NOVELTIES IN WAR APPLIANCES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 277, 31 December 1909, Page 4

NOVELTIES IN WAR APPLIANCES.

An illuminating shell which "bursts dnt|p flame in the air and wts as a temporary searchlight is amongst the latest ideas of war inventors. This shell, which has been put to severe tests, would enable an Admiral, for instance, to see the vessels of an enemy's fleet at a distance of several miles, Hie light burning long enough for the gunners to get the range. It is a French invention and not unlike the illuminating shell which has been adopted by the German Government. The latter" w a projectile filled with calcium carbide, ■which breaks into flame as it falls into the sea, where it floats. : Another novelty in war appliances iias just been secured by the great firm of lirupp. It is an air torpedo, which is reported to be one of the deadliest instruments of warfare yet devised. It is to be introduced into the German army and navy. Other recent inventions are the anti-airship gun, a shrapnel grenade adapted for use with the service rifle, and a new automatic gun mounted on a motor truck, said to be capable of conveying a supply of ammunition and a crew of ten men twenty-five miles' an- hour along ordinary roads, and to fire 31b shells a distance of three and ahaK miles at the rate of 250 shots a minute.