Published Resources Details Journal Article
- Title
- Torpedo boats
- In
- The Engineer
- Imprint
- vol. 61, 22 January 1886, p. 69
- Description
Accession No.124
- Abstract
The torpedo boat was regarded as one of the greatest achievements of nineteenth century engineering. Its steel hull stiffened by ribs and angle bars it was for its weight one of the strongest structures of the time. The power developed by a torpedo boat's boiler was also much greater than that of a typical locomotive boiler. The engines were also considered to be 'miracles of lightness and perfection of materials and workmanship.' J I Thornycroft built the first vessel capable of 19 knots, and A F Yarrow built the first vessel capable of 22 knots. High speed was considered to be essential; despite this the Royal Navy was acquiring torpedo boats only capable of 19 knot, whilst other Governments were purchasing vessels capable of 22 knots.