Howell torpedo | |
---|---|
Type | Anti-surface ship torpedo[1] |
Place of origin | United States |
Service history | |
In service | 1890–1898[2] |
Used by | United States Navy |
Production history | |
Designer | John A. Howell[2] |
Designed | 1870[2] |
Manufacturer | Hotchkiss Ordnance Company[2] |
Produced | 1889[2] |
No. built | 50 units[2] |
Specifications | |
Mass | 580 lbs[2] (263.1 kg) |
Length | 132 inches[2] |
Diameter | 14.2 inches[2] (335.3 cm) |
Effective firing range | 400 yards[2] (365.8 m) |
Warhead | wet guncotton[2] |
Warhead weight | 100 lbs[2] (45.4 kg) |
Detonation mechanism | Contact device |
Engine | Flywheel[2] |
Maximum speed | 25 knots[2] |
Launch platform | Battleships and torpedo boats[1] |
The Howell Automobile Torpedo was the first self-propelled torpedo produced in quantity by the United States Navy, which referred to it as the Howell Mark I torpedo.[1] It was conceived by Lieutenant Commander John A. Howell, United States Navy, in 1870, using a 60 kg (130 lb) flywheel spun at a very high speed (10000 to 12000 rpm) to store energy and drive propellers.