Which fitting is designed to resist direct impact of projectiles?

• A. 9 O'Clock
• B. 3 O'Clock
• C. 12 O'Clock
• D. 6 O'Clock

Answer: (C)

The fitting at the top position is designed to resist direct projectile impact. In naval damage control, fittings that face overhead are built with heavier backing, stronger materials, and added protective features to keep the space beneath watertight and secure if a projectile strikes directly from above. This orientation concentrates protection where a direct hit would do the most harm, so the overhead (12 o’clock) fitting is the one engineered for that kind of direct impact resistance. The side fittings aren’t required to take a direct hit as often, so they’re generally reinforced for other loads, not direct penetration.