3-075-018 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The new Spanish submarine torpedo-vessel, El Peral, at Cadiz: the Peral after she was launched, 1890. 'The submarine torpedo-boat El Peral, which has been attracting much notice in Spain, is the invention of Lieutenant Peral, of the Spanish Navy, and Professor of Physical Science in the Marine Academy...As may be seen from our Engraving, the vessel is cigar-shaped...She is driven by twin screws, the motive force being supplied by electrical storage batteries, and is fitted with complete torpedo gear. The internal arrangements and machinery are kept a profound secret, the mode of working of the vessel being known to only a few persons... The boat is steered from a conning-tower in the middle, whence the captain obtains an all-round view by means of a set of reflecting mirrors...so confident is Señor Peral of the safety of his vessel that on the next occasion his wife and three other young ladies will accompany him on the trip...Lieutenant Peral's plan is to girdle the coast of Spain with thousands of these vessels, rendering it invulnerable to attack'. Peral was the first successful submarine to be entirely powered by electric batteries and the first fully military-capable submarine in history. From "Illustrated London News", 1890.