TORPEDO VESSELS, BOATS, AND SUBMARINE BOATS.
_EMPLOYMENT of Torpedo Ships._--Torpedo ships, that is to say,
sea-going vessels, very fast, handy and impregnable, specially
designed to carry and operate offensive submarine weapons, such as
locomotive, towing, and the spar torpedoes, especially the former, are
now considered as a necessary and valuable adjunct to a fleet, their
special work being to give the coup de grâce to disabled ironclads
in a general action; they will also be used to attack the ships of
a blockading force, and against rival torpedo vessels. As a general
rule these torpedo ships will be armed with the ram and torpedoes
only, heavy guns being dispensed with, though the Nordenfelt and other
machine guns will be considered necessary.
_The German Torpedo Vessel Uhlan._--This torpedo vessel was built in
Germany by the Stettin Engine Company, and launched in 1876.
She is armed with a contact torpedo charged with dynamite carried on a
10-foot ram, lying deeply under the water line. To protect the vessel
from the effects of the discharge of the torpedo, she is built with two
complete parts, sliding one within the other, and having a considerable
extent of intermediate space between them. This space is filled with a
tough and elastic material (cork and marine glue), which even in the
case of the bows being carried away, would afford a second line of
resistance. The _Uhlan_ carries an engine of one thousand indicated
horse power. The steam is supplied by Belleville's tubular generator.
These engines occupy by far the greater space of the vessel, only a
very small portion being left for her crew and coal. This great power
of the engines is necessitated by the fact that she has to be driven
at a very high speed, at the same time she has a very great draught,
also the greatest facility of steering has to be attained; hence the
proportion of width to length, 25 to 70 feet. In order to save the
crew at the worst, a raft is constructed, which is also filled with a
mixture of cork and marine glue, and is placed near the helm. The mode
of operating with the _Uhlan_ is as follows:--
The dynamite torpedo is affixed to the point of the ram by the aid of
divers. The rudder is then fixed, and the crew opening a wide port on
the vessel's side, jump on the aforesaid raft. The steamer then rushes
forward, and explodes its torpedo in contact with the hostile vessel.
The crew hold on to the torpedo ship, and in case she is not injured
board her again and repeat the manoeuvre, if necessary.[M]
This is a novel form of torpedo boat, but does not seem to be a very
practicable method of torpedo attack.
_Admiral Porter's Torpedo Ship Alarm._--The _Alarm_ torpedo ship was
built from plans designed by Admiral David D. Porter, U.S.N. Her
total length, which includes a ram 32 feet long, is 172 feet; her
beam is 27 feet 6 inches, and her draught of water is 11 feet. She is
built of iron on the bracket plate system, that is to say, she has a
double hull, one shell being constructed inside the other. Her double
bottom is divided into a number of water-tight compartments. The whole
interior of the vessel is also built in compartments, which may be
hermetically closed, so that in case of both the shells being ruptured,
it would still be impossible to fill the entire ship with water. She is
steered by the same apparatus which propels her, viz. the Fowler wheel,
which is illustrated at Fig. 145.
This wheel turns on a vertical shaft, and its paddles are feathered by
an eccentric cam in such a manner that at one part of their revolution
they have a pushing and drawing action on the water, while at another
part they present only their edges. In fact it is simply a feathering
paddle wheel, turned horizontally instead of vertically. By suitably
turning the cam wheel, which is done from the helm, the feathering of
the paddles is caused to occur at different points; and in this way
the vessel may be turned, or rather her stern twisted around, as if
on a pivot. At the same time, by suitably adjusting the paddles, the
ship goes ahead, or astern, the engine meanwhile running in the same
direction.
By the apparatus above described it is considered that the _Alarm_ is
afforded not only a means of speed, but of being handled with the
utmost readiness, which latter is absolutely essential in such a
vessel, as she must always meet her antagonist bows on.
The steering is accomplished from the wheel house located aft on the
deck, or below deck, as all the appliances in the wheel house for
steering, &c., are duplicated below. By means of a hand lever beneath
the wheel, steam is admitted to a small auxiliary engine which works
the cam that adjusts the paddles. Then by turning the horizontal hand
wheel in either direction, the helmsman controls the movement of
the cam, as desired. Just above the wheel is a dial with a pointer,
which enables him to note the position of the paddles, and so adjust
them as ordered. Inside the wheel house there are also devices for
communicating with the men working the bow gun, and with those managing
the torpedoes.
_Her Armament--Engines._--At Fig. 146 is shown the spar and mode of
working it. It consists of a long hollow iron cylinder lying on its
supports between decks. Its outboard end rests in a kind of trough, and
to this extremity the torpedo is fixed. The spar is controlled by means
of tackles and a steam winch. The side spars are 18 feet, and the bow
spar 32 feet in length. If the hostile vessel is defended by torpedo
guards, by means of a mechanical contrivance the torpedo signals the
fact, and is not exploded until the vessel has forced the obstructions.
The engines of the _Alarm_ are compound, with four cylinders, the
condenser being placed between them. There are four cylindrical tubular
boilers with an aggregate heating surface of 4,600 square feet. Her
speed is about 16 knots. Her upper deck is only 3 feet above the water.
She is fitted with an electric light, and also with machine guns on her
broadside.[N]
This is undoubtedly a most formidable vessel, both as a ram and a
torpedo ship, and if capable of performing all that is expected of her,
will prove a valuable addition to the United States Navy.
[Illustration: THE "ALARM" TORPEDO SHIP.
PLATE XLV]
_Captain Ericsson's Torpedo Vessel "Destroyer."_--This torpedo vessel
was devised and built by Captain John Ericsson. The _Destroyer_ is
130 feet long, 11 feet deep, and 12 feet beam, extreme; both ends of
her hull are precisely alike, and terminate with very fine wedges.
The rudder is attached to a vertical wrought iron post welded to a
prolongation of the keel, just abaft the propeller, as shown at Fig.
147. The tillers consist of thin plates of iron riveted on opposite
sides of the rudder, a few inches from its bottom. These tillers are
operated by straight rods connected to the pistons of horizontal
hydraulic cylinders of 5 inches diameter, which are attached to the
sides of the keel. The steering gear by the above arrangement is placed
10 feet below the water line, while the top of the rudder is 6 feet
below the same, and thus perfect security is afforded to this most
important feature of a torpedo vessel. The intention of the designer
in constructing this vessel is to render her so far impregnable, that
in attacking bow on she can defy the opponent's fire, at the same
time offering absolute protection to her commander and steersman, and
also protecting the base of her funnel. The leading feature of the
construction of the hull of the _Destroyer_ is its being provided
with an intermediate curved deck, which extends from stem to stern,
and which is composed of plate iron strongly ribbed, and perfectly
water-tight. This intermediate deck supports a heavy solid armour
plate, fixed transversely to the line of keel, and 32 feet from the
bow, inclined at an angle of 45°, and supported on its after side by
a wood backing 4 feet 6 inches in thickness. Behind this formidable
shield the steering wheel is manipulated, a wire rope extending from
its barrel to a four-way cock placed near the stern, by means of which
water pressure is admitted alternately to the hydraulic cylinders,
previously mentioned, the motion of whose pistons actuate the rudder.
