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TORPEDO BOATS, DESTROYERS, Torpedo Steering wheel
AND IMPERIALISM 1815–1914
AND SUBMARINES launch tube

The perfection of the locomotive torpedo by English engineer
Robert Whitehead at Fiume (modern-day Rijeka) in the 1860s changed
the face of naval warfare forever. Craft were soon developed specifically
to deploy the new weapon, leading to the production of torpedo-boat
“destroyers” to combat the threat. Destroyers quickly established Torpedo on
themselves as a valuable component of the fleet, taking over the torpedo wheeled carriage
boats’ offensive role when necessary. The torpedo also proved vital
to a third class of vessel, the submarine, providing submariners with ▲ LIGHTNING The first torpedo boat built for the
a viable weapon for use when submerged against surface ships. British Royal Navy—at the urging
Commissioned 1876 Origin UK
of constructor John Thornycroft—
Displacement 33 tons was used as an experimental craft.
Length 87½ft (26.7m) It embodied a variety of innovative
Torpedo in features including a divided rudder
drop collars Top speed 18.5 knots
ahead of the propeller.

Y 4.7in quick firing
INDUSTR ▲ TB 64 Second-class torpedo boats, such as the TB 64, gun on shielded mount

were intended to be carried aboard battleships
Commissioned 1880 Origin UK
or large cruisers, but were also employed for
Displacement 13 tons
harbor defense. Drop collars later gave way
Length 63ft (19.2m)
Top speed 16.5 knots to tubes for launching their weapons.
4.7in
quick-firing
gun Torpedo tube

4in quick-firing gun

▲ ALMIRANTE SIMPSON ▼ HMS STURGEON
Commissioned 1896 Origin Chile Commissioned 1896 Origin UK
Displacement 800 tons Displacement 340 tons
Length 240ft (73.2m) Length 190ft (57.9m)
Top speed 21.5 knots Top speed 27 knots
Strictly speaking, Almirante Simpson was Sturgeon was one of the “27-knotters,”
a torpedo gunboat, very similar in design, prototype torpedo-boat destroyers ▲ HMS JACKAL Jackal was an Acheron-class destroyer
although not in looks, to the British Royal built by 14 different builders to a basic Commissioned 1911 Origin UK ordered under the British Royal
Navy’s Alarm-class of 1894. This is not specification but no fixed pattern. It was Displacement 990 tons Navy’s 1910–11 Program. It was
surprising given that it was also built constructed by Vickers at its Barrow-in- designed for sturdiness and good
by Laird in Birkenhead, England. Furness yard, and discarded in 1912. Length 246ft (75m) seakeeping over speed.
Top speed 27 knots

12-pounder gun