Exploring WWII Naval Ordnance: Hydrostatic Pistol Mark 7 Double Star

💣Depth charges were developed during WWI and remained the primary means of attacking submerged submarines in WWII.

⚙️The Mark 7 double star hydrostatic pistol was used in anti-submarine warfare for setting off depth charges.

🔧Depth charges were not intended as precision weapons, but rather area effect weapons.

🌊Depth charges were designed to damage a submarine's hull, either sinking it or forcing it to the surface.

💥The hydrostatic pistol controlled the depth at which the depth charge detonated.

What is the purpose of a depth charge?

—The purpose of a depth charge is to damage submarines, either sinking them or forcing them to the surface for further attack.

How did depth charges work?

—A depth charge consists of a drum full of explosives which can be dropped from a ship, launched from a discharger, or dropped from an aircraft. The charge sinks to a certain depth, and the hydrostatic pistol sets off the explosion.

Were depth charges accurate?

—No, depth charges were not intended as precision weapons. They were area effect weapons designed to damage submarines through the cumulative effects of multiple detonations.

What were the different versions of the Mark 7 depth charge?

—The Mark 7 had several versions, including the heavy variant with added weight, the airborne variant with fairings, and the magnetic variant. The maximum operating depth was initially 300 ft, later extended to 500 ft.

What is the purpose of the hydrostatic pistol?

—The hydrostatic pistol controls the depth at which the depth charge detonates. It is activated by water pressure at a certain depth, setting off the explosion.

01:00Introduction to the hydrostatic pistol Mark 7 double star and its use in anti-submarine warfare.

03:15Explanation of the purpose and tactical use of depth charges in damaging submarines.

05:30Overview of the Mark 7 depth charge and its explosive charge options.

08:30Detailed description of the hydrostatic pistol and its role in controlling the depth charge detonation.

11:00Discussion of the different versions of the Mark 7 depth charge and their characteristics.