|
|
Irish
Coast Guard Historic |
|
|
Setting the Scene |
THE “BOXER” ROCKET MACHINE This rocket machine and rocket was selected from a number of other types submitted for the purpose of sending a light line (rocket line) from the shore to a ship in distress. Invented by Captain Edward Mourrier Boxer (Royal Artillery) who was the superintendent of Royal Laboratory at the Woolwich Arsenal circa 1860. It was in continuous use from 1865 until 1950 when it was replaced by the Schermuly 3” Coastguard Breeches Buoy Rocket. The rocket when fired had an effective range of approximately 250 yards (225 mts) but had an error of up to 40°. By today’s standard it wouldn’t be considered, but it was the best available at the time. Built on to the side of the machine was a “Clinometer”, a brass quadrant marked out in degrees from 0° to 45° with a swinging pendulum. From a table supplied, the rocket machine could be adjusted to the required “Degree” to obtain the correct trajectory to achieve the range required. A Water breaker (steel container filled with water) suspended from the rocket machine was used to “soak” the first 6 fathoms of rocket line to prevent the line from burning through during the flight of the rocket. |