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Equip your 1/48 scale WWII naval aircraft models with authentic aerial torpedoes from MPM Hobbies. This specialized collection features precision 3D-printed resin replicas of the Mark 13 aerial torpedo, the primary air-launched torpedo for United States naval aviation throughout World War II, deployed from carrier-based torpedo bombers including the TBF Avenger, TBD Devastator, and PBY Catalina, manufactured with accurate streamlined body, propeller assembly, stabilizing tail fins, and suspension lugs for authentic Pacific Theater aircraft loadouts.
MPM Hobbies delivers museum-quality aerial torpedo replicas for 1/48 scale World War II naval aviation modeling, featuring the Mark 13 aerial torpedo, the most widely used air-launched torpedo in U.S. Navy service during WWII. The Mark 13 represented a significant advancement in aerial torpedo technology, featuring a streamlined design that allowed carriage by carrier-based torpedo bombers at higher speeds than previous torpedo designs. Measuring 13 feet 5 inches in length and weighing approximately 2,200 pounds including the 600-pound Torpex high-explosive warhead, the Mark 13 could be dropped from altitudes up to 800 feet at speeds approaching 300 knots, providing torpedo bomber crews with greater tactical flexibility and improved survival rates compared to the low-altitude, slow-speed drops required by earlier torpedo designs. The weapon entered service in 1938 and underwent continuous refinement throughout the war, with later variants featuring improved stabilization systems, wooden nose rings to reduce water entry impact, and drag rings to slow the torpedo during water entry and prevent structural damage.
The Mark 13 aerial torpedo saw extensive combat service throughout the Pacific Theater, deployed from Grumman TBF Avenger torpedo bombers operating from aircraft carriers, Douglas TBD Devastator torpedo bombers during the early war period including the Battle of Midway, Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boats conducting anti-shipping patrols and strikes, and land-based patrol bombers including the Lockheed PV-1 Ventura and PV-2 Harpoon. The torpedo proved particularly effective during major naval engagements including the Battle of Midway where TBD Devastators armed with Mark 13 torpedoes conducted heroic attacks against the Japanese carrier fleet, the Battle of the Philippine Sea where TBF Avengers used Mark 13 torpedoes against Japanese warships, and the Battle of Leyte Gulf where torpedo-armed aircraft contributed to the destruction of Japanese naval forces. Beyond carrier operations, PBY Catalinas equipped with Mark 13 torpedoes conducted successful night attacks against Japanese shipping throughout the Southwest Pacific, sinking numerous cargo vessels, destroyers, and submarines. The torpedo remained in U.S. Navy service through the immediate postwar period before being superseded by more advanced homing torpedoes in the 1950s.
The Mark 13 featured several distinctive design characteristics that MPM Hobbies captures in precise detail. The streamlined cylindrical body measured 22.4 inches in diameter and featured a smooth external surface with minimal protrusions to reduce drag during flight and water entry. The nose section housed the contact exploder mechanism and impact fuze, with later variants incorporating wooden nose rings that cushioned water entry impact and improved reliability. The warhead section contained 600 pounds of Torpex high explosive, providing devastating destructive power against warship hulls and merchant vessel structures. The afterbody section housed the propulsion system including compressed air flasks, turbine engine, and fuel tanks that powered the torpedo to speeds of 33.5 knots for ranges up to 6,300 yards. The tail section featured cruciform stabilizing fins in a distinctive shrouded configuration that provided directional stability during flight and water travel, along with the contra-rotating propeller assembly that eliminated torque effects and improved straight-line running characteristics. Suspension lugs positioned along the torpedo body allowed secure attachment to aircraft bomb racks, with quick-release mechanisms enabling clean separation during launch.
The Mark 13 aerial torpedo is manufactured by MPM Hobbies using advanced 3D-printing technology that captures microscopic details impossible with traditional injection molding. The streamlined cylindrical body features accurately scaled diameter and length proportions matching technical specifications, smooth external surfaces replicating the polished metal finish of operational torpedoes, detailed panel lines showing access hatches and inspection covers, and suspension lug installations positioned according to historical references. The nose section displays the characteristic rounded profile with optional wooden nose ring detail for late-war variants, detailed contact exploder housing, and impact fuze mechanism components. The tail section showcases the distinctive shrouded fin configuration with four stabilizing fins at correct angles and spacing, detailed contra-rotating propeller assembly with individual blade definition, propeller hub mechanism showing the gearing system, and authentic surface details including serial number plates and stenciled markings. The overall surface texture replicates the combination of smooth polished areas and rougher cast metal sections found on actual Mark 13 torpedoes, providing an authentic foundation for painting and weathering. This set includes 2 torpedoes, providing sufficient ordnance for realistic weapons loads on single-engine torpedo bombers or for building multiple aircraft models.
The Mark 13 aerial torpedo is appropriate for any U.S. Navy or Marine Corps aircraft that carried aerial torpedoes during WWII and the immediate postwar period. Primary applications include Grumman TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bombers in various configurations from early-war natural metal finishes through late-war tri-color camouflage schemes, Douglas TBD Devastator torpedo bombers representing the Battle of Midway and early Pacific campaigns, Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boats configured for torpedo attacks with black night-fighter schemes or standard patrol camouflage, and land-based patrol bombers including the Lockheed PV-1 Ventura and PV-2 Harpoon. The torpedoes can be displayed mounted under aircraft fuselages or wings showing pre-mission configuration, positioned on carrier deck dollies during ordnance handling operations, or arranged in weapons storage areas for diorama scenes. The resin material accepts paint readily, allowing modelers to replicate authentic torpedo finishes including overall dark gray or olive drab paint schemes, natural metal surfaces on early-war examples, or weathered operational finishes showing salt corrosion and handling wear. Detailed painting of the propeller assembly, suspension lugs, and tail fin mechanisms adds visual interest and authenticity to the finished model.
Pair these aerial torpedoes with complementary MPM Hobbies ordnance to create comprehensive WWII naval aviation displays. Explore 1/48 MPM Bombs for general purpose bombs including AN-M64 500-lb and AN-M65 1000-lb bombs carried alongside torpedoes on strike missions, 1/48 Rocket Pods for HVAR rockets used by TBF Avengers in ground attack roles, 1/48 MPM Mines for aerial mines deployed by patrol aircraft, and 1/48 Fixed Weapons for machine guns and defensive armament. Whether building a TBF Avenger preparing for a torpedo strike against Japanese carriers during the Battle of the Philippine Sea, a TBD Devastator from VT-8 during the heroic attacks at Midway, a PBY Catalina configured for night torpedo attacks against Japanese shipping in the Southwest Pacific, or a carrier deck diorama showing ordnance crews loading Mark 13 torpedoes onto waiting Avengers, MPM Hobbies provides the authentic aerial torpedoes that bring WWII naval aviation history to life on your workbench. Visit MPM Hobbies on Scalemates for complete product specifications and historical references.
