1944 - Torpedo with Flapping-Wing Propulsion

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1944 - Torpedo with Flapping-Wing Propulsion

August – September 1944
(Torpedo mit Schlagflügelantrieb)

At the Torpedoversuchsanstalt Gotenhafen, experiments were conducted to use the Knoller-Betz effect for torpedo propulsion—utilizing the flapping wing proposed by Dr. Schmidt with the aim of replacing conventional propeller propulsion. A theoretical study by Schmidt-Reichstein calculates propulsion efficiencies of 100%. For the approximately 5 meter long torpedo, a maximum speed of 72km/h was assumed.

Furthermore, the possibility is mentioned of utilizing the S-Körper (due to its low aerodynamic drag) as the fuselage for the V-1 missile, thereby increasing the V-1's range by 30 to 50 percent. For the V-1, a jet engine was to be used in place of the flapping-wing propulsion system.

Anti-tank missiles with the same aerodynamic shape:
- Flunder
https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/flying-panzerfaust.31819/
- Rochen
https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/german-wire-guided-missiles-of-ww2.7808/post-302441


Source:
Bundesarchiv
Signatur: RL 3/4311; Page: 26 - 36 (30 Drawing)
Direct Link:
https://invenio.bundesarchiv.de/invenio/direktlink/864627cd-e3c2-4ec5-bb48-bb0e9f0e33a5/
 
There's a poorly drawn picture of this torpedo in one of Geoff Kirby's articles about the history of the torpedo. If you can't find it on line, DM/PM me, and I'll send you a private copy.
 
I think you ar talking about this picture:

Flapping torpedo.jpg

It appeared in the 4-parts torpedo history on the "Journal of the Royal Naval Scientific Service", 1972, Nos. 1 and 2 (two parts in each issue). They can be found in the DTIC archive, here the links:

Issue 1 (parts 1-2)
Issue 2 (parts 3-4)
 
In the UK National Archives document

ADM 292/78
Lecture on requirements peculiar to guided torpedoes in sphere of torpedo propulsion
(a translation of a German document written at T.V.A. Gotenhafon, 21-12-1943)

there is a sketch and a brief paragraph about a flapping propulsion method for a normal torpedo:

"The ’’oscillating rudder’’ propulsion, a diagram of which is given in Fig. 7, strikes out in a new direction. This figure shows the fish-tail which operates without noise even when the movements are very rapid. At the tail-end of the torpedo is a mobile fin which is driven to and fro in a total angle of 30° with a frequency of 20-50 strokes per second. An important characteristic Is another fin mounted at some distance behind the mobile one and which makes a considerable contribution to the propulsion. In theory, in the conditions that are valid with the torpedo, one can work with lower speeds in the case of the oscillating rudder than in that of the propeller propulsion. There is, moreover, a possibility that the totally different mechanism of the propulsion will provide other perhaps more favourable conditions with regard to the production of sound."

Flapping propulsion.jpg
 
@Temistocle: Thanks!

One aim of the research was the development of noiseless or low-noise submarines and torpedoes.

The report from 1959 mentioned below also briefly discusses a conference held in Gotenhafen in February 1944. The conference concluded with the decision to continue work on the oscillating fin propulsion system.

Source:
(Google-Books)
NAVORD REPORT 6573
Sea Animals and Torpedoes
by WM. C. SHAW
Weapons Planning Group
10 August 1959
Page: 11-12 & 37

[1] February 1944
Dr. W. Schmidt has variously proposed this oscillating fin as an underwater propulsion system or for improving the glide angle of a torpedo equipped with wings.

Summary report on Luftwaffe torpedo research
Source: Bundesarchiv
[1] Signatur: RL 39/975; Page: 28
Direct Link:
https://invenio.bundesarchiv.de/invenio/direktlink/f31aa897-3987-48f6-b061-81e876ee5ab0/
 

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