\Torpedo tube\ (Nav.)
A tube fixed below or near the water line through which a
torpedo is fired, usually by a small charge of gunpowder. On
torpedo vessels the tubes are on deck and usually in
broadside, on larger vessels usually submerged in broadside
and fitted with a movable shield which is pushed out from the
vessel's side to protect the torpedo until clear, but
formerly sometimes in the bow. In submarine torpedo boats
they are in the bow.