What submarine sank the Indianapolis?
Japanese submarine I-58
The ship had traveled about halfway to Leyte when it was hit on July 30 by two torpedoes from the Japanese submarine I-58. The Indianapolis sank in about 12 minutes.
Are human torpedoes still used?
1967. Human torpedoes or manned torpedoes are a type of rideable submarine used as secret naval weapons in World War II. The basic design is still in use today; they are a type of diver propulsion vehicle.
Was the USS Indianapolis ever found?
The 2017 discovery of USS Indianapolis (CA-35), one of the Navy’s most storied ships and sought-after wrecksites, propelled the vessel back into the public eye and highlighted a string of deep-water World War II shipwreck investigations.
Did Captain of Indianapolis survive?
One of the discovered clusters of men included the Indy’s captain, Charles McVay. Despite the nightmare he’d just experienced and survived at sea, McVay soon found himself in a different kind of fight — this one with the United States Navy.
Can a torpedo sink an aircraft carrier?
Unlike the numerous aerial bombs or cannon shells required to sink large warships, just one or two torpedo hits could and sometimes did suffice to sink huge aircraft carriers and battleships.
How fast is a modern torpedo?
Thermal torpedoes use a fuel, such as OTTO Fuel II, which can be burned without an external oxygen source. A gas turbine or axial piston engine converts this fuel into torque that spins counter-rotating propellers, propelling the torpedo up to speeds in excess of 60 knots.
How big was the warhead on a Kaiten?
The Kaiten never really evolved in practice to be anything else. The only significant modifications were the introduction of controls and basic air filtration systems, along with an upgraded 3, 420 lb warhead. Over 300 of these Type 1 Kaiten were eventually built.
How old were the pilots of the Kaiten?
Kaiten pilots were volunteers between the ages of 17 and 28. No previous experience with submarines was necessary. The pilots were trained to use basic instruments to navigate ships above the surface.
What kind of kaiten did the Japanese use?
Over 300 of these Type 1 Kaiten were eventually built. Though the Japanese continued modifying the design of the Kaiten until the end of the war, the Type 1 was the only version to actually see use.
Where was the USS Mississinewa during the kaiten attack?
US Navy/ Wikimedia Commons Ships in port at Ulithi in late 1944. The Kaiten hide under the water. It was the early hours of the morning on November 20, 1944. The sun was rising off the bow of the USS Mississinewa, and rays of orange light were breaking over the small port of Ulithi in the Caroline Islands.