Navies of the world

by Edward W. Very

The Menzing Towing Torpedo.

This is a modification of the Harvey, used in the German service, intended to overcome objections to the original in regard to facility of use. The general shape is slightly different, the forward end being wedge-shaped so that the torpedo may be towed on either side. This torpedo has two tow-ropes, each rove in a similar manner. The ends of the ropes are provided with two legs which are made fast to the after-end of the torpedo, where is a small rudder, the ropes coming to it and acting on it in such a manner that when a strain is brought on one it turns the rudder in the opposite direction. Secured to the bow of the torpedo is a crane, having at its end an eye through which the main part of both tow-ropes reeves. If it is desired to tow on the starboard side, the starboard tow-rope is slackened, bringing the entire strain on the port one; the crane at the bow of the torpedo swings around by the strain until it brings up against a knot at the splice of the legs, thus forming with the legs a complete bridle; the divergence of the torpedo is at the same time assisted by the action of the rudder. Levers for firing mechanically are applied in much the same manner as in the Harvey. A circuit-wire for electrical firing and buoys for steadying the torpedo are also used. By these arrangements the torpedo may be towed astern until required for use, and then by slacking the necessary tow-rope it may be swung out on either quarter desired.

Menzing Torpedo.

The French Towing Torpedo.

This torpedo is in the shape of a long box tapered at the forward end. It is made of wood, with a cork bow, the powder-chamber being hung between the cork and the main body in such a manner that it may be detached automatically. This is secured by a bolt projecting from the top of the powder-case, whose head is held by a movable plate. The slot in the plate through which the bolt-head passes is larger than the bolt-head, so that when the plate is knocked back the bolt slips through and the magazine is detached. Two curved whiskers project forward from the plate as contact-points. In order that the torpedo may be exploded at the proper depth, two shafts are pivoted to the bottom of the float and attached to the magazine. When the latter is detached it drops down the full length of the shafts (9 feet below the surface), and on reaching that position the electrical circuit is closed and the charge is fired automatically. To fire the torpedo at will, a miniature gun is mounted on the after-part of the plate, which is fired by electricity; the recoil draws the plate back and thus releases the chamber. The magazine of this torpedo holds 33 lbs. of dynamite.

French Torpedo.

SPAR-TORPEDOES.

The American Torpedo.