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Mark VIII


Mark 8


Overview


Mark VIII

British Mark VIII torpedoes being loaded onto the British built and Polish operated submarine ORP Sokol in 1943.
Source: Polish government - © Public domain

Origin
United Kingdom
Type
Heavyweight torpedo
Entered service
1927
Status
Obsolete
Development
Around 1925
Developer
United Kingdom
Production
Mid 1920's - 1960's?
Producer
United Kingdom
Number produced
Many thousands produced
Designations
Mark 8 (post war designation)
Notable users
United Kingdom
West Germany
Norway

Description


Introduction

The Mark VIII is a pre-World War 2 era heavyweight torpedo of British origin. It was developed in the 1920's and was the main British torpedo in World War 2, accounting for over 55% of all torpedoes fired. Despite its widespread service in World War 2, it is most notable for sinking the Argentine cruiser General Belgrano in 1982 during the Falklands War.

Design

The Mark VIII is the first British burner-cycle torpedo. It is a heavyweight torpedo launched from destroyers, motor torpedo boats and submarines against surface vessels. The design was altered over the years by adding a selectable speed setting, improving the gyroscope and depth finder, exchanging the TNT warhead for Torpex and increasing the range by using improved internal components.

Firepower

The Mark VIII is a straight running torpedo without guidance. The 340 kg TNT or 327 or 365 kg Torpex warhead is fitted with an impact fuse. Most Mark VIII have to selectable speed settings. Maximum speed of 45.5 knots results in a 4.6 km range. The maximum range of 6.4 km is achieved at a speed of 41 knots.

Users

The Mark VIII torpedo saw widespread use during World War 2. After World War 2 it was redesignated as the Mark 8 torpedo and served in the Royal Navy until the 1990's. Various nations acquired the Mark VIII, such as West Germany where it was replaced by indigenous homing and/or wire guided designs. Although obsolete, some nations may still retain the Mark 8 in their inventory today.

Variants


Mark VIII**

Former West German navy Mark VIII** torpedo of British origin on display in a museum.
Source: WerWil - © GNU Attribution - Share Alike license

List of Mark VIII torpedo variants

Mark VIII
First production model with TNT warhead and single speed setting.
Mark VIII**
Improved World War 2 era version with Torpex warhead, improved controls and two speed settings.
Mark VIII***
First post war modernization and service life extension.
Mark 8 Mod 4
Final post war modernization. This model was used against Argentine cruiser General Belgrano.

Details


Facts Mark VIII Mark VIII**
General
Origin
United Kingdom
Type
Heavyweight torpedo
Launch platform
Surface vessels, submarines
Target platform
Surface vessels
Dimensions
Diameter
533 mm
Length
6.58 m
Weight
Over 1.500 kg
Warhead
Type
340 kg TNT
Fuse
Impact
Guidance
Homing
No, straight running torpedo
Gyroscope stabilization
Wire guidance
No
Propulsion
Engine type
4 stroke burner-cycle steam gas engine
Single speed setting
Propulsion
Single four blade propeller
Performance
Speed
40 knots
Range
4.5 km at 40 knots
Depth
Runs near surface