Newitt's Searchlight Control
Newitt's Control (originally dubbed the "Chatham" System, in 1914) was a searchlight control system developed by electrical engineer L. Newitt of the Chatham Dockyard for the Royal Navy, similar in principle to telemotor steering systems.[2][3]
It permitted remote control of a single searchlight.
Description
A control column with a single lever was originally used and found easily workable by one man. Later, however, separate wheels and tilting were used. This later pattern favored two men in operation. The desired motions were conveyed by means of a hydraulic medium of water and glycerine passing through 1⁄4-in tubing the searchlight, which had a brass box with cylinders within to transfer the hydraulic signaling to wires which manipulated the lamp.
Testing and Installation
In 1914, six sets were made for use with the single 24-in projectors in Cornwallis and an experimental one for a Crompton's Twin Projector, using that mount's original .[5]
By the end of 1915, Calliope had an installation, and reported favourably upon its use at sea as suggestions for continued improvement streamed in from the Grand Fleet.[6]
See Also
- Patent? Claimant(s): Newitt, L. Nature of Invention: Searchlight, gun circuit, depth charge etc. at The National Archives. T 173/367
Footnotes
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1915. Plate 37.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1914. p. 57.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1915. p. 112.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1915. Plate 38.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1914. p. 58.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1915. p. 112.
Bibliography
