1944

Japan fielded the "Kaiten" ("Turning of the Heavens") suicide torpedo, incorporating elements of the 24-inch, 40-knot version of the "Long Lance" with a control compartment into which the pilot was locked. Range: not more than five hours, no matter what. "Kaiten" were carried into battle by I-class submarines; the record is ambiguous. A fairly large number of "Kaiten" were sent into action; one American tanker and a small landing ship were sunk, perhaps also a destroyer escort, and two transports were damaged.

http://www.submarine-history.com/NOVAfour.htm

http://www.combinedfleet.com/kaiten.htm

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