Independent torpedo
The position-independent torpedo (abbreviation: LUT ) was a torpedo development of the Kriegsmarine during World War II .
While the area search torpedo already contained a mechanically programmable steering system, the LUT represented a continuation of this concept by adding a second gyroscope. This eliminated the need to always shoot the torpedo at a right angle to the subsequent search loop. The LUT was position-independent in that it could be set to a fixed course before it was ejected and then steered towards it itself. Previously, torpedoes were only steered gyroscopically onto the target course, which resulted in inaccuracies.
In this way, the torpedo could theoretically even be shot from the bow tubes and still head for targets behind the launching submarine .
LUT versions were developed from the common German torpedo types G7a and G7e. They were available from the beginning of 1944 . Later torpedo developments were also planned as LUT versions, and combinations of LUT technology and FAT or acoustic steering (cf. Wren Torpedo ) were also planned.