The Longest Ranged Torpedo of World War II: A Dive Into History and Tactics

During World War II, the weapon of choice among naval combatants for precision and effectiveness was the torpedo. Among these, the Japanese Long Lance specifically the Type 93 stood out due to its extraordinary range and power, leaving a significant impact on naval battles far and wide.

Longest Ranged Torpedo: The Japanese Type 93

One of the most famous actions showcasing the lethal capability of the Type 93 was during the Battle of the Java Sea. On February 27, 1942, IJN Haguro, a Myoko-class heavy cruiser, fired a spread of Type 93 torpedoes from a range of 22,000 yards, or around 20 kilometers, at the Dutch ship HMS Kortenaer, a destroyer. The impact proved devastating, and HMS Kortenaer sunk promptly. This engagement is noted as one of the longest-ranged torpedoes to hit their intended targets in World War II.

Delving into the Long Range of Torpedoes

The Type 93 torpedo, also known as the "Long Lance," was particularly advanced for its time. Named for its extensive range, the Type 93 had an operational range of up to 40 kilometers (40,000 meters) at its lowest speed setting, making it one of the longest-ranged torpedoes of World War II. This impressive distance allowed torpedoes to travel almost to the horizon, creating a significant tactical advantage for the crew launching them. The range was even more impressive considering that they maintained a substantial speed, making them difficult to evade.

Strategic Applications and Tactical Challenges

While the Type 93 had an impressive range, its long travel time was a double-edged sword. At such a long range, it was like waiting for a quarter of an hour for the torpedo to reach its target. This gave the enemy plenty of time to change course or take evasive measures, reducing the effectiveness of the torpedo. Consequently, Japanese tactical doctrine often involved firing large spreads of torpedoes over a wide area, hoping to hit multiple targets and maximize the chances of a successful hit.

One notable instance of the spread tactics occurred during a naval battle off the coast of Guadalcanal. On a particular engagement, a Japanese submarine launched a spread of 5 torpedoes at the American task force, with one of them striking the battleship North Carolina. At 28,000 yards, the Type 96 torpedo was near the limit of its effective range. Despite the range, the accuracy and impact of the torpedoes could still be catastrophic.

Unexpected Strikes and Stealth

Another remarkable feature of these long-range torpedoes was their ability to travel far beyond the immediate engagement area and strike unsuspecting vessels. The Type 93 and even the smaller Type 95 had the potential to travel beyond the horizon, leading to the belief that ships were being attacked by hidden submarines or even hitting mines. A prime example of this occurred during the simultaneous attacks on the ships USS Wasp, USS O'Brien, and USS North Carolina. These vessels were hit by the same 5-torpedo spread fired by Japanese submarine I-19, with USS O'Brien and USS North Carolina still 5-7 minutes away from USS Wasp in another task force.

Such instances underscore the unpredictable nature of torpedo attacks and the importance of naval tactical doctrines that could adapt to the strategies employed by the enemy.