The lower division of the vessel is ventilated by powerful blowers, and
contains the machinery; it also affords a safe retreat for the crew
during the attack. The upper division is filled with blocks of cork,
excepting a small part near the bow, occupied by the aforesaid armour
plate and wood backing.
The deck house is 70 feet long, and composed of plate iron, riveted
water-tight to the upper part of the hull. As there are no openings in
the sides of this deck house, the vessel may be run with her upper deck
under water.
_Armament of the "Destroyer."_--The _Destroyer_ is to be armed with
torpedoes somewhat similar to the projectile torpedo, drawings of
which were submitted by Captain Ericsson, the inventor, to Emperor
Napoleon III. in 1854. The present weapon is composed of a solid block
of light wood, the explosive charge being contained in a metallic
vessel inserted at its forward end. Instead of being circular, as was
the case with the original torpedo, its transverse section is square,
with parallel top and bottom and vertical sides, forming very sharp
wedges at both ends, cased with steel plates. The extreme length of
the _Destroyer_ torpedo is 23 feet. Ignition is effected by means of a
percussion fuze placed in the head of the weapon.
_Operating the Torpedo._--The method of operating the torpedo is that
of inserting it into a horizontal tube near the bottom of the vessel,
provided with valves for keeping out the sea during the process of
insertion, as shown at Fig. 148. When near the hostile vessel, this
valve is opened, and the torpedo expelled by a piston actuated by steam
power, the expulsion being effected without recourse to gunpowder
or other explosive agent. The area of the actuating piston of the
_Destroyer_ is 314 square inches, while the sectional area of the
projectile is only 196 square inches; this difference in size of the
two areas is a special and important feature of the invention, as will
be understood from the following: the tension of the acting medium in
the _Destroyer_ exceeds 200 lbs. per square inch, therefore the torpedo
will be pushed out by a force of (314 × 200) / 196 = 320 lbs. per
square inch, and as the distance passed by the piston while impelling
the torpedo is 30 feet, an energy of nearly 2,000,000 foot-pounds will
be imparted to the projectile.
When making an attack, it is intended that the vessel should at the
instant of firing her torpedo reverse her engines, this retrograde
motion being greatly assisted by the recoil, which must attend the
discharge of a body weighing some 1,400 lbs. impelled by the aforesaid
enormous force, and moving through a distance of 30 feet before
reaching the water.[O]
Certainly this new system of submarine attack seems feasible, but it
has yet to prove, in common with all other new inventions, whether its
theoretical capabilities are also practical ones. At Fig. 149 is shown
a general view of this novel torpedo vessel under weigh.
[Illustration: THE "DESTROYER" TORPEDO SHIP.
PLATE XLVI]
_Torpedo Boats._--In offensive torpedo warfare, whether using the
spar, locomotive, or towing torpedo, especially in the case of the
former class of submarine weapons, to ensure a successful attack it
is absolutely essential to operate those weapons from steam boats,
which are capable of fulfilling as near as possible the conditions
herein enumerated:--
1.--They should be capable of steaming at least 18
knots per hour.
2.--Their engines should be noiseless, and easily
managed.
3.--They should be extremely handy.
4.--No smoke should enable their approach to be
detected, or glare from their fires.
5.--That it should be possible to raise steam in them
in a few minutes.
6.--They should be built in water-tight compartments,
and covered fore and aft to prevent being swamped.
7.--The crews should be protected as far as practicable
from rifle fire.
In addition to the foregoing, for the purpose of rendering these craft
capable of defending themselves against the attack of guard boats, and
also of being employed as such, and on river expeditions, &c., they
should be built sufficiently strong to enable them to carry a small gun
either in the bows or stern; this would apply more especially to those
torpedo boats which are part of a ship's stores.
During the last four years a very large number of torpedo boats have
been built, which more or less fulfil the aforesaid conditions, nearly
the whole of which have been constructed by the two English firms, viz.
Messrs. Thornycroft and Co. and Messrs. Yarrow and Co., and to the
latter firm is due the honour of constructing the fastest vessel as yet
in the world.
Up to the present time, a specially built torpedo boat has on only one
occasion been used on active service, viz. at the attack on a Turkish
monitor on the 20th of June, 1877, which is detailed at length in the
following chapter. This boat was one of Messrs. Thornycroft and Co.'s
launches, and from all accounts she behaved wonderfully well under the
most untoward circumstances.
_Thornycroft Torpedo Launches._--Messrs. Thornycroft and Co., of
Chiswick, London, have during the last six years built a large number
of torpedo launches for the English government and for several of the
principal European governments.
_Norwegian Launch._--The first torpedo boat ever built by this firm was
the one shown at Fig. 150, for the Norwegian government. This boat was
57 feet in length by 7 feet 6 inches beam, drew 3 feet of water, and
the stipulated speed was 16 English statute miles, or nearly 14 knots
per hour; which speed was not to be ascertained by a mere measured mile
trial, but was to be 16 miles through the water in a run of one hour's
duration.
The hull of the vessel was constructed entirely of steel plates and
angle bars, and, as may be seen from the diagram, was divided into six
water-tight compartments, _A_, _B_, _C_, _D_, _E_, _F_.
The compartments marked _A_ and _F_ in the stem and stern were for
stores; those marked _B_ and _E_ were fitted with seats for the crew,
and were provided with movable steel covers, so that on going into
action, or during rough weather, they might be completely covered.
The compartments _C_ and _D_ are for the steersman and the machinery
respectively, and were covered completely by steel plating 3/16 of
an inch in thickness--a thickness sufficient to withstand Snider or
Martini-Henry bullets, fired from a distance of twenty paces.
The compartment _D_ was furnished with a hood, having slits 1/4 of
an inch wide, all round, through which the steersman could see with
sufficient distinctness to direct his course easily. Motion was
communicated from the wheel to the tiller by means of steel wire ropes,
which it was originally intended should be encased in wrought iron
tubes.
The possibility however of these tubes being bent by a shot, and so
jamming the wire ropes, led to this arrangement being abandoned, and
the ropes were simply run through eyes at intervals along the side.
The armament consisted of a cylindro-conical shaped torpedo towed from
the top of the funnel, round which a ring was fitted with two pulleys
for the towing rope, the strain being taken off by means of two stays
attached forward.
The length of this torpedo was 13 feet and the diameter 9 inches, and
with a speed of 11 knots it has diverged to about 40 degrees from the
direction of the boat's motion when running in smooth water.
The torpedo is worked by means of a small winch and brake fixed on
the after part of the engine room skylight; davits are provided for
dropping the torpedo overboard.
The engines were compound, of the usual inverted double cylinder direct
acting type, capable of developing about 90 indicated horse power, and
were fitted with a surface condenser, so that the vessel could run in
salt water, without danger of injuring her boiler.
A small tank contained a supply of fresh water, to make good
deficiencies arising through leakage, and from steam escaping at the
safety valves, &c.
The circulating, air, and feed pumps were driven by a separate engine.
The boiler was of the locomotive type, the shell being made of Bessemer
steel; the fire box and its stays of copper, and the tubes of solid
drawn brass.
On the official trial, which took place on the Thames on the 17th of
October, 1873, the number of revolutions done in the hour was found
to be 27,177, and the number required to do a mile in still water was
1578. The distance run in the hour was then, 27,177/1578 = 17·22, or
very nearly 17-1/4 miles.
