Torpedo Firing Report form typical of those used in 1939-1942

     
     
 
Block No.  . . . . . . . . . .                                        Firing Report                                              Page  . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                         for Surface Vessels and U-boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Shooting Vessel)                             
(Rank, Name and Official Position of the Shooter)
Date:  . . . . . . . . . . . .                                Position:   . . . . . . . . .. .            Time of firing: . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
Water depth:  . . . . . . . . . .      Weather:  . . . . . . . . . . .        Visibility:  . . . . . . . . . .       Wind:  . . . . . . . . . . .
 
Sea State:  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                                          Swell: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
Target:  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                              (Name)                                       (Size)                      (Length)                    (Draft)
 
                 State of loading and cargo:  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
Success:  . . . .  Hits  . . . .  Misses  . . . .  Failures  . . . . Attack shots  . . . .  Finishing shots (on stopped target)
 
     
 
Line No.
Single shot, Multiple shot- or Fan shot
1
2
3
4
1
  Interval in seconds and spread angle in degrees        
2
  Torpedo model, Serial number        
3
  Set velocity set and running distance        
4
  Set depth        
5
  Pistol number, Type of adaptation        
6
  Firing setting (AZ or MZ with sensitivity setting (0-16 / 0-64)        
7
  Unknown (possibly minimum arming distance)        
8
  Designation        
9
  Ejection method        
10
  Own speed        
11
  Own course        
12
  Relative bearing to the target        
13
  Firing angle        
14
  Targeting, optics and computer        
15
  Aim point        
16
  Torpedo course        
17
  Set firing data:    Enemy speed = . . . . . .        Target angle γ =  . . . . . .        Leading angle β = . . . . . .
18
  Depth at the shot (only for U-boats)        
19
  State of trim at the shot (by ship etc. heeling at the shot)        
20
  Estimated range at the shot and observed running time        
21
  Torpedo declination and run        
22
  Shot while turning or on steady course        
23
  Gyro angle in color and degrees (torpedo course right or left of the bow - relative)        
24
  G7e with range at firing more than 3000 m:
   a) the last charging before firing
   b) the last heating before firing
       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   
 

     
     
  Approach sketch with firing diagram.   How was firing data acquired?  Special observations, Defence,  Explanation for miss.  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  Effect on the target,  Height and appearance of the explosive column,  Time to completely sink,  Perception in own boat.  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  Signature of the shooter    -    Signature of the Commander    -     certified to be correct  
 
 
     
  Commentary, analysis and decision.  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
                                                                                                                                                 (Signed - date)

 

   
 

