What does a torpedoe ship do?

Torpedo ships are traditionally called "torpedo boats." They were developed in the late 19th century (1870's) and were less than 200 feet long; launching a torpedo from atop it's deck as the boat raced towards it's target. By the 1880's navies began producing "torpedo boat destroyers", a little larger than a torpedo boat and designed to destroy torpedo boats.

By 1905, torpedo boat destroyers were so effective, that they virtually replaced the torpedo boats themselves, and had evolved into being called just DESTROYERS. Destroyers still launched torpedoes from atop their decks, and later were given the added mission of destroying submarines; being equipped with depth charges for that purpose (in addition to their torpedoes).

In all cases, the mission of the torpedo boat or destroyer was sinking enemy vessels with their torpedoes.

Perhaps the greatest achievement of the pioneer torpedo boats (or destroyers) was during the 27 May 1905 battle of Tsushima. During this battle Japanese naval destroyers (or torpedo boats) sank with torpedoes, the already heavily damaged Russian flagship, the battleship Prince Suvorov (Kniaz Suvorov).

First answer by ID0402800107. Last edit by ID0402800107. Question popularity: 1 [recommend question]