The steam pressure during the trial averaged 85 lbs. per square inch,
and the vacuum 25-1/2 inches.
_Swedish and Danish Boats._--Boats of the same size and similar in all
particulars to the foregoing one--excepting the engines, which are
improved by driving the air pump, feed pump, and circulating pumps off
the main engines, and abolishing the auxiliary engine, which performed
these duties in the case of the Norwegian boat--were made for the
Swedish and Danish governments. The result was an increase of speed to
17·27 miles in the case of the Swedish boat, and to 18·06 miles, or
15-5/8 knots, in the case of the Danish boat.
There is no information regarding the armament of the Swedish boat, but
the Danish boat was armed with two spindle-shaped torpedoes 12 feet
long and 11-1/2 inches diameter, somewhat like the Whitehead torpedo.
They were placed on deck longitudinally near the funnel, so as to
facilitate launching, and were arranged to be towed from an upright
pole 8 feet high, placed about 6 feet from the stem.
A small winch was fixed on either side aft, to pay out the towing line,
and to bring back the torpedo. By these arrangements the torpedo could
be projected at a large angle from the direction of the boat's motion,
and at considerable velocity. The speed of the boat when towing one of
these torpedoes is about 10 knots.
_Austrian and French Boats._--The next size of torpedo vessel is that
supplied to the Austrian and French governments, which is shown at
Fig. 151. The dimensions are:--length, 67 feet; beam, 8 feet 6 inches;
draught of water, 4 feet 3 inches. The guaranteed speed in the case of
the Austrian boat was 15 knots in a run of one hour's duration, and in
the case of the French boats 18 knots, in a run of two hours' duration.
These boats were built of somewhat thicker plating than the 57 feet
type, and the armour was extended.
They were divided into six water-tight compartments, and they differed
from the Scandinavian boats in having the spaces forward and aft of the
machinery permanently decked, instead of being covered with movable
steel covers only.
The machinery was somewhat similar to that in the Scandinavian boats,
excepting that the engines were capable of developing 200 indicated
horse power, and that the air was supplied to the furnace by being
forced into an air-tight stoke hole, instead of being forced directly
under the fire grate.
The armament of these vessels consisted of two torpedoes attached to
the end of wooden poles, 4-1/2 inches diameter and about 43 feet long,
connected to the battery by insulated wires, and arranged to be fired
either by coming in contact with the enemy's vessel or at any distance
from it, at the will of the operator.
The torpedoes themselves were simply copper cases, of sufficient size,
in the case of the Austrian boat, to contain 11,000 cubic centimetres
of explosive, and in the case of the French boats, to contain 25
kilogrammes of dynamite.
The mode of arranging the wires is similar to that explained at page
155. The method of manipulating the torpedo poles consists of two tubes
riveted together at right angles, so as to form something like the
letter T. The torpedo pole is put through the horizontal tube, which is
free to move round the centre of the vertical tube, and the vertical
tube is free to move through a quarter circle at right angles to the
centre line of the vessel.
In attacking in front, the vertical tube is laid over till it is
parallel to the water surface, and the horizontal tube is allowed to
incline sufficiently far to allow of the end of the pole, when run out,
to be depressed from 8 to 10 feet below the water-line. It is held in
this position by a pair of blocks attached to the top of a short mast.
In attacking on the broadside, the vertical tube is laid over till it
assumes a position such as to allow of the pole, when swung round, to
touch an enemy's vessel at about 8 or 10 feet below the water line.
The speed trials of the Austrian boat took place on the 11th of
September, 1875, when she did 24,700 revolutions on her hour's run
on the Thames, and the number of revolutions required to do a knot
in still water was found to be 1357. This gives the distance run in
the hour as 18·202 knots, or 3·202 knots over the contract speed. The
steam pressure averaged 105 lbs. per square inch, and the vacuum 25-1/2
inches during the run.
In the case of the French boats, the total number of revolutions done
in the two hours' run in the roadstead off Cherbourg was 49,818, and
the number required to do a knot in still water was found to be 1382,
so that the distance run in the two hours was 36·05 knots, or just over
the contract speed. During the two hours, the average steam pressure
was 108 lbs. per square inch, and the vacuum 25 inches.
The Austrian boat was sent to her destination on board a steamer, but
the French boats, under the command of an experienced captain, steamed
by themselves from Chiswick to Cherbourg, not crossing at the nearest
points and running along the shore, but going boldly from Dover direct
to Cherbourg.
Shortly after the arrival of the French boats in Cherbourg, they were
altered so as to attack in front only, as the French authorities found
that these small vessels were better adapted for resisting the effects
of an explosion at the bow than at any other part.
The arrangement adopted is shown at Fig. 152, and consisted of a steel
pole about 40 feet in length, having one end about 6 inches diameter,
and solid, and the other about 1-1/2 inches diameter, and hollow; this
pole was mounted at its solid end on small pulleys, which ran upon two
ropes stretched fore and aft of the vessel; the other end, to which
the torpedo was attached, was led over a pulley fixed on the bow.
Ropes passing over pulleys to a windlass in the after compartment were
attached to the inboard end, and by turning the windlass the pole was
drawn backwards or forwards as required.
It will be observed that as the pole is drawn forward, the inboard end
being constrained to move in a line parallel to the deck, the outer end
is depressed in the water, and is so adjusted that when the pole is run
out to its full extremity, the torpedo is depressed to about 8-1/2 feet
below the water level.
_Dutch and Italian Boats._--The third size of boat built by this
firm for the Dutch and Italian governments are 76 feet long and 10
feet beam, and are guaranteed to do a speed of 18 knots. These boats
are similar in design to the Austrian and French boats previously
described, but differ from them in having engines of 250 indicated
horse power, and in having more free board forward, so as to make them
better sea boats.
The Dutch type are armed with the outrigger torpedo, as fitted to the
French boats, and the Italian type with the Whitehead fish torpedo.
_The "Lightning" Type of Boat._--Now comes the _Lightning_ type of
vessel, which is shown at Fig. 153. This vessel, built for the English
government, is 84 feet long over all, 10 feet 10 inches beam, and
draws about 5 feet of water. The machinery on board the _Lightning_
is similar in design to that already described, and is capable of
indicating 350 horse power. The hull of the _Lightning_ is made of
heavier plating than usually employed, and her lines are fuller, as
she is intended for use in a tolerably rough sea if necessary; and
in order that she may be able to remain at sea for some time, cabin
accommodation on a scale larger than in any of the other boats is
provided for the officers and crew. The steering gear is arranged so
that the vessel may be steered from the deck, or from the conning
tower, and the usual telegraph gear is fitted to communicate from the
deck, or from the conning tower, to the engine room.
The top of the conning tower is supported on three screws, so arranged
that it may be raised or lowered, and the space for sight adjusted
according to the range of vision required, or the risk to be run from
the enemy's missiles.
The _Lightning_ is armed with fish torpedoes, which are discharged from
her deck forward by means of a discharging apparatus.
The torpedoes are charged with air, by means of one of Mr.
Brotherhood's air-compressing pumps.