Key and Notes

Line No.
German
English
Notes
1
Zeittakt in sec und
Streuwinkel in Graden
Time interval in seconds and spread angle in degrees
For Fan Shots, the time interval in seconds between successive torpedo firings and the angle between the torpedoes fired.
2
Torpedo Art, Nummer
Torpedo Type/designation,
Serial Number
Throughout the war there were two basic types of torpedoes (G7a and G7e). Torpedoes were further described by designation (TI, TII, TIII, TIIIa, TI Fat I, TIII Fat II, TI Lut I, TIIIa Lut I, TIV, TV etc.
3
Torpedo Vt und eingestellte Laufstrecke
Torpedo Set velocity set and running distance
Speed settings in knots and resulting running distance (typically 30 knots/12000 m or 40 knots/7500 m for G7a and 30 knots/5000 m for G7e) (30 k = 15.43 m/s; 40 k = 20.58 m/s)
4
Torpedo Eingestellte
Tiefe
Torpedo Set depth
Running depth setting in meters (0-12 and later 0-15 meters in one meter increments)
5
Pistol Pi Nummer, Art der Aptierung
Pistol Serial Number, Type of adaptation
Pistol (detonator) at the start of the war was the Pi I which contained both contact and magnetic elements.  These were frequently identified as being set for contact detonation only (AZ) or magnetic detonation only (MZ) and lines 6 & 7 left unused.   Due to problems with both the contact and magnetic elements a series of adaptations were introduced for example: A+B+N. The Pi G7H (Pi H) was a contact only version of the Pi I. The Pi 2 with both contact and magnetic elements was introduced in November 1942 for use on the G7e only and the Pi3/MZ 3 with both contact and magnetic elements was introduced in August 1943. The T IV employed the contact only Pi 4a and the T V employed the TZ 5 / Pi 4s/c combination (magnetic and contact).
6
Pistol Pi Z-Einstellring
Pistol Pistol "Z" Setting
Magnetic firing was selected "on" or "off" and magnetic sensitivity (zone 0 to 16 or 0 to 64) could be set
7
Pistol Pi S-Einstellring
Pistol Pistol "S" Setting
Unknown. Generally left blank but occasionally what appears to be a number of meters is specified (120-250 m). Perhaps only used for the early Pi I pistol.
8
Rohr Bezeichnung
Tube Designation
The tube from which the torpedo was launched (Roman numerals were used - I-IV forward and V and VI aft)
9
Rohr Ausstoßart
Tube Ejection method
Whether the torpedo was fired on the surface (über wasser) or submerged (ünter wasser) - On the surface the torpedo was usually fired (ohne Kolben (o.K.) - Without piston) by compressed air between the torpedo and the piston leaving the piston in place behind the torpedo; submerged the torpedo was usually fired (mit Kolben (m.K.) - With piston) by compressed air behind the piston forcing the piston and the torpedo down the tube. When the piston reached the end of the tube it stopped thus preventing the compressed air from escaping and leaving bubbles to mark the firing location - sometimes the pressure used to expel the torpedo was noted in kg/cm2
10
Beim Schuß Eigene Fahrt
At firing Own speed
U-boat speed in knots
11
Beim Schuß Eigener Kurs
At firing Own course
U-boat course in degrees
12
Beim Schuß Schiffspeilung
At firing Relative bearing to the target
Target bearing relative to the bow of the boat in degrees (0-359) (symbol = psi - φ)
13
Beim Schuß Schußwinkel
At firing Firing angle
Torpedo course relative to the boat's heading in degrees (0-359) (symbol = sigma - ς)
14
Zielstelle, Ziel- und
Rechengerät
Targeting Device, Optics and Computer
What device was used to gather the targeting data and compute the firing solution. Options on the surface included: bridge/T.U.Z.A. (Torpedo-Uboot-zielapparat) later U.Z.O. (U-Boot-Ziel-Optik), the Peildiopter (telescope fitted over the gyro compass), or simply the netzsage (net cutter); submerged either the conning tower/attack periscope (Angriffssehrohr (ASR) or just Standsehrohr) or control room/search/sky observation periscope (Luftzielsehrohr (LZSR)). The torpedo data computer was known as the eVorhaltrechner (T.vh.Re or T.v.Re.)
15
Abkommpunkt
Aim point
The aim point on the target ship, for example: mitte = center, Brücke = bridge
16
Torpedokurs
Torpedo course
The course of the torpedo in degrees
17
Eingestellte Schußunterlagen Vg = γ = β =
Set firing data: Vg =, γ (gamma) =, β (beta) =
The data that was input into the torpedo data computer:
Vg = target velocity in knots
γ = gamma - target angle in degrees
β = beta - leading angle in degrees
18
Tauchtiefe beim Schuß (nur bei U-Booten)
Depth at firing (only in U-boats)
U-Boat depth at firing measured at the keel in meters
19
Lastigkeit beim Schuß (bei Schiffen usw. Krängung beim Schuß)
Trim at firing (heeling angle)
Bow up (Vorlastigkeit) = + m, bow down = - m, an even keel (Nullastig)
20
Entfernung beim Schuß u. beob. Laufzeit
Estimated range at the shot and observed running time
Estimated range (Entfernung (E)) to the target in meters and actual running time of the torpedo (Laufzeit) – measured in minutes and / or seconds.
21
Torpedoniedergang und Lauf
Torpedo declination and run
Plus or minus angle in degrees the torpedo varied from the expected torpedo course and any malfunctions (failure to run, tube runner or circle runner)
22
Schuß im Abdrehen oder auf geraden Kurs
Fired on changing or steady course
The torpedo data computer accounted for the changing course of the boat during firing
23
Eingestellter Winkel
nach Farbe u. Graden
Gyro angle in color and degrees
The angle in color and degrees the torpedo was set for (relative to the U-Boat), color refers to the international standard for navigation which is Red (rot) = Port (Left), and Green (grün) = Starboard (Right).  Torpedoes could turn up to 90 degrees on leaving the tube.
24
Bei G7e und Schußweite über 3000m: a) letzte Nachladung vor dem Schuß: b) letzte Heizung vor dem Schuß:
For G7e at firing range over 3000 m: a) last charging before firing b) last heating before firing:
This only concerns the battery powered G7e torpedoes. These torpedoes had to be charged every few days preheated to +30 degrees C before firing if they were to achieve their maximum range of 5,000 meters (7,500 meters for the T IIIa) at 30 knots. Without preheating speed was reduced to 28 knots and range to 3300 meters (4,950 meters for the T IIIa).

