SMS Vulcano

SMS Vulcano
History
Austria-Hungary
NameVulcano (renamed Vulkan / Vulcan)
Launched1843
FateIn service until 1872, stricken in 1884 to become a coal hulk
General characteristics
Displacement483 metric tons (475 long tons; 532 short tons)
Installed power120 ihp (89 kW)
Armament

SMS Vulcano (subsequently renamed to German Vulkan, also Vulcan) was a paddle steamer built for the Austro-Hungarian Navy in Venice and launched in 1843. Subsequently given the German name Vulkan, or Vulcan. Remained in service until 1872, and finally stricken in 1884 to become a coal hulk.

In 1849 the Vulcano, serving as a balloon carrier (the precursor to the aircraft carrier), launched hot air balloon bombs at Venice, the first offensive use of air power in naval aviation.