"My invention relates to improvements in means and mechanisms for propelling, controlling, exploding and steering torpedoes similar to those known as "Whitbread torpedoes," [Whitehead]; and it consists of certain novel features or mechanism hereinafter fully described, in combination with known means, devices, or appliances for more readily propelling, steering, exploding, and controlling torpedoes than heretofore either from the shore for harbour defence or from a ship attacking or defensive purposes. My improvements further comprise certain internal arrangements for the purpose of facilitating the carrying out of the above - mentioned objects. The motive power used for propelling my improved torpedo is compressed air, and one of the important features or my improvements is the control of the admission of such compressed air to the engine by means of an electric motor. The engine which I prefer to use for activating the screw-propellers is Brotherhood's high-speed air-engine; but any other efficient air-engine may likewise answer for the purpose of my invention. My improved means for controlling torpedoes consists of a flexible gutta-percha cable of specific gravity equal to that of sea-water or thereabout, part of which is coiled and stowed away in after part of the torpedo, while the other portion is stored on shore or on the ships and first paid out when the torpedo is started. That part of the cable which is contained in the later is freely unwound, either when the valve controlling the admission of compressed air to the engine is fully opened by an electric motor and the torpedo is driven at full speed or when the tension exerted upon such cable exceeds a pressure of from five to seven pounds. This cable consists of three separately-insulated copper wires, by means of which the power necessary for controlling, raising, steering, and exploding is transmitted from the shore for harbour defense, which will be application hereinafter referred to for convenience of description. One of the objects of this cable is to enable the torpedo to be recovered when practicing or when the charge is not exploded." [See also Victoria Torpedo].