Except for on submarines, where there isn’t a deck, deck-launched torpedoes have been normal for about as long as torpedoes have been used. It’s much more of a nuisance to do things underwater than above the surface, so unless you’ve got a good reason, like being a submarine, generally we don’t.
Back when battleships carried torpedoes (WWI era) they were generally launched from underwater tubes. TBF arming battleships with torpedoes was easily one of the worst ideas in military history. It accomplished absolutely nothing (as best I can remember, the only time battleships ever hit another ship with torpedoes was when the already-crippled Bismarck was being demolished by Rodney) and just added large, indivisible spaces prone to asymmetrical flooding as well as more stuff to explode when you’re hit yourself.
Except for on submarines, where there isn’t a deck, deck-launched torpedoes have been normal for about as long as torpedoes have been used. It’s much more of a nuisance to do things underwater than above the surface, so unless you’ve got a good reason, like being a submarine, generally we don’t.
Back when battleships carried torpedoes (WWI era) they were generally launched from underwater tubes. TBF arming battleships with torpedoes was easily one of the worst ideas in military history. It accomplished absolutely nothing (as best I can remember, the only time battleships ever hit another ship with torpedoes was when the already-crippled Bismarck was being demolished by Rodney) and just added large, indivisible spaces prone to asymmetrical flooding as well as more stuff to explode when you’re hit yourself.
Does any benefit at all remain? What about stealth if they somehow have some kind of radar thing?
If you’re a boat that’s close enough to use a torpedo, they know you’re there.