Landungszerstörer

[Wurger]

In BA/MA`s RM 7/1258 file there`s an interesting 1943 proposal, later discussed by other entities, on a novel surface craft, intended to attack a landing fleet, drawing experience from the Sicily and Anzio landings. It was to be the "Landungs-zerstörer", either using fast-reloading 4-6 torpedos , based on the R-boot, or with an artillery role based on a heavily armoured S-boot. The MZ-boot hull was also discussed. In Guntram Schulze-Wegener`s "Die Deutsche Kriegsmarine Rüstung 1942-1945",the author had already spotted this proposal.

 

[hellaya]

In BA/MA`s RM 7/1258 file there`s an interesting 1943 proposal, later discussed by other entities, on a novel surface craft, intended to attack a landing fleet, drawing experience from the Sicily and Anzio landings. It was to be the "Landungs-zerstörer", either using fast-reloading 4-6 torpedos , based on the R-boot, or with an artillery role based on a heavily armoured S-boot. The MZ-boot hull was also discussed. In Guntram Schulze-Wegener`s "Die Deutsche Kriegsmarine Rüstung 1942-1945",the author had already spotted this proposal.

The idea of a heavily armored S-boot for an artillery role is quite a shift from its original 'hit and run' torpedo purpose. I imagine the weight of the armor would have significantly compromised the speed that S-boots were famous for. It’s always interesting to see these 'what-if' designs in Schulze-Wegener’s work.

 

[Wurger]

The idea of a heavily armored S-boot for an artillery role is quite a shift from its original 'hit and run' torpedo purpose. I imagine the weight of the armor would have significantly compromised the speed that S-boots were famous for. It’s always interesting to see these 'what-if' designs in Schulze-Wegener’s work.

I recommend you Harald Fock's "Die Deutsche Schnellboote 1914-1945". Lots of projected developments, especially on armament schemes. Several biaxial or triaxial gun mounts, or a three twin-barrelled MK 103 battery comes to mind.

 

[Scott Kenny]

In BA/MA`s RM 7/1258 file there`s an interesting 1943 proposal, later discussed by other entities, on a novel surface craft, intended to attack a landing fleet, drawing experience from the Sicily and Anzio landings. It was to be the "Landungs-zerstörer", either using fast-reloading 4-6 torpedos , based on the R-boot, or with an artillery role based on a heavily armoured S-boot. The MZ-boot hull was also discussed. In Guntram Schulze-Wegener`s "Die Deutsche Kriegsmarine Rüstung 1942-1945",the author had already spotted this proposal.

Rapidly reloading the torpedo tubes would be ... interesting.

I mean, the basics are easy. Hydraulics would probably be the easiest, if not exactly the lightest. But trying to keep that torpedo from getting jammed, bent, or come loose and squishing sailors would not be fun.

It's probably too far outside the German mindset, but the better option would be an armored shutter over an airdropped torpedo to roll over the side, the way that US PT boats did later on.

 

[Wurger]

Rapidly reloading the torpedo tubes would be ... interesting.

I mean, the basics are easy. Hydraulics would probably be the easiest, if not exactly the lightest. But trying to keep that torpedo from getting jammed, bent, or come loose and squishing sailors would not be fun.

It's probably too far outside the German mindset, but the better option would be an armored shutter over an airdropped torpedo to roll over the side, the way that US PT boats did later on.

The Japanese had a fast reloading gear, with pulleys, difficult to operate in rough seas and under engaging operations with the enemy, and the Type XXI submersible had a hydraulic reloading gear. Just tossing the torpedo over board, not being biased, isn't and "elegant" solution.

 

[Scott Kenny]

The Japanese had a fast reloading gear, with pulleys, difficult to operate in rough seas and under engaging operations with the enemy,

IIRC the Germans used manual pulleys on their subs, and probably the same on the S-boats.

and the Type XXI submersible had a hydraulic reloading gear.

Took the Germans long enough! I don't remember when the US went to hydraulic reloading gear.

Just tossing the torpedo over board, not being biased, isn't and "elegant" solution.

Not particularly elegant, but is simple and lighter weight. The primary difference is that it would use Luftwaffe torpedoes instead of Navy torpedoes. The US had an advantage because the USN owned both air-dropped torps and deck-launched torps.