle xx : 0.6% Trinitrotoluol, 40% Aluminumpowder, 31.4% Ammonium Nitrate, 5.9% Sodium Nitrate, 2.3% Potassium Nitrate, 9.7% Cyclonite, 10.1% Ethylene Diamine Dinitrate

A total of 41 different types of explosive charges were used in German underwater ordnance, all given a "S"-number for identification :

S1 = SW 18
S2 = SW 36
S3 = SW 39
S4 = Combination of S2 and S3
S5 = Combination of S1 and S3
S16 = SW xx
S17 = SW 39a
S18 = Combination of S16 and S17

List of Kriegsmarine warheads with weight/type of explosive charge:

Type Ka: 295 kg/S2
Type Ka 1: 297 kg/S3 or S4
Type Ka 2: 293 kg/S3, S4 or S18
Type Kb: 282 kg/S2 or S18
Type Kb 1: 282 kg/S18
Type Kc: 260 kg/S2
Type Kc 1: 256 kg/S2 or S18
Type Kc 2: 256 kg/S18
Type Ke: 274 kg/S2
Type Ke 1: 274 kg/S2 or S18
Type Kf: Unknown weight, but probably similar to the type Ke/S18

Pistols

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".
The main booster charge used in German pistols was Pentrite, typically 300 g.
The following torpedopistols reached operational status with Kriegsmarine during WW2:

Pi G7A-AZ: Mechanical igniter with short whiskers
Pi G7A-MZ: Combined mechanical and magnetic igniter
Pi Typ 3F : Copy of the British Type 3F pistol
Pi G7H : Mechanical igniter - most common pistol used besides Pi2
Pi1a: Pi1 with netcutter
Pi1b: Mechanical igniter with pendulum, rather than whiskers
Pi1c: Improved Pi1a
Pi1d: Special version of the Pi1c for the TIIId "Dackel" torpedo
Pi2: Mechanical igniter from Pi1 with an additional magnetic igniter
Pi2a: Pi2 with netcutter
Pi2c: Special variant of the Pi2a with its own battery for the low-speed TIIIb torpedo
Pi2d: Improved variant of the Pi2c for torpedoes with low speed
Pi2e: Variant of the Pi2a with pendulum for the mechanical igniter, used for TIIIb and TIIIc torpedoes
Pi2f: Variant of the Pi2d for low-speed TIIIb and TIIIc torpedoes
Pi2 EDS: Pi2 with "endstreckendetonierersicherung" - a feature to ensure the torpedo did not detonate if missing the target
TZ2: Combination of Pi1 and Pi2 used for torpedoes with low speeds below 30kn
Pi3: Italian pistol - similar in function to the Pi2, but a different construction
Pi3a: Variant of the Pi3, similar to the Pi1a
Pi3c: Pi3 with netcutter
PiSic : Italian-constructed passive magnetic igniter combined with the mechanical igniter from the Pi3. Only used for G7a and G7a
TZ3a: Improved German variant of the PiSic.
TZ3b: TZ3a with improved induction-coil for the magnetic igniter
Pi4: New pistol for heads with front-mounted acoustic seeker – i.e. the TIV, TV and TIX
Pi4a: Pi4 with improved mechanical igniter
Pi4b : New design of the mechanical igniter by Deutsche Werke Kiel
Pi4c: Mechanical igniter.
Pi4c EDS : Pi4c with the EDS-function from the Pi2 EDS
Pi4d SZE: Pi4c with "selbstzerstörungseinrichtung" - a function to ensure that the torpedo would detonate after missing a target, i.e. the opposite of EDS
Pi5 : Combination of Pi4c and a new active magnetic igniter
Pi6: New pistol ready for operational use with the TVI and TVII torpedoes. Based on the Pi3
Pi6a: Pi6 improved with parts of the Pi1a
TZ6: Mechanical igniter from the Pi6 and a new active magnetic igniter

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 pistol's development.

Program steering

Program steering was accomplished by a mechanical device coupled to the torpedo's gyroscope to alter its course in various pattern. Two main types was fielded during WW2: "Fat" and "Lut".
Fat : Changed the torpedo's course over time so that it ran various patterns. Three versions: Fat I, II and III.
Lut : Similar to Fat, but 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 Fat or Lut mechanisms initiated control of the gyroscope 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 was 170 m.
Fat II :
The same as Fat I, but with an additional choice for "circular pattern", where the torpedo would run in a circle after the initial straight-run. This was an option primarily 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 could be chosen, so the torpedo platform did not need to change its bearing to an optimal course for torpedo launch.
The "Lut-speed" could be chosen, and subsequently, the straight legs between turns would 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:

b = Pressluft/Dampfgemisch-Antrieb
i and w = Italian-built torpedoes by the firms Silurificio Italiano S/A and Whitehead respectively.

Instead of letters and numbers denoting dimensions and features, a single 3 or 4 digit number was used for some torpedo designs.
Luftwaffe 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:

I = Pressluft/Dampfgemisch-Antrieb
II = Ingolin-Antrieb
A = Tiefen- und Winkeleinstellung von Hand
B = Elektrische Tiefen- und Winkeleinstellung
C = Programmsteuerung
1 = Speed of 40kn
2 = Speed of 33kn
3 = Speed of 24kn

Warheads

Luftwaffe warheads were designated GK followed by a number and a small Arabic letter for variants. Exerciseheads was designated ÜK.
The various types of explosives are described under the section of Kriegsmarine warheads above.
Operational warheads :

GK 1: 200 kg/S3
GK 2: 180 kg/S3
GK 2a: 240 kg/S3
GK 3: 188 kg/S17
GK 3a: 250 kg/S17

Warheads in various state of development/test and production by end of the war :

