Published Resources Details Journal Article

Author
Bramwell, F. J.
Title
On quick steam launches
In
Transactions of the Institution of Naval Architects
Imprint
vol. 13, 38397, pp. 269-279
Description

Accession No.1659

Abstract

"Scott Russell had often pointed out the necessity of going to lengths approaching 400 feet for speeds of about 20 knots, and it had become axiomatic that high speeds could only be attained in vessels of great length. As a result, there was considerable scepticism about newspaper reports that seam launches of about 50 feet - "built by Mr Thornycroft of Chiswick" - had reached speeds varying from 17 to 19 statute miles per hour." The explanation for the high speeds achieved was that Thornycroft had succeeded in building a very light hull with very light machinery.