  Click the icon to view the associated records
Torpedo firing reports from U-47's 3rd war patrol
Torpedo firing reports from U-100's 5th war patrol
Torpedo firing reports from U-48's 9th war patrol


Torpedo Firing Report form typical of those used in 1943-1945

     
     
 
Block No.  . . . . . . . . . .                                                   Page  . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
     (Shooting Vessel) (Rank, Name and Official Position of the Shooter)
Date:  . . . . . . . . . . . .                       Position:   . . . . . . . . .. .                                    Time: . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
Water depth:  . . . . . . . . . .      Weather:  . . . . . . . . . . .        Visibility:  . . . . . . . . . .       Wind:  . . . . . . . . . . .
 
Sea State:  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                                          Swell: (Direction and height)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
Target:  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                              (Name)                                       (Size)                      (Length)                    (Draft)
 
                 State of loading and cargo:  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
. . . . . . . .  Hits . . . . . . . .  Misses . . . . . . . .  Failures . . . . . . . .  Attack shots . . . . . . . .  Finishing shots
 
     
 
Line No.
. . . . Single shot . . . . Associated single shots
. . . . Multiple shots . . . . Fan shot
1
2
3
4
1
  Interval in seconds and spread angle in degrees        
2
  Torpedo model, Serial number, Type warhead        
3
  Set velocity set and running distance        
4
  Set depth        
5
  Set straight distance        
6
  a) right or left        b) short or long        
7
  Pistol number, Type of adaptation        
8
  Setting of Magnetic firing switch (on or off)        
9
  Small test:   When? (met: +, did not meet: 0, not conducted: no)        
10
  Designation        
11
  Ejection method        
12
  Own speed        
13
  Own course        
14
  Relative bearing to the target        
15
  Firing angle        
16
  Targeting, optics and computer        
17
  Aim point        
18
  Torpedo course        
19
  Set firing data:    Enemy speed = . . . . . .        Target angle γ =  . . . . . .        Leading angle β = . . . . . .
20
  Depth at the shot (only for U-boats)        
21
  State of trim at the shot (by ship etc. heeling at the shot)        
22
  Range: a) estimated, b) adjusted, c) Torp. running time        
23
  Torpedo declination and run        
24
  Shot while turning or on steady course        
25
  Gyro angle in color and degrees (torpedo course right or left of the bow - relative)        
26
  For G7e:        
    a)  Last charging before firing        
  b)  Acid temperature at firing per firing table

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   
 

     
     