GK 4: 230 kg/S18
GK 4a: 220 kg/S18
GK 5: 175 kg/S18
GK 6: 180 kg/S3
GK 9: 165 kg/S18
GK 50: 300 kg/S18

Pistols

Designations for Luftwaffe pistols used the same system as Kriegsmarine.
The following torpedopistols reached operational status with Luftwaffe during WW2:

Pi F5: Nose-mounted Luftwaffe adaption of the Kriegsmarine mechanical Pi G7A-AZ pistol
Pi 30: Pi F5 with connector for activation by an additional top-mounted magnetich mechanism
Pi 42s: Nose-mounted mechanic mechanism in a Pi F5 housing without detonation-arms/whiskers. Used in combination with the Pi 50-series top-mounted magnetic pistols
Pi 42s : Pi 42s with electrical detonators, and an electric armingswitch controlled by the magnetic top-mounted Pi 52 magnetic pistol
Pi 45: Pi 42s with an inertia mechanism and electric detonators. Used with the Pi 52 or Pi 65 top-mounted magnetic mechanisms.
Pi 50: Italian top-mounted SIC combined mechanical/magnetic pistol. Used for LT IA and LT IB torpedoes. Similar design as the Kriegsmarine TZ 3.
Pi 51: German produced magnetic version of the Italian SIC-pistol. Acted as a magnetic sensor and when activated, triggered the electric detonators in the nose-mounted mechanichal mechanism
Pi 52 : Improved Pi 51
Pi 52a: Improved Pi 52 for use in warheads with nose-mounted acoustic-seeker
Pi 52b: Adaption of the Pi 52 for use with Bombentorpedo
Pi 60: Active top-mounted magnetic mechanism, developed from the Kriegsmarine TZ 6. Used with the nose-mounted Pi 30
Pi 65: Luftwaffe-adaption of the Kriegsmarine top-mounted TZ 5, for use with the "Pfau" and "Geier" torpedoes in combination with the nose-mounted Pi 45. Ready, but never used as the torpedoes were never fielded

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 solely driven by its kinetic energy. No BT's were ever fielded operationally.

Designation	Weight	Dimensions, dia. / length	Charge	Notes
BT200	220 kg	300mm / 2395mm	100 kg
BT400	435 kg	378mm / 2946mm	200 kg
BT700A	780 kg	426mm / 3500mm	330 kg
BT700B	755 kg	456mm / 3358mm	320 kg
BT1000	1180 kg	480mm / 4240mm	710 kg	Variant fitted with a rocket-engine, but the design was not successful.
BT1400	1510 kg	620mm / 4560mm	920 kg
BT1850	1923 kg	620mm / 4690mm	1050 kg

German torpedo platforms (''Torpedoträger'')

Kriegsmarine

Submarines
Motor torpedo boats
Larger surface vessels like battleships, cruisers, destroyers, escorts/ corvettes/ frigates
Various types of "irregular" surface vessels, like auxiliary cruisers/raiders and Q-ships.
Fortified shore-based batteries
Various temporary torpedo batteries were established at strategic locations for a period of time -. These batteries varied from single to multiple tube launchers placed on quay/pier/suitable spot-on-the-ground or on small anchored boats/barges. An S-Boot anchored in fixed locations with its bow facing one direction could also serve in this role. Typical armament for shore-based and temporary batteries were tubes from dismantled surface vessels, Beutewaffe - i.e. tubes/torpedoes captured from the enemy, or older equipment from World War I.

Luftwaffe

Various aircraft designed for/configured as torpedo carriers:

Heinkel He 59: Obsolete, only in service from 1937 to ca 1940
Arado Ar 95 A: Limited number intended as a carrier-based torpedobomber, but was obsolete by 1940
Arado Ar 195: Intended as a carrier-based torpedobomber, only a few prototypes used for testing in competition with the Fi 176, never used operationally
Fieseler Fi 167 A: Intended as a carrier-based torpedobomber, only a pre-production series built and tested towards the Ar 195
Dornier Do 22: A few produced for export, never used by Luftwaffe
Blohm & Voss Ha 140: Only a few prototypes used for testing in competition with the He 115
Heinkel He 115: Luftwaffe's first modern torpedobomber. In service from 1940 to 1942
Junkers Ju 87 C: Experimental torpedobomber intended for carrier-operations. Never used operationally
Heinkel 111 J: Only a few built for torpedo trials in 1938, but ended up being used for reconnaissance
Heinkel 111 H: The main standard German torpedobomber, in service from 1941 and throughout WW2
Junkers Ju 88 A: Standard German torpedobomber together with the He 111 H, in service from 1942 and throughout WW2
Junkers 188 E: Standard German torpedobomber introduced to service in 1944
Focke-Wulf Fw 200 C: Experimental torpedobomber, only used for one operation in 1941
Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A: Experimental torpedobomber tested in 1943. Never used operationally
Focke-Wulf Fw 190 F: Experimental torpedobomber tested in 1943. Never used operationally
Heinkel 177 A-5: Experimental torpedobomber. Never used operationally
Heinkel 177 R-6: Experimental torpedobomber. Never used operationally
Messerschmitt Me 410 B: Experimental torpedobomber tested in 1944. Never used operationally
Dornier Do 217 E: Planned/experimental torpedobomber intended for use with new torpedo designs in development with advanced controls. Never used operationally
Dornier Do 217 K: Planned/experimental torpedobomber intended for use with new torpedo designs in development with advanced controls. Never used operationally
Dornier Do 217 M: Planned/experimental torpedobomber intended for use with new torpedo designs in development with advanced controls. Never used operationally
Fokker T.VIII W: Dutch torpedobomber. Beutewaffe never used operationally as torpedobomber by Luftwaffe