torpedo net (torpedo net)

A network of steel or iron wire hung around a ship and boomed off by spars to intercept torpedoes or torpedo-boats. When not in use it is stopped up alongside the ship. In this the torpedo a is carried by a float, with indicators which, torpedo-netting (tôr-pēʼdō-net"ing), n. Same when elevated as indicated in full outline, show its position. The propeller e and rudder d are each operated by an electric current torpedo-station and guided by observation of the indicators; is the motor; h, explosive charge; i, firing mechanism; j, sharp steel blade for severing cables, ropes, or other obstructions. The torpedo may be used by war-ve els, as well as from land-stations, travel ing by its own power about too feet ahead of the ship, to which it is attached by electric snap-cables. When released it may proceed, at full speed, guided by the pilot, in the direction desired. When pa ing under an obstruction, such as floating timber, etc., the indicators pre ed backward, as shown in dotted outline, and automatically resume their position after the obstruction is pa ed. means of starting, stopping, directing, or firing it. Various forms of towing torpedoes have been devised, of which the best-known is that of Commander Harvey, R. N. This torpedo is towed on the quarter of the attacking ve el, and is so attached to the tow-line as to pull the line out at an angle with the course of the attacking ve el, which endeavors to manœuver so as to draw the tor pedo under the hull of an enemy and explode its charge on contact by a trigger-bolt; but in practice it has not been succe ful, and in the navies of Great Britain and the United States has been withdrawn from use. The spar or outrigger-torpedo consists of a metal case containing the explosive (guncotton, gunpowder, dynamite, etc.) and fitted with a fuse so arranged as to explode by means of an electric current or by contact with the hull of an enemy's ship. It is fastened on the end of a spar or out rigger, which may be attached to the bows of a small steamer built on purpose, may be protruded under water from a properly fitted ve el, or may be carried on a spar projecting from the stem or the side of an ordinary man-ofwar. The general leaning seems now to be in favor of automobile torpedoes projected from the bows or side of specially constructed ve els of great speed. Stationary torpedoes, or submarine mines, placed in channels or harbors to prevent the approach of an enemy's ve els, usually consist of a strong water-tight metal case containing an efficient explosive, and having fuses to explode the charge on contact, or being connected by electric wires as torpedo -net. torpedo-officer (tôr-pēʼdō-of"i-sér), n. One of the line officers of a man-of-war whose special duty it is to supervise and care for the torpedoes and their fittings. torpedo-school (tôr-pē'dō-sköl), n. A government school for teaching officers and enlisted men of the army and navy the construction and use of torpedoes. In the United States a torpedo-school for the navy has been established at Newport, Rhode Island, and for the army at Willett's Point, New York. torpedo-spar (tôr-pē ́dō-spär), n. A wooden or iron spar projecting from the bows or side of a steamer, and on the end of which a torpedo is carried. torpedo-tube (tôr-pēdō-tūb), n. Same as launch ing - tube. torpelne t, n. [ME.; as torple + -ne .] Instability. Galilee speleth hweol, uorte leren us thet we of the worldes torpelne e, of sunne hweol, ofte gon to schrifte. Ancren Riwle, p. 322.