  Approach sketch with firing diagram:  1.)  How was firing data acquired?  2.)  Special observations.  3.)  Defence,  4.)  Explanation for miss,  5.)  Reason that "MZ-off" was used or that the "small test" was not performed before firing,  6.)  Enemy's actions before firing (depth charges - aircraft bombs)  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  1.) Effect on the target,  2.)  Height and appearance of the explosive column,  3.)  Time to completely sink,  4.)  Observations in own boat.  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
              Signature of the shooter                                         Signature of the Commander - certified to be correct  
 
 
  Analysis of the Torpedo Inspectorate  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   

 

   
 

Key and Notes

Line No.
German
English
Notes
1
Zeittakt in sec und
Streuwinkel in Graden
Time interval in seconds and spread angle in degrees
For Fan Shots, the time interval in seconds between successive torpedo firings and the angle between the torpedoes fired.
2
Torpedo Art, Nummer, Kopfart
Torpedo Type,
Serial Number, Warhead type
Throughout the war there were two basic types of torpedoes (G7a and G7e). Torpedoes were further described by designation (TI, TII, TIII, TIIIa, TI Fat I, TIII Fat II, TI Lut I, TIIIa Lut I, TIV, TV etc.
3
Torpedo Vt und eingestellte Laufstrecke
Torpedo Set velocity set and running distance
Speed settings in knots and resulting running distance (typically 30 knots/12000 m or 40 knots/7500 m for G7a and 30 knots/5000 m for G7e) (30 k = 15.43 m/s; 40 k = 20.58 m/s)
4
Torpedo Eingestellte
Tiefe
Torpedo Set depth
Running depth setting in meters (0-12 and later 0-15 meters in one meter increments)
5
Fat Eingestellte Geradeauslaufstrecke
Fat Set straight course distance
Distance that the Fat travelled on a straight course after making the initial turn on leaving the tube
6
Fat a) rechts od. links b) kurz od. lang
Fat a) right or left b) short or long
a) The direction of the second turn at the end of the straight run, b) the length of subsequent straight courses, could be set to short: 820 m, or long: 1500 m, resulting in a speed of advance of 5 or 7 knots.
7
Pistol Pi, Art, Nummer
Pistol Type, Serial number
Pistol (detonator) at the start of the war was the Pi I which contained both contact and magnetic elements.  These were frequently identified as being set for contact detonation only (AZ) or magnetic detonation only (MZ) and lines 8 & 9 left unused. Due to problems with both the contact and magnetic elements a series of adaptations were introduced for example: A+B+N. The Pi G7H (Pi H) was a contact only version of the Pi I. The Pi 2 with both contact and magnetic elements was introduced in November 1942 for use on the G7e only and the Pi3/MZ 3 with both contact and magnetic elements was introduced in August 1943. The T IV employed the contact only Pi 4a and the T V employed the TZ 5 / Pi 4s/c combination (magnetic and contact).
8
Pistol Stellung des MZ-Schalters ("ein" od. "aus")
Pistol Setting of Magnetic firing switch (on or off)
Magnetic firing was selected "on" or "off" and magnetic sensitivity (zone 0 to 16 or 0 to 64) could be set
9
Pistol Kleine Prüfung: Wann? (erfüllt: + nicht erfüllt: 0, nicht ausgeführt: nein)
Pistol Small test: When? (met: +, did not meet: 0, not conducted: no)
The details of this test are currently unknown.
10
Rohr Bezeichnung
Tube Designation
The tube from which the torpedo was launched (Roman numerals were used - I-IV forward and V and VI aft)
11
Rohr Ausstoßart
Tube Ejection method
