The modern torpedo (historically called an automotive, automobile, locomotive, or fish torpedo) is a self-propelled explosive projectile weapon, launched above or below the water surface, propelled underwater toward a target, and designed to detonate on contact with, or in proximity to, a target. The term torpedo was originally used for a variety of devices, most of which would today be called mines. However, from World War I onwards, "torpedo" o...
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The modern torpedo (historically called an automotive, automobile, locomotive, or fish torpedo) is a self-propelled explosive projectile weapon, launched above or below the water surface, propelled underwater toward a target, and designed to detonate on contact with, or in proximity to, a target. The term torpedo was originally used for a variety of devices, most of which would today be called mines. However, from World War I onwards, "torpedo" only applied to an underwater self-propelled missile. Torpedoes are also colloquially called "fish" or, in the German Navy, "Aale" (eels).
While the battleship had evolved primarily around engagements between armoured ships with large guns, the torpedo allowed torpedo boats, other lighter surface ships, submersibles and aircraft to destroy large armored ships without the use of large-caliber guns, though sometimes at the risk of being hit by longer-range shellfire.
Today's torpedoes can be divided into lightweight and heavyweight classes; and...
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