Torpedo Secrets.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 18, 6 March 1917, Page 2

Torpedo Secrets.

At the torpedo’s head is an explosive chamber, which holds damp gun-cotton, This is fired by means of g, rod which, on contact with the walls of a ship, is driven in upon a detonator. This fires a primer, which in turn explodes ; the gun-cotton. The next chamber stores compressed air to the pressure of 2,0001 b. to the square inch. This is practically the boiler-room of the torpedo, for it supplies the motive power to the four cylinders of the engine which drives it through the water on its errand of destruction. Next comes the wonderful gyroscopic control of the air-motor by which the rudders are adjusted. This is where the intricate mechanism of the torpedo is so clearly demonstrated. Should it rise or dip in the water, this gyroscope actuates a motor which in turn operates rods related with the rudders', and at once readjusts any deflections from the course originally set.. The motor mentioned is but a few inches in length, yet the power it exeitts by means of compressed air is such that the pressure of |oz. operated by the steering gear produces a pull of IGOtb. on the rudders. This terrible fish's tail holds wheel gearing for the driving of two propellers and the manipulation of the rudders. The propellers revolve in opposite directions, thereby preventing the torpedo describing a circle.