New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-04-24
WANTED-A SUBMARINE BOAT.
THE NAVY DEPARTMENT ISSUES A CiNCIAts
EXPLAINING THE REQUIREMENTS.

EXPLAINING THE REQUI REMENTS.
washington. Ap.l 81 (Speclal.-The Navy Dep'ri-
mcnt Issued yesterday q circular relating 10 SnD
marine boat. for the construction Of which congress
at It, last session appropriated S2Oooo Inc value
OF such boats Is generally recognized by naVal eH-
r.rts and n one which Is Thoroughly effective can
he found II is believed that Increased appropriations
viii be- forthcoming The Departments circular Speci-
acs the general requirement, 10 b. fulfilled In the
design ana trial u submarine boat. In tn" order
Of importance thc,r roQu rcments are safety facility
ana certainty OF action when submerged Sprn
when running on the surface, speed when SUBMERGED
endurance both submerged and on me Surface
offensive power lily AMI visibility o. the oDIec'
TO be- attacked The displacement of the boat must
not cxccd 40 tons. and may be rs much l'' ~ VIII
enable the constructor to enbody the above features
,u tho grr,;.st and most advantageous degree.
To meet Ia. Departments neral requirements
the boat should possess prescribed amount vi
buoyancy, be- internally we'll lighted ana Veh''a'el'
able 70 carry three days supplies. and strong enough
10 resist tn. water pressure due TO depth "i l''
feet FOR Il consldegab period. The boat shoim also
Ia. capable Of meeting successfully all OF The prooaDe
contingencies OF warfare when submerged. ana pass
,ror ,hc surface position to submergcDce IN the
shortest possible time, and from suLmerScnce TO the
sur,nc, with certainty. Tnd,r water IN" boat =
rclued to straight course. to rcnhin III i'''
i'm any position and t. change her Trim IhlchN III
order tn Nrp her tOrEedOrS effectively. 'h tl' H"i-
f.c, the speed Of the boat should be aS great as
possll, and I, more important than when sub
merged although In tn" latter position the speed must
lie sufficient 10 enable her to attack vessel under
way Mems are required 10 be- provided 10 reduce
the boat, dSpac mrnt. The circular Spccih"s mat
,oth on the surface ana submerged the endurance
slould be as great other qualities VIII permit
sufficient, at least, to permit escap" from any reason
able pursuit.
With respect to offensive powers. the tolt Is re
ouIr,d 10 carry five automobile torpcdoes and be
lifted 10 fire iwp nj Time either when on the surface
or submerged The stability OF tn" loat must be
ampy sufficient all circumstances OF service" q
pending in part upon normal buoyancy." When
running on III. surface TIA" design OF the l'lt must
be such a, - enll the person in charge to obtain an
allround view and satisfactorily objects within
the horizon even In rough water.
IL T. stated In IN" departments circular that only
an attempt point ont rcquir mentS which appear TO
be useful l. made: and that any valuable qualities
which are enumerated will be fully consider and
given due weigh i'm deciding upon the design 10 he
adopt d. All materials used Ia any beats submitted
for must be- Of the best quality and domestic
manufacture. The usual requirements IS to high
class workmanship official tests, etc., are stipulated
In tn circular.
80 far n, known there only two boats In thi>
country, the inventions " Baker and Holland which
conform IN part To the Depart m1nts general re-
Iortunlii"s viii stimulate other inventors to eXrrtion
In this line. Full details to the Departments ~,
qulr,m.ntS can be obtained by application the
Chief OF ordnance.