Torpedo tube

[1] There are two main types of torpedo tube: underwater tubes fitted to submarines and some surface ships, and deck-mounted units (also referred to as torpedo launchers) installed aboard surface vessels.

Speed is a desirable feature of a torpedo loading system, but safety is paramount.

Prior to the Ohio class, US SSBNs utilized manual block and tackle which took about 15 minutes to load a tube.

SSNs prior to the Seawolf class used a hydraulic system that was much faster and safer in conditions where the ship needed to maneuver.

[citation needed][clarification needed] The German Type 212 submarine uses a new development of the water ram expulsion system, which ejects the torpedo with water pressure to avoid acoustic detection.

Torpedo tubes of the French SNLE Redoutable : French submarines use pistons to push the torpedo outside the tube, instead of blowing it out with compressed air.
A simplified diagram of a submarine torpedo tube
Submarine torpedo tube breech doors of USS Nautilus in their closed position
MU90 Impact triple launcher onboard F221 Hessen , a modern Sachsen -class frigate of the German Navy
Rear torpedo tube of a former German Jaguar class Schnellboot ( MTB )
The French destroyer Kersaint prepares to launch a torpedo in 1970
Torpedo tubes on the nuclear submarine Pacific Fleet