Mark VII depth charge
| Mark VII depth charge | |
|---|---|
 A Mk VII depth charge being loaded onto a Mk IV depth charge thrower onboard the Flower-class corvette HMS Dianthus. | |
| Type | Depth charge |
| Place of origin | UK |
| Service history | |
| In service | Mark VII depth charge:1939-unknown |
| Wars | World War II |
| Production history | |
| Variants | Mark VII heavy and Mark VII Airborne depth charge |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 420 lb (190 kg) |
| Filling weight | 290 lb (130 kg) TNT |
The Mark VII depth charge was the standard British depth charge for the first three years of World War II[1][2]
Development
[edit]The Mark VII depth charge most likely has its roots in British depth charges developed and used during World War I.[1]
Service
[edit]The Mark VII depth charge was the primary British anti-submarine weapon until 1944 when the anti-submarine projectile launchers the Hedgehog spigot mortar and Squid three-barrelled mortar introduced in 1943 and 1944 proved more effective.[1] In 1939 this was the only anti-submarine weapon available to British surface ships.[1]
Variants
[edit]- Mark VII heavy
- Introduced in 1940. A 150 lb (68 kg) cast iron weight was attached to increase sinking rate. [1]
- Mark VII Airborne depth charge
- Introduced in 1941, this was the Mark VII depth charge adapted for use from aircraft. Had nose and tail fairings that broke off when it hit the water. [1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f "United Kingdom / Britain ASW Weapons". www.navweapons.com. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
- ^ "War museum Canada mk VII depth charge".
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