The _Lightning_ on her preliminary runs attained a speed on the
measured mile of 19·4 knots per hour, a speed which will be somewhat
reduced when she has her torpedoes, &c., on board, but which will then
be over 18 knots per hour.
Several torpedo boats have been built and are in process of
construction by this firm for the English government.
[Illustration: THORNYCROFT'S TORPEDO BOATS.
PLATE XLVII]
_French Boats._--The next size of boats is the 87 feet type, as shown
at Fig. 154. Of this type of torpedo launch several have been built and
are now under construction for the French government.
These vessels are 10 feet 6 inches beam; draught of water about 5
feet. They are built of heavier plating than the _Lightning_, and are
guaranteed to maintain a speed of 18 knots. The propellers in these
boats are placed in front of the rudder, so as to give increased
readiness in steering. In order to prevent oxidation as far as
possible, the plates and frames below the water line are galvanised. A
spark-catching apparatus is fitted to the base of the funnel, so as to
prevent the position of the boat being betrayed to the enemy at night.
The armament of these vessels consist of an outrigger arrangement
similar to that described at page 167. They are also well adapted for
the Whitehead torpedo. They are also provided with a strong buffer in
the bows for deadening the shock, in the event of their coming into
contact with an enemy's vessel at too high a rate of speed.
_"Second Class" Boats and Mode of Manipulating the Fish Torpedoes
from them._--Another type of Thornycroft torpedo boats, several of
which have been built for continental governments, and which is termed
"Second class," is shown at Fig. 155. These boats are 60 feet long, 7
feet 6 inches beam, and draw some 3 feet of water; their guaranteed
speed being 16 knots per hour. The mode of carrying the Whitehead fish
torpedo, and manipulating it from such a boat by means of Mr. J. I.
Thornycroft's invention, which has been fully described at page 140, is
shown at Figs. 155 and 156, where Fig. 155 represents both torpedoes
housed, and Fig. 156 one torpedo in the firing position, the other one
being housed.
Four of this type of Thornycroft torpedo boats were attached to H.M.S.
_Hecla_ during her recent cruise in the Mediterranean, and have been
very favourably reported on as follows:--They do not suffer from the
blows of the sea, nor from the strains incident upon hoisting in and
out; nor yet when they are suspended ready for lowering, in which
latter position they have frequently remained for twenty-four hours;
that under careful management they are perfectly safe in a heavy sea,
and they possess good manoeuvring powers.
The Thornycroft torpedo frames were found to perform well the services
for which they are intended. When proceeding at ordinary speed they
are nearly noiseless, and cannot be seen on a dark night at a distance
of 100 yards.
_The Thornycroft Propeller._--All the torpedo boats built by this firm
are fitted with the propeller invented by Mr. Thornycroft, and which
bears his name. It is a modification of what is known as the Dundonald
propeller, the principal difference being that in the Dundonald
propeller the blades are inclined backward in straight lines, while in
the Thornycroft propeller they are curved.
_Experiment at Cherbourg._--The following account of an experiment
which took place at Cherbourg in March 1877, whereby to test the
efficiency of a Thornycroft torpedo boat in exploding a spar torpedo
under the bottom of a vessel proceeding ahead at the time, is taken
from the _Times_, under date the 13th of March, 1877.
[Illustration: THORNYCROFT'S TORPEDO BOATS.
PLATE XLVIII]
"Admiral Jaurez, who commands the squadron, ordered a disabled ship,
the _Bayonnaise_, during a rather rough sea, to be towed out by a
steamer belonging to the navy. A second lieutenant, M. Lemoinne, was
sent for, and informed that he had been selected to make the experiment
of launching the Thornycroft against the _Bayonnaise_ while both were
in full sail. He accepted the mission without hesitation, picked out
two engine men and a pilot, and went down with them into the interior
of the Thornycroft, of which only a small part was above water; this
visible portion being painted of a greyish colour, so as to be easily
confused with the sea. The torpedo was placed so as to project from
the bow of the vessel, at the extremity of which were two lateen
sailyards about three metres in length. The towing steamer then took
up its position in front of the squadron, and the Thornycroft also
assumed the position assigned for it; an interval of three or four
marine miles separating the torpedo boat and the _Bayonnaise_. On a
signal being given, both were set in motion, the steamer advancing
in a straight line, and the Thornycroft obliquely, so as to take the
_Bayonnaise_ in flank. The steam tug went at 14 knots an hour, going at
full speed in order to escape the Thornycroft. The latter went at 19
knots an hour, a rate not attained by any vessel in the squadron. The
chase lasted about an hour, the squadron keeping in the rear, so as to
witness the operations. At the end of that time the distance between
the Thornycroft and the _Bayonnaise_ had sensibly diminished, and at
a given moment the former, in order to come up with the latter at the
requisite distance, had to slacken speed to 8 knots an hour. The
whole squadron watched this last phase of the struggle with breathless
interest, and people asked themselves whether the shock of the torpedo
would not infallibly destroy the little vessel which bore it. It was
feared that the lives of the second lieutenant, Lemoinne, and his
three companions were absolutely sacrificed. However, the two vessels
got visibly nearer. All at once the Thornycroft put on a last spurt,
and struck the _Bayonnaise_ with its whole force on the starboard
bow. The sea was terribly agitated, a deafening report was heard, and
the _Bayonnaise_, with a rent as big as a house, sank with wonderful
rapidity. As for the Thornycroft, rebounding by the shock about fifteen
metres off, even before the explosion occurred, it went round and round
for a few moments, and quietly resumed the direction of the squadron.
No trace remained of the _Bayonnaise_; it was literally swallowed up by
the sea."
The experiment was a most complete success, the torpedo boat not being
in the least degree injured.
_The Power of Flotation of a Thornycroft Boat after being pierced by
a Rifle Shot._--On the 5th of July, 1877, Messrs. Thornycroft and Co.
made an experiment with one of their torpedo boats to ascertain under
what conditions flotation is still retained after the boat has been
pierced by a rifle shot.
The torpedo boat experimented on was similar to the one which has been
described at page 169. A Martini-Henry was fired through her side,
about a foot under water in the stoke hole. Whilst at anchor the water
entered in sufficient quantity to fill an ordinary size bucket in
twenty-five seconds, but when she was driven ahead less water entered,
and on the speed of 10 knots being reached, little or no water entered.
The hole was a little more than three quarters of an inch in diameter.
The engagement on the Danube between the torpedo boat _Schootka_
and some Turkish vessels, in which the former vessel was pierced by
bullets, but yet did not sink, led to the above experiment being
carried out.
_Efficiency of Thornycroft's Engines._--As a practical proof of the
efficiency of the engines supplied by Messrs. Thornycroft and Co.
to their torpedo boats, a similar engine has been used for over two
years to work the various machines in connection with their works at
Chiswick.
_Torpedo Boats built by Messrs. Yarrow and Co._--Messrs. Yarrow and
Co., of the Isle of Dogs, London, are also very well-known torpedo
boat builders, and have during the last four years constructed a
considerable number of such vessels for the English and different
continental governments, and, as has been before stated, they are the
constructors of the fastest vessel in the world.
