Previously in this location, they had found three artillery buttons on the bench and one immediately beneath the bench that were probably part of the same jacket. The excavation on the submarine resumed October 1st, with a series of x-rays. So far the x-rays have indicated that a total number of three canteens are located underneath the bench inside the H. L. Hunley. As archaeologists were excavating in the stern area of the sub this week, they were surprised as they uncovered a fly-wheel. The mechanism is located behind the gears of the hand-crank and connected to the propeller.
Archaeologists say that the fly-wheel was designed to act as a brake for the propeller.
This complex system graphically demonstrates the advanced technology of Hunley and dispels any notion that this was a primitive submarine fashioned from a boiler. It further builds the case for the final Hunley exhibit to concentrate part of its focus on the sciences and technologies employed in designing and building a craft 50 years ahead of its time. Hunley is truly a complex story of American bravery and technology, said Senator Glenn McConnell, Hunley Commission Chairman. We have already begun to discover more surprises about the technology and advanced systems onboard the submarine. The Hunley by no means is a primitive machine or merely a converted boiler.