An aircraft torpedo powered by a four-cylinder reciprocating steam engine, and similar in design to early American and European models. Two types of this torpedo have been reported, but only one, designated by the Japanese, Type 44, Model 2, Modification1, has been recovered. Information on the other, designated Type 44, has been derived from intelligence sources. Although believed to be obsolete, this torpedo may still be used on PT or picket boats. It leaves a visible wake.

The physical characteristics of the torpedoes are as follow:

Length Overall – 18'11".

Length of Warhead – 4'1".

Length of Airflask – 10'.

Length of Afterbody – 4'10". (Including Tail)

Diameter – 17".7.

Total Weight – 1830 lbs.

Charge – 460 lbs. Type 97 or 98 explosive.

Tail Fins – 4.

Range/Speed – 4300 yards at 36 knots.

8700 yards at 26 knots.

Exploder – Type 91, Model 3, nose, impact.

Operation

After the torpedo has travelled through the water a certain distance, an impeller, on the nose of the exploder being rotated by water pressure, arms the exploder. Impact with the target shears two pins in the nose of the exploder and drives the firing pin onto the detonator, firing the charge. Three bent-levers are attached to the exploder to insu-re its operation in case the torpedo should strike the target at an oblique angle, rather than "head-on".

Safety Precautions

Should this torpedo be found on the beach or in shallow water, it must be considered dangerous. Movement of one of the bent-levers, or the impeller might initiate detonation. Likewise, movement of the torpedo might cause the enginge to turn over a few revolu-tions, driving it forward on the beach. Should the bent-levers or impeller strike anything, the torpedo would probably detonate

Figure 29 – Type 44 torpedo with warhead removed.