_Dutch Torpedo Launch._--In 1875 this firm built a torpedo launch for
the Dutch government, specially designed for ocean purposes. It was 66
feet long, 10 feet beam, and 5-1/2 feet deep. She was driven by a pair
of inverted direct acting engines. The boiler was of the locomotive
type, with a working pressure of 140 lbs. per square inch, and capable
of exerting a force of some 200 indicated horses.
_Russian Torpedo Boat._--This firm also constructed for the Russian
government two torpedo steamers 85 feet in length. The guaranteed
speed of these vessels being 20 knots per hour. In 1878 the Russian
government ordered one hundred exactly similar boats to be constructed,
mostly at St. Petersburg, thus proving the high estimation held by that
government of Messrs. Yarrow and Co.'s torpedo boats.
_Description of a Yarrow Torpedo Launch._--Figs. 157, 158, and 159 show
an elevation, section, and plan of a torpedo boat, Yarrow type, a large
number of which have been built for the Russian and other continental
governments.
The length of this boat is 75 feet, its beam 10 feet, and draught of
water 3 feet. She is built of steel of the best quality, no other
metal possessing the requisite strength and stiffness for scantling,
and plates of such lightness. It is divided into eight compartments by
seven transverse bulkheads, the forward and after compartments being
used for stores, the two central ones enclosing the machinery, while
the steersman and operator are placed in the compartment immediately
abaft the engines.
The steersman's head projects above the deck, and is protected by a
rifle proof steel truncated cone, the top part of which is movable like
the visor of a helmet. The hull is decked over from end to end with a
curved shield, the midship plating of which is capable of resisting
rifle shots, even at close quarters; its curved form being well adapted
for giving the maximum strength to the structure, and quickly frees
itself from any large body of water.
[Illustration: YARROW'S TORPEDO BOATS.
PLATE XLIX]
The propelling machinery consists of a pair of inverted compound
condensing engines. The revolutions per minute at full speed are about
470, and the indicated horse power about 280. The propeller is of
steel. The funnel is fixed at one side of the centre line, to be out of
the way of the bow torpedo pole and gear.
This type of torpedo boat attains a speed of from 17-1/2 to 18-1/2
knots per hour.
The armament of some of these boats consists of three spar torpedoes, a
bow, and two quarter ones. The bow pole, which is strong and heavy, is
hauled out and in by means of a small auxiliary engine.
Boats similar to these, but of larger dimensions, viz. 84 feet long and
11 feet beam, have also been constructed by this firm. Speed from 19 to
20 knots per hour.
_English Torpedo Boats._--The following account of two torpedo
boats which had been originally built by this firm for the Russian
government, but, owing to the proclamation issued by the English
government at this time prohibiting torpedo boats leaving England, were
seized by the Customs authorities when on the point of completion, and
were ultimately purchased by the English government, is an extract from
the _Times_ under date the 4th of July, 1878.
"These vessels are each 85 feet long with 11 feet beam, and draw,
when fully equipped for service, an average of 3 feet of water. They
are strongly constructed of steel, and are fitted with compound
surface condensing engines capable of indicating 420 horse power. The
high pressure steam cylinder of these engines is 12-1/2 inches in
diameter, and the low pressure 21-1/2 inches, both having a 12 inch
stroke. These boats are at present known by their builders' numbers,
one being No. 419 and the other No. 420. The former is propelled by a
three-bladed screw, 5 feet 6 inches diameter and 5 feet pitch; and the
latter by a two-bladed screw of similar proportions. Messrs. Yarrow
adopt supplementary engines for driving the air pump, circulating
pump, and feed pumps; they consider this plan preferable to that of
working these pumps direct off the main engine, as is sometimes done.
One advantage in having separate pumping engines is that, whether the
vessel is in motion or stationary, a powerful means is available for
pumping her out, should the necessity arise. It is estimated by her
builders that if the air pump and circulating pump were both utilised
for this purpose, the water could be pumped out as fast as it could
enter either of these vessels through one hundred holes made in the
skin by Martini-Henry rifle bullets. If this is the case, these craft
may be deemed safe from sinking so long as their machinery is working
efficiently. The boiler is of the locomotive type, placed in the
forward part of each vessel, and has a closed stoke hole. In connection
with the boiler a very important improvement has been introduced by
Messrs. Yarrow. This consists in a means of rendering the closed
stoke hole safe for the men in the event of the collapse of a boiler
tube--a contingency which cannot be absolutely guarded against. Its
efficiency was proved beyond all question upon a previous trial of
one of these boats. This was No. 419, which was tried on the 24th of
May last under the supervision of the Admiralty officials. Upon that
occasion an accidental rupture of one of the boiler tubes occurred
nearly at the close of the runs over the measured mile, which so far
had been very successful. When the boiler tube gave way the steam
rushed out of the foremost hatchway from the compartment in which the
smoke box end of the boiler is situated, and soon after from the two
funnels. The men in the stoke hole, however, being shut off from the
boiler, were uninjured, and remained at their post several minutes
after the first outburst of steam. The accident, although an untoward
event, was considered by the Admiralty officials as affording a highly
satisfactory proof of the efficiency of Mr. Yarrow's invention.
"The engines are placed amidships, and each vessel has spacious cabin
accommodation aft, as it is intended that they may be used either as
despatch or torpedo boats. For the latter purpose the cabin framings
above deck are removed and replaced by steel plating. They are steered
from the cabin, there being a look-out for the steersman just above
deck level. The deck is clear of all obstructions, the two funnels
being placed one on either side. They are fitted with balanced rudders
and steer well, answering their helms very quickly."
The trials of these two torpedo boats are taken from the _Engineer_
under date the 19th of July, 1878. At that time these boats completely
eclipsed in speed everything that had hitherto been done. At Fig. 160
is shown in elevation this type of torpedo launch.
"The trials were personally conducted by Mr. Yarrow, under the
superintendence of the authorities from Whitehall, and consisted in
a two hours' run without stopping, during which time the boats were
tested at the measured mile at Long Reach. Each boat was run six times
over the mile, three runs with the tide and three runs against it. The
boats and machinery are similar in every respect, excepting that No.
419 is fitted with a three-bladed propeller, and No. 420 a two-bladed
one, their diameters and pitch being the same in both cases. The
weights on board were accurately weighed, and amounted to 6 tons in
each boat, including coals, water, crew, and ballast.
"_Trial of No. 419._
Min. Sec. Knots per hour.
1st run down occupied 2 36 23·076
1st run up " 3 20 18·000
2nd run down " 2 35 23·226
2nd run up " 3 16 18·367
3rd run down " 2 32 23·684
3rd run up " 3 14 18·557
Mean of the six runs, 20·818 knots per hour.
Mean steam pressure, 115 lbs. per square inch.
Vacuum, 23-1/2 inches.
Mean revolutions of main engines per minute, 456.
"_Trial of No. 420._
Min. Sec. Knots per hour.
1st run down occupied 2 33-1/2 23·452
1st run up " 3 25-1/2 17·518
2nd run down " 2 32-1/2 23·606
2nd run up " 3 21 17·910
3rd run down " 2 32 23·684
3rd run up " 3 24 17·647
Mean of the six runs, 20·636 knots per hour.
Mean steam pressure, 115 lbs. per square inch.
Vacuum, 24 inches.
Mean revolutions per minute, 466.
