Closeup of Polyphemus’ ram in drydock; it contained her bow topedo tube. Twin rudders under the bow were to assist in steering when backing off after a ramming attack; also improved the ship’s turning radius.
more: Polyphemus Photos, Plans & Specifications »
The missing link between ship and submarine, probably one of the pinnacles of Victorian naval experimentation, and something any steam punk writer would have given his or her right arm to have come up with as a concept.
HMS Polyphemus (named after the gigantic one-eyed son of Poseidon and Thoosa in Greek mythology) was the last example of the belief in ramming as the decisive form of naval warfare. Any ancient Greek or Persian Trireme commander would have loved it.
more: Excerpt from The Navy and Army Illustrated, Vol 6 April 9th 1898 »
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