COPY
                                                               
                                             February 4, 1942
 
MEMORANDUM  FOR THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE NAVY FOR AIR
 
Subject: Aircraft Torpedoes
 
                1. A number of B-26's have been adapted for torpedo carrying and are shortly to be
sent to the Far East. Can you have the appropriate division in the Navy Department advise us of
the quantity of torpedoes available in the Abda district and the number which you feel can be
delivered to that area monthly.
 
                2. A suggestion has been made by the Production Engineering group at Wright Field
that new facilities for the production of aerial torpedoes be undertaken by the Air Corps. They
have selected two manufacturers whom they feel might be competent to undertake this work. The
reasons for their suggestion are stated to be: a. that the present supply is wholly inadequate, and
b. that the Air Corps is unable to obtain any reliable assurances of a steady, adequate supply. In
addition, there seems to be a feeling that the torpedo might be strengthened in certain respects to
stand increased launching speeds.
 
                Before approving such a project, it seems desirable to get your views on this problem
which appears to me to be one of common concern. My offhand judgment is that it ought to be
quicker, easier and cheaper to expand existing facilities than to create wholly new ones. However,
the need is so great and the shortage seems to be so considerable that perhaps we ought to
introduce new manufacturers in order to develop additional sources of supply.
 
                3. Will you please let me have your views as soon as you conveniently can?
 
 
                                             R.A.L.