Dutch and Italian Boats.—The third size of boat built by this firm for the Dutch and Italian governments are 76 feet long and 10 feet beam, and are guaranteed to do a speed of 18 knots. These boats are similar in design to the Austrian and French boats previously described, but differ from them in having engines of 250 indicated horse power, and in having more free board forward, so as to make them better sea boats.
The Dutch type are armed with the outrigger torpedo, as fitted to the French boats, and the Italian type with the Whitehead fish torpedo.
The "Lightning" Type of Boat.—Now comes the Lightning type of vessel, which is shown at [Fig. 153]. This vessel, built for the English government, is 84 feet long over all, 10 feet 10 inches beam, and draws about 5 feet of water. The machinery on board the Lightning is similar in design to that already described, and is capable of indicating 350 horse power. The hull of the Lightning is made of heavier plating than usually employed, and her lines are fuller, as she is intended for use in a tolerably rough sea if necessary; and in order that she may be able to remain at sea for some time, cabin accommodation on a scale larger than in any of the other boats is provided for the officers and crew. The steering gear is arranged so that the vessel may be steered from the deck, or from the conning tower, and the usual telegraph gear is fitted to communicate from the deck, or from the conning tower, to the engine room.
The top of the conning tower is supported on three screws, so arranged that it may be raised or lowered, and the space for sight adjusted according to the range of vision required, or the risk to be run from the enemy's missiles.
The Lightning is armed with fish torpedoes, which are discharged from her deck forward by means of a discharging apparatus.
The torpedoes are charged with air, by means of one of Mr. Brotherhood's air-compressing pumps.
The Lightning on her preliminary runs attained a speed on the measured mile of 19·4 knots per hour, a speed which will be somewhat reduced when she has her torpedoes, &c., on board, but which will then be over 18 knots per hour.
Several torpedo boats have been built and are in process of construction by this firm for the English government.
THORNYCROFT'S TORPEDO BOATS.