Invention The Wood-Haight Torpedo

Summary

The Wood-Haight torpedo was the joint invention of George E. Haight, William H. Wood and William E. Windsor.

It differed from existing torpedoes of the time by its system of propulsion that used the chemical reaction of sulfuric acid and lime to heat the carbonic acid that acted as the motor's propellant. The three inventors had devised this process to ameliorate the problems that existed in torpedoes driven by liquified gas - the extreme pressure used to heat often froze the liquid remaining in the chamber.

Related entries

Published resources

Books

  • Gray, Edwyn, Nineteenth Century Torpedoes and Their Inventors, Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, Maryland, 2004. Details

Letters Patents

  • Haight, G. E., Current-controlling device for torpedo-boats, United States Patent Office.. Details
  • Haight, G. E., Gas-expansion chamber for torpedo-boats, United States Patent Office, 29 November 1881. Details
  • Haight, G. E., Device for controlling torpedo-boats, United States Patent Office, 9 May 1882. Details
  • Haight, G. E. and Wood, W. H., Submarine torpedo-boat, United States Patent Office, 30 March 1886. Details
  • Haight, G. E., Wood, W. H. & Winsor, W. E., Means for heating and controlling gases for motors, United States Patent Office, 22 January 1884. Details
  • Mower, S. E. and Haight, G. E., Torpedo, United States Patent Office, United States Patent Office, 23 May 1893. Details

Sources used to compile this entry: Gray, Edwyn, Nineteenth Century Torpedoes and Their Inventors, Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, Maryland, 2004.

Prepared by: Rebecca Rigby