An anti-submarine weapon launched from surface craft and designated by the Japa-nese as "Type 2, Modification 1".

The general characteristics of the depth charge are as follwos:

Case

Shape – Cylindrical, 17".56 in diameter and 30".5 long.

Color – Black.

Material – Steel.

Charge – 357 lbs. Type 98 explosive.

Total Weight – 491 lbs.

External Fittings

Pistol – In end of central tube, locked by a bayonet joint. Five depth settings, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 (100', 200', 300', 390', 490') meters are inscribed on face.

Filling Holes – Two, 180° apart, on the opposite end of the case from the pistol. A broken white stripe, 1" wide, is painted around the end of the case containing the filling holes.

Pad Eyes – Two on each end.

Booster – In the opposite end of the central tube from the pistol.

Operation

Prior to launching, the depth setting dial is turned to any one of five settings, opening a seepage hole in the valve plate. It is not known whether the detonator is housed in the booster manually or hydrostatically. When the charge is submerged water enters the pistol through the hole in the valve plate. When sufficient pressure has been built up in the pistol, the firing pin is released under spring pressure and driven onto the detonator, firing the charge.

When the depth-setting dial is set on "Safe", the depth-setting valve positions the valve stem in such a manner that the pistol cannot operate.

Figure 27 – Two views of the type 2 depth charge.