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190 "The Whitehead Torpedo"
The Whitehead torpedo consists of
a cigar shaped Envelope of steel
or Phophor [Phosphor] bronze, containing 6
compartments for its propelling,
directing and Exploding mechanism.
Its motive power is compressed air.
It is propelled by 2 two bladed
screws, revolving in opposite directions
about the same axis, in order to
neutralize their individual tendencies
to produce lateral deviation; and
it is maintained at a constant
depth by horizontal rudders, and
in a straight course by vertical
Whitehead vanes set at an angle which is
Torpedo predetermined by Experiment.
The latest models, fish like in
shape, full forward, and with a
fine run, have attained a speed
of 30 Knots for 425 yards, and 20 [struckthrough] 24
Knots for 875 yards. The forward
compartment or magazine contains
the Explosive cartridge, which
consists of a series of disks of wet
gun cotton perforated in their
centres to receive the priming
tube of dry gun cotton. Here
also is the firing arrangement
which can be unfastened,
withdrawing the primer with it, and
so rendering the torpedo harmless.
Behind the magazine is the secret
chamber containing the immersion
regulators, which so control the
horizontal rudders, as to carry the
torpedo down to a given depth, and
Keep in there during its journey.
Behind that chamber, is the reservoir
for compressed air, and in the rear
of that the Engine which this force
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The Whitehead Torpedo 191
actuates. Behind the machinery
compartment comes the Bouyancy chamber,
the purpose of which is to bring the
torpedo to the surface, so that it may
not be lost during Experiments, or on
the other hand, to sink it in actual
warfare if it misses its target, or
fails to Explode. Then comes successively,
a compartment containing a bevel
gear, which causes the propellors
to revolve in opposite directions
Whitehead and finally the rudder supports and
Torpedo rudders. The mechanism of the so-
called secret chamber consists of a
combination of springs, a hydrostatic
balance and a pendulum, connected
by numerous cranks and rods with
the horizontal rudders. The force of
the springs and the pressure of
the water upon the hydrstatic
piston are to counterbalance Each
other, while the swinging of the
pendulum, which is vertical, when
they do thus counterbalance, causes
the rudder to be turned upward or
downward until the torpedo comes
back to an Even Keel. The torpedo
is started and discharged by a
small charge of powder. One size
of this torpedo weighs about 650
pounds and is 19 feet long.
The discharging tube has a moveable
breech somewhat like a breech loading
cannon. Torpedos are stowed on
board of ship, one over the other, in
iron rings or clamps, which are
attached to the walls of the vessel.
June 6 1891
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