THE "BRENNAN” FISH TORPEDO.

Kumara Times, Issue 411, 19 January 1878, Page 4

THE "BRENNAN” FISH TORPEDO.

This instrument may be described as a controlled fisb torpedo. Unlike the Whitehead torpedo at present in use by the British Government, it remains always connected with the point whence it started, and by this means is under control ha to speed and direction. It can thus be caused to adapt itself to the varying movements of the vessel to be attacked, can be rendered independent of the influence of tidal and other currents, and can further, if necessary, be stopped and caused to return to the starting point. Like most other fish torpedoes, it travels at a depth of several feet below the surface, so as to ■attack the enemy’s vessel in the most vunerable part, its motions being meanwhile observed hy watching a disc or lamp placed at the top of a slender steel mast rising above the surface, and suitably masked on the side towards the enemy-: It is further proposed to place the firing arrangements under controlas wellasthe steeringmechanism, thus enabling the operator at once to render the torpedo harmless at will. It is thought this modification will enable the machine to be successfully used in ft meKe, when friendly vessels are liable- to come in contact with it. ■The original idea occurred to the inventor sotne three years since, and he at once proceeded to construct a small model, illnstratixrgtheprincipleofpropulsion alone. Experiments with this model were witnessed by the officers of the torpedo corps, whose report was of a decidedly favourable nature. The next step was the construction of a larger model, and this, though intended merely to exhibit the action of the combined system of propulsion and control, was found on trial to give results as to speed and distance which ■were valuable in themselves, and showed conclusively the correctness of the principle involved. Through the imperfection of the subsidiary arrangements, all the trials were not equally sncceessfnl: nevertheless a speed of fully ten miles an hour was maintained •on several occasions, and the steering arrangements; throughout gave most unqualified satisfaction.