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In a recent issue of the "Scientific American," it is stated that the deadly character of the German submarine attack is due to the fact that a special type of torpedo has been designed for submarine use. "We are informed on good authority that the air capacity and engine power of the submarine torpedo are very much smaller than thoße of the long-distance torpedo. Weight saved in the air flask and its contents and the motive power is put into high explosive, of which these torpedoes carry no less than 4201b." The effect of 4201b of explosive would be sufficient' to destroy or at least loosen the internal structure oi a ship so badly as to make her foundering only a question of time, says the "Naval and Military Record." The complete destruction of the Lusitania in so short a period is the greatest triumph yet attributed to the torpedo. The potency of the German weapon is further indicated by the fate of the Goliath. It is true this ship was constructed before it was considered necessary to take special precautions against torpedo attack, but nevertheless, the fact that Bhe sank "so swiftly as U engulf nearly two-thirds of her crew suggests that the period of time available for launching boats was extremely small.

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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NA19150719.2.36

Bibliographic details

Northern Advocate, 19 July 1915, Page 4

Word Count
214

Untitled Northern Advocate, 19 July 1915, Page 4

Untitled Northern Advocate, 19 July 1915, Page 4