"The highest speeds were obtained by No. 419, during the third runs up
and down, the mean of which give 21·12 knots, which is equal to 24-1/3
statute miles per hour, during which time the engines were making 470
revolutions per minute. At the close of the runs, the bearings were
found to be in first-class condition, and there was not the least sign
of anything getting warm during any part of the trials."
_Spanish Torpedo Boat._--The following description of a torpedo boat
built by this firm for the Spanish government, enumerating all the
improvements that have of late been effected in the construction of
such vessels by members of this firm, is taken from the _Engineering_
under date the 21st of February, 1879.
"The alterations have a twofold character, and have reference to the
arrangements for discharging the products of combustion from the
furnaces and to those for steering the vessel. In brief, the boat is
funnelless and is fitted with two rudders, one at each end. The main
object in dispensing with the funnel is to enable the torpedo boat
to approach as closely as possible to an enemy without being seen,
a secondary, although still an important, consideration, being the
absence of any obstruction to the steersman's view, such as a funnel on
deck. The outlets for the smoke in the present instance are two ports,
one on either side of the vessel, and placed about 15 feet in from the
bow. Each of these smoke ports is fitted with a damper, and the smoke
can be turned through either or both of the passages as desired. The
control of these dampers is given to the steersman, who, on approaching
an enemy, can direct the products of combustion through the port on
the unexposed side of the vessel. The emission of smoke by day and of
the glare and sparks by night are thus to a very large extent hidden
from view, thus enabling the torpedo boat to approach very closely to
the point of attack without being observed. The outlets are fitted
with valves which are kept open by the blast, but which close on being
struck by a passing wave. Should the vessel have to be out when a heavy
sea is running the ports are closed, and a spare funnel is rigged up on
deck, on one side. Although the smoke ports are placed forward in this
boat, it is intended to place them aft in the next that Messrs. Yarrow
build, as that arrangement will obviate the inconvenience at present
experienced by those on deck from the heated gases of the furnace being
carried along it at times by the wind, when on a certain course.
[Illustration: YARROW'S TORPEDO BOATS.
PLATE L]
"The steering powers of the boat have next had attention from Messrs.
Yarrow, and they have sought to remedy the defective steering common to
these large quick-speed torpedo craft. To do this they have fitted the
vessel under notice with two balanced rudders, one of which is placed
forward about 10 feet from the bow, and the other in its usual position
at the stern with the screw abaft it. Both rudders are connected
with the same steering gear, and are operated simultaneously by one
steersman. The forward rudder can be raised out of the water into a
casing inside the boat if desired by means of a screw cut on the upper
part of its spindle. By the same means, by unscrewing the collar on the
spindle, the rudder can be released and dropped into the water should
the necessity arise for so doing, by reason of its becoming fouled or
damaged. In trials which have been made with this double-steering
system, it has been found that when steaming at high speeds the forward
rudder has a much greater control over the motion of the boat than the
stern one. The reason assigned for this is that at high speeds the
forward part of the boat is lifted out of the water, and consequently
offers a diminished side resistance to any turning motion brought to
bear upon it.
"The boat in which these improvements have been introduced is 86 feet
long by 11 feet beam and 5 feet 6 inches deep. She is fitted with
compound engines having 22 inch and 12-1/2 inch cylinders, with a 12
inch stroke, and making 520 revolutions per minute when running at full
speed. She is propelled by a three-bladed screw 5 feet 6 inches in
diameter and 5 feet pitch. Put through some evolutions with the view of
testing her steering powers, the double rudder arrangement was found to
answer exceedingly well, and she turned a circle of a diameter equal
to about three times her own length in 1 minute 15 seconds. She turned
equally well either going ahead or astern, and in fact her steering
capabilities were satisfactorily demonstrated. The new arrangement for
carrying off the smoke also answered very well, with the exception
that the heated gases occasionally swept the deck, which objectionable
result will be avoided in future boats."
These boats are to be armed with spar torpedoes, and with the Whitehead
fish torpedo, the cradles and fittings for which are shown at Fig. 161.
_The Fastest Vessel in the World._--Another type of torpedo boat, of
which one of the same dimensions has been built by this firm for the
English government, is shown at Fig. 162. This vessel is as yet the
fastest vessel in the world. The trials with this boat were made in
March of this year, and were as follows:--
Runs. Time, Knots Knots
Min. sec. per hour. per hour.
First 2 37 = 22·93}
Second 3 2 = 19·78} Mean of first pair = 21·35
Third 2 33 = 23·53}
Fourth 2 55 = 20·57} Mean of second pair = 22·05
Fifth 2 30 = 24·00}
Sixth 2 56 = 20·45} Mean of third pair = 22·23
giving as a mean 21·93 knots per hour, or 25-1/4 statute miles. The
boat was fully equipped for active service, i.e. with a load of 6-3/4
tons on board. It was found during the trial that at speeds of 17 and
19 knots the vibration of the boat was considerable, but when running
over 20 knots it was hardly perceptible; the excessive vibration taking
place when the revolutions of the engines became a multiple of the
natural vibration of the boat.
Torpedo boats are at the present time being built by this firm for the
English, French, Spanish, Austrian, and Italian governments.
_Russian Torpedo Boats, built by Mr. S. Schibau, Prussia._--Mr. S.
Schibau, of Elbing, Eastern Prussia, in 1878 constructed ten torpedo
boats for the Russian government, similar to the one shown at Fig 163.
These boats are each 66 feet long, and 11 feet 3 inches beam. They are
built of steel plates about an eighth of an inch thick. Their engines
consist of three cylinder compounds, with surface condensers; and they
run at 380 revolutions per minute, at full speed, driving a screw 4
feet in diameter. They have been variously armed, some with the spar,
some with the Whitehead fish, and some with the Harvey towing torpedo.
Their speed is about 18 knots per hour.
_Messrs. Herreshoff's Torpedo._--Messrs. Herreshoff, of Rhode Island,
U.S.A., have also constructed several torpedo boats. One of these,
built for the English government, is shown in section at Fig. 164.
This boat is 59 feet 6 inches long, 7 feet 6 inches beam, and 5 feet 6
inches deep; she draws about 1 foot 3 inches of water.
[Illustration: RUSSIAN TORPEDO BOAT, HERRESHOFF'S TORPEDO BOAT.
PLATE LI]
"The vessel is constructed with five water-tight bulkheads, and her
hull is of composite construction below the water line, having a
steel framing covered with wood planking. The upper part of the hull
is wholly of steel, the plates being 1/16 inch thick, the top sides
sloping inwards and the upper work forming a protective superstructure
for the crew and machinery. She is propelled by a screw which is placed
beneath the vessel in a central position, and which is driven by a
direct acting condensing engine placed in the forward part of the boat.
The diameters of the steam cylinders are 10-1/2 inches and 6 inches
respectively, with 10 inch stroke, and they are of 100 horse power
estimated. There is an independent feed pump and air pump. The stoke
hold is enclosed and is supplied with air by a Sturtevant blower, which
is driven by an independent engine of 2-1/2 horse power. The propeller
is a two-bladed screw 38 inches in diameter and 5 feet pitch, the
screw shaft being 23 feet in length. The vessel is steered by means
of a balanced rudder placed a short distance from the stern and under
the ship, the helmsman being located in a stern cabin with a protected
look-out raised just above the deck. The hull and machinery together
weigh 6 tons, but with the working crew of four men and fuel, stores,
and two torpedoes on board, boat weighs about 7-1/2 tons.
