Brennan Torpedo 1887 (Revised version)

This is the revised ’uncut’ version of my earlier Brennan movie. It contains a lot more detail and explanations. Apologies, I should have published it years ago. The Brennan torpedo was the first effective guided weapon. Introduced into service in 1887, the Brennan was launched from a shore-side fort and powered by a steam engine which pulled wire off drums in the torpedo. As the wire was pulled in, the drums rotated so powering the propellors that drove it through the water. By varying the rate at which each wire was hauled in, a differential gear in the torpedo could be made to operate the rudders, allowing the torpedo to be steered. Brennan torpedo sites were used to protect the entrances of naval ports. Its major advantages were that if the target manoeuvred, the torpedo could be steered to intercept after launch, by tracking a mast showing above the water. It also carried a large warhead that would strike below the heavy armoured belt. At least 8 Brennan sites have been identified, 5 in t