Round metal object at the bow of the Bismarck

BB_57 · Post by **BB_57** » Thu Jun 16, 2005 4:27 pm

The Bow of the Bismarck towards the bottom had a round metal object that could project outwards. What was it used for? Any close up photos of this thing? Was it ever used?

tommy303 · Post by **tommy303** » Thu Jun 16, 2005 8:18 pm

Curiously, Bismarck was outfitted for minesweeping and the protrusion of which you speak was the extendable boom to which the paravanes were attached. The pravanes themselves were stored to the sides of the forward lower superstructure.

thomas

Ulrich Rudofsky · Post by **Ulrich Rudofsky** » Thu Jun 16, 2005 10:15 pm

http://forum.schlachtschiff.com/topic.a ... hichpage=2

"Josef" posted a very nice sketch of the BISMARCK's rig for the bowsprit and paravane anti-mine defense system, at the site above;
Otter=paravane
Sägeleinen=cutting [saw] cables
Bugspiere=bowsprit
Wabo=depth charge [water bombs]
Ablaufrüsten=launching skids

Post by **José M. Rico** » Wed Jun 22, 2005 1:30 pm

Here are a couple of photos:

Bismarck with the straight stem during her launching on 14 February 1939.

Bismarck with the new "Atlantic" bow inside floating dry dock No. V-VI in Hamburg, June-July 1940.