SUBMITTED BY TMC(SW) ROBERT P. PALLAT

DEMIL PROJECT MK14 mod5 TORPEDO

********HAWTHORNE NEVADA UNDERWATER WEAPONS CENTER********

PROJECT MEMBERS:

TMCM(SW)WALLACE "DUSTY" RHODES, USN-RET, NUWC KEYPORT

TMCS(SW)TERRENCE PHEABUS, USN-RET, NUWC KEYPORT

TMC(SW) ROBERT PALLAT, USNR, NR FFG AUGMENTATION UNIT 212

MR. WILLIAM RUCKER, NUWC HAWTHORNE, NEVADA

The Mk 14 torpedo was developed as a replacement
for the Mk 10 torpedo, and had a longer range than
the Mk 10, and had a 100-pound heavier warhead
charge. This torpedo was the primary submarine
launched, anti-surface ship torpedo used in World
War II until the introduction of the electric Torpedo Mk
18. Approximately 4,000,000 tons of Japanese
shipping were sunk by the Mk 14 torpedo. Originally
introduced for use as mechanically-set torpedo,
the Mk 14 was modified for use with modern fire control
systems and designated Mod 5. This torpedo was
in service until 1975.

Mk 14 TORPEDO CHARACTERISTICS

  • Length.....................................246 inches
  • Diameter...................................21 inches
  • Weight.....................................3,209 pounds
  • Propulsion.................................Turbine
  • Guidance...................................Gyro
  • Enabling...................................No
  • Homing.....................................No
  • FC Settings................................Electrical
  • Warhead....................................Mk 16 mod 6
  • Exploder...................................Mk 6 mod 13 (contact)
  • Speed/Range................................Low - 31.1 Knots - 9,000 Yards
  • Speed/Range................................High - 46.3 Knots - 4,500 Yards
  • Number Produced............................13,000

    • HISTORY AND PURPOSE OF PROJECT:

    The purpose of the project is to preserve the historic naval
    weapons for future generations to view in museums or in
    conjunction with museum ships, memorials, and on military
    bases. Similar weapons are currently on display at Great Lakes
    Recruit Training Command in Illinois.

    The weapons were discovered in 1994 by Wallace "Dusty"
    Rhodes at the Army munitions depot in Hawthorne, Nevada.
    The weapons were scheduled to be destroyed. Dusty, a retired
    Torpedoman's Mate Master Chief Petty Officer, then working for
    Naval Underseas Weapons Center, Keyport, Washington as
    Project Manager began His vision. To save the last known World
    War II torpedos for future generations.

    In order to save the torpedoes a great deal of individual projects,
    concerns, and investments had to come together.
    Technical and financial support of the Keyport, Washington Museum
    Financial and personnel support from Day Zimmer Corporation
    Financial support from the United States Army
    Technical support from NUWC Keyport
    Pesonnel support from the United States Naval Reserve

    Robert "Bob" Pallat, TMC(SW) is the
    only former crewman of the USS Bushnell AS15 still
    in Uniform, Serving in the Naval Reserve

    BACK TO BUSHNELL SITE

    GAUDETTE SERVIAMUS

    Sherman McGee - May 30,2004