Whether the torpedo was fired on the surface (über wasser) or submerged (ünter wasser) - On the surface the torpedo was usually fired (ohne Kolben (o.K.) - Without piston) by compressed air between the torpedo and the piston leaving the piston in place behind the torpedo; submerged the torpedo was usually fired (mit Kolben (m.K.) - With piston) by compressed air behind the piston forcing the piston and the torpedo down the tube. When the piston reached the end of the tube it stopped thus preventing the compressed air from escaping and leaving bubbles to mark the firing location - sometimes the pressure used to expel the torpedo was noted in kg/cm2
12
Beim Schuß Eigene Fahrt
At firing Own speed
U-boat speed in knots
13
Beim Schuß Eigener Kurs
At firing Own course
U-boat course in degrees
14
Beim Schuß Schiffspeilung
At firing Relative bearing to the target
Target bearing relative to the bow of the boat in degrees (0-359) (symbol = psi - φ)
15
Beim Schuß Schußwinkel
At firing Firing angle
Torpedo course relative to the boat's heading in degrees (0-359) (symbol = sigma - ς)
16
Zielstelle, Ziel- und
Rechengerät
Targeting Device, Optics and Computer
What device was used to gather the targeting data and compute the firing solution. Options on the surface included: bridge/T.U.Z.A. (Torpedounterwasser-zielapparat) later U.Z.O. (U-Boot-Ziel-Optik), the Peildiopter (telescope fitted over the gyro compass), or simply the netzsage (net cutter); submerged either the conning tower/attack periscope (Angriffssehrohr (ASR) or just Standsehrohr) or control room/search/sky observation periscope (Luftzielsehrohr (LZSR)). The torpedo data computer was known as the eVorhaltrechner (T.vh.Re or T.v.Re.)
17
Abkommpunkt
Aim point
The aim point on the target ship, for example: mitte = center, Brücke = bridge
18
Torpedokurs
Torpedo course
The course of the torpedo in degrees
19
Eingestellte Schußunterlagen Vg = γ = β =
Set firing data: Vg =, γ (gamma) =, β (beta) =
The data that was input into the torpedo data computer:
Vg = target velocity in knots
γ = gamma - target angle in degrees
β = beta - leading angle in degrees
20
Tauchtiefe beim Schuß (nur bei U-Booten)
Depth at firing (only in U-boats)
U-Boat depth at firing measured at the keel in meters
21
Lastigkeit beim Schuß (bei Schiffen usw. Krängung beim Schuß)
Trim at firing (heeling angle)
Bow up (Vorlastigkeit) = + m, bow down = - m, an even keel (Nullastig)
22
Entfernung: a) geschätzt b) eingest. c) Laufzeit d. Torp.
Range: a) estimated b) adjusted c) running time of the torpedo
A. Estimated range (Entfernung (E)) to the target in meters.
B. Adjusted range - the computed range based on the actual running time of the torpedo and the torpedo speed.
C. Actual running time of the torpedo (Laufzeit) – measured in minutes and / or seconds.
23
Torpedoniedergang und Lauf
Torpedo declination and Run
Plus or minus angle in degrees the torpedo varied from the expected torpedo course and any malfunctions (failure to run, tube runner or circle runner)
24
Schuß im Abdrehen oder auf geraden Kurs
Fired on changing or steady course
The torpedo data computer accounted for the changing course of the boat during firing
25
Eingestellter Winkel
nach Farbe u. Graden
Gyro angle in color and degrees
color and degrees
The angle in color and degrees the torpedo was set for (relative to the U-Boat), color refers to the international standard for navigation which is Red (rot) = Port (Left), and Green (grün) = Starboard (Right).  Torpedoes could turn up to 90 degrees on leaving the tube.
26
Bei G7e: a) letzte Nachladung vor dem Schuß: b) Säuretemperat beim Schuß gem. Schußtafel:
For G7e: a) last charging before firing b) Acid temperature at firing per firing table
This only concerns the battery powered G7e torpedoes. These torpedoes had to be charged every few days preheated to +30 degrees C before firing if they were to achieve their maximum range of 5,000 meters (7,500 meters for the T IIIa) at 30 knots. Without preheating speed was reduced to 28 knots and range to 3300 meters (4,950 meters for the T IIIa).

