Navies of the world

by Edward W. Very

INFLEXIBLE. AJAX. AGAMEMNON. CONQUEROR.

INFLEXIBLE.

Casemated, double-turreted, mastless, sea-going iron-clads. Ram bows. The armored casemate is rectangular and encloses the middle third of the vessel. The lower edge of the casemate is prolonged fore and aft in a heavy iron deck, which forward curves down below the point of the ram. Short unarmored forecastle and poop structures, carried along in line with the keel to the smoke-stacks. The turrets are placed diagonally to open the full fore-and-aft fire. Forward and abaft the casemate is a cork belt of the thickness of the armor, to give the ship floating power in case the unprotected sections are pierced. The ship is divided in two by a longitudinal bulkhead. Twin screws.

DREADNOUGHT. ORION. BELLEISLE.

Armored belt and breastwork, sea-going monitors. The armor is complete fore and aft, and is carried down in a curve forward below the point of the ram. Throughout the middle third a casemate rises to protect the bottom of the turrets and give them a good elevation above the water-line. Forward and abaft this casemate, and in line with it, an unarmored superstructure is carried, stopping short of the bow and stern. This forms roomy quarters and gives the ship an increased freeboard and stability. The turrets are amidships and in line with the keel. Between them is a musket-proof superstructure, expanding into a flying deck having at its forward end an armored pilot-house. Longitudinal armored bulkhead, similar to the Alexandra.

DREADNOUGHT.

DEVASTATION. THUNDERER.