The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-01-19

eclipsod by the HARVEY. The lattor. on
being set up in front OF the gun, received
four shots, not only without a crack. but
without allowing the point OF any projec-
tile to get more than half way through.
All four proiectiles were completely smash
ed. AS the points were fused and firmly
held, the penetration could not BIO accurate
ly measured. but IL appeared to be between
four and five inches. Thus while as free
from cracking as the st. diamond plate.
the HARVEY had only allowed about one
third as much penetration. Nearly or quito
every proiectile had sent Its point through
n beyond the former. but not one could
get more than a few inches into tho latter.
Thu Board OF Officers thereupon decided
that no further trial was necessary. since
the two remaining shots could hardly have
n different effect. and 1t declared tho COM
petition clo sod.
But In order to see whether the HARVEY
plate really could be perforated, 1t was do
cided to bring up against tho 1--we remain
ing points OF impact a gun certainly capa-
bic OF destroying armor OF hat thickness.
Instead OF using a %9O-pound projectilo. the
Board employed n 9-inch gun. whose pro-
~jectiles weigh 4o6 pounds. The result OF
this interesting experiment is described by
the London Engineer:
1T was then decided that the com petition should he
declared A. an end. the HARVEY plate having already
proved itself To be tho hest. Advantage was now taken
OF the resisting power remaining in Tho plate. to test
the effect OF heavier blows, A a!nch projectilc. weigh.
ing 4o6 pounds. was fired with u striking velocity Of
1855 foot seconds from the 35.calibre gun. This pene.
trated and broke up. fracturiug tho plate in hssures
running through tho pre- vious point OF impact. but no
part OF tho plate fell. no bolts were broken. and only
one bent A second similar n-inch projeciile was fired
with n striking velocity at $50 feet per second. This
broke NJ. but brought down the whole plate in irag.
mcnts. together with the woodwork and backing. The
she'll point. which " vas broken. Just reaciIo d re wrought.
iron skin behind the backing. The wood was set OH ire.
1t was considered tliat any SUPP orttng structure behind
Rrmor and backing would have been wholly unlnjureh.
%"ilAnvtr is to be greatly congratulated on the com.
pletc success OF his plate. which has behaved exactly
In tho way a plate. in oar Judgment. should behave.
1t broke up the projectiics from the o. inch gun with.
ont cracking. and so abruptly As to prevent the shot
receiving support from surrounding plate, and to
cause n great part of the blow to fall harmlessly on 1t
In the form of fragments. When a blow altogether
outm atching the plate is delivered on 1t. the plate
breaks IN in every direction. instead OF letting the shot
through. THIS again Is goo behavior. When alto
gcthcr ontmatchcd. we hold that armor ought to be.
have III this way; that is to say. 1t ought to call on all
the resisting powers it can bring together. ana stop the
projectile. and save the structure behind 1t at the cos,
of Its own destruction"
Portsmouth md Ochta thus echo tho
judgments Of indian Head and Bethlehem.
HARVEY plates have hitherto been in other
countries only the subjects of experiment
and discussion: but here they are regularly
adopted and used in actual construction.
The new American battle ships carry the best
armor in the world,