Torpedo firing reports from U-628's 3rd war patrol
Torpedo firing reports from U-435's 7th war patrol


Torpedo Firing Report form used for T V torpedoes from 1944 onwards

Schußmeldung für Wendeschießen = Firing report for reversal-shooting - The term Wendeschuß [reversal-shot] is used in firing reports and KTBs to refer to the firing of acoustic torpedoes.  The term may have been derived from the idea that acoustic torpedoes were intended to counter escort vessels, turning the tactical situation in favor of the U-boat.

     
     
 
Block No.  . . . . . . . . . .                                             Page  . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
     (Shooting Vessel)    (Rank, Name and Official Position of the Shooter)
Date:  . . . . . . . . . . . .                       Position:   . . . . . . . . .. .                           Time of firing : . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
Water depth:  . . . . . . . . . .      Weather:  . . . . . . . . . . .        Visibility:  . . . . . . . . . .       Wind:  . . . . . . . . . . .
 
Sea State:  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                                          Swell: (Direction and height)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
T a r g e t:  (single or convoy)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                                                           (Name)                    (Size)                      (Length)               (Draft)
                 In convoy:  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                                                                   (Size of the visible gaps between vessels)
State of loading and cargo:  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
. . . . . . . .  Hits . . . . . . . .  Misses . . . . . . . .  Failures . . . . . . . .  Attack shots . . . . . . . .  Finishing shots
 
     
 
Line No.
 
1
2
3
4
1
  Torpedo model, Serial number        
2
  Set guidance and running distance        
3
  Set depth        
4
  Serial number        
5
  Designation        
6
  Ejection method        
7
  Own speed        
8
  Own course        
9
  Relative bearing to the target        
10
  Firing angle        
11
  Targeting, optics and computer        
12
  Aim point        
13
  Torpedo course        
14
  Set firing data:    Enemy speed = . . . . . .        Target angle γ =  . . . . . .        Leading angle β = . . . . . .
15
  Depth and state of trim at firing        
16
  Range: a) estimated, b) adjusted, c) Torp. running time        
17
  Shot while turning or on steady course        
18
  Gyro angle in color and degrees (torpedo course right or left of the bow - relative)        
19
  Last charging before firing        
20
  Acid temperature at firing        
21
  Water temperature at firing        
22
  What were the conditions at the reversal-shooting?        
23
  Was strong sunlight present?        
24
  Aircraft bombs or depth charges before firing or during approach:        
25
  Behavior of the boat after firing        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   
 

     
     
 

1.  Tactical picture at the time of firing.  2.  How was firing data acquired?  3.  Special observations, defense.  4.  Explanation for miss.  5.  Did the opponent change course between shot and hit?  6.  Was the target aimed at hit?  7.  Was another target hit?  How was it positioned in relation to the target aimed at?  8.  Position of the hit (relative to the ship).  9.  Effect on the target, explosive pillar, observations in own boat.  10.  Aircraft bombs or depth charges before the shot or during the approach.

 
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  Analysis of the Torpedo Inspectorate  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   

 

   
 

