1866

Robert Whitehead produces his first prototype in Fiume, Austria.

1868

Depth control mechanism is perfected. Referred to as the ‘Secret’. Purpose built ‘V’ twin engine. Austrian trials.

1870-1871

One 14" & one 16" torpedo brought to Britain by Whitehead. Fired from a ‘Right Ahead’ submerged tube fitted to the iron paddle wheel slope ‘OBERON’. British Government purchase rights to manufacture.

1872

Manufacture of 16" torpedoes commenced in the Royal Laboratory (R L) Department at Woolwich Arsenal.

1874

3 cylinder Peter Brotherhood engine fitted. First firings from broadside submerged tubes.

1875

Contra rotational propellers used. First firings from above water tubes.

1877

Manufacture of 16" torpedoes ceased. Production of 14" RL MK.1 commenced.

1878

‘Blowing Head’ developed to ensure that test torpedoes and those that missed target remained buoyant after run. Principle was adopted for general use about 40 years later.

1879

14" RL MK. 2 appeared. Side suspension of torpedoes in AW tubes introduced. Depth recorders and Holmes Light made their appearance

1881

14" RL MK. 3 in Manufacture.

1882

Air Gun principle of discharge adopted.

1884

14" RL MK. 4 in Manufacture. Changes to the nose design.

1885

Powder impulse first fitted to AW tubes. 14" RL MK. 5 appeared.

1886

A ‘BABY’ 14" was adopted for boat work.

1887

14" RL MK. 6 & MK. 7 introducted. Torpedo production transferred from the Royal Laboratory to the Royal Gun Factory (RGF) Woolwich.

1888

HORSEA Island range opened for running and ranging in the canal at Woolwich Arsenal and the basins at Chatham and Portsmouth ceased.

1889

Hook brackets introduced for broadside submerged tubes.
14" RL MK. 8 produced in large numbers.
Debut of the 18" torpedo.

1892

18" RGF ‘SHORT’ and 18" RGF ‘LONG’ MK.1 in manufacture.

1894

18" MK’s 2 & 3 introduced.
Net cutting pioneer adopted.

1895

14" RGF MK. 9 and RGF 18" MK. 4 in manufacture.

1896

The Whitehead ‘OBRI’ Gyroscope adopted by FUIME.

1898

All new RN torpedoes fitted with Gyro’s.
BINCLEAVES range at Weymouth started.

1899

14" RGF MK. 10 in manufacture.

1900

All older torpedoes fitted with Gyro’s.

1901

18" RGF MK. 5 introduced.
A.W. Pistol ‘Fan Type’ introduced.
Collision heads first issued to Fleet.

1902

Nickel Steel adopted for air vessels.

1903

14" RGF MK. 11 in manufacture.

1906

18" RGF MK. 6 in manufacture.

1908

18" RGF MK. 6* H introduced. The first ‘Wet Heater’ to go into service.

1909

18" RGF MK. 7the first torpedo designed specifically for the Wet Heater.

1910

21"RGF MK’s 1 & 2 were under manufacture.

1910-1912

Torpedo manufacture transferred to the Royal Naval Torpedo Factory (RNTF) in Greenock, Scotland.

1913

18" RNTF MK. 8 introduced.

1916

21" RNTF MK. 4 introduced.

1917

18" RNTF MK. 9 introduced.

1918

21" RNTF MK. 5 introduced.

1924

24.5" MK.1, The first ‘enriched’ air torpedo.

1926

21" RNTF MK. 7 (enriched air ) introduced.

1927

21" RNTF MK. 8 introduced. The first torpedo to use the Peter Brotherhood, ‘Burner Cycle’ Engine.

1930

21" RNTF MK. 9 introduced.

1935

18" RNTF MK.11 introduced.

1936

18" RNTF MK.12 introduced. RNTF Works established at Alexandria, Dunbartonshire. Torpedo Experiment and Design Department formed at Greenock.

1938

Duplex Pistol introduced.

1942

18" MK. 15 introduced.

1943

Torpedo Experiment and Design Department became the Torpedo Experimental Establishment, Greenock.

1944

18" MK. 17 introduced.

1945

21" RNTF MK. 9, The first electric propulsion torpedoes.

1947

Torpedo Experimental Establishment (HMS Vernon) office block occupied.

1951

RNTF transferred from Greenock to Alexandria.

1952

RNTF 18" MK. 30 introduced.

1954

RNTF 21" MK. 20 introduced.

1961

RNTF 21" MK. 23 Started!

1962

Torpedo MK. 44 (UK) Started!

1967

Torpedo 21" MK. 24 Started!

1970

RNTF Closed.