The Works Of Messrs. Schneider And Co.

TORPEDO-LAUNCHING TUBES LC plug, which is movable tor intruducing the powder charge. The firing device is one of the types previously described ; the receiver and the tube are in communication with each other through a pipe provided with a loaded valve. The valve (e) is raised by the action of the gases which enter the tube (cZ) as soon as they have reached the required pressure ; it may also be raised by hånd by means of a lever. In some cases, the valve is replacée! by a conical tap, which is turned when launching is to take place. This system does away with all piping and air compressors, and facili- tâtes the firing with powder even when the tubes are normally filled with water. 2. SCHNEIDER - CANET SUBMARINE TORPEDO-LAUNCHING TUBES. Recent naval engagements have demonstrated the very grave danger that exista, for sliips of large dimensions, in placing torpedo-launching tubes on the upper decks, where they are liable to be hit by the enemy. The experience gained in this respect has led, for ships of Guide.—This is characterised by the shape given the spoon guide, which is made concentric with the tube ; the arrangement allows a favourable division of the strains which the guide has to withstand during the varions phases of the launching. The tube proper, or shell, is of gun-metal, made in four parts placed end to end and stiffened by ribs ; the rear end carries the closing cover, with its mechanism. On the side of the inter- mediate rings is fixed a cylinder screwed in a strong socket. There is a cover for opening and closing the tube in front, worked mechanically, and kept watertight, pre- venting water from entering the tube so long as the breech-cover is not closed. The tube is fitted with the following external fittings : The latch for holding the torpedo fast. The launching valve. The cam casing and an arrangement for inspecting the valves. The stop-latch of tlie spoon-shaped guide and its safety rod, in two pieces, one extending as far as Compressed Air or Gas Chamber. recent construction, to placing the tubes below the water line. The problem of launching torpedoes below the water line is, however, surrounded by many great difficulties, and renders the use of special apparatus necessary, owing to the very great lateral efforts the torpedo has to withstand when it emerges from the ship’s side. Ordinary torpedo-launching tubes might be manu- facturée! at the present time by almost any works that own a suitable plant ; but such is not the case with submarine tubes. The analysis of the phenomena which appear at the launching of tubes below the water line is particularly difficult, and the experiments which are necessary in this • respect are costly, and demand quite a special plant. The number of tubes of this type in service at the present day is therefore very limited. The patterns covered by the Schneider-Canet patents are interesting, both as regards their characteristics and the good results they have given from the outset. Messrs. Schneider and Co. have already executed important ordere for tubes of this type, chiefly for the French Navy ; they have, therefore, acquired a large experience in this speciality. Schneider-Canet Submarine Tube with Concentric the cam casing, and the other extending from there to the end of the tube. The finger for opening the air valve connectée! with the safety rod. The indicator for the placing of the spoon-shaped guide. The slide that works the spoon-shaped guide, the mechanism of which is joined to that of the valve and indicator. An exhaust valve. The cylinder fixed to the side of the intermediate rings is extended in front and on the valve, through a semi- cylindrical cast-iron envelope, jointed to the tube by two flat surfaces strengthened by ribs. This envelope covers a longitudinal slit for the passage of the socket which is cast with the spoon-shaped extension, and on which is fitted the piston-rod which insures its action. The guide consista of a tube partly cut out in front, and forming practically a solid cylinder of equal résistance throughout. It is worked by a piston which travels in the cylinder fixed to the side of the tube. Water under pressure can be directed in front or at the rear of the piston, by means of the slide above referred to. The