3-071-264 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Launch of H.M.S. Polyphemus, new torpedo ram, at Chatham Dockyard, 1881. 'This novel specimen of naval architecture...is not exactly a ship, but a "torpedo-ram" - that is to say, a vessel designed, with a projecting point at the bows, to pierce or run down the enemy's ships, and also to discharge explosive torpedoes for the purpose of blowing them up. The Admiralty Director of Naval Construction, Mr. Barnaby, was the designer, and the construction...was by Mr. R. P. Saunders, Chief Contractor...The shape of the hull is a cylinder with tapering ends...upon this hull is mounted a superstructure of iron and timber...the hurricane deck will...carry the heaviest class of Nordenfelt guns...As the Polyphemus carries no canvas, masts are dispensed with, and beyond a flag-staff or two nothing will appear above her decks but the towers, the ventilators, and the funnel...The framing is of Landore-Siemens steel...The engines, which are by Messrs. Humphrys, Tennant, and Co., are of the compound, horizontal, single piston-rod type'. From "Illustrated London News", 1881.