Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
ROCKET AMMUNITION.
[Plate 13] represents all the different natures of Rocket Ammunition which have hitherto been made, from the eight-inch carcass or explosion Rocket, weighing nearly three hundred weight, to the six-pounder shell Rocket, and shews the comparative dimensions of the whole.
This Ammunition may be divided into three parts—the heavy, medium, and light natures. The heavy natures are those denominated by the number of inches in their diameter; the medium from the 42-pounder to the 24-pounder inclusive; and the light natures from the 18-pounder to the 6-pounder inclusive.
The ranges of the eight-inch, seven-inch, and six-inch Rockets, are from 2,000 to 2,500 yards; and the quantities of combustible matter, or bursting powder, from 25lbs. and upwards to 50lbs. Their sticks are divided into four parts, secured with ferules, and carried in the angles of the packing case, containing the Rocket, one Rocket in each case, so that notwithstanding the length of the stick, the whole of this heavy part of the system possesses, in proportion, the same facility as the medium and light parts. These Rockets are fired from bombarding frames, similar to those of the 42 and 32-pounder carcasses; or they may be fired from a slope of earth in the same way. They may also be fired along the ground, as explained in [Plate 9], for the purposes of explosion.
These large Rockets have from their weight, combined with less diameter, even more penetration than the heaviest shells, and are therefore equally efficient for the destruction of bomb proofs, or the demolition of strong buildings; and their construction having now been realized, it is proved that the facilities of the Rocket system are not its only excellence, but that it actually will propel heavier masses than can be done by any other means; that is to say, masses, to project which, it would be scarcely possible to cast, much less to transport, mortars of sufficient magnitude. Various modifications of the powers of these large Rockets may be made, which it is not necessary here to specify.