 Siluro San Bartolomeo | |
| History | |
|---|---|
_crowned.svg) | |
| Name | Siluro San Bartolomeo |
| Commissioned | 1943 |
| General characteristics | |
| Length | 6,77m |
| Propulsion | 7.5 HP Motor |
| Speed | 2.3–4 Knots |
| Armament | Normal: explosives charge 300 kg Version 2: 400 kg Version 3: Double 180/200 kg charge |
TheSiluro San Bartolomeo (St. Bartholomew Torpedo) was an Italianhuman torpedo designed during World War II, used by theDecima Flottiglia MAS for commando style operations. Some limitations had been noticed when using theSiluro Lenta Corsa (also known asMaiale)human torpedo, demonstrating the need for an updated version. The project was managed and developed by the engineer of the Genio Naval, MayorMario Masciulli, with the help of CaptainG.N Travaglino and engineerGuido Cattaneo. The improvement in the materials available for the assembly and parallel new technologies led to a far superior product to its precursor.
Just three Siluro San Bartolomeo had been manufactured before the date of theArmistice between Italy and Allied armed forces; two remained inLa Spezia and one which was sent toVenice was found at the end of the war. Both ofLa Spezia were consigned to the La Castagna Task Force, an old battery of theDecima Flottiglia MAS under the command of LieutenantAugusto Jacobacci (Siluro San Bartolomeo pilot). Those had been designated to attackGibraltar, but the action was suspended with the armistice. Only three specimens were fielded before the armistice.[1]