Key and Notes

Line No.
German
English
Notes
1
Torpedo Art, Nummer
Torpedo Type,
Serial Number
Presumably only used for T IV and T V
2
Torpedo Eingestellte Steuerung u. Laufstrecke
Torpedo Set guidance and running distance
The T V could be fired as a straight running torpedo or as an acoustic homing torpedo
3
Torpedo Eingestellte
Tiefe
Torpedo Set depth
Running depth setting in meters (0-12 and later 0-15 meters in one meter increments)
4
Pistol  Nummer
Pistol Serial number
The T IV employed the contact only Pi 4a and the T V employed the TZ 5 / Pi 4 combination (magnetic and contact).
5
Rohr Bezeichnung
Tube Designation
The tube from which the torpedo was launched (Roman numerals were used - I-IV forward and V and VI aft)
6
Rohr Ausstoßart
Tube Ejection method
Whether the torpedo was fired on the surface (über wasser) or submerged (ünter wasser) - On the surface the torpedo was usually fired (ohne Kolben (o.K.) - Without piston) by compressed air between the torpedo and the piston leaving the piston in place behind the torpedo; submerged the torpedo was usually fired (mit Kolben (m.K.) - With piston) by compressed air behind the piston forcing the piston and the torpedo down the tube. When the piston reached the end of the tube it stopped thus preventing the compressed air from escaping and leaving bubbles to mark the firing location - sometimes the pressure used to expel the torpedo was noted in kg/cm2
7
Beim Schuß Eigene Fahrt
At firing Own speed
U-boat speed in knots
8
Beim Schuß Eigener Kurs
At firing Own course
U-boat course in degrees
9
Beim Schuß Schiffspeilung
At firing Relative bearing to the target
Target bearing relative to the bow of the boat in degrees (0-359) (symbol = psi - φ)
10
Beim Schuß Schußwinkel
At firing Firing angle
Torpedo course relative to the boat's heading in degrees (0-359) (symbol = sigma - ς)
11
Zielstelle, Ziel- und
Rechengerät
Targeting Device, Optics and Computer
What device was used to gather the targeting data and compute the firing solution. Options on the surface included: bridge/T.U.Z.A. (Torpedounterwasser-zielapparat) later U.Z.O. (U-Boot-Ziel-Optik), the Peildiopter (telescope fitted over the gyro compass), or simply the netzsage (net cutter); submerged either the conning tower/attack periscope (Angriffssehrohr (ASR) or just Standsehrohr) or control room/search/sky observation periscope (Luftzielsehrohr (LZSR)). The torpedo data computer was known as the eVorhaltrechner (T.vh.Re or T.v.Re.)
12
Abkommpunkt
Aim point
The aim point on the target ship, for example: mitte = center, Brücke = bridge
13
Torpedokurs
Torpedo course
The course of the torpedo in degrees
14
Eingestellte Schußunterlagen Vg = γ = β =
Set firing data: Vg =, γ (gamma) =, β (beta) =
The data that was input into the torpedo data computer:
Vg = target velocity in knots
γ = gamma - target angle in degrees
β = beta - leading angle in degrees
15
Tauchtiefe beim Schuß
Depth at firing
U-Boat depth at firing measured at the keel in meters
16
Entfernung: a) geschätzt b) eingest. c) Laufzeit d. Torp.
Range: a) estimated b) adjusted c) running time of the torpedo
A. Estimated range (Entfernung (E)) to the target in meters.
B. Adjusted range - the computed range based on the actual running time of the torpedo and the torpedo speed.
C. Actual running time of the torpedo (Laufzeit) – measured in minutes and / or seconds.
17
Schuß im Abdrehen oder auf geraden Kurs
Fired on changing or steady course
The torpedo data computer accounted for the changing course of the boat during firing
18
Eingestellter Winkel
nach Farbe u. Graden
Gyro angle in color and degrees
color and degrees
The angle in color and degrees the torpedo was set for (relative to the U-Boat), color refers to the international standard for navigation which is Red (rot) = Port (Left), and Green (grün) = Starboard (Right).  Torpedoes could turn up to 90 degrees on leaving the tube.
19
Letzte Nachladung vor dem Schuß
Latest charging before firing
These only concerns the battery powered G7e torpedoes. These torpedoes had to be charged every few days preheated to +30 degrees C before firing if they were to achieve their maximum range of 5,700 meters at 24 knots.
20
Säuretemperat beim Schuß
Temperature of acid before firing
21
Wassertemperatur beim Schuß
Water temperature at firing
22
Wie waren die Bedingungen für Wendeschießen?
What were the conditions at the reversal-shooting?
The tactical situation.
23
Lag starke Sonneneinstrahlung vor?
Was strong sunlight present?
24
Fliebo-oder Waboeinwirkung vor dem Schuß bzw. Anmarschweg:
Aircraft bombs or depth charges before firing or during the approach
25
Verhalten des Bootes nach dem Schuß
Behavior of the boat after firing
Typically the boat would go deep.

Torpedo firing reports from U-967's 3rd war patrol
Torpedo firing reports from U-952's 4th war patrol