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Military Dolphins Discover 1800s Torpedo

Posted by timothy on from the dolphins-what-can't-they-do? dept.

First time accepted submitter The0retical writes "A couple of mine-sweeping dolphins dredged up what is known as a 'Howell torpedo' dating from 1870 to 1889. Only 50 were ever produced, this being the second example known to exist. The 11-foot-long brass torpedo had a maximum range and speed of 400 yards at 25 knots. The new example will be displayed at Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport, Wash. alongside the only other example."

4 of 112 comments (clear)

  1. A more informative article link by Fluffeh · · Score: 5, Informative

    From the LA times.

    Serious editors, that link is even provided at the bottom of the crappy summary article you folks pointed to - and it is MUCH more in-depth.

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    1. Re:A more informative article link by adolf · · Score: 3, Informative

      Perhaps only clever in modern parlance; there was a time where flywheels were very, very common for energy storage. (And no, I don't mean the one between the engine in your car and the transmission.)

      That said: It spun at 10k RPM before launch, which also seems mighty nifty for the time until one realizes that the bearings only have to work once...

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  2. Re: Wait, dolphins? by TheGreenNuke · · Score: 5, Informative

    They operate as part of the US Navy Marine Mammal Program In the early days of the program, various marine mammal species were considered including: killer whales, pilot whales, belugas (white whales), Steller sea lions, grey seals and fur seals. Other animals were used in various studies pertaining to locating personnel from downed aircraft and creating effective shark deterrents to protect them until they could be rescued.

  3. Re:Makes no Sense by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Informative

    From TFA: "The newly discovered Howell will likely be displayed in a museum as well.". In other words: it will likely not be displayed in the same museum.