The Wichita daily eagle., 1897-11-26
1T DIVES rArHOMs DOWN
Inventor Rsddaiz's Solution Of the Subma-
rlne Navigation Problem.

-
rlne Navigation Problem.
Oshkosh, Wis, Nov. 25.-When a boat
can dive beneath the surface OF the
water, remain below over three hours.
its crew suffering no discomfort in the
interim. and make excursions in vari-
Gus directions beneath the water, all
this being accomplished without any
extraneous aid whatever. it would seem
that the problem Of submarine naviga-
tion has been solved.
And this in brief is what has been
accomplished by submarine boat de-
viSed and built by Richard Raddatz of
this city. a fiattering offer once made.
but since rescinded by the French gov
ernment TO the inventor who should
render a fact OF navigation beneath the
surface of the sea, was what first turn
ed Mr.. Raddatz's thoughts to the sub
ject that mas engrossed his attention
for several years. He is young. this
Oshkosh inventor, not having reached
80, and his general education 'Has oD-
tained in the local normal school. He
IS a mechanical genius and mis- highly
developed natural ability has been turn
ed to practical and economic benefit in
responsible positions.
Mr.. RaddatZ had not worked long
upon his adopted idea when he was
able to interest several local capitalists
who advanced him money to pursue his
laDors. Secrecy marked all operations
and rldicule was not wanting in discus
sing the alleged crank and bis hobby.
First he had 70 evolve a vessel that
could be immersed and raised again.
When that problem as conquered there
came the question OF motion, or naviga-
ton proper. Then there was the air
and light supply. The litter was not 50
difficult, but the air had 10 be manufac-
tured, and Mr.. Raddatz has fashioned
machinery that produces a Wholesome
mixture OF nitrogen and oxygen, which
II not the ordinary air, is an excellent
substitute for it. One by one the vari-
Gus horns" OF the dilemma have been
grappled with.
A year ago the vessel was virtually
completed and a number of voyages
were made. They were successful in ex-
posing many minor defects. ana one
important one-the vessel was too short
10 handle 10 advantage. SO last spring
a middle section was inserted. inereas-
ing its length about one-third. During
the last summer Raddatz and a helper
have been at work testing. altering, and
improving, and last Friday the subma-
rine boat was declared finished. It's
shape is that OF a double cone, with
turret rising at the juncture, which
is amidships.
The goat is 65 feet long, feet wide
and ~ feet high, and built of steel
plates on a heavy framework OF angle
irons, with an estimated strength s1r-
fcient to withstand safely the pressure
due TO a submerxion OF 500 feet deep.
It carries two sets Of propelling maohin-
cry, a hot air engine of thirty horse
power for use on the surface and an
electric motor for propulsion beneath tie
surface, and number of trials. IL IS
claimed, have demonstrated ohe ability
OF the craft TO navigate beneath the
surface OF the water for a day al a
stretch with safety and without incon-
venience 10 the crew. Trials have else
shown that the craft can be made TO
rise and fail in the water at the desire
of the operator and with various veloc-
boat can be made in the short space Of
eighteen seconds. while II il be desired
to hold the craft suspended in the water
at any desired depth an automatic ma
chine is provided which is capable OF
maintaining the ship at given depth
for hours at a time. with a variation in
depth OF less than one incn from me
ginn mark, either with the ship in mo
ion or when stiH. AS Far as trials have
been nl1de all machinery has worked
well irrespective OF the depth al which
the ship has happened 70 'oe, and Il has
always obeyed promptly the will of ne
single operator and pilot-a crew Of one
man being all that is necessary 70 navi-
gate tile vessel. Every effort has been
made TO insure the supply % pure and
respiraoie air in proper Quantities 20 ne
crew. and great care mas asp been taken
10 insure the return q The craft 20 ne
surface in case os accident 20 r1e ma
of a sufficiently serious nature
70 en5anger the lives of :hs occupants
An automatic machine IL provided -
prevent the suomsrS.on Of the craft. &
either by intention or accident, 5ey,nd
a predetermined depth
With its turrs- Pro;ru5ing ABOVE tsSe
water IL has made fourteen miles an
hour. and its PROV is f:;ed with a rtesl
ram s.Iat would pierce the SIDE of any /.
Iron 1teams- on the great lakes. In /
he surre- ars strong giass lenses soE I
purposes. s5G tn7oaga
hztcIxay IN the top o. The tur-ee II Ire I
1niy mode ot sgress % inzTess
Since can2letS1 voyages have been l
made daily One % the 49,; zeszs z-ss /
made last Moo9ay. when Inventor Rad 1