Postby culverin » Tue Feb 26, 2013 9:57 pm
Mike, your lead post and the issue of 14" torpedoes to this class.
That is correct.
As built, Indomitable, Inflexible and Invincible used the 14" (356mm) Whitehead torpedo in its various marks, depending on the date, for use by the ships 50' coal fired steam pinnace. A 2nd 50' or 36' was also sometimes carried, but only the 50' could be equipped with the lightweight dropping gear, 1 port, 1 starboard, for carrying, lowering and release of the weapon(s).
The 50' Steam pinnace was designed for use by the host warship, invariably battleships or equivalent, for protection whilst anchored, hence the picket. They could also carry a 3 pdr, maxim machine gun and assorted smaller arms, under the command of a midshipman or sub lt. A command no less. Crew c 14.
By the Great war in 1914 their use in this role was diminished, especially as most ships landed some boats.
Additional roles were as an Admirals or Captains barge, libertmen duties and also torpedo recovery. The fastest boat carried, once you had got steam up, 1.5 hours.
These 3 sisters had the 50' steam pinnace stowed port side aft, abaft the seaboat on the davits, amongst the other boats where the main mast boom was employed to place them in the water. Davits would lower the torpedo into the pinnace.
Total weight of a full complement of boats carried. 55tons.
A full broadside. The traditional English salute.
Thanks. Sean.