The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-05-05
NEW DYNAMITE GUNS.
The --latest Devices for Throwing Shells
Loaded with High Explosives.

The newest type Of dynamite gun con-
sists OF two tubes placed directly one
above the other. whereas in the old type
there are three tubes placed side by side
In the same horizontal plane The elimi-
nation OF the third tube means a great
saving In the weight OF the gun and nc
the same time 10 Is claimed its effective
ness IS increased. L. is said that the gun
can be fired at least five times in two
minutes.
or the two tubes the upper IS several
feet the longer and Is smooth bore. IL
receives the projectile. and the material
used IN It's construction is either brass
or steel. tho latter being preferable.
Within the lower tube there Is an inner
tubo in which tho blank cartridge con-
tanning seven ounces OK smOkeless pow
der is placed. The inner tube opens into
the lower tube which I'm turn opens into
the upper tube through port immediate
- behind the prOjectile. When the pro-
1ectile is placed I'm the upper tube and
the blank cartridge I'm the lower, the
brooches ere closed and tho gun is ready
for firing The pulling of the lanyard
eXpI0des the smOkeless powder. which
congresses the air in the tube. and this,
passing into the upper tube through the
port eXerts there q pressure OF 5000
eXpeis the projectile. The air forms
cushion that protects from shock the
walls OF the shell. and. &c is claimed. OBJ
viatcs the danger which would follow
from the conclusion Of the powder We're
60 exploded directly behind the prOjec-
tiles.
The entire length Of the proiectle used
Us thirty-fOur inches. This includes a
tail piece about ten inches i'm length and
fitted with "a vane set at an angle that
insures a slow rotation. The body Of the
shell Is n brass cylinder having a cOnical
head containing "a fuse. The main body
OF the shell contains usually O. charge
Of explosive gelatinc although gun cot
ton or any other explosive may be used.
Tho ignition IS effected by means Of a
mechanical fuse. and II is So arranged
that thc explosion can follow Immediately
upon impact or may be delayed for as
much as six seconds thereafter. When the
shell strikes the water or any other object
"a small steel ball acting as a hammer,
Is driven forward by the sudden retarda-
ton OF the flight Of the shell and strikes
one or more percussion caps. causing n
detOuaton. This ignites tube of powder
communicating with tho illuminate OF
mercury, and so expl0des successfully
the gun cotton and the main explosive.
The fuse emDOdleS q device WHlNH i'"-
ders the shell inactive until it has trav-
elled at least three hundred feet from
the gun. This device is very ingenious.
There IS attached TO the head of the fuse
n little vane or windmill, which is fas-
tened 10 a threaded rod running back
into the head of the fuse far enough 20
press on the small steel ball mentioned
and hold it I'm place A. the projecthe
passes through the air the blades re-
volve and I'm revolving unscreW pe
threaded rod. and thus release me small
steel ball. which IS now ready 10 run ioi-
ward and explode the primers.
I'm connection with the firing Of the
gun there IS neither smoke nor noise. 10
cannot bee heard at the distance OF one
half mile nor can any smoke be seen.
Thus g. would be nearly impossible Tor
sharpsho0ters or rapid-fre gunnerS 10
locate the gum.-New York sun.