"Steam is supplied by a Herreshoff coil boiler, which constitutes
another novelty in this boat. This boiler consists of a circular
combustion chamber, which in the present instance is 4 feet in diameter
internally, and within which is a coil of about 300 feet of 2 inch pipe
coiled to nearly the diameter of the chamber. This coil is continued at
the top so as to form a kind of dome under the cover of the combustion
chamber. By the side of the boiler is a separator, into which the
steam passes before it goes to the engine. The water from the feed
pump is admitted at the top of the coil, and during its course to the
bottom the greater portion of it becomes converted into steam. Having
passed through the entire length of the coil, the steam and water are
discharged together into the separator in such a manner that the water
is entirely separated from the steam, and can be blown off as required.
The steam is taken from the top of the separator, and returns through
a short coil placed inside the combustion chamber, where it becomes
superheated, and is led thence to the engines. It is claimed for this
boiler that it cannot explode destructively, inasmuch as there is
but a very small quantity of water in it at any time, and that it is
distributed along the entire length of the coil. A rupture at any point
would only be attended by a moderate blowing off of steam. The rapid
circulation of the water is found to prevent the deposit of salts, the
surplus water not converted into steam carrying with it all impurities.
A good working pressure can be obtained within a few minutes of
lighting the fire, and the boiler can be blown off in a few seconds.
The large combustion chamber enables the full economy of the fuel to be
realised."[P]
This vessel is guaranteed for a speed of 16 knots per hour. She can
be propelled ahead or astern with equal speed, and can be brought to
a dead stop when going full speed within a distance equal to her own
length. Her turning powers are equally good. Her armament will probably
be the fish torpedo.
_Ordinary Torpedo Boat._--The most efficient and simple method of
fitting and working a spar torpedo from an ordinary steam launch or
pinnace is shown at Fig. 165. This method will be readily understood
from the figure; the dotted lines show the position of the spar and
upright, when rigged in. The speed of this type of torpedo boat ranges
from 6 to 9 knots. Occasions would no doubt occur in time of war when a
torpedo attack by such boats would be a feasible matter, and therefore
everything should be done to render these boats fit for that special
service.
_Defects._--The most important defects of such craft are:--
1.--The noise created by their engines, thus
rendering an undetected approach to a hostile vessel
impracticable.
2.--Their liability to be swamped by the explosion of
the torpedo.
Of course there are many minor defects, but above are the principal
ones, both of which might, to a considerable extent, be modified.
_Torpedo Boat Attacks._--It is impossible to attempt more than a
very general idea of how to conduct a torpedo boat attack, as so
much depends upon the circumstances, ever changing, under which each
particular attack would have to operate.
The spar and the fish torpedo are the submarine weapons that can best
be manipulated from boats, the towing torpedo requiring a more roomy
craft than the torpedo boat generally is to operate it from with any
chance of success.
_Methods of Protecting Ships from Boat Torpedo Attacks._--The principal
methods that exist at the present time of protecting a ship from a boat
torpedo attack are as follows:--
1.--Booms by themselves, or supporting nets hung
vertically, surrounding the ship at a distance of 10 or
15 feet from the side of the vessel.
2.--A crinoline of wire, or chain, fixed by stays to
the vessel's side, but capable of being lifted out of
the water if required.
3.--The above methods supplemented by guard boats, and
a cordon of boats.
4.--A cordon of boats, that is, boats connected at
certain distances by means of hawsers, or chain cables,
and at a distance of some 200 or 300 yards from the
vessel, supplemented by guard boats, but without other
protection.
5.--Electric lights and torpedo guns. These latter are
small guns capable of penetrating the side of a torpedo
boat and of being depressed at a very small angle.
As it is against these defences that torpedo boats would have to
contend, therefore they have been described previous to explaining the
mode of conducting a torpedo boat attack.
The first two methods of defence are of course quite impracticable when
the attacked vessel is one of a blockading squadron, and it is against
such vessels that a torpedo boat attack will generally be used and
oftenest be successful.
In the case of a vessel forced to anchor in a harbour which is
accessible to the torpedo boats of the enemy, by the application of
either of the first two methods, supplemented by guard boats and
electric lights, she would undoubtedly be almost impregnable against a
torpedo boat attack, even were the boats armed with the fish torpedo,
though she would of course not be in that state of readiness which
is essential to a man-of-war's efficiency. As a general rule, no
man-of-war should anchor unless absolutely necessary in the vicinity
of an enemy's ports, and then should retain the power of moving in any
direction in the quickest space of time possible, using the electric
light and guard boats as a means of protection.
An attack by boats armed with the spar torpedo must always partake of
the nature of a forlorn hope, this especially applying to the boats
themselves, the crews of which, provided they are supplied with good
life belts, would seem to run a far greater risk of a wetting and a
prison than of being shot.
Not less than four torpedo boats should compose the attacking force.
The crews of the boats, consisting of only those actually required,
should fully understand "_that the hostile vessel is to be torpedoed_,"
i.e. they are not to give up the attack on the vessel opening fire,
nor in the case of one or more of the torpedo boats being sunk, but
to remember that one boat is sufficient to effectually carry out the
object of the attack, viz. the sinking of the ship.
In making the attack, one boat should be directed on each bow, and
one on each quarter, the final rush being as combined as possible.
There must not be the _slightest hesitation_, and each boat must make
_direct_ for her point of attack.
The cause of the Russians failing so often in their torpedo boat
attacks during the war of '77 may be traced to the absence of anything
like a system, and to their giving up the attack directly they supposed
themselves discovered.
When using the towing torpedo, two boats only could be used, and they
should make the attack, either coming down from ahead, one on each side
of the vessel, or coming up from the stern, one on each side of the
vessel, or by the boats crossing the bow and stern of the vessel in
different directions.
In the case of the fish torpedo the attack must be conducted in a
different manner, the object in this case being to get within a certain
distance only of the vessel undetected, and from thence send the
missile on its deadly course. The distance should not be more than 500
yards; the closer up to 200 yards the better. In connection with such
an attack, the torpedo boats might be supported by guard boats, whose
particular duty it would be to engage the enemy's guard boats and so
leave the torpedo boats free to do their particular work.
It has been suggested to use the electric light from the bows
of torpedo boats, but this would do away with one of the chief
characteristics of such boats, viz. their invisible and unknown
approach, on which the whole success of the attack in a great measure
depends.
