Our Iron-Clad Ships
Their Qualities, Performances, and Cost

An illustrated handbook, first published in 1869, on the construction, performance and cost of iron-clad warships.

Edward James Reed (Author)

9781108026444, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 19 May 2011

376 pages, 15 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.1 cm, 0.48 kg

Sir Edward James Reed (1830–1906) was an innovative naval architect who, after attending the Central School of Mathematics and Naval Architecture in Portsmouth, was appointed chief constructor of the Navy in 1863. This was a crucial time for the navy, as traditional wooden sailing ships began to be armoured or rebuilt in iron in response to more powerful weaponry. Reed pioneered the methodical use of scientific calculations to determine a ship's weight, strength and stability, and was responsible for a number of revolutionary designs. He later founded his own consultancy and designed ships for other countries including Germany, Chile and Brazil. This illustrated handbook, first published in 1869, contains a comprehensive overview of the various classes of iron-clad ships of the time – the new features they incorporated, their capabilities, performance, and their cost. It also deals with converting existing wooden battleships into iron-clads.

Introduction
1. Varieties of iron-clads
2. Armour of the iron-clads
3. Armament of the iron-clads
4. Structure of the iron-clads
5. Steaming of the iron-clads
6. Sailing of the iron-clads
7. Rolling of the iron-clads
8. Dimensions of the iron-clads
9. Forms and proportions of iron-clads
10. Cost of the iron-clads
11. Turret-ships
12. Iron-clad rams
13. Conversion of line-of-battle ships into iron-clads
Appendix
Index.

Subject Areas: Military history [HBW]