# U.S. NAVY TORPEDO PROPELLANT RESEARCH & OTTO FUEL II 58814

This film profiles Dr. Otto Reitlinger and the Otto Fuel II monopropellant he developed, which is used to drive torpedoes and other weapon systems. The film touches on the safety issues affiliated with the fuel and potential ill effects from exposure to the product. It features extensive footage inside the Naval Propellants Plant of the Bureau of Naval Weapons, located at Indian Head, Maryland. Otto fuel II, or just 'Otto fuel,' was a mixture of propylene glycol dinitrate (the explosive fuel), dibutyl sebacate (a desensitizing additive) and 2-nitrodiphenylamine (a stabilizer). Mixed together, they form a relatively stable (if toxic) oily substance. It does not throw off fumes, being oily (sebacate) and in liquid form is resistant to fire. However, if the fuel is vaporized, the stabilizer and desensitizer will separate from the propellant, which is then unstable enough to decompose violently, releasing energy. One of its reaction products is hydrogen cyanide, which is horribly toxic; as a result, torpedos which accidentally 'run hot' inside submarines will release highly toxic fumes into the boat which must be contained and vented. At 2:43 , various weapons that use the Otto Fuel II are shown including submarine dropped torpedoes at 3:00 . At 3:10 a rocket motor is tested at the Naval Propellant Lab. At 4:30 , torpedo fuel tanks are shock tested to show the stability of Otto Fuel, and at 4:51 it proves difficult to ignite when contacted with open flames. At 8:00 , Otto Fuel…

- Kind: Film
- Genres: Industrial and advertising
- Archive: [Internet Archive](https://archive.org/details/58814OttoFuelII)
- Licence or status: none stated by the archive
- Who can watch: Tweens profiles and older (the archive gives no rating; placed by Invisible Network from its collection and subjects)

[Watch now](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/watch/archive/ia/58814OttoFuelII?play=1)