AN ELECTRICAL LAUNCH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6811, 15 September 1883, Page 2 (Supplement)

AN ELECTRICAL LAUNCH.

A launch propelled by stored electricity made a trial trip between the Temple and Greenwich on Tuesday, the 17th July, being one of the first instances of the use of this motive power thus applied. The launch, which is only 40ft. in length, was built of galvanized steel by Messrs Yarrow and Co., of Poplar, and tho propelling power is found by Messrs. Siemens' dynamos, placed undfer the flooring at the iiterti i.f the boat, which is raised thoie about 8 in. The electricity for giving motion to the dynamo is obtained from F tur-Sellon-Volckmar accumulator cells, suppli-d by the Electric Power Storage Oompiny, placed under tho flooring, where they not <>nly do not Occupy space available for passengers, but a.ro useful in forming ballast. There is storage sufficient to give a very Mgh speed fir six hours, or a longer time with a medium speed. On the ordinary launches the majhiuery and attendants occupy the larger and better part of the vessel, but on th« one tried on Tuesday the only machinery seen was tho steering gear, and one man steered and managed tbe whole, there being room for more than -10 persons. There was in the travelling no noticeable vibration, and tha absence of smoke was not only apparent lo the travellers, but to the Workers on ships in the pool, who hailed the little Craft with tho query as to where the funnel was. The boat arrived at Greenwich in three-quar-ters of au hour. The makers present the craft as possessing qualities espocially adapted, for warfare, for she is noiseless, is ready in a moment when the accumulators are once oharg- d ; and the electrical power is easily obtainable on board ship from, the engine or from water-wheels. The trial was quite successful, and Mr. Yarrow, representing the huildera, and Mr. Coltart, representing the Electrical Power Company, were, congratulated on the result of the day.