_Fosberry's Patent Torpedo Boat Protective._--To enable torpedo
vessels and boats to remain afloat after being struck by shot from
mitrailleuses, rifles, and other arms usually employed against such
craft, and at the same time to retain their structural lightness,
Colonel G. V. Fosberry, of the English army, has designed the following
method, which is based upon the discovery that when india-rubber or
the like is placed and secured on a metal plate, and is penetrated
or punctured by a rifle bullet or similar projectile, which also
passes through the metal plate, the hole or orifice so formed in the
india-rubber will, after the projectile has passed through it and the
metal plate, immediately be closed by the elasticity of the surrounding
portions, so that no water can follow the projectile through the
said hole or orifice. India-rubber or other elastic material, or
a combination of such materials, in the form of sheets, belts, or
coats, is placed upon or around those portions of the hull of the boat
which are to be protected. Vulcanised or mineralised india-rubber
is the material usually employed by Colonel Fosberry. Between the
metal plates and the india-rubber covering an intermediate substance,
generally kamptulicon, is interposed, which is cemented or riveted to
the said metal plates, and to which the india-rubber is attached. This
intermediate substance, which is the feature of the invention, must be
of such a nature that it may be caused to adhere closely and tightly
to all parts of the metal, and also to the india-rubber covering, while
the same are unperforated, but when the said india-rubber covering and
the metal plate under the same are perforated by a bullet, the portion
of the said intermediate substance adjacent to the perforation must
be detached from the elastic covering and metal plate, and leave the
former free to act like a valve, and close up over the hole so that no
water may enter; and this intermediate substance, as applied by the
inventor in the immediate vicinity of the perforation, will by the
effect of the shot be so broken up and detached from the india-rubber
covering as to allow the same to recover its original position
independently of the new shape or position of the injured and deformed
metal plate.
Should the india-rubber be placed upon the metal plates and be so
attached to the said plates as to adhere and conform to them in
or after their deformation, a hole made in the india-rubber would
remain open; on the other hand, should the india-rubber without any
intermediate substance be attached to the metal plate in such a manner
that it will recover its position after perforation, water would
penetrate between the metal and the india-rubber, and by the pressure
of this water the india-rubber would be liable to be detached from
a large area of the metal plate, and so become ineffective or even
dangerous to the boat. Moreover, if the india-rubber is fixed directly
upon the metal plates, in the case of a shot passing completely through
the boat, that is to say, passing into the boat at one side and out at
the other side, a large portion of the india-rubber adjacent to the
hole made by the shot in leaving the boat will be torn or destroyed,
but this will not be the case in boats constructed according to Colonel
Fosberry's patent.
The French government have recently applied this invention to one of
their torpedo boats with very successful results, thereby proving that
it is not merely a theoretical idea.
_Submarine Boats._--Submarine boats, if they could be constructed to
fulfil the conditions hereinafter enumerated which are essential to a
perfect boat of that nature, would for many reasons be a very important
point solved in connection with torpedo operations, and therefore it is
most extraordinary that a practicable submarine boat has not yet been
designed and built.
_Bushnell's Submarine Boat._--The first submarine vessel built for
torpedo purposes was designed and constructed by David Bushnell in
1775. This vessel, operated by a Sergeant Esra Lee, was employed in an
attempt in 1776 or thereabouts on the _Eagle_, an English man-of-war,
which proved unsuccessful, owing to the sergeant not being thoroughly
versed in the management of his curious craft. She was soon afterwards
sunk in the Hudson river, but was subsequently recovered by the
inventor, though never used again. This vessel was capable of holding
one person, and air sufficient to support him thirty minutes without
receiving fresh air, and is fully described in 'Barnes's Submarine
Warfare.'
_Qualifications essential to a Submarine Boat._--A submarine boat
should possess the following qualifications:--
1.--It should be of sufficient displacement to carry
the machinery necessary for propulsion, and the men and
materials for performing the various operations.
2.--It should be of such a form that it may be easily
propelled and steered.
3.--It should have sufficient interior space for the
crew to work in.
4.--It should be capable of carrying sufficient pure
air to support its crew for a specified time, or of
having the means of purifying the air within the boat,
and exhausting the foul air.
5.--It should be able to rise and sink at will to the
required depth, either when stationary or in motion.
6.--It should be so fitted that the crew possess the
means of leaving the boat without requiring external
assistance.
7.--It should carry a light sufficient to steer by, and
to carry on the various operations.
8.--It should possess sufficient strength to prevent
any chance of its collapsing at the greatest depth to
which it may be required to manipulate it.
The results of former experiments with such boats prove that manual
power, which was the original mode of propulsion, is not the motive
power best adapted to such a boat; compressed air, gas as used in the
Lay torpedo boat, and steam, are all of them far preferable to the
original method, but which of these modern ones is the most practicable
has yet to be decided.
The most difficult point to be overcome in connection with a submarine
boat is that of steering it correctly when beneath the surface of the
water.
_Confederate Submarine Boat._--The Confederate submarine torpedo
boat that sunk the Federal vessel of war _Housatonic_ on the 17th
of February, 1864, was built of boiler iron, 35' long, 3' beam
(extreme), 5' high in the centre. She carried a crew of nine men. She
was propelled by means of a screw propeller worked by eight of the
crew, her greatest speed being four knots an hour in smooth water.
She carried a sufficient quantity of air to enable the crew to remain
submerged for the space of two to three hours. Two fins were fitted on
the outside for rising and falling at will, when in motion. There were
two manholes provided, fitted with bull's-eyes. This boat was intended
to pass under a vessel's bottom, towing a torpedo after her, which was
arranged to explode on contact. She was the means of drowning fourteen
men before she made her last attempt, when nine others were added to
the above list. In her successful attack on the _Housatonic_, she was
armed with the bow spar torpedo, and was sunk, owing to her running
into the hole formed by the explosion of her torpedo. About three
years after the American civil war was over, this submarine boat was
recovered. Divers went down, and found her lying alongside the hull of
the _Housatonic_, with the remains of the nine men in her.
_French Submarine Boat "Plongeur."_--The boat termed the _Plongeur_
was designed by Admiral Bougois and M. Brune, and was exhibited at
the Paris Exhibition of 1867. She was 26' long, 9' deep, and fitted
with centre and bilge keels. She carried two small tanks containing
compressed air, and four large tanks were placed at the bottom of the
boat for the purpose of sinking her, these latter tanks communicating
with the water outside and the air tanks. She also was fitted with a
compass for steering by, a water gauge to show the depth of submersion,
and an air gauge to show the pressure of air in the boat. Rectangular
valves were placed at the bottom of the boat for entrance or exit
therefrom, for the use of divers, and to affix torpedoes to a ship's
bottom. On the top a circular opening for entrance and exit was
arranged, also an iron cupola fitted with bull's-eyes. She was also
fitted with an apparatus for spraying water through the air in the
interior of the boat on its becoming foul, and escape valves for
releasing any foul air were placed at the top of the boat. The water
tanks were filled by means of pumps, and emptied by means of the
compressed air. She was propelled by a three-bladed screw worked by
four men. Her rate of progression was about four knots per hour. The
anchors consisted of two 15 inch shot, fitted with wire rope cables,
working through watertight stuffing boxes.
This vessel has been subjected to some experiments, but with what
results is not generally known.
One of the most important uses to which a submarine boat would be put
in connection with torpedo operations would be "to discover the exact
position and number of an enemy's submarine mines, and if necessary
destroy them," the former being an operation in the present day quite
impossible to perform, and the latter one rarely to be depended on.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote M: Extract from 'European Ships of War,' &c., by J. W. King,
U.S.N., page 312.]
[Footnote N: Extract from _Engineering_, under date April 13, 1877.]
[Footnote O: Extract from letter of Captain Ericsson that appeared in
_Engineer_, under date Nov. 8, 1878.]
[Footnote P: Extract from the Engineering of the 10th of January, 1879.]