The Vulcan,' a very swift ship, 350 ft. long and
58 ft. broad, carrying thirty torpedoes and all the appliances of a torpedo- manufactory, was launched on Thursday at Portsmouth. She can steam from 18 to 20 knots (say, from 20 to 23 miles) an hour, and will be, therefore, a most formidable vessel, with her powerful guns, her great complement of torpedoes, and her elaborate arrangements for manufacturing all the ele- ments of the torpedo. Even in cases where rapid steaming is not needed, her speed will be 10 knots, and she is computed to carry 1,000 tons of coal, which will give her a "radius of action" of 12,000 knots at a 10-knot speed. The steam-power provided will be enough to put the helm through 70° in half- a-minute while the ship is driving at full speed. She will be lighted by electricity, and will have four powerful electric "search-lights." The 'Vulcan' will be as powerful as she will be swift and nimble.
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