The Submarine Torpedo Boat
Its Characteristics And Modern Development

136 THE SUBMARINE TORPEDO BOAT progress, the submarine has by no means yet reached the limit of its development. Beyond question of any doubt immediate improvement will be made in the directions of increased surface speed, radius of action on the surface, and in the size of the submarine itself. The future will unquestionably bring forth a submarine capable of operating freely at great distances from her base, and will combine to a certain extent the qualities of a surface cruiser and those of the under-water craft. There are at the present time a number of large sub- marines of the sea-going type, ranging from 1200 to 1500 tons displacement submerged, under construction in vari- ous foreign countries, and one in this country. The dimen- sions of these boats far exceed anything that may have been dreamed of a few years ago. The Schley, being built at the Fore River Ship Building Co. for the United States Navy, is of about 1200 tons displacement when totally submerged, has a designed speed of 21 knots for the surface and 12 knots for the submerged condition, and will contain some 3700 engine brake horse power. The re- sults at the trials of these monster submarines will be awaited with no little interest and it is certain that their performances will furnish us with much food for thought. At the present time there is much being written about what the immediate future is going to evolve, and many writers are speculating wildly about sea-going submarines of 4000 and 5000 tons displacement. The curious fact about these writers however, is that none of them may claim to have any experience in the construction of sub- marine boats or even any practical knowledge in the theories of naval engineering. Increasing the size of the