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Type 91 Model 2
| Dimensions
|
17.7" by 18'0" 45cm by 5.486m |
| Weight |
1841 lbs 935 kg |
| Range | 2200 yards (2000m) at 42 knots |
| Warhead | 452 lbs Type 97 205 kg Type 97 |
| Propulsion | Kerosene-air |
| Launch speed |
260 knots |
| Variants |
The Model 1, produced up to April 1941, was
slightly shorter and had only a 331 lb (150 kg) charge. The Model 3, produced after October 1941,
increased the charge to 529 lbs (240 kg). The Model 3 Improved, produced from 1943,
could be launched at 300 knots. The Model 3 Strong, introduced in 1944,
sacrificed range (1640 yards or 1500m at 42 knots) for a launch speed
of 350 knots. The Model 4 Strong, introduced later in
1944, increased the charge to 538 lbs (244 kg). The Model 7 Strong, introduced in late
1944, increased the charge to 926 lb (420 kg) at the cost of a knot in
speed. |
The Type 91 was the principal aircraft torpedo of
the Japanese Navy. Unlike most other Japanese torpedoes, it did not use
pure oxygen. Although the Japanese had experimented with a pure oxygen
aircraft torpedo (Type 94) the complications and hazards involved were
eventually judged not worth the increase in performance.
This torpedo was nonetheless a good weapon, reliable
and with a high maximum launch speed.
References
The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia © 2009 by Kent G. Budge. Index
