Among the different classes of vessels designed for special services,
constructed by Messrs. Yarrow & Co., at Poplar, for the British
government, is one which is stated to be the fastest torpedo boat in her
majesty's navy. This boat has been put through its official trials; with
a load of 15 tons, running continuously for two hours without stopping,
a speed of 23 knots, which is equal to 26½ statute miles, an hour was
obtained. The boat is 135 ft. long by 14 ft. beam. Its design is known
as the Falke type, being in many respects similar, but very superior, to
a torpedo boat of that name which was built two years ago by the same
firm for the Austrian government. The form of the hull is of such a
character as to give exceptional steering capabilities; at the time of
trial it was found to be able to steer round in a circle of a diameter
of 100 yards, averaging 62 seconds. The forward part of the boat is
completely covered over by a large turtle back, which is the customary
form of the boats built by Messrs. Yarrow & Co. It was first introduced
in the Batoum, which they constructed eight years ago for the Russian
government. This turtle back increases the seaworthiness of the craft by
throwing the water that comes upon it freely away. It forms, also, good
and roomy accommodation for the crew, and incloses a large portion of
the torpedo apparatus. The forward torpedo gear consists of one torpedo
gun, adapted for ejecting the Whitehead torpedo by means of gunpowder,
now preferred on account of its simplicity. The boiler, one of Messrs.
Yarrow & Co.'s special construction, of a type which has undergone many
years of constant trial, is capable of developing 1,660 horse power. In
the engine room there are six engines--one for driving the boat, two for
compressing the air for the torpedoes, an engine for working the dynamo
for producing the electric light, an engine for forcing air into the
stoke-hole, and an engine working in conjunction with the distilling
apparatus for supplying drinking water for the crew and the waste
incidental to the boiler. Aft of the engine room come the officers'
quarters. The stern of the boat is fitted up as a pantry and for the
stowage of ammunition and stores. On the deck are mounted three machine
guns, and near the stern an additional conning tower for use in case of
need, around which revolve two torpedo guns for firing the torpedoes off
either side. These torpedo guns can be trained to any angle it may be
desired to fire them at. On both conning towers are machine
guns.--_Illustrated London News_.
[Illustration: THE "FALKE" TYPE TORPEDO BOAT, AND SECTION SHOWING
GENERAL ARRANGEMENT.]
* * * * *