This is a strange one for me. Implementing a form of homing/acoustic torpedo that can be used in both an ASW and Surface Warfare situation. It is a rocket assisted projectile, and that is one of my contentious issues. How far should the RAP section work for?
The problems I have to solve are the ASDIC/SONAR detection distance in 1945. Reading on ASDIC detection distance gives me a confident detection distance of about 1500 yards in 1945. Which has to reduce to about 200-250 yards for Hedgehog or 275 yards for Squid to be effective. At 10-15 knots that is a long time between detection and firing.
If on detection at 1200-1500 yards the RAP Torpedo is fired, then my question is how far should the torpedo be airborne for before it enters the water and goes active? The torpedo can be set for various speeds and ranges, which would depend on the target. It will have to be able to operate at variable depths if it is to chase U-Boats to 600-700 foot depths, or hit a ship with a draught of 10-30 feet.
The HMS Dragon above has 4x4.5", 4x40mm STAAG, 3x40mm Boffin, 1 x triple Squid, 3 x Triple 21" RAP launchers, 1 fixed, 2 swivel mountings.
Any questions / comments that can help me work out how to make this work would be appreciated.