Howell torpedo
| Howell torpedo | |
|---|---|
Howell torpedo at the Naval War College Museum in Newport, Rhode Island | |
| Type | Anti-surface ship torpedo |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1890–1898 |
| Used by | United States Navy |
| Production history | |
| Designer | John A. Howell |
| Designed | 1870 |
| Manufacturer | Hotchkiss Ordnance Company |
| Produced | 1889 |
| No. built | 50 units |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 580 lbs (263.1 kg) |
| Length | 132 inches |
| Diameter | 14.2 inches (335.3 cm) |
| Effective firing range | 400 yards (365.8 m) |
| Warhead | wet guncotton |
| Warhead weight | 100 lbs (45.4 kg) |
Detonation mechanism | Contact device |
| Engine | Flywheel |
| Maximum speed | 25 knots |
Launch platform | Battleships and torpedo boats |
The Howell Automobile Torpedo was the first self-propelled torpedo produced in quantity by the United States Navy, which referred to it as the Howell Mark I torpedo. It was conceived by Lieutenant Commander John A. Howell, United States Navy, in 1870, using a 60 kg (130 lb) flywheel spun at a very high speed (10,000 to 12,000 rpm) to store energy and drive propellers.