The above illustrations consist of two mechanisms - a Type 94 depth charge thrower, and immediately behind it a depth charge storage rack.

The Type 94 depth charge thrower is what is classically called a Y-gun. The reason for this name is because the thrower is actually a gun with two barrels in the shape of the alphabet Y. The charge for the gun is loaded in the tower located between the two barrels. The hand level directly in front of the chamber is use to select which of the two barrel to fire. When the gun is fired, the explosive force is directed downwards and then into one of the two chambers. This explosive force then is use to eject the depth charge (barrel shape object) and its holder (an empty and unused example is sitting on the floor immediately in front of the gun) upwards. As the depth charge and it holder is thrown away from the ship, the depth charge separates from it holder and enters the water. Sinking to the preset depth, the charge explodes with the intention of damaging or sinking a submerge submarine. The advantage of a Y-gun is that it throws the depth charge far away from the ship thus preventing it from being damage by the exploding charge. This is not a trivial charge as the average depth charge can weight over 500 lbs and hold over 200 lbs of explosive.

Depth charges are lifted and loaded into the storage rack using the small derrick on the right side. The rack holds a total of 6 charges. Position two and five are set up with steel pinch rollers (lighter color objects) which allows the depth charges to be rolled onto holders on the Y-gun. You can see the depth charge on the right gun is in the process of being loaded from the rack. The four remaining depth charges serve as reloads for the weapon.